2013 NFL Offseason Team Needs: Philadelphia Eagles
September 30, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Mychal Kendricks (95) and middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans (59) celebrate after the game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Philadelphia Eagles beat the New York Giants 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles are once again going to be one of the more intriguing teams in the NFL going into the 2013 season. They just re-signed Michael Vick to run the offense of new head coach Chip Kelly, who was one of the most sought after head coaching candidates in the NFL this offseason.
Philadelphia is also going to be looking at a major defensive makeover, mainly with a new 3-4 base scheme. Looking over the Eagles’ roster, they are actually set up really nice with some pieces to make such a transition, and I think they could be one of the surprise teams of the 2013 NFL season.
Here are the Eagles’ top team needs, in no particular order.
1. Nose Tackle
Moving to a 3-4 defense, nose tackle appears to be the Eagles’ biggest weakness. Luckily, this year’s group of players is absolutely stacked at the DT position, and the Eagles are in position to potentially claim the top price in Utah’s Star Lotulelei. That could be a high impact move for a defense that was inexplicably one of the worst in the NFL last year.
**Signed NT Isaac Sopoaga (49ers)**
2. Cornerback
This is potentially the biggest area of weakness on the Eagles’ roster. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is set to hit free agency, while Nnamdi Asomugha could be asked to restructure his contract or be cut after a poor 2012 campaign. Philly has some players from recent drafts that I like, namely Brandon Boykin and Curtis Marsh, but if they lose their top two guys at the CB position, it will be an area they have to address.
**Signed CB Bradley Fletcher (Rams)**
**Signed CB Cary Williams (Ravens)**
3. Safety
I think the Eagles could be really active on the free agent market in hopes of signing a new pair of starting safeties. Nate Allen was benched and this team wound up with Kurt Coleman and Colt Anderson as its starting safeties in 2012. This position will most certainly be upgraded this offseason, probably both through the draft and free agency.
**Signed S Patrick Chung (Patriots)**
**Signed S Kenny Phillips (Giants)**
4. Quarterback
It’s likely the Eagles will trade Nick Foles, and even if they don’t, I don’t think he fits what Chip Kelly wants to do offensively at all. Mike Vick is not just playing for a job in 2013, but he’s auditioning for the next couple of years after that in all likelihood. I don’t think the Eagles paid him $10 million this season to sit on the bench, and unless he performs terribly, he’ll be the starter this year. It’s been rumored the Eagles will still use a 2nd or 3rd round pick on a quarterback.
**Signed QB Dennis Dixon (Steelers)**
5. Offensive Line Depth
When Jason Peters went down last year, so did the Eagles. Peters is one of the best left tackles in the game when healthy, and the Eagles sorely missed his services. Their offensive line depth was tested in a big way, and after the way they played last season (48 sacks allowed, LeSean McCoy only 840 rushing yards) it’s evident that depth is needed.
Miscellaneous
**Eagles signed DE/OLB Connor Barwin (Texans)**
**Eagles signed TE/FB James Casey (Texans)**
**Traded for WR Arrelious Benn (Buccaneers)**
Eagles Offseason Resources