"Yeah, man, what you want?"

The NFL combine is wrapping up, and the 2008 draft will be here in a matter of weeks. Since their final game of the season against Buffalo, debate has run rampant as to which need the Eagles must address first and foremost.

With Juqua Thomas still learning the position and Jevon Kearse soon to be a disappointing memory, defensive end is a position that many think the Philly front office should make their top priority. The New York Giants proved to everyone that you can turn even a record-setting quarterback into a mere mortal if you put enough pressure on him up front. Steve Spagnuola did a great job molding a defensive unit that was strong enough on the line to make up for any deficiencies in the secondary, which was depleted by injuries in 2007.

On the other hand, considering the sorry state of their special teams unit last season, the Birds might consider drafting a player who can provide a combination of skills, such as DB/WR and kick returner. Field position is heavily dependent on special teams as well as a defense that could put them in a position to make Number Five's job a little easier.

There have been rumors swirling that Philly would like to pursue the Patriots' safety Asante Samuel, who's looking for a big boost in pay. These rumors also involve trading a discontent Lito Sheppard to New England. To return to the example that is the Giants, however, a top-shelf defensive back isn't always going to bail you out if the defensive line cannot put pressure on the quarterback. But with Brian Dawkins starting to feel the double-whammies of age and injury, either Samuel or New York's Gibril Wilson may become a necessity.


On the offensive side, if McNabb is going to hold onto the ball as long as he tends to these days, then he's going to need better protection on his blind side. Last year's 12-sack game against the Giants, courtesy of Osi Umenyiora and Company, showed a huge vulnerability at left offensive tackle. (McNabb was sacked 44 times in 2007, third worst in the league.)

There are some who feel that the offense needs another weapon to complement Brian Westbrook and to give McNabb a better target that can get open and won't leave him vulnerable once the pocket collapses. Even with Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown signed to high-priced contracts, sports-talk radio has seen more than its share of callers clamoring for another wide receiver: Bernard Berrian, Larry Fitzgerald -- even Randy Moss, depending on how his contract plays out with New England.

Which position do you feel is most important for the Eagles to address first, either through the draft or free agency? Cast your vote in our online poll below.

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