Philadelphia Eagles (Last Year: 8-8)

2008 NFL Draft Grade:

Good Moves: Any time you can get a future No. 1 pick from an average or terrible team, you have to pull the trigger. The Eagles could be drafting in the top 10 next year ... Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson are talented second-rounders, but I have issues with both selections (more on that in the next section) ... Philadelphia drafted well in the middle of Day 2, acquiring Mike McGlynn, who can play multiple positions on the front, and Quintin Demps, who is talented enough to take over for Brian Dawkins soon ... Jack Ikegwuonu is a second-round talent who dropped to 131 because he allegedly stole an XBOX. A tip for all Philadelphians: If you go to one of his autograph sessions, don't bring your Game Boy ... Andrew Studebaker could be a major steal at No. 203. More importantly, he'll spell the end for the anemic Darren Howard.

Bad Moves: Trevor Laws is a talented player, but why didn't the Eagles draft for need in the second round? Where is Laws going to play with Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson in front of him? As for DeSean Jackson, the Eagles finally found a talented kick returner, but at what cost? Jackson is 5-9, 168. If you thought Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown had problems getting off the line of scrimmage, you haven't seen anything yet. A large receiver like Limas Sweed would have been a much better fit. Instead Andy Reid took his chances with another small Pac-10 wideout ... Did the Eagles announce Bryan Smith as a defensive end? He's only 225 pounds. If not, where does he fit into the linebacking corps? He seemed like a reach at No. 80 ... Why did Andy Reid take 5000 offensive linemen on Day 2?

Grade give on 4/28/08: B+



2008 NFL Draft Picks:

47. Trevor Laws, DT, Notre Dame
I like Trevor Laws a lot, but where's he going to play? Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson are pretty solid. Why draft Laws? This doesn't seem to make sense. I'm making this a B, however, because Philadelphia acquired Carolina's 2009 first-round pick, which could be in the top 10. Also, look for the Eagles to trade one of their first-rounders and Lito Sheppard for a receiver once we're past the June 1 deadline. (Pick Grade: B)

49. DeSean Jackson, WR, California
How many small receivers do you need? Seriously. The biggest problem Philadelphia's offense had last year was that Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown couldn't get off the line of scrimmage against press coverage. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the 168-pound DeSean Jackson will have the same problem. Limas Sweed would have been the better pick. Jackson only makes sense as a kick returner. (Pick Grade: C)

80. Bryan Smith, OLB, McNeese State
A reach, and not really a need. Still, Bryan Smith isn't a terrible choice. (Pick Grade: C)

109. Mike McGlynn, G/OT, Pittsburgh
I knew the Eagles were going to take an offensive lineman early on Sunday. Mike McGlynn is a solid blocker who can play multiple positions. Good move. (Pick Grade: A)

117. Quintin Demps, FS, UTEP
Major steal - Quintin Demps was a second-round prospect on some boards. The Eagles addressed a position of need, as Brian Dawkins doesn't have much left in the tank. (Pick Grade: A)

131. Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin
Guard your Super Nintendos and Ataris closely, Philadelphians! Jack Ikegwuonu is on the prowl! Ikegwuonu, once a first-round prospect, got in trouble for allegedly stealing an XBOX. Not an XBOX 360; a simple XBOX. What a dumb (alleged) thief. If he took a 360, he would have been drafted in the second round. (Pick Grade: B)

184. Mike Gibson, G, California
Another lineman for Andy Reid. No surprise here. Eric Young would have been a better choice, but I have no problem with Mike Gibson. (Pick Grade: B)

200. Joe Mays, ILB, North Dakota State
No issues here - the Eagles have no depth at middle linebacker. I had Joe Mays in the seventh round, so this isn't a reach. (Pick Grade: B)

203. Andrew Studebaker, DE, Wheaton
A potential late-round gem. This probably spells the end for Darren Howard in Philadelphia. (Pick Grade: A)

230. King Dunlap, OT, Auburn
And yet another buddy for Reid to go on cheesesteak runs with. King Dunlap is a bargain though; I had him pegged as a fifth-round prospect. (Pick Grade: A)





Season Summary:
The Eagles were a real-life soap opera in 2007. From Donovan McNabb blogging about the lack of weapons at his disposal to Andy Reid's spoiled brats getting arrested in the suburbs for dealing drugs and pointing guns at old women amid playing tennis and golf tournaments, Philadelphia was mired in controversy the entire season. Well, at least Terrell Owens didn't park in Reid's parking spot again.

Offseason Moves:

Eagles sign DT Kimo von Oelhoffen

Eagles cut DT LaJuan Ramsey

Eagles receive FB Luke Lawton from the Colts for a conditional 2009 pick

Eagles receive RB Lorenzo Booker from the Dolphins for a 4th-round pick

Eagles sign P Richmond McGee

Eagles re-sign TE L.J. Smith

Eagles re-sign CB Joselio Hanson

Eagles sign FB/TE Kris Wilson

Eagles sign OLB Rocky Boiman

Eagles sign DT Dan Klecko

Eagles cut OLB Takeo Spikes

Eagles sign DE Chris Clemons

Eagles sign CB Asante Samuel

Eagles re-sign S J.R. Reed (1 year)

Eagles cut DE Jevon Kearse


Offseason Needs:

1. Possession Wide Receiver: Kevin Curtis did a great job for the Eagles, catching 77 passes for 1,110 yards last season. However, he and Reggie Brown are small receivers (both weigh less than 200 pounds), and thus had problems getting off the line of scrimmage in press coverage. Donovan McNabb talked about needing another weapon, so Reid should supply him with a massive wide out. Unless Malcolm Kelly falls to them at No. 19, there should be one available in the third or fourth round (Jordy Nelson).
   
   
2. Offensive Tackle: Osi Umenyiora completely humiliated Winston Justice, as the Giants garnered 12 sacks on McNabb in a Week 4 tilt. Justice clearly isn't left tackle material, so the Eagles have to look for one in the upcoming draft. It's possible that Chris Williams could be theirs at No. 19 overall. Drafted Mike McGlynn and King Dunlap
   
   
3. Defensive End: The Eagles need a pass rusher across from Trent Cole, who had 12 sacks in 2007. With Jevon Kearse and Darren Howard likely to be cut, another end would help with Philadelphia's depth issues at the position. Signed Chris Clemons; drafted Bryan Smith and Andrew Studebaker
   
   
4. Tight End: I have no idea why Philadelphia franchised L.J. "Hands of Stone" Smith. A bust, Smith is only good at getting injured and dropping easy passes. The Eagles should be completely embarrassed that they drafted Smith instead of Jason Witten a few years ago, and have not yet rid themselves of the Rutgers alumnus. I was disappointed in their franchising of Smith because that means they will probably not pursue Fred Davis, Martin Rucker or another rookie tight end in April.
   Re-signed L.J. Smith; signed Kris Wilson
   
   
5. Two Cornerbacks: What the Eagles actually need to fix is the free safety position, but acquiring a starting corner would allow Jim Johnson to move Sheldon Brown to free safety. The Eagles also must acquire another corner for depth purposes. Luckily, this draft class is deep at that position. Going after Nnamdi Asomugha wouldn't be a bad idea either. Signed CB Asante Samuel; drafted Quintin Demps and Jack Ikegwuonu; re-signed Joselio Hanson
   
   
6. Strong Safety: Sean Considine is fine as a reserve, but that's all he is. As a starter, he's one of the worst the NFL has to offer. Craig Steltz will be available in Round 3.
   
   
7. Kick Returner: The only reason Philadelphia lost to the Green Bay Packers the first week of the season was because the team fumbled two punt returns. Had the Eagles won that game, they probably would have qualified for the "Doggone Playoff." They signed Reno Mahe off the street, but he's not a scoring threat. Drafted DeSean Jackson
   
   

Philadelphia Eagles Free Agents:

Salary Cap (As of Feb. 11): $17.17 million

1. Joselio Hanson (RFA), CB. Age: 27.
   Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $1.417 million)
   
   Joselio Hanson did a solid job as a reserve corner for the Eagles in 2007. He'll likely be tendered.
   
   
2. J.R. Reed, S. Age: 26.
   Re-signed with Eagles (1 year)
   
   After being given up for dead by several teams, J.R. Reed revitalized his career with a strong finish last year. The Eagles should bring him back as a reserve.
   
   
3. L.J. Smith, TE. Age: 28.
   Re-signed with Eagles (1 year, $4.522 million)
   
   
   The Eagles may franchise the King of the Dropped Pass, which would be a huge mistake. The injury-prone L.J. Smith is nothing more than a backup tight end in this league.
   
   
4. Takeo Spikes, OLB. Age: 31.
   Can't say I understand why the Eagles cut Takeo Spikes. He wasn't a great player by any means, but he could have been a solid reserve in 2008.
   
   
5. Jevon Kearse, DE. Age: 32.
   Signed by Titans (2 years, $6 million)
   
   Jevon Kearse could be a solid pass-rusher in a deep rotation, but his days as a starter are clearly finished.
   
   
6. Thomas Tapeh (RFA), FB. Age: 28. - Signed with Vikings
7. LaJuan Ramsey, DT. Age: 24. - Signed with 49ers
8. Reno Mahe, KR. Age: 28.
9. William James-Peterson, CB. Age: 29. - Signed with Bills (2 years)
10. Kimo von Oelhoffen, DT. Age: 37. - Signed with Eagles

Divisional Rival History:
Dallas Cowboys: The Eagles usually dominate their divisional opponents. They've won 12 of the past 16 matchups against the Cowboys, including a sweep in 2006 and a stunning upset late in the 2007 season.
New York Giants: The Giants swept the Eagles last season, probably because their defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, used to work with Philadelphia and was very familiar with its offensive and defensive schemes.
Washington Redskins: Pure domination. The Eagles have claimed nine of the past 11 battles.



Features to be Posted This Offseason:

1. Detailed season preview
2. Fantasy football projections
3. Positional rankings
4. Daily updates on free-agent signings

More 2008 NFL Offseason Pages:

DAL / NYG / PHI / WAS
CHI / DET / GB / MIN
ATL / CAR / NO / TB
ARZ / SF / SEA / STL

BUF / MIA / NE / NYJ
BAL / CIN / CLE / PIT
HOU /IND / JAX / TEN
DEN / KC / OAK / SD


Back to the 2008 NFL Offseason Page

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