FANTASY ANALYSIS: Philadelphia Eagles

DeSean Jackson exploded last season, following up on a strong rookie performance. Although small in stature, Jackson showed he can survive an NFL season, and do it quite well. He is the ultimate speedster and catches the deep ball very well. Over the course of 2009 Jackson did seem to disappear in a few game, something I attribute to the inaccuracy of Donovan McNabb. With an incredibly accurate QB in first year starter Kevin Kolb, I expect DeSean Jackson to run a variety of patterns, as Andy Reid will want to get him the ball whenever possible. Jackson has great breakaway speed after he gets his hands on the ball, quite evident in his punt return ability. Jackson could vastly improve on his totals last year, not only with Kevin Kolb throwing to him, but the other weapons around Jackson should take some of the looks in their direction. Overall, Jackson is a clear cut number 1, and if you can grab him around the late 2nd round or sometime in the 3rd you will be happy that you did.

-Projection: 70 receptions, 1,200-1,300 yards, 8-12 total TDs (return)

Kevin Kolb, by most, has been dubbed a "sleeper" pick for 2010. As a fantasy owner I salivate over that. Many first year started experience growing pains, something Kolb will have to go through, but he has so many weapons it is hard to envision him not having a great year. Kolb has said and done all of the little things right thus far and his confidence seems high. With one of the best receiving corps in the league he will have many options to throw to. Kolb is perfect for the west coast offense, and the Eagles offense should see much more consistency. What this all comes down to is Kevin Kolb has come into an incredible situation. He has all the weapons he could ask for, all he needs to do is deliver. I see a big year for Kolb. I like him as one of the later QBs to come off the board with a ton of upside.

-Projection: 4,000 yards, 25-28 TDs, 15-18 INTs

Brent Celek has blossomed into everything the Eagles had hoped L.J. Smith would be, an all around playmaking TE. Celek is not the fastest guy in the world, but if its possible to say he plays much faster than he actually is. After the catch, Celek seems to turn it up a notch. He can not only run over defenders but has some deceiving moves. In space Celek has become very difficult to take down. With a more accurate QB Celek could have even more upside. I expect Kolb to use him as a safety valve if he gets in trouble. Celek will come off the board a bit later than the other top TEs, but if you are targeting him make sure you do not wait too late.

-Projection: 60-70 receptions, 900-1,000 yards, 6-8 TDs

When he was the starter, LeSean McCoy really was able to show what he could do. His biggest problem last season was breaking away from tackles. In the offseason, McCoy worked on improving his lower body strength. From what I have seen thus far in camp, his legs are much stronger. "Shady's" other strength is his hands. He is very Brian Westbrook like when it comes to the passing game and it is no secret the Eagles like to get their RBs involved in the air attack, especially screen plays. In PPR leagues I think McCoy gets rated a little higher. While he is certainly not yet a number 1 fantasy back McCoy comes with a great deal of upside and could be a steal as a keeper.

-Projection: 800-950 yards rushing, 6 TDs; 50 receptions, 400-500 yards receiving, 2-3 TDs

Jeremy Maclin has a great deal of upside going into 2010. Down the stretch Maclin showed off his skills as a receiver and Kolb starting only adds to his value. While he may not grab as many deep TDs that Jackson does, Maclin is still an all around threat. He was great after the catch when he played at Missouri and I expect more of the same this season. Maclin has worked hard to secure his spot as the number 2 receiver in the Eagles offense. His performance allowed the Eagles to cut Kevin Curtis, putting their faith in the second year pro. Right now Maclin is a solid number 3, but has as high a ceiling as any number 3 WR this year.

-Projection: 60-70 receptions, 850-1,000 yards, 5-7 TDs

Stewart Bradley returns to the middle of the Eagles defense this year, after tearing his ACL in preseason in '09. Before that Bradley seemed to be ready to burst onto the seen. Bradley possesses the size and speed any coach could want in a MLB. As long as he stays healthy Bradley should have a great season.

-Projection: 100 total tackles, 5 passes defended, 2 INTs, 2 forced fumbles

As a DL Trent Cole is a solid pick. Now that he has some help around him in Brandon Graham, Cole should be able to have more one-on-one battles with offensive lineman. In 2010 Cole should post double digit sack totals. Although he is not as high as some other defensive lineman, Cole is a good value pick at a position where sacks mean everything for fantasy.

-Projection: 50-60 total tackles, 13-15 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Ernie Sims couldn't have found himself in a better situation after playing with the Lions for the first years of his career. He comes into a defense where LBs are used every way possible. Playing alongside Stewart Bradley does not hurt either. Sims should be the Eagles every down back and could post over 100 total tackles as he did with Detroit his first 3 years in the league.

-Projection: 100 total tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 INTs, 2 forced fumbles

Asante Samuel is as much of a route jumper as you can see at the DB position. He is quite good at it as well. Samuel tied for the league lead with 9 INTs last season, but I'm pretty sure he led the league in whiffed tackles as well. Simply put Samuel can't tackle anyone but he will pick the ball off. His fantasy numbers will be inconsistent but he should have a good number of picks again in 2010.

-Projection: 40 tackles (pushing people out of bounds counts), 6-8 INTs, 1-2 TDs