So far in free agency, the Eagles have done an outstanding job in addressing their defensive needs. Nnamdi Asomugha, DRC, Jason Babin, and Cullen Jenkins are key ingredients to a successful Eagles D. But even with these key additions, there are still some gaping holes the Eagles still need to address. First and foremost the Eagles need to upgrade at linebacker. The Eagles starting linebackers this year will be Moise Fokou, rookie Casey Matthews and Jamar Chaney. Between them they have started 17 games, and they have little experience. Matthews seems to be Juan Castillo's main guy. Castillo thinks he is a natural leader and has the potential to be the quarterback of this defense. But that is a lot of faith to place in a fourth round pick even if he is the brother of All-pro Clay Matthews.
The Eagles need some veteran linebackers who know what it takes to be successful at the NFL level. Also having veterans as teachers and mentors to these young linebackers could benefit the Eagles in the future. Chaney, Fokou, and Matthews may prove to be the answer. But for now I think the Eagles need to add a free agent linebacker or try to trade for one. Linebacker Nick Barnett of the Packers is a free agent and is a guy the Eagles may be targeting.
Another gaping hole in this defense is at safety. From what I'm hearing, Nate Allen is 100% but the Eagles will be relying on rookie Jaiquawn Jarrett and Kurt Coleman to step up. I like what I'm hearing about Jarret but like Matthews he is a rookie and there's no telling if he will be able to have an immediate impact. Given the fact that the Birds have 3 lockdown corners, they probably won't look to add anybody else to their secondary.
All signs point to more moves coming. Hopefully the Eagles will address these needs to help bolster this already daunting Eagles D.
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