Evaluating Another Head-Scratcher Eagles Draft

For the second straight April, Eagles fans are wondering just how well Andy Reid and the organization did this year, primarily because for the second straight year, the team traded out of the first round. Many of us saw tremendous potential in some of the players still available at 19, with several teams reaching for picks ahead of that time and talent sliding down the board toward the Eagles. After an 8-8 season, we were clamoring for a player who could make a palpable impact in 2008 to be taken either at 19 or before. When they traded out of the spot, we swore they'd trade back into the first with some combination of players and picks. But that didn't happen, and we were left waiting while other NFC East teams took first-round talent and filled positions of need on their rosters.

However, after moving down again in the next round, the Birds did spend two second-round picks on guys who will play in '08, a far cry from taking the QB of the future last April. Aside from wide receiver, many people would agree one position that needed immediate upgrade was kick returner, and DeSean Jackson should provide that. However, Jackson would have been there even if the Eagles had used their top pick. Trevor Laws may take some time to crack the rotation, but solidifying the DT corps goes a long way toward fielding a stifling defense on every down.

That said, as a fan, it was still tough to play the voyeur role on Saturday. Finishing last in the division came with one silver lining: the Eagles would be picking ahead of the Cowboys, Redskins, and Giants. Or so we thought. After they traded out of the first, we watched as the Cowboys took RB Felix Jones, who was still on the board at 22 with Carolina taking Jonathan Stewart at 13. The Cowboys, who finished first in the division at 13-3, also added DE Lawrence Jackson, while the Super Bowl Champion Giants closed the round by selecting FS Kenny Phillips out of Miami.

We agreed the Eagles got a great haul in their trade with the Panthers, but we still had the feeling that the brass were spending another year as conservative, long-term investment bankers instead of doing some quick-impact day trading. As any good investor will tell you, however, there's much to be gained in being the former.

Were the Eagles correct in their evaluation that the talent was perhaps too thick, yet not outstanding, from 19 on down to justify not taking the Panthers' offer? It's impossible to say at that this point, but there's at least a decent chance they were dead-on. Sure, we'll be dragging this draft out and beating the hell out of it every time Felix Jones scores a touchdown, but most fans would agree that RB wasn't an absolute position of need in this year's draft. That being the case, why spend the top pick (and top pick money) on him? For the foreseeable future, Jones or any other top-tier running back would have been Brian Westbrook's backup if BWest stays healthy, and the Birds already have that position filled by Correll Buckhalter, who knows their system. They also brought in Lorenzo Booker, whose potential has yet to be seen. There was some allure to using both BWest and a Jones-type player in a split backfield or lining up Westbrook outside, but it never really seemed likely the Eagles would do that, so it's hard to be disappointed that they passed on RBs.

Another player we'll be watching is Devin Thomas, considered by many to be the best receiver in the draft, and we'll be seeing plenty of him, because Thomas was selected by the Redskins. However, although the Skins moved up to get him, he still went with the third pick in the second round. Again, spending the 19th pick on a guy who slipped that far (and behind another receiver) would not be getting value; I'd also say Thomas wasn't likely to make a huge impact in 2008 on an Eagles team that develops receivers slowly, and it's far from a sure thing he'll ever be a No. 1 guy. The Birds are already loaded with second and third receivers, so how much would a guy like Thomas have helped at 19? We'd have liked to have seen the Eagles move up in the second round for a James Hardy, or even further up for Thomas, but it's hard to accurately criticize a team not moving up, because for all we know, they tried and were unsuccessful.

As I sit here on Monday morning, a part of me still wishes they'd have taken someone at 19. There would be less second-guessing (depending on which player they picked), and we could just count the chips on the table and oversimplify whether they'd won or lost. Trading out of the first round for the second straight year after finishing 8-8—last in the division—still doesn't sit perfectly well with us, but we can see that there was some logic to the decision, even if it's not the one every fan would have made. The Birds weren't able to move up, and they got a very nice return to move down. So let's all join in cheering for a terrible 2008 campaign for the Carolina Panthers, and hope the Eagles don't trade away both of next year's first rounders. After the first round, regardless of how you feel about trading down, the Birds did pretty well the rest of the way.

Oh, and now that the Eagles haven't spent first-round money for two straight years, maybe they can give Westbrook the money he deserves.   

Comments

[Joe]

I'm just thrilled they didn't get another Offensive Lineman. I was scared shitless Jeff Otah was the pick. Turning that into another first rounder for '09 works for me. Shit, the Panthers have a very realistic possibility of sucking big time this year.

[Cliff]

The Eagles tried to move up in the 1st round to get one of their OT's. They couldn't so they added another #1, #2 and #4 AND STILL got their man in DeSean Jackson. Plus, I strongly believe they were targeting Trevor Laws in the 2nd round anyway.

What's to not like about that? Do you really think Devin Thomas is THAT good?

[CK]

Man...the birds kill me. Why is Lito still on this team???

Why do the kill the trade value of their only trade possible player and then hold on to him longer.

yikes.

[craig]

I'm sure they tried to move lito. However, they want to get value and not give him away. Who knows, with the extra first round pick, they might be able to packge it with lito and get a veteran receiver like johnson or boldin. i love the draft and i am ok with lito still being on the team. The nickel is important with the more open offenses that we see in the nfl nowadays

[Joe Manning]

Has there ever been another team in NFL history that has not drafted in the first round for two consecutive years ?

[Dean]

Tell me why we took a corner in the 4th round that with his injury and legal problems wont play this year!This guy could have been signed as a free agent and there were players available that could be used NOW!!!!
I hate being negative but I really think the people in charge over there are more concerned with being smarter than the room then they are winning.
How exactly are we going to score in the red zone again?
How is a pissed off Lito going to help this team?
I would really like Reid and Heckert to in a non spadaro/eskin interview explain exactly what their plan is and how it equals wins THIS YEAR!
The other teams in the first round are too dumb to see you dont need a first round pick?Give me a damn break!!!

[teddy]

Joe--this weekend was the first in 3? maybe 4? years that the Redskins had a first round pick--and they traded down this year, so again no first rounder.

I'm sure there are other teams as well, but the Redskins are the first that come to mind.

[Jonn]

The question becomes what do the Eagles really need? Not much to nothing at all. We don't need rookies. We have plenty of young talent. Can you complain about having the Panthers' 1st pick next year? Plus, that pick may be trade bait. The CB is a good idea. He's a first round talent, but dropped low because he's gone for this year. I'm fine with that. It'll pay off next year. Otah would have been great but I like the trade.

Would you all stop worrying? We didn't have any needs that the draft could have helped besides KR and depth, and we have that. The only thing that confuses me is using all of those 6th rounders...

What have we learned since Skinny took D Mac 2nd overall? Andy Reid knows what he's doing! Trust him guys, this guy is a genious in the draft.

[theKrisheim]

surprisingly mark eckel thinks the eagles' draft sucked...

go figure.

you tell'em mark! more mentions of jeremy bloome and troy vincent please!

[NAILS]

I was actually really happy with what they got in return for #19. I did not like what was available at 19.. And now they are in a great position for next year to replace John and Tra.

[JoeD.]

Dean, what do you mean the Redskins haven't had a first round pick lately? The 2007 draft LaRon Landry #6 and the 2005 draft Carlos Rogers #9, and Jason Campbell #25.

[Chris]

The CB Ikegwuonu coming into his senior season had a lot of hype around him and played well, but not up to expectations. Sure he won't be ready for the 2008 campaign but with how much depth we have at corner right now it's not a high priority. Not to mention he's a lot better run stopper than in pass coverage and someone on ESPN mentioned he might be turned into a saefty in the NFL which would be great with and aging BDawk.

This is kind of a stretch but I also read that at minimum the Bengals would require 2 first rounders and a proven player for Chad Johnson. Considering we have 2 for next year and Lito, why not?

[gootman]

I like what we got for the trade of our #1, it just sucked waiting for the pick. I don't scout players or anything so here is my take on the guys we got and what I have read.seen/heard over the last couple of days.

Trevor Laws: I like what I saw from him on youtube and from his press conference seems like a solid guy, I'm thinking Darwin Walker with more talent.

DeSean Jackson: this kid has that #1 WR swagger but so did Freddie Mitchell, lets hope he fairs better than the People's Champ. Even if he does turn out to be yet another average receiver at least we have a real PR/KR that might strike so fear into the opponents.

Bryan Smith, he might a well just be called 'Fastball' because anytime he gets mentioned you gonna hear how Jim Johnson likes fastballs, plus Bryan Smith is a pretty plain forgettable name. Looks like a good player, lets hope it translates against tougher competition. Ever since the Eagles hit on Westbrook they have been searching for more Div. 1-AA Gold.

Mike McGlynn: things I like that I have read/heard: Good at pulling blocks, snapper/center potential, Runyan-esque mean streak.

Lorenzo Booker: I'll throw him in here since the Eagles are counting him as a draft addition. Buckhalter, Hunt, and Booker will be battling for roster spots. So that'll be a fun competition to watch in training camp.

Quentin Demps: Had more INTs than any player in the draft, and can take them to the house. The Eagles have been very good at evaluating DB talent, hopefully B-Dawk can groom this kid to be his successor.

Jack Ikegwuonu: I don't mind that they took him in the 4th round, we had too many picks anyway so why not take a chance on a guy that was projected as a first rounder let him rehab this year on the IR and see what we have for next year.

Mike Gibson: O-Lineman are boring to talk about so I'm goint to make something up. In 2007 DeSean Jackson and Mike Gibson has a three-way with the Cal's Dean of Student's daughter. The Eagles wanted to build on that magic.

Joe Mays: I agree with what the youtube says about him, he looks like he is shot out of a cannon. Hopefully his game translates to the NFL and he can crack some heads at the Linc.

Andy Studebaker: An injured guy from Division III? Sometimes I think the Eagles try to outsmart themselves. But I guess the draft is hit-or-miss anyway might as well take the homerun swing in the late rounds and just hope you hit more than you miss and it doesn't affect depth.

King Dunlap: Another tackle, at least he is from the SEC and not Widener.

[Brian G.]

Nice draft recap, especially that joke you ended it with about paying Westbrook.

[doubleh]

I just feel like the Eagles organization is either 1)stupid, 2)extremely arrogant or a combination of both. While the Giants and Cowboys get deeper, the Eagles, who had the worst record in the NFC East last year, are content with pretty much staying the same?

[Jim A]

I just can't stand it for another year. I'm OK with the trade. I'm OK with Jackson and Laws as good value at the point they were taken. After that it is just a total, unmitigated waste of time and effort. I'm willing to bet right here and now that none of the 3 through 7 picks will ever play a down for the Eagles. There was real talent on the board at those picks and all we got were development projects.

[Kulp]

The answers to some questions...

First of all, I'd like to reiterate that the Eagles will not be acquiring a veteran wide receiver. Anquan Boldin and Roy Williams are not available. Get over it.

Lito is still on the team because nobody wanted to give up a second round pick. Lito Sheppard simply isn't as valuable as he is good because there are major concerns about his durability. If he keeps his mouth shut and plays a full 16, I'm sure someone will pony up and swap with the Eagles next year.

Jack Ikegwuonu would not have been available as a free agent. At one point it was believed he would go as high as the first round. If he gets healthy and stays out of trouble, he may very well wind up a starting corner. If it doesn't work out, it was only a fourth round pick.

The Eagles had four sixth round selections, but two were compensatory picks which teams are not allowed to trade. They traded one back to the Browns, but they still had to use two of the remaining three.

My thoughts. The Eagles only glaring need coming into this draft was safety, and unfortunately there weren't any "can't miss" prospects. I thought they might take CB Aqib Talib at 19 and move him, but they probably backed off because he tested positive for marijuana three times at Kansas.

Since they weren't able to get a safety in the first round, what were their options? Pass rushers, cornerbacks, and offensive tackles flew off the board before the Eagles could pick, no wide receivers would go until round two, and they had a mediocre team offering next year's first. Trading out was a no-brainer, and contrary to some beliefs it doesn't say anything negative about the team's willingness to win now. It's become popular to say "the Eagles finished last in the NFC East," but in reality we're talking about an 8-8 team that lost six games by 8 points or less. The rest of the division is not exactly light years ahead.

The Eagles moved down and still picked players they targeted and that can help immediately. DeSean Jackson appeared to be a sure first rounder and I don't think anybody would have been surprised if the Eagles took him at 19. I personally don't like the pick (too small), but they got great value for him. Trevor Laws gives them depth at DT and I expect him to crack the rotation right away. He potentially gives them one of the top DT rotations in the NFL. Say what you want about their day 2 picks, but we really don't know.

Overall, while it was frustrating and they didn't get the players I really wanted, I think they did a good job.

[John B]

I am really scratching my head about the CB out of Wisconsin. A multitude of right knee damage, and unresolved criminal issues. I like what I have read about Mays and Studebaker, but I am not sure if that is going to translate to the pro level, based upon the conferences that they played in.

[John B]

Overall I really liked what the Birds did in the draft. We addressed the safety questions with Quentin Demps, and the return game with DeSean Jackson. We bolstered both D & O lines and our lb corp. The only head scratchers or concerns that I saw with our draft was CB Jack Ikegwuonu out of Wisconsin. A multitude of knee injuries, and unresolved off field problems?

[Michael C]

Not wild about the draft, but it was not too bad.

I was totally fine with them trading out of the first round. There was no value for them at the positions they needed.

I do hope they tried to move up in round 2 before they dropped back again. Like Kulp (I think), I was really rooting to get James Hardy, who ended up going 41 overall. It would have been nice to try to go up to get him. I would really like to know if where they had Jackson rated among the WR's, not that I ever expect to find out. If he was really the guy they wanted, fine. But if they were thinking of someone else but didn't move up the 7-9 picks (I believe Devin Thomas went 34) that is frustrating, since they had the ammo to move up.

Love the pick of Laws; major upgrade to the DT rotation, which should now be a huge strength for this team.

The only area of need (other then WR) was CB/S. I think they are now going to try to keep Lito for this year. Then next year they can their extra picks and move up for the best CB in the draft, and take whatever they can get for Lito. And maybe this kid from Wisconsin, Ikegwuonu, can recover and play CB or S. I definitely like Demps; he has an attitude but also has already talked about learning from one of the best safeties out there. I definitely think he is a player.

For what it is worth, McGlynn was a nice pickup. Has experience at RT, should be a solid guard, and can be the long snapper, since Dorenbos doesn't help much anywhere else.

I like their 4th round picks, and Laws. not yet sold on the rest.