Heard in the Cheap Seats

My intention when I started this series of posts looking at the Eagles’ offseason needs was to look at every position and assess the depth of the Eagles heading into the 2009 season.  But with my attention diverted and the draft right around the corner, it is time to speed this process along.

Instead of taking a look at every position, I will instead hone in on where the Eagles have pressing needs and will likely look to make significant upgrades either through the draft or free agency.  If I had control over the franchise for the offseason, this would be my blueprint.

Needs in order:

1.) OT: Here’s the situation at the OT position: their two aging and long-time OTs are without contracts and their supposed replacement, Winston Justice, is so bad that the Eagles are attempting to trade him.  Think about that: a team WITHOUT its two starters from last year is shopping the backup-who was a second round pick drafted for the express purpose of replacing Tra Thomas.  Clearly that plan is not going to pan out so it’s time to go in a different direction. 

With Runyan on the shelf for 4-6 months with microfracture surgery, it seems obvious that the Eagles will sign Thomas to a 2-3 year deal.  He is still productive-particularly as a pass protector.  But that still leaves a big gaping hole at the RT spot.  There is a chance the Eagles could slide Shawn Andrews outside and plug either Max Jean-Gilles or Nick Cole in at the RG spot.  It’s also not inconceivable that the Eagles would move Todd Heramanns to the RT spot and use either Cole or MJG at LG.  Every scenario has its risk and in recent days, the free agent options have dwindled as well.  Jordan Gross resigned with the Panthers, and Vernon Carrey resigned with the Dolphins.  My hunch is the Eagles will wait to see how Runyan bounces back from injury and resign him to a two-year deal if the recovery seems to be going well.  If not, they will look to one of the two internal options presented above.  Either way, I expect the Eagles to take an OT with one of their two first-round picks to put the successor in place (assuming they keep them both).

2.) RB: You’ll notice that I didn’t say backup running back.   This is a two-back league and the Eagles need to use a two-back system.  Ideally, they would bring in a RB that has some size, fits their system and can provide some much-needed firepower in short yardage situation.  There are some solid options available in the draft, but two things make it unlikely the Eagles will go that route for immediate help.  The first is they almost never take a running back on the first day.  Andy Reid has shown a general disdain for taking running backs early and those backs that he has drafted have been disappointments with the obvious exception of Brian Westbrook.  For years the Eagles have been searching for a Westbrook compliment in the draft and have whiffed on names like Ryan Moats and Tony Hunt.  The other factor at play here is the Eagles’ window for winning a championship-it ain’t getting any wider.  Because of that, they can’t afford to take a risk on a late-round pick in hopes that they can come in and help right away.  Given all of these factors, I would like to see them go out and get Deuce McAllister.  He is not nearly the player he once was but he tips the scales at 236 pounds, is a solid downhill runner, an above-average receiver and a decent blocker.  He fits the Eagles system well and if they can get him for reasonable money I’d take a shot on him.  His durability is a question but with 12-16 touches a game he should be able to stay fresh.  Another name to consider here is Leonard Weaver of the Seahawks.  He is 26 years old and weighs 246 pounds.  That being said, he is listed as a FB, though he is not a traditional lead blocker type. 

3.) FB: I know most people would probably put WR or TE in this slot and that is definitely a defendable position.  While those positions are areas of need where the Eagles will most likely make a bigger splash, this is an area that MUST be upgraded.  The Eagles need a fullback in the traditional mold that can provide solid blocking in run situations but also double as a serviceable receiver.  I mentioned Weaver above, but I’m not sure he is the type of blocker this team should be looking for-especially if it adds a back like McAllister.  Instead, the Eagles should address this need via the draft.  One player I like is Tony Fiammeta out of Syracuse—and not just because his name has a lot of vowels like mine.  At 246 pounds, he has the size needed at the fullback slot but also has above average hands for the position.  The Eagles could easily get him on Day 2 of the draft and he would at least add someone to camp that has the ability to lead block for Westbrook on the few occasions the Eagles go to a traditional I formation or pro set.

4.) WR: I mentioned in a previous post that Philly is a WR-obsessed city.  Many fans pointed to the lack of a true #1 receiver as one of the primary reasons for the failure this past year.  I don’t subscribe to that philosophy.  The Eagles have a very solid group of receivers that together, offer a wide range of skills.  In fact, I would go so far as to say the Eagles wide receiving corps is in the top half of the league.  So while I do think they should address the position, it is not as dire as some will lead you to believe.  The obvious target out there is TJ Houshmandzadeh.  He does not provide the size the Eagles sorely need but his production levels can’t be questioned.  And let’s not forget, he produced his monster year this past season with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center.  As difficult as it would be to type his name on a regular basis, I’d love to see him in midnight green.   Even if the Eagles do make the big splash the fans crave, they should still look for a big receiver for situational purposes.  One player that might fit the mold is Kenny Britt out of Rutgers.  At 6′-4″ and 227 pounds he has ideal size for a red zone target.  There are some serious concerns about his attitude but hopefully those can be addressed at his young age.  It’s not like DeSean Jackson is devoid of any character issues…

5.) TE: The Eagles like Brent Celek at the TE position and he rewarded that faith with some solid play down the stretch last year.   But Celek is a woeful blocker and is a liability when asked to stay in and help protect McNabb.  And while Celek does struggle in blocking situations, there are very few upgrades available.  Jim Kleinsasser is one intriguing name the Eagles should consider.  He is massive for the position, weighing 273 pounds.  However, he is known mostly as a blocking TE and not much of a threat in the receiving game.  He does have decent hands though and can be a reliable target.  He is by no means a top-flight TE, but can definitely be a solid compliment to Celek.  I doubt the Eagles go this route, but it might be a shrewd move.  Instead, I expect them to stand pat and perhaps add a player in the draft.

Other Possible Areas of Need: DE, CB, FS, LB

Quick Note: I find it almost impossible the Eagles won’t resign Dawkins so I didn’t even go into the possibilities of finding a replacement.

So that’s my blueprint-albeit incomplete, for the offseason.  What would you do?