By: Billy Beerslugger
I have not been this excited about the NFL draft in a really long time (not since the last NFL draft). The Eagles have 12 picks in the draft, 2 in the first (21, 28). The 28th pick is Carolina’s, which I don’t understand since the eagles went farther in the playoffs then Carolina.
Other picks include:
- 2nd round 53rd overall.
- 3rd Round 85th overall.
- 4th Round 121 overall.
- 5th Round (141, 153, 157, 159 overall)
- 6th Round (194,195 overall)
- 7th Round 230 overall
I would be a lot happier about the Eagles 12 picks in this upcoming draft if a couple more picks were in the first 4 rounds. 7 picks in the last 3 rounds when the talent pool is extremely slim. 5 picks in the top 4 rounds. Things could be worse though.
I’ll tell you what, I love Knowshown Moreno at 21 if he’s there. Some people are thinking about Beanie Wells as a complement to B-West but I’m thinking Knowshown is the replacement in about 2 years or so. Plus Beanie didn’t really block at OSU, which is critical for an RB in the West Coast offense.
A lot of prognosticators have the Eagles selecting an OT in the first round which I do not buy. Yes the Eagles are somewhat thin at tackle. I’m thinking they can move either Herremans or Shaun Andrews(given he’s not bonkers) out there which Joe Banner has acknowledged is a possibility.
If there’s one thing that Andy Reid does well it’s draft offensive lineman. Doug Brzezinski and John Welbourn in 1999. Shawn Andrews in 2004. Todd Herremans in 2005. Max Jean-Gilles in 2006. All have been servicable in the NFL. None of whom were taken before the 3rd round except Andrews. Sure there have been some misses but overal Andy knows O Line.
So here’s why I don’t think the Eagles draft a Tackle in the first round. I’m really thinking the Eagles make a move for a receiver the likes of Braylon Edwards, Ocho Stinko or Boldin. I’m hoping the Eagles will muster up the testicular fortitude to give McNabb a true number 1 receiver. Thats going to take a number one pick (21th or 28th) probably a later round pick (hopefully one of our four 5th rounders) and Reggie Brown. At this point you are left with 1 first round pick and need to address RB in the draft. I would take either Moreno or Wells, whomever was still on the board (Moreno being ahead of Wells).
If neither of them is available you have to evaluate talent at Tackle and RB and take the best guy on the board. With your next selections on day one you could seek to acquire o-guards and or o-tackles. Of course Andy Reid could just screw this up completely by taking someone completely off the Radar like he did with Kevin Kolb (who is the next Bobby Hoying by the way).
There are very pressing needs at WR and RB with a less than pressing need at OT than people think. This is the last/second to last year that Donavan McNabb is an Eagle. Give him the weapons, make the run at the Super Bowl like in 2004 with a number 1 receiver.
Note: When Donovan McNabb is not the QB of the Eagles you will be bitching about how bad Kevin Kolb is.