The Eagles top 5 offseason needs
by JasonB on Jan 22, 2009 11:26 AM EST
in News
25 comments
Admittedly, I've kind of resisted writing this post. When you finally turn your attention to the draft/free agency... the offseason has truly begun.
Whether we like it or not, it's here. The first logical post of the offseason is to figure out what our holes are and what needs to be fixed. Here's my list, in order...
Offensive tackle - Both Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are free agents, meaning we have no OTs under contract. Even if one or both were to comeback, they're both in their 30s... so clock is seriously ticking anyway. It's possible that Shawn Andrews or Todd Herremans could slide out to tackle and be a long term solution, since they've both played it, but the time really has a come to add at least one young tackle to take over. It really is too bad Winston Justice has been such a disappointment so far. As a 2nd round pick he should be ready make that starting job his own by now...
I put OT at the top of the list because if the QB isn't protected and the RB doesn't have holes the offense won't work. No matter how many high price skill guys we bring in. Plus, we probably need two OTs...
Free agent possibilities - Jordan Gross, Mark Tauscher, Marvel Smith
Tight End - First, LJ Smith is as good as gone. That leaves Celek and Schoebel are the only two TEs we have under contract. We will have a new TE on this team next year, the question is whether he's a backup or a starter. Brent Celek's nice game last weekend notwithstanding, I see TE as the same need it's been for a few years now. Is Celek a solid guy to have around? Sure. Is he likely to continue to improve? Yeah. However, it's very unlikely that he's ever going to be a real top notch pass catching threat. He really doesn't have the speed to stretch the defense, his hands have always been suspect, and he hasn't been a great blocker. In other words, he's limited. We need another playmaker on offense and in my opinion the biggest upgrade to be made is at TE.
I don't see Celek as a starter, but if the Eagles do then they need to bring in a blocking TE. Too many times this year we saw short yardage run plays thwarted because of a poor block by Celek or Smith. There's no doubt that the run game needs to be fixed and a big, solid blocker at TE would really help.
Free agent possibilities - Owen Daniels, Bo Scaife, Jim Kleinsasser
Running Back - Need #3 and #4 are more or less a dead heat for me. The fact that Correll Buckhalter is not under contract is what nudged RB up the list. We know Brian Westbrook is capable of great things. We know that he's the most dangerous weapon this team has. We also know that he is simply not going to play 16 games and stay healthy. Plus, Westbrook will turn 30 this year. Buckhalter would be a more than capable fill in if he is brought back, but he's also turning 30 and we know his injury history. We could use some youth at the RB position, plus this is also an area where we could add that offensive playmaker.
If we did add a young back, would Reid actually use him?
Free agent possibilities - Darren Sproles, Derrick Ward, Brandon Jacobs
Safety - Brian Dawkins is a free agent, but it's likely he'll be back for at least another year. Still, he is in his mid 30s and his replacement needs to be here now. Quintin Demps will be headed into his second year and should continue to improve, but should we rely on him to be our only post Dawkins option? He looks like he'll could be pretty good in coverage, but will never be the kind of hard hitting in the box safety that Dawkins could be. Could we look at add that type of player?
Because Dawkins should be back and since Demps is here this is probably a position worth filling the draft.
Free agent possibilities - Oshiomogho Atogwe, Mike Brown, Dawan Landry
Fullback - Dan Klecko did a servicable job in his second stint as a FB this year, but it's time to add a pro at that spot. Surely we can find a guy out there that can open holes and catch a pass from time to time? Much like blocking TE, a good FB could only help our ailing running game. There's no need for the revolving door we saw at FB this year, just go get a guy that's proven and give him the job.
Plus, adding a FB would allow Klecko to move back to DT where he did a nice job as a situational pass rusher early in the year.
Free agent possiblities - Leonard Weaver, Heath Evans, Tony Richardson
Those are my top 5, what are yours?
0 recs |
25 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
mine would be
1. TE
2.OL
3.RB – (I don’t think Buck is coming back)
4.FB
5. FS
Eagles like to get receiving FBs which would probably eliminate the FAs you listed.
Owens Daniels wouldn’t be a bad pick up at all. Klecko back to DT would be some great depth.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
Ah so he did
I guess when you join the Lions youre easy to forget about. He was with us in ’99 I wonder why we let him go back then.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
Daniels
If you look at his numbers, he only played well with Shaub. There was a significant drop off when Rosenfels was at the helm. Not saying Daniels isn’t good… just something interesting to note in case it was more of a QB/TE safety blanket relationship.
Maybe they had secret meetings without Andre Johnson?
IMHO, this is my list:
1. OL – I think the left side is okay with Herremans at LT and either Cole/Jean-Gilles at LG, but we need a RT. Another Center could also help to push Jackson.
2. RB – I don’t think Buck’s coming back either. I don’t like these mock drafts that have us taking a RB that can’t catch passes. We’d never do that.
3. TE – I think we will try to trade for Gonzalez or Winslow and draft a run-blocking TE in the later rounds.
4. S – I could see an early pick on a S. Demps has a lot of upside but I think they want more options.
5. DE – Parker is 30+ and breaks down every year, Howard is 30+ and we aren’t guaranteed another 10 sacks from him.
My List
OL-the think we sign atleast one of the two tackles back-Tra or Jon-but we need another good tackle to solidify our line
TE-solid blocking TE, not nessisarily a catching one, b/c i think Celeks good enough 4 know after the Championship preformance but a blocking one is definitly nessisary
Safety-i dotn care about coverage so much b/c we got Mikell and Demps but i want a hard hitting guy like Dawks to some in
WR-i kno im sounding like a ass saying reciever but i honestly believe that we cant rely on Curtis and Jackson for all our catches, especially w/ all the DJack drops, i say we give Houshmanzadah a contract offer, or trade up for Crabtree
FB-firstly blocking back b/c Klecko sucks so bad at blocking but then a guy that can eb a check down catcher for when the recievers cant get open
To me the Eagles are like that girlfriend that pisses u off, then u hate her, but the next morning you wake up and remember that thing u love so much about her
by XxBleedGreen5xX on Jan 22, 2009 12:26 PM EST reply actions
New poster here - My list
OL-Even if we keep Thomas and Runyan we need a longer term solution.
RB-I’d love to see a two back system where Westbrook is kept fresh.
TE-I like Celek but we at least need to bring someone in who is a better blocker.
FB-And move Klecko back to DT
S-Another guy to push Demps as Dawk’s replacement.
While I’d love a #1 receiver, I’m OK with what we have. To bring in a #1 it would be at the expense of the needs I listed. I’d rather see these needs filled.
O-line is the most crucial priority
As some of the others have stated, I would just add one item to the original list. I think we need a new center. O-line, in general, is the priority. The only other item I would note is that I am not concerned about free safety (assuming Dawk comes back) but we do need a backup strong safety. None of us want Considine back and he is the lone backup to Mikell. I think Demps has the look of a potential star at free safety.
a quicker o-line
Our o-line is certainly beefy enough. We need to look for some younger, quicker guys who can get to their blocks quick enough to open holes for the running game.
I hope to God that Dawkins comes back, because he is more than just a talented in-the-box safety to that defense…
Okay
1. OL – This is a no brainer, even if they bring back both Runyan and Tra. I still have faith in Justice but it is the oldest position on our roster.
2. RB – Even though I don’t think Andy will use them we need a young stud because sadly Bucky is going somewhere else
3. TE – I will get into this further but I Schobel is garbage and LJ is gone we need something.
4. S – But for different reasons I think Dawk will be back and Demps is the heir apparent. I love Mikell but want Considine off of this team IMMEDIATELY.
5. DE One because I love drafting DEs and two because Howard did a lot of his damage as a DT this year and Parkers motor seemed to slow at the end.
I don’t see Celek as a starter
Jason I think you did this on purpose … while I concede Celek is a putrid blocker there is no arguing his talent as a receiving threat. But you are right unless he can figure out how to block he will never be an elite TE.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
I would love to see Celek in there as a #2 TE
He can make some plays receiving and contribute on S/T.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
I agree. I think he’s a nice #2. He could be a serviceable starter, but I want a real threat at TE. Even the most ardent Celek supporters would have to agree that he’s never going to be a guy that teams have to change their coverage for.
Celek
What is one of the biggest complaints about the Birds over the past decade? That we choke when it counts, right? Well Celek sure didn’t. While I agree that he is not a guy that teams need to scheme for (at least not today) – let’s remember that he is 23 years old and had the BEST GAME of his career in the BIGGEST GAME of his career. That has to count for something. I just can’t understand why everyone is writing this guy off as a #2 when he is so young and only recently started seeing legitimate playing time. Blocking can be taught, muscle can be added. The guy only has 2 seasons of NFL experience under his belt. Am I wrong here?
And I'm sorry...
But how can you use the word “serviceable” to describe Klecko’s time at FB this year and then use the same word to describe Celek’s potential as a starting TE. That is ridiculous.
You’re talking about Celek’s inability to block. How many times did Klecko absolutely wiff on a block this year???
Even the most ardent Celek supporters would have to agree that he’s never going to be a guy that teams have to change their coverage for.
I’m probably the biggest Celek flag holder and I don’t agree with this. I think right now he has some things to work on, blocking mainly. But I honestly do not think there is a better young TE out there with his skill set. He has Jason Witten/Chris Cooley potential in College this kid was a STUD receiver for the Bearcats. I think if developed correctly he will be awesome. I’m not opposed to brining in a Vet or another TE via the draft for depth reasons not because I don’t think Celek has what it takes, but he does need to develop.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
Just for fun ... Celeks college profile ...
2006: Winner of the UC Claude Rost Award as the Bearcats’ most outstanding player…second team All-BIG EAST Conference selection…top receiving threat in the UC passing attack…top receiver among the tight ends in the BIG EAST Conference (31 receptions, 460 yards)…extended his streak of games with a reception to 24…had six catches for 81 yards in the season opener vs. Eastern Kentucky, earning team Offensive Player of the Week honors…hooked up with Nick Davila for an 83-yard TD pass play, running 76 yards after the catch, vs. No. 7 Rutgers and was team co-Offensive Player of the Week…set new UC career tight end career receiving records for receptions (87), receiving yards (1,114) and TDs (14)…rated as the No. 13 tight end in the country in The Sporting News’ preseason All-American checklist…rated No. 19 nationally by Phil Steele’s College Football…named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV second team presented by ESPN The Magazine.
2005: Continued as the go-to receiver in the passing game…finished second on the team in receptions (32) and receiving yards (361), the third-most productive figures for a tight end in UC history…won the UC Most Outstanding Receiver Award…made a career-high seven catches for 73 yards vs. Penn State…had five receptions for 42 yards vs. Miami (Ohio)…made a career-long 47-yard reception for a TD vs. Pittsburgh…recorded a five-catch, 54-yard performance vs. Rutgers, catching an 8-yard pass for the Bearcats’ lone TD…contributed his athletic ability to several special teams…team leader who was elected co-captain as a junior…named to the BIG EAST Conference All-Academic Football Team…earned his third letter.
2004: Emerged as a major weapon in the Cincinnati offense…excellent hands and ability to run after making the catch made him a dependable receiver in the air attack…showed good ability to get open…earned second team All-Conference USA honors…set a new UC season record for TD catches by a tight end with eight…team’s fifth-leading receiver with 22 catches for 254 yards and second in TD receptions…recorded career highs of six receptions, 49 yards and 2 TDs vs. Army…had a pair of catches for 37 yards and hauled in a 22-yard TD pass in the Fort Worth Bowl win over Marshall…earned his second letter.
2003: Saw action in all 12 games as a first-year frosh, making three starts…had a pair of receptions for 39 yards….used in blocking situations…was a blocker on the FG/PAT teams…earned his first letter.
"I need to do a better job of putting players in the right position to perennially come up short of expectations"
TEs in Andy's System
Andy’s offensive system sets up so well for a TE. Look at our TE’s since he has been there and their production. I don’t believe Chad Lewis, LJ Smith, or Brent Celek were ever the top 5 TEs in the league in terms of talent but they can produce because of the system. This team would be better off if we got a stud like Winslow or potentially Pettigrew out of Ok State than a wide receiver.
Justice
I still have no faith in Justice. He was too slow last year. He is still too slow this year and I don’t see him getting any faster in the future. We can’t have a starter on the o-line who can get beaten up to 10 times while he’s in PASS PROTECTION-even to the likes of a stud like Osi Umenyiora (like Justice did in that horrid game in 2007). Fresh legs man!
Celek is not as bad as he is often made out to be, and in the game against the cards he demonstrated some potential to be a serious playmaker. That said, there is a paradox in his strong points. TE’s (like Chad Lewis) have historically been big playmakers in the red zone for the eagles. This season we struggled in the red zone and this is partially on our TE’s. It is VITAL that a TE be a competent blocker, otherwise it is impossible to sell the run in the red zone. If we bring in a blocking specialist, then whenever celek is on the field, the defense will expect pass…and even if we go ahead and run, we can’t expect celek to hold his blocks unless he improves.
For blocking, its do or die for this guy.
E.A.G.L.E.S
1. OT
2. TE
3. WR
4. FS/SS
5. RB
6.FB- Dan Klecko is a okay fullback
bring home houzmanzadeh baby
I say we give tj whoz yo mama…a fukin contract..
by believe in green on Jan 24, 2009 12:16 AM EST reply actions
celek is good...
Celek will be the future starting TE for our eagles….he has good hands…he helps spread the field…and in the offseason we will work on his blocking…get rid of that fukin bum lj smith…overrated fukin pussy..and let’s go get houzmanzadeh…fuk crabtree…we got action jackson…we need a go to threat
by believe in green on Jan 24, 2009 12:20 AM EST reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
