NFL Draft Countdown #24 Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are a franchise with a solid core of very young offensive talent. Andy Reid has transformed his offense from a unit which featured no marquee weapons for Donovan McNabb, into a group that is headlined by explosive playmakers such as LeSean McCoy, Jeremy Maclin, and DeSean Jackson.

However, the team is going through a serious transition. There is a changing of the guard happening in Philly. Veteran leaders Brian Dawkins, Tra Thomas, Brian Westbrook, and now quite possibly Donovan McNabb will have been disposed of in favor of younger talent.  To make matters worse, the Eagles must decide how best to move forward after the tragic loss of their defensive co-ordinator, Jim Johnson.

Finding more leaders is a must for the Eagles in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Free Agency:

Philly has been quite active in overhauling their roster, having released Brian Westbrook, Darren Howard, Shawn Andrews, Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, and Will Witherspoon.  Of those players, Andrews and Witherspoon were considered starters, while the remaining players were valued role players.  To help offset those losses, the team signed DL Darryl Tapp, as well as DB Marlin Jackson to play safety. It appears that the Eagles are zeroing in on the Draft to fill the remaining spots on the roster.

Draft Needs and Targets:

Despite the infusion of talent at offensive skill positions, the Eagles' massive offensive trenches still need a makeover. They have their bookend tackles, but need to strengthen the interior of the line soon.  Losing Shawn Andrews in free agency, plus an injury to C Jamaal Jackson leaves the interior an area of need coming into the draft.

Philadelphia loves monstrous linemen. The average weight of their linemen is 330 pounds, and the average height is 6'5" 1/2. Of the potential lineman pool at pick #24, the Eagles could target Idaho OG Mike Iupati or C Maurkice Pouncey of University of Florida.  Both players have received a late first round grade, and are maulers with good feet.  From a size standpoint, Iupati seems the ideal fit (6'5" 331 lbs.), whereas Pouncey is 6'5" and a mere 305 lbs. However, it has been noted that Pouncey plays big and has proven how stout he can be against SEC DT's Dan Williams and Terrence Cody.  the real issue at stake is whether Philly wants to utilize a premium pick on an interior offensive lineman, since those positions can be found in the middle rounds.

If they decide to pass on this area until later on, another logical area to look at along the middle of the defense, namely LB and S.  Before last season, the heart and soul of the defense, Brian Dawkins was allowed to leave for the Broncos. And the defense has not been the same since.  Furthermore, defensive co-ordinator Sean McDermitt was forced to go to his 3rd string MLB after the position was depleted by injuries. With this in mind, I could see them being keen on a play-making safety like an Earl Thomas if they are willing to move up into the first-half of the Draft. Or they could look at Taylor Mays, who could be a good value in the back half of the 1st round.  He won't be the ball hawk that the team may hope for, but he certainly can fill Brian Dawkins other role as enforcer.  Plus, Andy Reid loves big and strong players.  Mays fits the bill.

As mentioned before, LB is an area of concern.  Perhaps a player of Sean Weatherspoon's type, extremely vocal and smart, would go a long way in restoring that swagger on defense.