The Eagles drafted Donovan McNabb's replacement last year when they grabbed Kevin Kolb at the beginning of the second round. They could be draft Brian Dawkins replacement this year if they decide to grab Miami safety Kenny Phillips.
Many Eagles fans think it's a slight against Dawkins to say that the Eagles need to prepare for the day when he can't do the job any longer. In fact I don't believe the Eagles can enter this season with the expectation of Brian Dawkins being the same player he's been over the years.
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Drafting Phillips may be the way the Eagles can prepare for "Father Time" catcing up with Dawkins. Phillips has got great size. He stands 6'2" and weighs just under 212 pounds. He can do just about everything asked of a safety.
Phillips can support the run and hit like a sledgehammer. He can run with tight ends and stay with the slot receiver for awhile but need to get better in this area.
He's got a burst after the ball is thrown and closes on the ball like a jet. When you combine his size, quickness and speed you've got an unbelievable football player.
The other thing like about Phillips is the fact that he loves to study film and has learned quite a bit from former Miami safety and current Baltimore Ravens All-Pro safety Ed Reed.