Philadelphia Eagles Need to Let The Youth Movement Begin This Offseason

The Eagles season finally ended on Sunday with a bitter defeat in Arizona. We all know that. Now, we've reached the fans least favorite time of the year. The Offseason. It's not because we have to wait seven months to see our beloved Eagles in training camp. It's because we again have to deal with this front office's often questionable decisions.

There are many priorities for the Eagles in the 2009 offseason. From re-signing players to drafting them, it should be a very busy offseason for the Birds.

Here is my Eagles offseason wishlist/ priorities.

1) Re-sign Dawkins

Nobody. I mean NOBODY in the NFL Draft or free agency will be able to fill the void left by Dawkins if he leaves. Yes, he's become a bit of a liability in coverage. But he makes the people around him play better. They will need to search for his replacement possibly, but don't get rid of this guy.

2) Scale down Andy Reid's role.

As John Smallwood so affectionately put in his column the Monday following the NFC Title loss: "Reid, as long as he is in complete control of football operations, will not bring a Super Bowl championship to Philadelphia." Normally I am very critical of Smally. I see him as mostly a pessimistic writer. But I've got to agree with him here.

As long as Andy is Lord of all things football, the Eagles will not win a title. Again we go to John Smallwood: He needs a strong general manager with the power to say, "No, we are not going to trade our first-round pick two seasons in a row," or, "Yes, it is a good idea to pay for a game-altering wide receiver."

If you would like to read Smally's Monday article, click this link> http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/john_smallwood/20090119_John_Smallwood__Time_to_dial_down_Eagles_coach_Andy_Reid_s_duties.html?page=2&c=y

3) Give McNabb more weapons

How long have we been saying this? For years, Eagles fans have been clamoring to give Donovan more weapons. I'm not just saying get him a receiver. He needs more than that. Get a running back who can convert on short yardage situations. Get him an H-Back (TE/FB). But of course, the Eagles still need another receiver.

I don't think DeSean Jackson's pint-sized body will be able to withstand the pounding of 70-85 catches + punt returns, and will eventually wear down. The Eagles need a game-changing big play receiver with some size and speed. T.J. Houshmanzadeh is the cream of the crop as far as free agent receivers go and Philly could be an attractive place for the Bengals top pass-catcher.

4) Beef up the offensive line

With both Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas bound for free agency, the Eagles offensive line is due for a make-over. Big Jon has been a rock for a number of years. But injuries in the past two years have hurt his performance and it showed in the NFC Championship.

Tra Thomas got completely worked in the 2009 playoffs. Jared Allen, Mathias Kiwanuka and Travis LaBoy gave Tra big problems and it looks as if he will not be back with the team in 2009.

If Jordan Gross, free agent left tackle of the Carolina Panthers becomes a free agent, expect the Birds to jump on him quickly. With the Draft loaded with offensive line prospect's, expect the Eagles to look for one with one of their two draft picks.

5) Utilize the draft picks

The 2009 Draft will be a very important one for the Eagles. With most of their core players aging, it is time the Eagles get younger at certain positions. The time is now to look for Brian Dawkins' replacement as well as get younger at offensive tackle with both starters reaching their mid-30's. Here are the Eagles top Draft needs.

1) Offensive line- Both starters on the O-line could be gone, the time is now to beef up the line and get some fresh legs in there.

Choice: Michael Oher/OT/Ole Miss

Oher didn't have the year most thought he would, but he is still a solid prospect who could be on the board when the Eagles pick at 21. Due to the depth of the tackle position in the draft, he could fall.

2) Safety- Even if the Eagles re-sign Brian Dawkins, they NEED to find his replacement in the draft.

Choice: William Moore/FS/ Mizzou

Clearly the top safety available in this years draft. He could be available when the Eagles pick at 28. Moore has solid speed for a safety and is a turnover machine. Though he had his best year as a junior with eight interceptions. Shows the qualities of a young Brian Dawkins to me.

3) Running back- Correll Buckhalter will most likely leave via free agency this year. So the Eagles will need to look for a power back who can move the chains on third and short to take some of the pounding off of the oft-injured Brian Westbrook.

P.J. Hill/RB/Wisconsin

He may not have the Steven Jackson esque combo of power and speed. But Hill is a great power back who will be a threat on the goal line and in short yardage situations.

4) Wide receiver- The Eagles receiving core had its moments this year, but they still lack the consistency that they really need. They could use a receiver that has the ability to get separation and make big plays. 

Choice: Marko Mitchell/WR/ Nevada- His solid size and speed are very intriguing. Mitchell's ability to run after the catch can prove very helpful for an Eagles receiving core lacking a solid combo of Size and Speed.

Like I said earlier, the Eagles need to get busy this offseason and shake things up. But I'm just a fan.