Eagles can make a run at SB next year - top offseason needs

The Eagles were close. But don't forget they only won nine games this year. The offseason brings about a lot of work and with the cap space and draft picks the Eagles have, there is no reason they cannot re-load for another run next year. Here are the top 10 things they need to do this off-season (in no particular order).

1) I'll admit that I was on the fire Andy Reid bandwagon. But he and his team turned the season around after being 5-5-1 at one point and finishing 9-6-1. Even if the Eagles missed the playoffs Reid was not going anywhere. It's hard to argue results and in his time in Philadelphia, Reid has gotten him team to play down the stretch and in the playoffs. However, the Eagles need some new blood in their leadership to take a different look at personel. They need some new ideas. For this reason, I think the Eagles need to remove Reid from the GM position.

2) Re-sign Brian Dawkins. Yes, he has lost a step. But Dawkins is the leader of this team, both on and off the field. The emotional leadership he provides is worth way more than his physical talent declining. They need him on this team.

3) Sign a pass rushing defensive lineman. One name out there is Julius Peppers. That would be great. Even if it is not him, the Eagles need another great passrusher. You can never have enough of them and getting to the QB with the front four is key and will improve the rest of the defense.

4) Draft a running back early. Brian Westbrook is a great back, but he is often slowed by injuries. The Eagles need to go to more of a two-back system to allow Westbrook some rest. Correl Buckhalter has done a great job backing him up, but he is going to look for a starting gig. The Eagles need to get younger at this position as Westbrook approaches the dreaded age of 30.

5) Improve the receiving corps. We all saw what having a great receiver can do, as Larry Fitzgerald killed them in the first half of the championship game. I'm not saying they need to go out and get a stud (that would be nice though), they need to improve at that position. It is time for Greg Lewis to go. Desean Jackson is going to be a stud and Kevin Curtis is very good. Jason Avant is developing into a good receiver. But the Eagles need another playmaking receiver that opposing teams need to account for and game-plan around.

6) Give Donovan McNabb an extension. End the speculation and give McNabb a longer contract. He is their best chance to win and will be with the QB's they have on the roster right now. Given more weapons, I have no doubt he can win a SB with the Eagles.

7) Get younger on the offensive line. Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas could be gone. The Eagles need to get better and younger on the o-line. Getting Shawn Andrews back would sure help.

8) Sign a real fullback. Need I say more?

9) Draft a safety for the future. Dawkins will not be able to play forever, so the Eagles need to think about the future at safety.

10) Draft in the first round. The Eagles have had the tendancy to trade their first round pick the past couple of years. They have two of them this year. I have no problem with them trading one if it brings back an impact player immediately. If not, keep both. They need to draft and draft well.