2009 Philadelphia Eagles Predictions

Last year I told my sister's boyfriend, Scott, that the Eagles were going to sign Asante Samuel weeks before the 2008 Free Agent period began. The Eagles signed Asante Samuel, the number 1 free agent, on the first day of Free Agency. Let's see if I can do the same and predict what the Eagles are going to do this year:

NFL Free Agent Signings:

RB - Deuce McAllister

FB - Leonard Weaver

S - James Sanders

RT - John Runyan

NFL Draft:

21st Pick - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

28th Pick - Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma

I truly believe that Brian Dawkins and Tra Thomas are both going to be signed by another team in free agency. It's going to be hard to see Brian Dawkins in another uniform but the Eagles know when it's time to let go.; and it's time. Tra Thomas should be a model to most franchises that are hesitant about drafting a top Tackle high in the NFL draft. No, it isn't a flashy position. True, a tackle will rarely even touch the ball. But a good offensive line keeps your QB in an upright position. If that isn't important to your team, ask the 2007 Playoff Jaguar team what happened in 2008. Thank you Weapon X and Tra Thomas for turning the Eagles into a model NFL franchise.

Andy Reid knows when he was wrong and usually fixes the mistake. This year he knows that the Eagles need a power back to compliment Westbrook and a proven fullback. I would like to see the Eagles get Fred Taylor, but I believe the Patriots pretty much locked him up. Deuce is a High risk HIGH REWARD type of power back. He has had two knee surgeries, but I trust the Eagles staff in knowing whether or not he has enough fuel in the tank. If he does, the Eagles will lock him in to a 2-3 year deal. Leonard Weaver is a young, talented FB that will surely clear space for Westbrook and help keep McNabb upright.

I believe Andy Reid will use the 21st pick on a TE and, simultaneously, be drafting for need. Pettigrew reminds me A LOT of Owen Daniels. He is a hell of a blocker and is still able to get separation from linebackers in the passing game. Hopefully his big frame will give Donovan a redzone target that he's been missing since the days of Chad Lewis.

James Sanders is a younger, smarter S that will help ease the pain of losing Dawkins. And most likely will be locked in to a 5 - 6 year deal.

Duke Robinson is the best guard in the draft. I have to think that Andy Reid wants a proven/veteran offensive lineman protecting Donovan's blind side. I think Todd Herremans will move from LG to LT and Duke Robinson will plug into the LG position. The same will be said about the right side of the offensive line.

Andy will try to move Shawn Andrews over from RG to RT and keep Jean-Gilles and Nick Cole at the RG position. Since Andrews and Jean-Gilles are both coming off injuries, Andy Reid will most likely re-sign John Runyan as an insurance policy.

There won't be any HUGE name free-agents signed by the Eagles. As much as I would love to see the Eagles get TJ or trade for Gonzo, I think the Eagles will stay with the philosophy of young talent and a team full of depth.

Go Birds!