The NFL Draft rumor circuit is beginning to simmer as the NFL combine heads to its workout stage tomorrow. The Philadelphia Eagles own the 24th overall selection in the first round and six other selections (2nd, 2 3rd, 2 4th, 6th) The Eagles have four selections in the first three rounds and should be able to add some depth to an already young talented squad.
In the coming weeks we are going to examine some of the draft prospects the Eagles are linked with. For right now, let’s look position by position to see what the Eagles need to address in the draft.
Quarterback – The Eagles will need to address this position shortly but through the draft. McNabb, Kolb, and Vick give the Eagles an excess at the position and the team would be foolish to not move one of them. If anything the Eagles could look at a 6th round project but I do not expect the Eagles to address the position. Look for an undrafted free agent or cheap free agent to fill the #3 spot.
Running Back/Fullback – The recent departure of Brian Westbrook has this position needing some depth. LeSean McCoy is poised to take over the every down role but the Eagles need to add another impact back. Eldra Bunkley is nothing more than an end of the depth chart guy. I’m not sure the draft is the answer for RB, I would like to see a vet with some miles left brought in to continue to mentor McCoy. FB is held down by young stud Leonard Weaver. If the Eagles do address the RB position I would expect it to be in the 3rd or 4th where they have two picks.
Wide Receiver – The Eagles have two high draft picks set to start for the foreseeable future with DJax and Maclin. Jason Avant is a very solid option at number three. After that the Eagles have decisions to make on the bottom half of their rotation with Curtis and Reggie Brown in that group. Doubtful the position is addressed in the draft.
Tight End – Brent Celek continued his solid play and last year’s draft pick Cornelius Ingram will be back in the fold so the position is pretty solid. The team could use a blocking specialist but seems like a FA move rather than a draft move.
Offensive Line – Tricky position. The Andrews brothers burned the Eagles big time in 2009 and both could be back or gone next season. Their statuses will be important to the picture here. For the draft purposes you cannot count on the brothers despite their immense talent. The Eagles need to bring in another body to compete and push the other guys as well. Hard to see the position not addressed by the end of round three.
Defensive Line – The Eagles have failed in finding a solid DE across from Trent Cole for quite a few years. The Eagles could have their choice of a few DE’s in round one so this is a position people will have to monitor early. Vets Howard and Parker have had their moments but it is time to get youth injected at the end spot. The DT spot is alright but could always use another body late in the draft to compete.
Linebacker – LB was a complete train wreck last season. Anytime you are calling a guy out of retirement that was previously cut twice by your team, you’re in some serious trouble. The Eagles could use an upgrade over Gocong and add in some depth. First thing to realize is that budding young star Stewart Bradley should be back in the fold this year. The Eagles could use a solid backup MLB behind Bradley and a guy to push to start at OLB. I’m hoping the Eagles address this position earlier than later. Over the years it seems like the Eagles management has treated the LB spot a lot like they did skimping on WRs for all those years that backfired on the team.
Cornerback – Sheldon Brown is unhappy and the miles are starting to show on his body. Ellis Hobbs is a free agent and Joselio Hanson is still a nickelback not ready to make the jump to starter. The position that has been a strength for well over a decade is in a state of flux now. The Eagles will have to bring in some young help here. The NFL is a passing league now and you can never have enough quality CBs. The Eagles need to address this position in the mid-rounds of the draft unless they find good value in the first two rounds.
Safety – Disappointing season from the safety position. The Eagles have to evaluate Macho Harris and Quintin Demps to see if they are the long-term answer at FS. I suspect they aren’t but I am not sure the position gets addressed in the draft. Harris and Demps are going to be 2nd and 3rd year players and this is probably something that needs to be addressed with Sheldon moving over or bringing in a vet.
Special Teams – Nothing will be drafted here. Expect an undrafted punter to be brought in to push Rocca but nothing major here.
The NFL Draft is all about value. I caution against drafting totally for need if it means you are reaching on a player. The Eagles have quite a few needs on the defensive side of the ball which should allow them to select based on the best player available across a few positions.
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