The guys from Scouts Inc did an article for ESPN this week on the offseason needs for every team in the NFC. I figured it would be interesting to see what they had to say about the Eagles. For the most part, I think the needs are what we all might have expected.
1. Cornerback: Philadelphia's defense has always relied on man schemes behind its blitzes, and right now, the Eagles don't have the personnel to get it done. Ellis Hobbs has retired, and starter Dimitri Patterson gives up too many big plays, is a free agent and likely will not be back. The Eagles need a starter and a developmental nickel corner.
I'd say that Trevard Lindley is already that "experimental nickel corner" but I am certainly on board with adding multiple new bodies to the position next year... and yes obviously a starter is needed.
2. Offensive guard: Guard Max Jean-Gilles is a free agent, and RT Winston Justice really struggles against athletic edge rushers. Because the left-handed side is Michael Vick's blind side, the right side of the line is vital; two starters are needed here.
No doubt about the need for a RG. I'd be willing to give Justice the benefit of the doubt given his injury last year, but at the same time I certainly wouldn't have any problem if they upgraded the RT spot. But certainly, RG is just a gaping hole right now.
More after the jump.
3. Safety: Philadelphia must either pay strong safety Quintin Mikell or let him walk, and paying an aging player with only adequate production is not the Eagles' way. Rookie Nate Allen has a lot of athleticism at free safety, but Philadelphia didn't get enough game-changing plays out of the safety position last season.
While Mikell may be over 30, he doesn't look old out there and I think his production was better than "adequate." In fact, Pro Football Focus graded him out as the most productive safety in football on a play by play basis last year. Plus, I am optimistic about Kurt Coleman's prospects as a strong safety... I can see this as a need if Q walks, but frankly linebacker seems like a much greater need to me.