Between now and the 2007 NFL Draft, THN will be taking a look at all of the NFL teams' off-season needs. Up next is the team with the 27th overall pick in the draft, the Philadelphia Eagles.
2006 Results: 10-6
2007 Projected Cap Status: $97,750,000 or $11,250,000 under the cap
2006 Season Recap: The Philadelphia Eagles lived up to their team name in the first five games of the 2006 season, soaring to a 4-1 mark thanks in large measure to a high-flying offense. Quarterback Donovan McNabb looked sharp in his return from an injury-shortened 2005 season and running back Brian Westbrook was justifying his new contract, totaling more than 1,100 yards in the team's first nine contests.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, McNabb's 2006 season lasted only one game longer than his previous season. McNabb tore a knee ligament in a November 19th loss to the Tennessee Titans and the injury cast a pall over the remainder of the season.
The team dropped its next game at Indianapolis and the once-promising season looked less promising. However, much as they did for A.J. Feeley in 2002, the team rallied behind their backup as Jeff Garcia helped the team win its last five games to clinch the NFC East. A field-goal gave the Eagles a playoff win before their season ended at New Orleans.
Team Needs:
1. Safety: Five-time Pro Bowl free safety Brian Dawkins isn't done playing yet but he is 33-years-old. The team lacks depth at this position and the team's other starter, Sean Considine, is still something of a question mark.
2. Defensive back: The team finished ninth against the pass and its starters, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, are very solid. The team would like to add some depth at this position as nickel back Rod Hood signed with the Cardinals. Sheppard and Brown are also somewhat undersized and a back injury has limited William James.
3. Defensive end: Jevon Kearse appeared in only four games last season and is coming off a torn ACL. Free agent Darren Howard was underwhelming, notching only five sacks after signing a six-year, $30.5 million contract. The team struggled against the run, finishing 26th in the league, surrendering 126 rushing first-downs, second-worst in the league.
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