Eagles Acquire Jason Peters
Paul Domowitch of the Philadelphia Daily News has confirmed that the Eagles have traded a first-round pick (#28), a fourth-round pick, and an undisclosed pick in 2010 to the Buffalo Bills for Pro-Bowl LT, Jason Peters. Many Eagles fans expected that aging tackles Tra Thomas, 34, and John Runyan, 35, could be sent packing leading up to the '09 season. Still, when the Eagles failed to re-sign Runyan and then allowed Thomas to walk away(signing with Jacksonville), some eyebrows were raised as to what the plan of attack would be in regards to the offensive line. Philadelphia then signed former Bengals tackle, Stacey Andrews to play along side his brother, former Pro-Bowl guard, Shawn Andrews. Shawn may potentially be moved outside to right tackle however he remains listed at guard. There was talk that the Eagles would move LG Todd Herremans over to tackle and select an offensive lineman with one of their two first-round draft picks however trading for Peters fills the void at LT and keeps the talented Herremans at left guard. Peters stands to benefit from the change of scenery as he was less than happy with his contract in Buffalo and it showed last season. Suddenly, center Jamaal Jackson, at 28, becomes the elder statesman of an Eagles offensive line that had been considered an aging group last season.
Projected 2009 Eagles offensive line
LT-Jason Peters, 6'4", 340 lbs
LG-Todd Herremans, 6'6", 321 lbs
C-Jamaal Jackson, 6'4", 330 lbs
RG-Shawn Andrews, 6'4", 335 lbs
RT-Stacey Andrews, 6'7", 342 lbs
Protecting Donovan McNabb will be vital to the Eagles hopes, especially so in a division with tough and improving defenses such as the Cowboys, Giants, and Redskins. Providing running lanes for Westbrook will also be key and this group looks to be able to do just that. At an average of 6'5", 336 lbs, not only have the Eagles assembled a large and athletic line, this group's average age is only 26 years old and could potentially send 2-3 players to the Pro Bowl.
The Eagles still have options in regards to upgrading the receiver position via free agency, the draft, or by way of trade. While it appears that they may now be out of the running for Cardinals receiver, Anquan Boldin, the team could surprise everyone as they still have a plethora of picks remaining, including their other first-round pick (#21).
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Good move by the Eagles. The pass rushes they will face in the NFC East made it critical for them to make this trade. It did cost them some picks, but Peters is a pretty solid OT...and you can never have enough solid OT's on the team.
The Eagles are serious in making the Crystal Ball's Preseason prediction of Super Bowl Champions come true. I can't wait to get the football season started.
After additions to strengthen the offensive line, adding a legitimate fullback in Leonard Weaver, who not only blocks but who can catch the ball as well, the Birds look to be in good shape offensively. With Buckhalter gone and only Lorenzo Booker and Eldra Buckley behind Westbrook, the Eagles obviously need to address the RB position and should be able to do so in the draft. There are still rumblings that they may make a trade for a receiver but then we've heard that for quite some time.
Defensively, someone will need to step up and assume the leadership role vacated by the now departed Dawkins but the team signed a solid replacement in Sean Jones even though he may just be a one year rental. The defensive line is solid and improving with rotational depth that allows everyone to stay fresh. In Bradley, Jordan, Gocong, the linebacking corps is one of the league's better up and coming group, possessing speed, strength, and a knack for the ball and this position has solid depth as well. Hopefully, the team and cornerback, Sheldon Brown can work things out in regards to his contract situation. Then again, no one forced the guy to sign it.
All in all, i'm very excited about the Crystal Ball's prediction and am looking forward to the season as well!