There’s three days left until the 75th Annual NFL Draft.  The closer it gets, the higher the anticipation is for me.  Despite all of the mock drafts and debates occurring, nobody knows what the Philadelphia Eagles are going to do.
It’s been almost two weeks since the departure of quarterback Donovan McNabb.  That trade symbolizes one of the biggest “changing of the guard” off seasons I have ever seen.
Most people believe the Eagles are rebuilding.  Their front office rebukes that term.  They are simply re-tooling and staying competitive.  No matter how it is viewed, the Birds have made many changes to become younger.
Speaking of changes, there are three things the Eagles to address next weekend: Their talent level, depth and philosophy.  Andy Reid and Co have quite a few holes to fill on their roster, but they have enough ammunition to address these needs.
When you look at the team’s talent level, the Eagles have playmakers on both sides of the ball despite the many departures this off season.  On offense, you have guys like DeSean Jackson, Brent Celek, and Leonard Weaver.  On defense, there’s Trent Cole and- even though he could tackle better- Asante Samuel.
Having said that, defensive back Macho Harris and linebacker Moise Fokou should never have been mentioned as part of the starting lineup.  Not only were they rookies, they were mid and late round picks (5th and 7th rounds to be exact).  It’s a lot to ask even first round talent to be productive in their first year.
This is what happens when you a) Don’t properly address a void after losing a player via trade or free agency or b). Acquire a player (Chris Gocong) who never fit your system in the first place.
The Eagles must do everything in their power to get the best players possible that not only are playmakers, but also fit their style of play.  They can’t afford to overlook any possibilities because they’re confident in the guys they have.
If there’s one positive about Harris and Fokou having to start in 2009, it’s knowing that they’ve gain a lot of experience during their crash course.  If they’re replaced in the starting lineup, they’ll still provide quality depth.
The same could be said about offensive lineman Nick Cole and linebacker Akeem Jordan.  These guys can play, but their respective positions can be improved on.  This would only make the team as a whole better.
The Indianapolis Colts reached Super Bowl XLIV without starters Anthony Gonzalez, Bob Sanders, and Marlin Jackson (welcome to Philly).  This was made possible because they prepared Pierre Garcon, Melvin Bullitt, and Jerraud Powers were able to step right in and make a positive impact.
This is the type of depth the Eagles need to be serious contenders again. Players like King Dunlap, Mike McGlynn and Joe Mays have to be better prepared to step in when called upon.  If not, they need to be replaced.
The domino effects caused when Stewart Bradley and Shawn Andrews were placed on injured reserved shouldn’t happen again.  Todd Herremans shouldn’t have to move from guard to tackle when Jason Peters gets hurt because Dunlap can’t be trusted.  No team should have to resort to bringing Jeremiah Trotter back from two year hiatus and expect him to successfully handle starting at middle linebacker.
Look at receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, tight end Brent Celek, offensive tackle Winston Justice and running back LeSean McCoy.  These are prime examples of taking advantage of opportunities when they’re presented.
They’re the reasons the Eagles could afford to stop holding out hope for guys like Reggie Brown, L.J. Smith, Kevin Curtis and Shawn Andrews.  Now they just have to make sure their backups are in place.  Imagine if any of these “young guns” got injured.
The last thing the Eagles have to adjust is their philosophy on the field.  For 11 years, Andy Reid had one constant security blanket: “No matter the flaws I have, No. 5 will give us a chance to win.” That mindset can no longer be utilized.
On offense, whether they pass less or not the Eagles have to get better at sustaining drives.  That’s one thing Kevin Kolb has proven he can do.  Reid and Marty Mornhinweg must take full advantage of this.
On defense, getting turnovers is nice but constantly getting off field due to ‘three and outs’ is just as lovely.  You can’t do this by relying on the blitz.  The sooner the Eagles establish a consistent four-man pass rush the better.  It’s easy to forget how the Minnesota Vikings kept the New Orleans Saints offense on the sideline the majority of the NFC Championship.
Most importantly, Reid needs to make sure the players he acquires will flourish under his system.  There have been too many wasted picks and time spent on failed experiments (Bryan Smith, Tony Hunt, Jeremy Bloom, Jack Ikegwonu, etc.).  The Eagles need guys who’ll fit in and who can contribute in 2010.
Talent, depth and philosophy.  How one category is addressed has an effect on the next one.  In a little over a week, the Eagles will have an 80 man roster in place.  We’ll find out if the team is rebuilding or retooling by their actions.
This sounds like a lot to ask for, but it’s far from impossible to become a reality.
Join GCobb.com for Eagles Draft Talk tomorrow night at 7pm at P.J. Whelhan’s on Rte. 70 in Cherry Hill, NJ. ¬†We’re going to do a mock draft and talk about what the Eagles should do in the upcoming draft.
There’ll be plenty of great wings and you’ll be able to get $10 dollar domestic draft pitchers. ¬†We’ll have prizes to win and a good time to be had.
Spot-on Haran..
Great article,this Draft will pave the way of future teams for the next 3-4 seasons if they select the right type of players. A couple of exciting things (at least for me) is the amount of Draft picks, the addition of P Savage to assist in the scouting and drafting and the inclusion of D Jauron and B April to the coaching staff.. Couple this with a gung-ho GM in Roseman, I think the Eagles have better opportunities to hit on some very good players this year draft… more eyes and more input instead of having everything fall on AR like it has in the past…
Haran, you made one point upon which I’ll comment. If the Eagles lost DeSean Jackson, it would change the entire offense. If Reid still intends to pass the ball 65-70% of the time, despite any and all circumstances, Jackson must absolutely remain healthy. No other receiver can stretch the field or demand double coverage. Admittedly, I have seen very little of Kevin Kolb, but from what I have seen, he does not have the “escapability” of McNabb or other top QBs. I could be wrong about this, but if I’m not, in Reid’s system, Kolb could get pounded. I’m not talking about the ability to run, just the ability to extend plays. With opposing defenses teeing off against Reid’s predictable offense, our QBs are always pressured.
Drummer, you’re right that Kolb can’t do what McNabb did with his legs early in his career. But Kolb can do something McNabb never could – be accurate with quicker throws. Hence, the ball will be out of his hands and won’t need the uber-long protection or elusiveness that McNabb did. That’s the key.
Haran, to your points I have two things to add – duh, and hindsight is 20/20
One very importatnt thing to keep in mind that Kolb has going for him that McNabb never really did.
Kolb’s ability to get rid of the ball… way too many times in McNAbb’s career he (#5) would hold the ball too long ams would miss open receivers, or hold too long and allow the rush to come after him..
Kolb will be throwing to a spot and trust that the WR will be there per the route called..
McNabb wants to the see the guy open before he throws… Will Kolb get sacked, absolutely,
but not as often as many will think because of his ability to “get rid of the ball”…
Did anyone see the article on the phillyburbs website featuring Q. Mikell? He states that he supports all the offseason moves and that a number of defensive players had to go because of the negativity they were bringing into the lockeroom on defense. Very interesting, especially since the speculation has been it was (is) Asante Samuel.
Paul,
Of course he would hold the ball, the receiver we had couldn’t get open. And when we got good receiver Andy would send them on 15+ yard routes almost every down. Yes Kolb can get rid of the ball faster, but let’s see how that works with the DBs are playing press coverage and your offensive line can’t block to save your life. I don’t care how quick a QBs release is, there will come a point where you need to hold the ball and you need to more time.
Did Donovan hold the ball too long at time, of course but that is also one of the things that allowed us to make so many big plays. Him holding the ball translated to more sacks but also less INTs. So you gotta take the good with the bad. Having said that, I hope Kolb turns out great but people are getting to carried away with this “he’s accurate in short passes” and “he gets the ball out quick”. Well so done Jay Cutler and he stinks. We will have to see over the course of a 16 game schedule when he plays teams with agressive defenses week to week. It takes a lot more than those things to win. He will need help from his o-line and skilled players or he will get killed.
Eaglez, yeah I saw that too. I’m trying to figure out who he’s talking about especially since Samuel is still here. I mean between Brown, Gocong, and Howard who else would it be. Sheldon was the most outspoken person on the team but he said the same thing about guys not trusting the coaches.
Oh yeah, Mikell needs to shut up too. He played terrible as well.
Easy Scorp,
You almost have me fired up to post a “Trade Alert” for Q Mickell… ha ha
You guys who say Kolb can do what McNaab couldn’t better wait and see what he can do as a starter and in a 16 game season and especially if Jackson goes down or his protection breaks down. How many times did he get a chance to show these socalled attributes. I have seen Kolb throw inacurate passes and behind receivers. Hold you praise before you are embarrased by it. The Colts are the #1
drafting team. Eagles are in the middle of the pack. Howie, lets see what you are capable of. You have enough chances.