2008 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Draft Needs

This should be a very successful draft for the Philadelphia Eagles as the club should have nearly a dozen picks. The draft has been head coach Andy Reid's primary tool for bolstering his team and he almost always takes the best available player regardless of position when the Eagles go on the clock. Reid's late-round drafting has been above average, but he has missed on some critical high round picks. The 2003 and 2004 drafts have set the Eagles back as they have developed just three starters and one Pro Bowler from those drafts. Find out where the Eagles will look to improve on a .500 season in this 2008 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Draft needs sneak peek.

#1 Defensive End

Head coach Andy Reid has shown that he loves to go with the best available offensive or defensive linemen with his top pick. The club really needs a pass rusher to complement Trent Cole. Philly can't afford another miss at this spot. Ohio State's Vernon Gholston or Florida's Derrick Harvey would both be solid choices if either is available when the Eagles select 19th overall.

#2 Offensive Tackle

This is not an immediate need, but the Eagles rarely draft for the present. William Thomas and Jon Runyan are both Pro Bowl tackles, but both are in their 30's and approaching the latter years of their careers. Two-time Pro Bowl guard Shawn Andrews is looked upon as a potential tackle down the road, however, he's so valuable on the interior the Eagles would like to leave him there. If Pitt's Jeff Otah or Boise State's Ryan Clady are available, the Eagles will take a long look.

#3 Cornerback

The Eagles need a nickel back. Lito Sheppard has missed 14 games over the last three seasons. Sheldon Brown is durable, but doesn't produce enough big plays. The Eagles like physical corners which can handle one-on-one matchups on the outside. South Florida's Mike Jenkins fits the mold. Philly likely won't go corner shopping in round one unless the best linemen are off the board.

#4 Tight End

The Eagles have slapped the franchise tag on L.J. Smith, but backups Brent Celek and Matt Schobel don't appear to be long term options. If Notre Dame's John Carlson slips to the second or third round, the Eagles would be very enticed to pick him up.

#5 Wide Receiver

Under Reid, the Eagle have only taken one wideout in the first round. That was Freddie Mitchell and he's been out of the league since 2004. The Eagles have been missing a game breaking receiver to stretch the field. The Eagles also need some help in special teams. So they could go with Cal's DeSean Jackson to get a speedy returner and receiver with one pick.

Make sure you check out all of Jimmy Boyd's 2008 NFL Draft previews to see what direction your favorite NFL team might be headed in. Also check out our 2008 NFL Mock Draft to see how Jimmy sees the first round shaping up.

April 8th, 2008