Takeo Spikes will be a tremendous addition to the Eagles’ defense.  He’s expected to return to form next season after a torn Achilles ruined his 2005 season and was slowed by a hamstring injury last season.  When the 2007 season starts, he’ll be nearly two years removed from his Achilles injury and finished last season on a strong note. 

Spikes is very smart and instinctive on the field.  He’s not a strong player at the point of attack, but plays the run aggressively in pursuit.  When at his best, there are not many better pursuit players in the National Football League than Takeo Spikes. 

What the Eagles are counting on is Spikes returning to form as a playmaker.  Before tearing his Achilles in 2005, Spikes made a lot of plays in pass coverage and has the ability to force fumbles.  Spikes also can blitz.  None of that was evident last season as he was feeling his way back to form. 

Overall, this is a safe risk for the Eagles.  He only has one year left on his contract with an option for 2008.  I believe Spikes will give the Eagles a couple solid years.  Spikes is also a very hard worker who will fit within the leadership core in Philadelphia. 

The Eagles hope to have better production from their linebacker core next season.  Jeremiah Trotter looked slow last season and could be pushed by Omar Gaither in the middle.  Gaither showed promise with his aggressiveness on the weakside last season, but needs more experience.  Trotter needs to shed a few pounds and hopefully take some pressure off his creaky knees. 

As for Darwin Walker, the Eagles aren’t losing much.  Walker has good quickness and lateral range, which will fit well in Buffalo.  But he never made many plays the past few years and was too inconsistent.  Some sources questioned his focus and desire at times.  After flashing some production as a pass rusher early in his tenure with the Eagles, he became a non-factor the past few years.  At times he looks like a solid starter, but is best suited as a rotation player.

In Buffalo, he’ll work as part of a four-man rotation with Larry Tripplett, Kyle Williams, and John McCargo at defensive tackle. 

More Notes:

Adams could thrive in Chicago: Former 49ers’ defensive tackle Anthony Adams found the right fit by signing with the Bears.  Adams has been a misfit in Mike Nolan’s 3-4 system in San Francisco the past couple years. 

Adams has underrated strength and relies on good gap quickness to make some plays against the run.  Adams is also smart enough to read plays quickly and is active in pursuit within his range.  Since Adams has a small frame and lacks ideal top end quickness, he won’t contribute much as a pass rusher. 

This is a good move by the Bears as they adjust their depth to better fit Lovie Smith’s defensive philosophy.    

Cowboys Bolster Secondary: Ken Hamlin draws a lot of mixed reviews from scouts, but I believe he’ll be a solid fit in Wade Phillips’ defense with his range over the top.  Hamlin has the ability to step in front of plays and create turnovers, but is also very erratic.  He gave up a lot of plays last season with his tendency to gamble too often.  He also can hit in run support, but is very inconsistent in breaking down as a tackler.  Despite this inconsistency, Hamlin does stabilize the secondary at free safety and allows Roy Williams to concentrate at playing in the box. 

Wiggins Lands in Jacksonville: A lot of people talk about how the addition of Jermaine Wiggins replaces Kyle Brady at tight end.  Perhaps in terms of a roster spot, but not in skill set.  Brady was one of the league’s top in-line blockers in the run game and will be tough to replace in that aspect.  Wiggins is a non-factor in the run game.  His value will lie in the passing game, where Dirk Koetter will run a lot of multi tight end sets.  Wiggins will not create favorable matchups against opposing defenses, but knows how to set up over the middle and make tough grabs in traffic with his excellent hands.   His reliable presence as a check down option adds a degree of certainty in a passing game that is anything but certain with erratic play from their receivers.

Cardinals add leadership: Veteran fullback Terrelle Smith is an excellent fit for Ken Whisenhunt’s offense.  Smith is a tremendous lead blocker who knows how to finish plays and displays a lot of toughness.  He’s also very sound in pass protection, which will be a major asset behind a shaky line. 

Changing of the guard in Detroit: The Lions hope to reverse their fortunes at the guard spots with veterans Zach Piller and Edwin Mulitalo.  This probably means Damien Woody’s days are numbered in Detroit, where his lax mentality doesn’t fit Rod Marinelli’s aggressive direction.  With Piller and Mulitalo, the Lions now have two experienced guards who play with a lot of toughness and fit Marinelli’s desire to have strong run blockers upfront.  Unfortunately, both are aging and grade as backups.  Piller is tough and relies a lot on smarts to get the proper angles, but is stiff and can be exposed in space.  Mulitalo is a similar player with more size and massive strength, but wears down often and becomes vulnerable in pass protection.  Durability is often a concern since both ended last season on injured reserved.  The Lions must hope they could squeeze a season of these guys.