Philadelphia Eagles: Top 5 Needs in 2014 NFL Draft

2 of 6

5. Wide Receiver

Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receiver may not seem like a need, but it could become a problem soon if they don’t draft one this season. Although the Eagles have recently signed Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin, they released Jason Avant. Maclin’s deal is only one year which leaves DeSean Jackson and Cooper as the only wide receivers signed past the 2014 season. Expect them to use one of their first four picks on a wide receiver who can contribute for the next few years.

Possible targets: Allen Robinson Penn State, Jordan Matthews Vanderbilt, Josh Huff Oregon.

3 of 6

4. Pass Rusher

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles ranked 20th with 37 sacks last season. An effective pass rush can make an inexperienced or average secondary look very good. The more pressure you put on opposing quarterbacks, the less you demand out of your coverage. The quicker a quarterback is forced to get the ball out, the more likely he is to make a mistake and the less time his wideouts will have to get open.

Possible targets: Dee Ford Auburn, Anthony Barr UCLA, Jeremiah Attaochu Georgia Tech.

4 of 6

3. Cornerback

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Every team could use a shutdown corner, but the Eagles would take a solid, consistent player at this point. After the Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie experiment went south, the Eagles claim they would like to create a homegrown secondary. Look for them to take a corner in the first or third round to fill the gap.

Possible targets: Bradley Roby Ohio State, Darqueze Dennard Michigan State, Dontae Johnson NC State.

5 of 6

2. Strong Safety

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles have shuffled through several players at strong safety but have yet to find one to stick with. Whether they decide to go after an impact strong safety or free safety, they need to invest in a safety.

Possible targets: Deone Bucannon Washington State, Craig Loston LSU, Jimmie Ward Northern Illinois.

6 of 6

1. Free Safety

Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles have had no luck with safeties since Philadelphia legend Brian Dawkins left. They are by no means expecting to find someone to fill his shoes, but they would like to find someone who is competent that they can rely on.

Possible targets: Terrence Brooks Florida State, Marqueston Huff Wyoming, Ed Reynolds Stanford.