The Eagles are returning 21 of 22 starters in 2007, and they tried to plug their only gaping hole -- at receiver -- through free agency, by signing Kevin Curtis to a long-term deal and letting Donte' Stallworth walk away.

The real question for the Eagles is whether quarterback Donovan McNabb can stay healthy for a full season.  If he can, the team has the talent to win the NFC.  If he can't, it'll be a much harder road.

A good draft would help the cause, and the Eagles should focus on the following areas of need:

1.  Safety:  Michael Lewis is gone, and Brian Dawkins is getting old.  Sean Considine was okay but not great after Lewis was benched.  This position is a priority.

2.  Linebacker:  Despite adding Takeo Spikes, it would be nice to have some guys at the position who are, you know, under 30.  Jeremiah Trotter might be on his last legs, and the jury is still out on whether Spikes has anything left.  Omar Gaither could be the answer in the middle after Trotter is done, but that would then require the team to replace Gaither on the weak side.

3.  Wide receiver:  It'll be interesting to see whether Curtis can make the leap from No. 3 receiver to full-time starter who draws periodic double coverage.  Even if he can do it, the team needs more depth at the position.

4.  Cornerback:  William James vows to push for a starting spot.  The Eagles would be better off assuming that James' best days are behind him, and to get some help at the position. 

5.  Defensive end:  Jevon Kearse has a long way back from a serious knee injury, and Darren Howard slipped in 2006.  Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas have promise, but depth would be nice.

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