Offseason Predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles

Dec 20, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) catches the ball as Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) defends in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles couldn’t get it going at the end of the season when it counted the most. Three straight losses, to the Seahawks, Cowboys, and the lowly Redskins knocked the Eagles out of the playoffs. Here are some offseason predictions for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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The Eagles are going to pursue some top-end talent in free agency. While there won’t be any good quarterbacks or running backs (no, Ravens running back Ray Rice is not an option) on the market, I see the Eagles pursuing a few wide receivers. Re-signing Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, a Pro Bowl snub, has got to be a top priority after his career year. Pursuing another true #1 wide receiver like the Cowboys’ Dez Bryant could happen if he isn’t re-signed.

The Eagles, under Chip Kelly, have done a great job of acquiring depth on the offensive line via free agency and I expect that to continue. Our starters are aging and this year was the perfect example of what can happen when you lose your men in the trenches. The Eagles’ run game, and therefore offense as a whole, struggled to start the season after losing starting center Jason Kelce, guard Evan Mathis, and tackle Lane Johnson for large portions of the year. I expect a couple free agent additions and a draft pick to be used on the offensive line.

Defensively, the Eagles need to make some moves as well. They have the most underrated defensive line in the league and two very good linebackers in Pro Bowler Connor Barwin and likely future Pro Bowler Mychal Kendricks. While we do get linebacker Travis Long back next season, the Eagles could stand to upgrade the depth and get some young talent on their aging linebacking corps.

Re-signing outside linebacker Brandon Graham has to be a top priority, as he has finally started coming into his own, but the Eagles should draft an inside linebacker. I’m particularly high on UCLA linebacker Eric Kendricks, brother of Mychal Kendricks. If he’s available in the second round the Eagles need to pull the trigger.

Secondary remains the Eagles’ primary concern for the third straight offseason. Last year’s pickup of free safety Malcolm Jenkins was a good step in the right direction, but the Eagles could stand upgrades at the other three positions. With Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis expected to hit the market, the Eagles should really pursue him. Yes he’s going to come at a high cost to the team, but it’s well worth it to give the Eagles some time to develop younger talent from the draft while having a cornerback who can consistently shut down opposing wideouts.

Lastly, the Eagles should pursue an upgrade at defensive coordinator. Eagles defensive coordinator Billy Davis has been good in his first two years, but if his track record stands, that’s all this defense will ever be-good. I want a defensive coordinator who will take this defense to the next level. With Jets head coach Rex Ryan expected to lose his job this offseason, the Eagles should absolutely pursue him. Ryan is known as a defensive-minded coach and has had an outstanding defense in New York for years. Returning to the Eagles, where his father, Buddy Ryan, coached, would be awesome for both parties.

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