It’s obvious. The teams that win the most are those that draft the best. The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the best teams in the NFL since management chose Andy Reid to don the headset because he has become one of the better coaches when it comes to drafting and developing talent to win. However, when it comes to first round picks, Reid and his colleagues in the war-room haven’t always made the right pick.

It appears that Philly is one or two position upgrades away from finally getting that elusive Lombardi Trophy. Currently, they hold the 23rd pick in the first round. The Eagles have several options to go to with the pick.

1) Offensive Line: This appears to be the most obvious way to go. The Eagles are thin on talent in the interior o-line. Also, it’s difficult to say that Winston Justice deserves the Right Tackle job. The first person on the Eagles’ draft board should be OT Gabe Carimi from Wisconsin. Last year’s Outland Trophy Winner as the nation’s best interior lineman would be better suited at tackle because of his height. He would struggle with leverage against heavy Defensive Tackles, so he is better matched up against tall, athletic defenders. His size and strength could combine with learning to create an elite Tackle. The Eagles could also look at Mike Pouncey, Florida G/C and brother of Pittsburgh Steelers Center Maurkice Pouncey. However, it looks like he will probably be taken too early in the draft. USC’s Tyron Smith and Boston College’s Anthony Castonzo will probably be taken early as well. Colorado’s Nate Solder is a high risk/ high reward because he is tremendously athletic but is still learning the Tackle position. Derek Sherrod is more of a second round talent that the Eagles could wait for.

2) Corner Back: The Birds need help alongside Asante Samuel here. Colorado’s Jimmy Smith will probably be the best available pick. Most draft experts don’t expect the Eagles to take a pass on this kid if he’s available. Arguably a top ten talent, Jimmy Smith runs about a 4.4 40-yard dash and weighs about 211 pounds. With his size and speed, he has the credentials to cover quicker, stronger receivers such as the Giants’ Hakeem Nicks. If the Eagles do not trade up, Prince Amukamara and Patrick Peterson will not be available.They could go with Texas’ Aaron Williams, but Smith fits more into their defensive scheme and shows more promise. Unless the Eagles sign Nnamdi Asomugha from the Raiders, they need corner back help and there is plenty of talent there in the first round.

3) Line Backer: It’s hard to tell whether Ernie Sims is capable of being the next great weak side LB. Quite frankly, he tends to over-pursue too much. Moise Fokou and Akeem Jordan are fighting for the SLB spot. There isn’t a ton of talent there although they both show flashes of excellence every now and then. MLB is a worry because the health of Stewart Bradley is a big question. Akeem Ayers from UCLA will probably be available but his draft stock has dropped. I’m not sure why his stock has dropped so much, but he shows promise as a protoype 4-3 linebacker. He doesn’t appear to be the next great OLB, but he can be solid and do his job. Justin Houston from Clemson would probably fit better in a 3-4. Other than those two, don’t expect any first round talent to be available at number 23. The Eagles are better off waiting until later rounds.

4) Defensive Line: Trent Cole is a stud, but without talent around him, his talent will succumb to the dreaded double-team. Defensive tackle is the best position in this draft but most prospects at DT are better suited for a 3-4 scheme because their size allows them to create holes for blitzing linebackers. The most 4-3 suitable, first round caliber DT in this year’s draft is Marcell Dareus but he is most likely a top three pick. The Eagles could go defensive end with this pick as last year’s first pick for the Eagles, Brandon Graham, tore his ACL and missed his rookie season. A tough injury to battle, that torn ACL could haunt him for the rest of his career (however long that may now be). Adrian Clayborn from Iowa should be available here but he is an injury risk. Cameron Heyward doesn’t seem like he’s good enough to be drafted in the first round anyway so it’s hard to believe they’ll go there. Jabaal Sheard also doesn’t seem like a first round talent. If the Eagles go Defensive End, it should be Adrian Clayborn. However, as hard as it is to believe, Da’Quan Bowers could be available. A Top 5 talent, his stock has dropped because of off the field issues. The Eagles could go for him despite said issues.

5) Trade the pick: Once the Eagles are able to trade Kevin Kolb, they may receive a first round draft pick as compensation. With an available first round pick, the Eagles can afford to trade away a pick as low as number 23. A team in need of a quarterback may look to deal for this pick. Of course, the Eagles could trade down, but with their health issues and obvious holes, they should look to grab at least one player with first round talent.