The Philadelphia Eagles made a huge splash when they added some big-time names to the roster last season, which in turn led new backup quarterback Vince Young to label the Eagles as the "Dream Team." Despite the lofty expectations that came with their intimidating name, the team quickly descended from its high perch and delivered a hugely disappointing 2011 campaign. The Eagles weren't even able to make the playoffs, ending up with a record of just 8-8. The team did show signs of life late in the year, and it wouldn't surprise me if they had a major rebound season in 2012. In order to do so, they need to continue to address some of the big holes they overlooked last year. Here are some of the Eagles' big additions and subtractions so far in this young offseason, plus a breakdown of their biggest needs heading into the draft.
Additions:
Nfl 2012
ILB DeMeco Ryans
OT Demetress Bell
G Steve Vallos
Subtractions:
OT Winston Justice
DE Juqua Thomas-Parker
WR Steve Smith
DT Trevor Laws
C Jamaal Jackson
Top 5 Needs:
1. Outside Linebacker
Despite all the additions they were able to make last year, the Eagles featured one of the worst starting linebacker corps in the entire NFL. As a result, their defense was left powerless against the run. Philadelphia traded its fourth-round pick for DeMeco Ryans, but the Eagles urgently need to add some help on the outside. Against their normal judgment, the Eagles need to go after linebackers early, unless they can target the player that can be had in the later rounds.
2. Defensive Tackle
Through smart picks, I believe that this is the one area that the Eagles could improve right away through the draft. Cullen Jenkins played well, but Mike Patterson is better suited as a reserve. Head coach Andy Reid is known for going after linemen, so he might just have eyes for Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox with the 15th overall pick.
3. Safety
The Eagles' starting safeties proved to be a disappointment last year. Nate Allen improved at free safety as the season went on, and he is pencilled in to be the starter in 2012. Rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett and Kurt Coleman, however, played horribly at strong safety. The Eagles still see potential in Jarrett and they may not give up on him just yet. However, if they went after Alabama's Mark Barron, then they could truly solidify their unit. Barron is widely considered as the top safety in the draft, and he has incredible instincts against the pass and is great against the run. If they do decide to go on a different direction and upgrade on the front seven, they might just bring some help via the free agency.
4. Wide Receiver/Tight End
Despite the fact that the Eagles were able to re-sign DeSean Jackson, it is pretty clear that quarterback Michael Vick would greatly benefit from a big wideout or tight end that he could really rely on in the red zone. No wideout on the team had more than five touchdown catches all season. Philadelphia has a number of players more than capable of making plays in the open field, but without a good wideout or tight end, then this squad will have some trouble when it gets deep inside opponents' territory.
5. Quarterback
After his incredible run in early 2010, Michael Vick hasn't been the same, and he is one hit away from being sidelined for a number of games. Rumors have swirled that the Eagles are looking into moving up to grab Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. While there may not be truth to those rumors, the Eagles would be better off if they can find someone they can groom over the next couple of seasons.
2012 Philadelphia Eagles Offseason Needs
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