FanPost

Fixing the Birds D

We all heard Howie Rosemann communicate that spending, or rather overspending will not be part of the Eagles off season strategy. I have read the BGN article where the case is made that no ideal 3-4 OLB with all the necessary skills is available at pick #22 or greater. Given that our pass rush against the Vikings and the Saints exposed weaknesses a Division II NCAA defensive coordinator could exploit, I would propose the following: if healthy, pursue Arakpo, within reason from a contractual standpoint. Pay the man to get his attention, but protect the team with incentives. This would allow the Birds to possibly draft Truitt from ND. Opposing offenses would have to bring double protection on the left side. I would then draft secondary with subsequent picks. Some possibilities if available: (Jimmy Ward, Baptist, Desair, Tre Boston). R5 possible WR (Josh Huff, Montcreif) for those who think my strategy ignores the WR need. I also assume no trades for an extra pick, or as some others have speculated: a Graham for Dion Jordan trade with Miami. Or, since Jarius Byrd may get slapped with the tag, maybe Ward too...could a Graham trade make sense to land one of these Safeties if a tag is threatened as bargaining leverage? In all, regardless of the challenges we see in fixing the D, I think it can be accomplished in this one off season...the most important off season since 1999 in my humble opinion, as this off season could separate the Eagles from being a good team and launch them into the greatness conversation with Seattle, 49rs and to a lesser extent...the Saints. Go Birds!