NFL Philadelphia Eagles

2015 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles’ Top 5 Needs

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By @JordanWevers

2015 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles' Top 5 Needs

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Owner Jeffery Lurie and GM Howie Roseman look to have made the right decision moving on from Andy Reid and handing the reigns over to current head coach Chip Kelly. The offense has had a huge spark as a result, and Kelly has compiled back-to-back seasons with an above-.500 record. The defense needs more work, as the team just gives up too many yards and big plays. The fundamentals are not there. Here are their biggest needs for next season.

5. Quarterback

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5. Quarterback

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This is not so much a need as it is something to look at. Mark Sanchez is a very capable backup, and Foles is better than the average starting QB in the NFL. Neither are ideal for Kelly's uptempo scheme, though. Unless the Eagles do something like trade for RG III in the offseason, Foles will likely be the starter in 2015. A dream for Eagles fans would be to see the team go all-in and trade up for Oregon's Marcus Mariota in next year's draft.

4. Inside Linebacker

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4. Inside Linebacker

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Again, the defense needs work. Mychal Kendricks has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler, but two impact MLBs are very important to a 3-4 defensive scheme. DeMeco Ryans will be 31 next year. He has only one year remaining on his contract and is coming off a torn Achilles' tendon. In order for the transition away from him in 2016 to go smoothly, it's best for Philadelphia to start grooming Ryans' replacement in 2015.

3. Strong Safety

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3. Strong Safety

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While Malcolm Jenkins is a nice upgrade from anything the Eagles had at safety last season, the team and its fans still surely miss the days of Brian Dawkins. Nate Allen plays the role of strong safety, though, he was drafted as a free safety 37th overall in 2010. He has not been the impact player Andy Reid thought he would be. The Eagles do not have strong CBs presently on the roster, so they had better make this position better in 2015.

2. Wide Receiver

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2. Wide Receiver

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Jeremy Maclin has been great in 2014. However, he is a free agent who could likely test the market next year. Rookie Jordan Matthews has a high ceiling, but no DeSean Jackson and now possibly Maclin leaving will hurt the Eagles' aerial attack in 2015. An All-Pro quarterback like Andrew Luck or Tom Brady can get by with serviceable WRs, but someone like Foles likely needs an impact ball catcher like Maclin in order to elevate his game.

1. Cornerback

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1. Cornerback

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As Bradley Fletcher has shown the NFL week in, week out this year, he is probably more suited to play the role of a nickel or dime corner on a defense. Cary Williams has been alright, but he is a free agent in 2016. The club needs either an All-Pro safety or corner on defense to slow opposing offenses down some. The Eagles will probably have to live with a first-round pick somewhere in the 20s again, unless a trade is constructed.

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