NFL Offseason: Five People Who Can Improve the Philadelphia Eagles Next Season

Although it is hard to accept, the season is over for the Philadelphia Eagles. We have all had about a week to dwell on the loss against the Packers, and now it is time to move on. When the clock hits midnight on February 6th , the Philadelphia Eagles and the rest of the teams in the NFL are once again undefeated.

So the new season begins, and it's time to look ahead. With a few moves, the Eagles could be a Super Bowl contender yet again. So who would it benefit the Eagles to look at? There are holes on both sides of the ball and in the coaching staff.

Here are five people who would improve the team for the 2011/2012 season.

5: Cornerback – Nnamdi Asomugha

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 29: Nnamdi Asomugha #21 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball on an interception for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 29, 2006 at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Imag

I'm on the Nnamdi Asomugha bandwagon. How can you not be? Asomugha is considered by many one of the top five corners in the NFL. Earlier this week, Adam Schefter reported that Asomugha's contract had been voided by the Oakland Raiders, making him a free agent.

The Eagles already have one of the top cornerbacks in the league, Asante Samuel. However, across the field from Samuel, Dimitri Patterson, Ellis Hobbs, and Joselio Hanson all had shots to start this season. Hobbs is facing a likely career ending injury and his contract is up, Patterson showed promise for a few games before having an awful ending to the season, and Hanson continued to prove he is much better playing the slot. The right cornerback position (Samuel only plays the left side of the field) was easily one of the Eagles biggest problems this season and needs to be addressed in free agency or the draft.

There has been debate about whether or not the cornerback position needs an upgrade more than defensive end. The Eagles again struggled with the pass rush this season. It's tough for me to agree with this argument; in fact, I think cornerback is the most important position on defense.

Look at the New York Jets. Rex Ryan is a brilliant defensive minded coach. He has the ability to change the look with his defense at will due to the fact that he has two fantastic cornerbacks in Revis and Cromartie. There is no fear that he can leave these two matched up one on one and can bring more pressure.

This is something that was essential in the Jim Johnson style defense, and if the Eagles plan on sticking with McDermott, then it needs to improve. Troy Vincent and Bobby Taylor, Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard, Asante Samuel and?

Also, don't give me the “he is too old argument”. I know the Eagles don't bring in aging players, but exceptions are made for superstars. Terrell Owens. It doesn't happen often, but when the player is worth it, the organization will give it a shot.

So how can any Eagles fan not be drooling at the idea of having two of the top cornerbacks in the league wearing midnight green next year? This season, opposing teams targeted the corner opposite of Asante Samuel. The same thing happened in Oakland, and Nnamdi Asomugha saw little action. He allowed opposing receivers 15 yards per game and less than one reception per game. What if they are on the same team? Pick your poison, Asa or Aso?

4: Offensive Guard – Logan Mankins

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 20: Logan Mankins #70 of the New England Patriots against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium on September 20, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Logan Mankins wants out of New England. I'd be happy if the Philadelphia Eagles take him off their hands. Well, they actually won't have to since Mankins will be a free agent at the end of the year. Mankins will attend the Pro Bowl for the second time this season as the AFC's starting guard.

The Eagles offensive line was a wreck this season. The only reason it hasn't been mentioned more is because of the running ability of Mike Vick. The team allowed 49 sacks this season, fifth worst in the NFL. The problem was mostly due to a poor play at right guard and right tackle.

There isn't too much to say, other than the fact that the Eagles need help on the line, and Mankins is one of the best in the league. It's doubtful that the Eagles go after two big free agents this year, so if they don't pull in Asomugha, they need to take a shot at Mankins. They can't ignore the two best players in free agency, especially when both play positions that it is essential the Eagles upgrade.

3: Offensive Tackle: Gabe Carimi

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

Gabe Carimi is a starting offensive tackle his first day in the NFL. The All-American's draft stock has been fluctuating up and down all season. Although considered one of the best tackles in college football, many mock drafts have him going late in the first round. Some even have him going to the Philadelphia Eagles.

The left tackle position is often viewed as the second most important position on the offense. It protects the quarterback's blind side. This isn't the case for the Eagles. Since Mike Vick is left handed, the second most important position is actually right tackle. Last season, the Eagles had Winston Justice playing the spot, and when he was injured, King Dunlap stepped in. Dunlap's time at starter was atrocious, and Justice played so well he was benched during the Eagles playoff loss to the Packers.

Every season, the Outland Trophy is awarded to the top interior lineman in the nation (OT, OG, DT). Last year, the award was given to Ndamukong Suh. This season, it was awarded to Gabe Carimi. It's questioning why more people aren't taking a look at Gabe Carimi. Wisconsin is known for producing fantastic offensive linemen. In fact, Wisconsin players have been awarded the Outland Trophy nine times. Oklahoma is second with five.

Lastly, and maybe most important, the move could kill two birds with one stone. By drafting Carimi to take over as right tackle, Winston Justice may have an opportunity to move back to his original position at right guard. Justice played guard for the Eagles when Shawn Andrews was struggling with personal issues a few years back. During his time at guard, Justice played well. It's not sure to work, but it's better than leaving him at tackle.

2: Cornerback: Brandon Harris

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DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 18: Receiver Eron Riley #15 of the Duke Blue Devils pulls in this reception against Brandon Harris #1 of the Miami Hurricanes during the game at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 18, 2008 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C.

Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara are undoubtedly the top two cornerbacks in this years draft. Unfortunately for the Eagles organization, both will probably be gone after the first 10 picks. Brandon Harris is considered to be the next best cornerback available and is also expected to fall to the bottom of the first round.

During his time at Miami, Harris has become considered one of the most versatile players at his position. He is rarely out of place, can play the run, can play the pass, and is looked upon by his teammates as a leader. If the early entry junior has a good combine, it's possible that he will shoot up on many draft boards, taking him out of reach for Philadelphia.

The only question on Harris is whether or not he can become an elite player. He is a jack of all trades and rarely makes mistakes. However, he lacks the ball hawking abilities of Asante Samuel or the hard hitting talents of Sheldon Brown. Harris is very good in both categories, but not considered to be fantastic at either.

This said, he is also said to be very coachable and can definitely succeed as a starting cornerback in the NFL.

1: Defensive Coordinator – Fox/Jauron/Singletary/Edwards

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Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach Sean McDermott directs the defense against the Dallas Cowboys November 14, 2005 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 21 - 20. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Anybody. I don't care who. Sean McDermott is not the answer.

I know what Andy Reid said. McDermott would remain defensive coordinator for the 2011/2012 season. But how much do we really trust the word of Andy Reid anymore? Let me throw a few reminders out there. Donovan McNabb will be our quarterback next season. McNabb traded. Kevin Kolb is our starting quarterback. Vick starts. Sean McDermott will remain defensive coordinator. Andy, please stick to your trend.

I know that the entire defenses struggles are not just McDermott's fault. There is only so much you can do with limited talent and the strike of the injury bug. But there are very obvious signs that this just is not going to work.

The defense allowed 31 passing touchdowns this season, the highest ever with Andy Reid as head coach. They allowed 23.5 points per game, the second highest mark ever with Andy Reid as head coach. And of course, the redzone defense surrendered 33 touchdowns in 43 attempts, marking the worst percentage in the NFL since 1988. These statistics don't even include the three passing touchdowns allowed in the Green Bay game and the 3-3 proficiency the Pack achieved in the redzone.

This just cannot be overlooked. McDermott just doesn't have “it”. Jim Johnson's defense passed along with him (RIP). McDermott is trying to keep the tradition alive, but has failed miserably. The Eagles need to look a new direction. John Fox, Mike Singletary, Dick Jauron, Herm Edwards.

I'm not saying that these people would succeed, but the organization needs to try something. McDermott didn't get the job done, and having him around next season could destroy all chances for another Eagles playoff run.