2007 NFL Draft News - Team Needs: Philadelphia Eagles

Team Needs: Philadelphia Eagles

By Stephen Zorio | Category: 2007 NFL Draft News
Originally Posted: 2007-04-17

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.

2007 Draft Picks:
1st Round -- 26th Overall
2nd Round -- 57th Overall
3rd Round -- 90th Overall
4th Round -- No pick
5th Round -- 162nd Overall
6th Round -- 201st Overall
7th Round -- 236th Overall

Free agency status:

UFA:
QB Koy Detmer
RB Reno Mahe

Players Signed:
RB Correll Buckhalter
WR Kevin Curtis
QB Kelly Holcomb
WR Bethel Johnson
DT Montae Reagor
LB Takeo Spikes
DE Juqua Thomas

Players Lost:
LB Shawn Barber (HOU); CB Roderick Hood (ARI); S Michael Lewis (SF); WR Donte' Stallworth (NE); DT Darwin Walker (BUF)

Check out more at THN's exclusive 2007 NFL Draft section.

This article was released on 2007-04-17.

Copyright © 2013 www.theHogs.net. This site is an independent news, information and entertainment site covering the Washington Redskins and Redskin fans. We are not associated with the Washington Redskins, the National Football League, or any other media site. Click here for more site information.