Anthony O.

On Donovan McNabb: I first want to preface by stating that I am a McNabb fan and am appreciative of the success he has gave this organization during his career. However, this offseason is as good a time as any to trade in order to receive something valuable in return like a high draft choice or a quality player. All the so-called experts say a trade is imminent but I say hold the phone, if the draft passes and McNabb is still in midnight green than he will be the starter here in 2010. The Eagles are in a bind at the QB position because all 3 QB's are entering the final year of their respective contracts. If McNabb stays for 2010, he will not be franchised in 2011, most likely he would test free agency. If Kolb doesn't play this year and McNabb tests FA, what the hell do they do with Kolb; they aren't stupid enough to franchise a QB who has started 2 games in his career or pay him starter’s money when he is unproven. This is the exact reason you trade McNabb this offseason, hand over the reins to Kolb and see he can do on the football field.

The Draft: With the most recent trade of Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong to the Browns I am convinced that the Eagles with target a cornerback in the first round, a safety in the second round of the draft and so on. With Sheldon gone, the Eagles don't really have a viable option for the starting RCB position. Hobbs is ok but not the long-term solution and Hansen is a solid slot cornerback and will remain there because of frequent use of constant 3 and 4 receiver sets. The Eagles won't be targeting a DE in the first 2 rounds, you will most likely see the positions of LB, C, and G addressed in the latter portion of the draft.

Additional Notes: If I am not mistaken, with Sheldon on the Browns, McNabb and Akers are the only starters on the roster who played in Super Bowl 39. Jamaal Jackson and Quentin Mikell were on the roster but not starters. 4 out of 53, what a difference 6 years make. It just goes to show the level of turnover there is in this league.

Though it is yet to be determined the order of which the eagles with play the 2010-2011 season, there will not be one easy game at Lincoln Financial Field with the road games having an easier degree of difficulty. The opponents combined winning percentage is .529 from the previous year. You could have said the same about this past year from week 7 until the culmination of the season. Luckily for the eagles, teams were worn down and star players were injured but, to the credit of the eagles, they did what they had to do with what they had with the exception of the two most important games of the year: Week 17 and Wild-card round vs. the cowboys.

Here is the eagle’s home and away schedule for this upcoming season and my W/L predictions:

Home: Away:

Dallas (W) Dallas (L)

Giants (L) Giants (W)

Redskins (W) Redskins (L)

Packers (W) Bears (W)

Vikings (L) Lions (W)

Colts (L) Jaguars (W)

Texans (W) 49ers (W)

Falcons (W) Titans (L)

This home schedule is brutal to say the least. You are naïve is you think there is one gimme home game on this list. The Redskins, Texans and Falcons are the should-win games, they probably will lose to the Colts and the rest of the games could go either way. A home record of 5-3 seems adequate but only time will tell.

The road games are more lenient and a record of 5-3 is very realistic. However, the eagles do struggle against mobile QB’s but we will see what happens.

I am assuming the eagles will have a record of 10-6 which should be good enough to obtain a playoff birth and possibly win the division.

I know it is way too early to speculate about the upcoming season but it is hard to overlook the tough upcoming schedule. Anybody else have any early season predictions? Please voice them.

There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the free agent class because of the players and owners failure to reach a new CBA agreement. As most of you already know the 2010 season will be an uncapped year and players with less than 6 seasons of NFL experience whose contracts are expiring, are set to become restricted free agents. The old CBA required players with four or more seasons, with expiring contracts, to become unrestricted free agents. The better the restricted free agent is, the more likely he is to be retained by his current team.

This format is going to benefit the teams who have good, young players with expiring contracts. But once free agency begins, the small market teams will not be able to sign marquee free agents and teams like the Jets, Giants, Redskins, Eagles, Cowboys, and Patriots will be able to overpay for quality free agents because of their large markets.

The following is a list of the Eagles restricted and unrestricted free agents and whom should be retained and who should walk:

Stay:

Ellis Hobbs CB (RFA),Nick Cole OL (RFA), Leonard Weaver FB (RFA), Jason Avant WR (RFA), Akeem Jordan OLB (RFA, )Jeremiah Trotter MLB (UFA), Tracy White ST (UFA)

Gone:

Alex Smith TE (RFA), Omar Gaither OLB (RFA), Max Jean-Gilles OL (RFA), Chris Gocong (RFA), Sav Rocca P (RFA), Sean Jones FS (UFA), Jason Babin DL (UFA),

The following is a list of UFA that the Eagles should consider signing to fill much needed voids:

Julius Peppers (30) LDE, Karlos Dansby (28) ILB, Darren Sharper (34) FS, Kevin Mawae (39) C, Aaron Kampman (30) LDE, Derrick Burgess (32) LDE, Ryan Clark (30) FS, Hunter Smith (32) P,

I did not add quality restricted free agents because the Eagles will not surrender drafts picks to acquire them. I left out a good amount of quality UFA's because they don’t fit the Eagles position need or scheme. As you can see, defensive is the primary necessity for the Eagles but improvements can be made to the O-line and special teams.

I look forward to reading any comments regarding my picks and non-picks and would like to see several different perspectives regarding this discussion.

As there is in any other NFL off-season in Philadelphia, there is an abundant amount of national speculation of whether or not Donovan will be back in 2010. I, nor the eagle’s front office, are unsure of the answer to that question. But I can provide 5 logical reasons why McNabb should be traded and why Kolb should start. I have and still am a McNabb fan and this blog is not at all bias. Also, I am assuming that Michael Vick will be traded or released before the 2010 season.

1. McNabb's best year are well behind him. Donovan was at his best when he was scrambling because he would give the defense fits and therefore keep them off-balance. McNabb is 33 and is a pocket passer, how great a QB can you be if your accuracy is average at best? The older he gets the less elusive he is going to be.

2. The eagles are very young and very explosive on offensive. By bringing in Kolb now, the offense can start building a rapport and being cohesive so all the skill players can gel together.

3. Both of their contracts expire after the 2010 season. By trading McNabb the front office gets to see what Kolb's value is after his first complete season and, most importantly, if he is the QB of the future. If they let McNabb finish out his contract and let him walk in free agency then they have no choice but to franchise Kolb or completely start over at the QB position.

4. Kolb showed glimpses of the reliable type of QB he can be. I am nowhere near sold on Kolb's two games this past season because he barely had time to work with the first team offense in camp and in those two weeks. He performed well against the Chiefs, but they stink all-around and he was average against the Saints. I'm confident he will succeed if the team is devoted to him as their number one QB.

5. Andy might devote more time in the running game. Remember when Jeff Garcia took over as QB, they RAN THE BALL efficiently and successfully. Providing balance in the offense, sets up a young QB for success, just ask Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Joe Flacco, Mark Sanchez, Matt Ryan and so on. I know running the ball is difficult for Andy but he is not that stubborn to overlook it in this scenario.

I am looking forward to the next several years with this football team, specifically the offense. They are built with young and explosive players and their potential is endless. They are one of the better front offices in knowing when to cut those important players loose, I just hope they do what is best for the future of this franchise.

Feel free to voice your opinion, especially if you are in disagreement with me. I enjoy debating eagle’s football.

With the 24 pick (1st round) in the NFL draft, the eagles should choose a defensive end. Florida's Carlos Dunlap would be the ideal candidate because he is a big, physical player. He is 6'6 and almost 300 pounds; he is an every down lineman who is exactly the type of player you want to compliment Trent Cole and the rest of our undersized defensive line. He does come with a little off-the-field baggage with his recent drunken driving arrest, which might hurt his stock and, hopefully, fall into the eagles lap at 24. Other suitable defensive ends at this spot are Everson Griffin from USC; he is a little smaller than Griffin at 6'3, 280. Griffin is more of a pass-rush specialist; his weakness is defending against the run game. Another option at DE would be ex Georgia Tech star Derrick Morgan, who is projected to be drafted in the top 12 picks. He is a stud who can stuff the run, rush the QB, blocks punts and kicks; he is just a football player, plain and simple. His measurements are 6'4 and 270 and this boy has a motor on him that never quits.

With the 56 (2nd round) pick in the NFL draft, the eagles should choose a free safety. LSU's Chad Jones sticks out because he is big and has great athleticism; he is 6'3 and 230. He played mostly strong safety at LSU because he could easily be molded into a free safety at the next level. He can rush the QB and return punts, he will need some help in pass coverage but he is very coachable. He was also a pitcher on LSU's national championship baseball team. Another safety to keep your eye on is Nate Allen out of South Florida; he is 6'1 and 210. He has great ability, he is able to attack the line of scrimmage, play deep coverage, and is able to cover the field with his speed.

With the 71 (3rd round) pick in the NFL draft, the eagles should choose an outside linebacker. Penn State’s own Navarro Bowman would be the ideal pick, but he is most likely to be picked up before 71. He has the makings of a great OLB; he is 6'1 and 230 and can blitz, rush the QB and cover TEs. I would like to the see the eagle’s package their two 3rd round picks and move up to select a player like Bowman. Another option at OLB with this pick would be Koa Misi, a DE at TCU, he is quick, a good tackler and has a nose for forcing fumbles. He is listed at 6'3 and 256.

With the 88 pick (3rd round) in the NFL draft, the eagles should choose a running back. Heisman runner-up Toby Gerhart is my player of choice at this spot. He is 6'1 and 235, which is a bigger back than the eagles are used to. He is a power runner who is hard working, has good vision and decision making. Adding a player like Gerhart would provide the eagles with an above average 1-2 punch. Other RB options at this spot are the fast and elusive Joe McKnight and workhorse Montario Hardesty.

With the 120 (4th round) pick in the NFL draft, the eagles should choose a cornerback. Division II's Indiana (PA) Akwasi Owusu Ansah would be a good fit for the eagles. He was a standout in his junior season with 8 picks and 10 break-ups. He is 6'1 205, which would make him the tallest cornerback on the eagle’s roster. He has great make-up speed and long arms, which are great attributes to have. Also, he can return kicks and punts. Another option here can be Vany's Myron Lewis, a tall corner who has size and speed, but will have trouble moving laterally versus those speed receivers.

With the 125 (4th round) pick in the draft, the eagles should target a guard. Ole Miss's John Jerry has good size and agility at 6'5 and 350. He is more of a pass blocker than run blocker; he could provide instant depth to an o-line lacking good guards.

With the eagles last pick 192 (6th round), they should choose a tall wide receiver. Maclin's former teammate, Danario Alexander, would fit in as an immediate red zone threat. He is 6'5 and 210 who provides match-up problems for any cornerback. He has trouble changing direction and he come from the spread at Mizzou in which they do not emphasize precise route running.

Let me know what everything thinks about the needs and picks of the eagles. Feel free to voice any opinion that you may have.