 I'm back from a vacation and ready to get into some Eagles draft coverage. This article highlights my thoughts on the Eagles' first two draft choices: Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson. Coverage on the remaining picks will soon follow.
Eagles 2008 Draft Selections:
Round Pick Player Position School
2. (47) Trevor Laws DT Notre Dame
2. (49) DeSean Jackson WR Cal
3. (80) Bryan Smith DE McNease State
4. (109) Michael McGlynn OG Pitt
4. (117) Quentin Demps S Utep
4. (131) Jack Ikegwuonu CB Wisconsin
6. (184) Michael Gibson OG Cal
6. (200) Joe Mays ILB North Dakota State
6. (203) Andrew Studebaker DE Wheaton
7. (230) King Dunlap OT Auburn
When I saw that the Eagles traded their first-round pick, I was less than thrilled. I was really hoping the Eagles would take Branden Albert, but he was off the board. Jeff Otah would have been a mediocre pick, but the fact that the Eagles traded away the 19th pick shows that the Eagles didn't rate Otah too highly. Unless they thought Otah was going to be a stud at tackle, there was no point in drafting him and I'm glad they didn't.
The Eagles got a steal from the Panthers with their 2009 first round pick, especially since they should be around a .500 team next year, and they got a 2008 second rounder and fourth rounder to boot. On the draft-trade chart, they Eagles gave away a pick worth "875 points" and picked up picks equivalent to "1,546 points." They made out like bandits and still got a player that they could have easily have drafted in the first round: DeSean Jackson.
After the trade, I was then hoping the Eagles would be able to draft Brian Dawkins' heir to be: Kenny Phillips. I was livid when Phillips ended up going to the Giants with the 31st pick, but there's a reason 30 teams passed on him and it appears that his game has major flaws. Since he'll be forced to be a starter next year in New York since Gibril Wilson left to sign with with the Raiders, those flaws should be exposed by most teams.
At the conclusion of the first round, not a single receiver was taken, which relieved my fears that this year's draft would become a disaster. I was then hoping the Eagles would be able to trade up to land James Hardy, but with the plethora of teams with WR needs, I knew that it was highly unlikely. With two second-round picks, I was confident the Eagles would still be able to walk away with a solid defensive talent and a wide receiver. That's exactly what happened when the Eagles selected Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackson two picks later.
I found both picks rather curious, but I think they were both wise choices. James Hardy, the top receiver on my board, was snatched up by the Bills. Devin Thomas also went a few picks earlier to the Redskins. When the Eagles were up after the Laws pick, DeSean Jackson, Limas Sweed, and Malcolm Kelly were options for the Eagles.
I put Sweed and Kelly ahead of Jackson, but the Jackson pick makes much more sense after I gave it a second thought. Jackson may never be more than a third receiver in his career, but I think the pick was better for the Eagles than Sweed and Kelly for a number of reasons. First, Jackson's role as a kick returner is a good enough reason to draft him over Kelly and Sweed. Plus, as the 49th pick, it was great value since he could have easily went in the first round. Additionally, when a team drafts a receiver, they rarely contribute as a rookie and don't contribute much in their second season either. Typically, a receiver takes about three years to finally come into his own. With that said, if the Eagles took Kelly or Sweed, guys with potential to be the "No. 1 receiver" Eagles fans want, they wouldn't be able to reap the benefits of that player until a few years down the road. With Jackson, the Eagles not only have an excellent Hester-esque kick returner, they have a speedster they can immediately put on the field in three- or four-receiver sets who can stretch the field and give Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown more room to make plays. Basically, with Jackson on the field, it will create more mismatches for defenses and it gives the guys around him a better chance to make plays -- "the Reggie Bush effect." I also think Jackson is a great fit in the West Coast system since he has the ability to turn a short catch into a ton of yards. A receiving trio of Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis, and DeSean Jackson should work much better together than if you interjected Limas Sweed or Malcolm Kelly into the mix.
When the Eagles selected Trevor Laws, I was slighly disappointed because I would prefer to address a position of need over a position where the Eagles are set. The Eagles used their 2005 and 2006 first-round picks on their two starting DTs Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley, and last year they were both outstanding. The Eagles love rotating linemen, so the pick makes sense because outside those two guys, the Eagles didn't get much contribution from any reserve DTs. I truly believe the Eagles took the best player available at that spot. I'm absolutely shocked a team with question marks at DT, like the St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, or Cincinnati Bengals, didn't pull the trigger to get Laws in the second round. Laws is easily the third best DT in the 2008 draft class behind Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis. Laws is the only lineman in this year's draft class to amass over 100 tackles with 112 tackles, including 14.5 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 5 pass breakups, and 3 blocked kicks. The guy has a non-stop motor [YouTube Video]. Here is a video of his combine work out. 35 reps on the 225-pound bench press -- the guy is a beast!
The Eagles learned their lesson after the New Orleans playoff loss two years ago and improved immensely against the run last year with the development of Bunkley and their young linebackers. With another year of experience for their young front seven and Laws in the mix, the Eagles should rank in the top five against the run in years to come. Although I may have scratched my head at the first two picks at first, I'm going to have to say that they were rather brilliant picks.
I'll be here for the week...
...which means that I will miss some coverage of the draft. Hopefully, the last link up kept you up to date on everything heading into the draft. I don't think I can wait until next Saturday to see who the Eagles drafted, so I will be logging on to check that out, but there won't be any extensive updates until I am back. After that, I'll be posting some draft profiles so we can really learn about the players the Eagles selected. I'll leave with a few draft predictions.
I don't see Andy drafting a receiver in the 1st round unless literally all the 1st-round OL talent is off the board. Hopefully, they can make a play with their 19th pick for Roy Williams, Anquan Bolden, or Chad Johnson, but assuming that doesn't happen, and the Eagles stay put at 19, let's look at the options. Ryan Clady and Chris Williams should be off the board by the time the Eagles are up, which would leave Braden Albert or Jeff Otah available.
So here are my predictions:
1st Round - Jeff Otah or Branden Albert. If they're off the board (along with Clady and Chris Williams), then the Eagles should go for Devin Thomas or James Hardy.
2nd Round - DaJuan Morgan if the Eagles take a receiver in the first round. If they pass on a receiver in the 1st round, I think they address it in the 2nd round and select Malcolm Kelly (if available), Early Doucet, or Eddie Royal (also a return specialist).
3rd Round - If DaJuan Morgan wasn't selected by the Eagles in round 2 and Kenny Phillips wasn't selected by the Eagles with the 19th pick, the Eagles have to address safety and the 3rd round is the round to do it. I say they go after Thomas DeCoud or Tom Zbikowski. If they take a S and OT in the first two rounds, Earl Bennet should be the receiver they're targeting in the 3rd round.
Good luck in the draft Eagles.
 Who knows what will happen by the time the draft rolls around. These are merely rumors, but it appears that the Eagles could make a move to possibly grab Chad Johnson, Anquan Bolden, Roy Williams, or Jared Allen. Here are some links to stay on top of the situation:
The Eagles to make a "major move" for a WR [Pro Football Talk]
There will be news on Roy Williams before the week is out [GCobb.com] -- Cobb went 2/2 breaking the Asante and Moss news, will he go 3/3 with his rumblings that the Eagles are after Roy Williams?
Anquan Bolden wants out of Arizona [Yardbarker] -- Bolden wants an extension, the Cardinals aren't ready to make the move. The Eagles appear to be in the situation.
Eagles make move for Jared Allen [Yardbarker] -- A 1st- and 2nd-round pick is the asking price. I wouldn't be surprised if the Eagles make the move on draft day if the Eagles miss out on the WR they want. The Eagles have already offered Lito Sheppard and picks (but not a 1st-round pick that Kansas City is seeking). [Delco Times] The Vikings are the front-runners for Allen's services.
Why are the Bengals being idiots? [All Philadelphia Sports] -- If the Bengals scoff at an offer of Lito Sheppard and the 19th pick, they are the worst originzation ever. This guy shares my opinion. [The Add Show]
Video: McNabb talks about possibly getting Chad Johnson [Inside the Iggles] -- Translation: The Eagles need to get Chad Johnson, if not, our receivers will be mediocre to mildly good.
Eagles trading up to 11th? [GCobb.com] -- I doubt the Eagles would trade up for Devin Thomas, nor would they need to since he should be available at 19 and if not, it's not a big deal: there are other solid WRs at the same level (Thomas, Sweed, Kelly, and Hardy are all in the same class -- all are solid, but they all have some shortcoming). I do, however, see them trading up for Ryan Clady or Chris Williams.
Eagles draft predictions -- Round 1-7 [GCobb.com] -- This would be a fine draft if the Eagles are able to pull it off.
 In case you haven't heard, Chad Johnson wants out of Cincinnati and he said he's not going to show up for anything. Yet, the Bengals insist that they're not trading him. They turned down two 1st-round picks from Washington; albeit, the 2009 pick was conditional: it would be a 2009 3rd-round pick that could escalate into a 1st-round pick if Johnson set certain performance marks.
I think it's absolutely foolish if the Bengals are not considering offers. This could be a ploy to get more value for Johnson, especially if numerous teams (Dallas, New York) are expressing interest. Chad Johnson is a cancer for them: was the T.O. situation good for the Eagles, was Randy Moss outstanding in Oakland? No, the Bengals need to realize they can't please the disgruntled receiver and that it's in their best interest to cut their losses and get what they can for him.
What I'm interested in knowing is if the Eagles would be willing to one-up the Redskins' offer and see if they could catch the Bengals' interest. Would the Eagles consider giving up Lito Sheppard and the 19th pick for Chad Johnson? And if that offer is made, would the Bengals consider it?
All signs indicate that the Bengals are saying Chad Johnson plays for us, or he plays for no one, but if the "Lito and the 19th pick" offer comes into Cincinnati, they would be absolutely stupid to not consider it. They would instantly be able to turn their team around by patching up the CB situation with Lito, while at the same time, be able to pick up Sedrick Ellis with their 9th pick, and then Keith Rivers or Jared Mayo with the 19th pick. They could then replace Chad Johnson with a WR in the 2nd round, there will be plenty to choose from: Limas Sweed, Devin Thomas, Malcolm Kelly, DeSean Jackson and James Hardy aren't all going in the 1st round -- I can guarantee you that.
The only question is would the Eagles offer the Bengals the 19th pick and Lito Sheppard for Chad Johnson, and would that be what it takes to get Chad Johnson?
 The Eagles 2008 schedule has been released and there's good news for fans who live outside the Philadelphia area. 5 games will be prime-time games including 2 Monday Night games: Week 2 at Dallas and Week 15 against the Browns; 2 Sunday Night games: Week 4 at Chicago and Week 10 against the Giants; and a Thanksgiving Night game against the Cardinals.
The schedule looks relatively easy since they're paired up against the NFC West -- St. Louis at home in week 1 should start the season on the right track. Atlanta and Chicago are the other 2 NFC games outside NFC East, NFC West and AFC North games. It looks like the schedule makers gave the Eagles a relatively easy road to the playoffs this year.
PRESEASON
Friday, August 8 at Pittsburgh 7:30 p.m. ETN/6ABC
Thursday, August 14 Carolina 8 p.m. FOX*
Friday, August 22 at New England 7:30 pm ETN/6ABC
Thursday, August 28 NY Jets 6:30 p.m. ETN/6ABC
REGULAR SEASON Sunday, Sept. 7 St. Louis 1 p.m. Fox
Monday, Sept. 15 at Dallas 8:30 p.m. ESPN*
Sunday, Sept. 21 Pittsburgh 4:15 p.m. CBS*
Sunday, Sept. 28 at Chicago 8:15 p.m. NBC*
Sunday, Oct. 5 Washington 1 p.m. Fox
Sunday, Oct. 12 at San Francisco 4:15 pm Fox
Sunday, Oct. 19 BYE
Sunday, Oct. 26 Atlanta 1 p.m. Fox
Sunday, Nov. 2 at Seattle 4:15 p.m. Fox
Sunday, Nov. 9 NY Giants 8:15 p.m. NBC*
Sunday, Nov. 16 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.+ Fox
Sunday, Nov. 23 at Baltimore 1 p.m.+ Fox
Thursday, Nov. 27 Arizona 8 p.m. NFLN*
Sunday, Dec. 7 at NY Giants 1 p.m.+ Fox
Monday, Dec. 15 Cleveland 8:30 p.m. ESPN*
Sunday, Dec. 21 at Washington 1 p.m.+ Fox
Sunday, Dec. 28 Dallas 1 p.m.+ Fox
* nationally televised game
+ game time subject to change due to flex scheduling
 Iggles Blog came out with an interesting article on who he thinks the Eagles could go after in the draft. CB - maybe if Lito is on his way out. WR - there are no "can't miss" 1st rounders. Kenny Phillips? Maybe not, you can get a good safety in the 3rd round. He has the Eagles going for Felix Jones. Here's something to consider:
Jones' junior season in 2007
statistically has been his best as a Razorback. He ran the ball 123
times for 1,117 yards and 11 touchdowns. He led the nation with 9.1
yards per carry. He once again led the SEC in kick returns, with 18
returns for 564 yards and two touchdowns. He was named to the All-SEC
First Team as a kick returner and All-SEC Second Team as a running
back. Jones and McFadden each gained more than 1,000 yards once again,
and, like last year, McFadden finished as the Heisman Trophy
runner-up...
At Arkansas, Jones offered a change of pace to McFadden's style of running. Maybe a bigger version of Brian Westbrook.
While McFadden relies on his size and speed, Jones is more explosive,
with times reported between 4.3 and 4.4 in the 40 yard dash. He has
excellent vision, shiftiness and speed that make him difficult to
defend against and a dangerous threat every time he touches the ball.
Jones is also a very patient runner that will squeeze through holes,
or use his quickness to bounce to the outside and spring a big gain. He
makes quick cuts and is elusive once he gets into the open field. He
has great leverage to earn tough yards, and makes defenders miss. He
has good hands out of the back field, make him a viable all-around
offensive weapon.
Many scouting reports are advising Jones to stay at Arkansas for his
senior year, so he can be the #1 tailback after McFadden enters the
draft. Even so, many mock drafts have him being drafted in the
mid-to-late first round.
The Eagles were awarded 3 compensatory draft picks, which gives them a total of 11 picks in this year's draft. Here is some additional info from the Philadelphia Inquirer:
The Eagles acquired three more draft picks today without doing a single thing.
The NFL announced its compensatory picks for this year's draft, and the
Eagles were awarded one fourth-round selection and two sixth-round
selections.
Those picks are awarded based on a formula that takes into
consideration the free-agent losses and free-agent signings a team had
from the year before. The Eagles lost quarterback Jeff Garcia, safety
Michael Lewis, linebacker Shawn Barber, cornerback Rod Hood and wide
receiver Donte' Stallworth and signed wide receiver Kevin Curtis and
defensive tackle Ian Scott.
The three additional picks give the Eagles a total of 11 picks in this year's draft.
Right now my WR draft board is looking like this:
1. James Hardy
2. Limas Sweed
3. Devin Thomas
4. DeSean Jackson
5. Malcolm Kelly
6. Mario Manningham
7. Adarius Bowman
8. Andre Caldwell
9. Early Doucet
10. Earl Bennet
I'm pretty sure you'll hear one of those names called on day one of the NFL draft by the Eagles. James Hardy, Limas Sweed, and Devin Thomas are solid, 1st-round picks; after that, I would go for any of the guys 4-10 in the 2nd round.
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