If I were the GM- Philadelphia

After 15 games, the Eagles were in prime position to make a deep playoff run.  Then, they ran into Dallas.  The Cowboys exploited the deficiencies of this team.  I'll get into those later, but the offense did fall too much in love with the home run plays.  Now, there are a lot of questions about the quarterback situation.  I wrote a post earlier, essentially saying that going with backup Kevin Kolb makes the most the sense, due to his age and ceiling.  I like Donovan McNabb, but his trade value is as high as it's going to get, he's reached his ceiling, has had injury issues throughout his career, and is entering his twelfth season.  How many prime seasons does he have left?  Add backup Michael Vick itching to start somewhere, there's a lot of questions at the most important position on the field.  I think they trade him to a team with a quarterback need for a fourth rounder, but that's pure conjecture.

People forget how productive this team was prior to their Dallas meetings.  There's a lot youth at key positions.  For years, the wide receiver position has been ridiculed, but now it's a source of strength.  DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin will terrorize defenses for years to come.  Tight end Brent Celek really grew into the postion, and deserved Pro Bowl consideration.  He's tough, solid target in the middle of the field.  I mentioned they have a lot questions at the quarterback position, but there is no denying the talent that's there.  The running game intriguing talent in LeSean McCoy and restricted free agent Pro Bowler Leonard Weaver.  When the offense moved the ball effectively, Weaver was the key, because of his unique receiving, rushing, and pass/run- blocking skills.  On defense, Trent Cole is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the game.  He has tireless motor.  Defensive tackles Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson are borerline Pro Bowl players that don't get much notoriety.  I'll review the linebackers in a bit, but the return of budding star Stew Bradley should solidify the group.  They are thin at corner, but the position has talent.  The Birds should restructure Sheldon Brown's contract to give him the money he wants, because a.) he deserves it, and b.) it's an uncapped year, so it won't count against the cap.  Asante Samuel is a stud, even though he tends rove within the defense and bites on the double-move.  That stated, he's a ball-hawk, and one of the best in the NFL.  Safety Quinton Mikell is a good strong safety, but didn't have much help from his myriad of free safety partners in 2009.

Most of their weaknesses are on the defensive side of the ball.  They need another defensive end to take pressure off of Cole, who tends to wear down as the season progresses, due to multiple double and triple teams.  This is their most understated pressing need.  They need help in the defensive backfield, specifically at the safety position, but they need to add a veteran like Darren Sharper or Antrel Rolle, as opposed to drafting a rookie.  They did that with Macho Harris last season, and had mixed results at best.  After Bradley's injury, their linebacking corps was in flux, and never really settled in 2009, even following the trade for Will Witherspoon.  The offensive line is has needs, but not they aren't pressing.  Also, I really like the left side with Jason Peters and Todd Herremans.  Right tackle Winston Justice had an encouraging season.  They need to settle the center/right guard situation, especially considering the late-season injury to center Jamaal Jackson.  I like Nick Cole, but more as a guard than at center.

Their first move should be to grab either Sharper or Rolle.  I'd prefer Rolle, due to the age differential and potential growth as a player.  Then, they should focus on defensive end, either in the draft, or the Julius Peppers sweepstakes.  I'm not sure, if that's a rode to go down, due to his age and financial demands, but he his a good fit for the defense.  The  Eagles have a lot of options at number 24.  Though, if they don't sign Peppers or Aaron Kampann, most of the top defensive ends will probably be gone.  Perhaps, Carlos Dunlap may drop (I doubt it), or reach for a Ricky Sapp.  They could look to bolster the secondary with either safeties Earl Thomas or Taylor Mays or cornerbacks Devin McCourty or Kareem Jackson.  Or they could go linebacker, a position they haven't drafted in round one, since Reid came to town.  Players to consider are Sean Weatherspoon, Brandon Graham, or Navorro Bowman.