Hey, There's a Draft on Saturday

The NFL Draft has kind of snuck up on us. The Eagles sit at 19 but if I had to guess, I think they will try to move to around the 8-10th spot. If they can't successfully do that, I wouldn't be surprised if they trade the other direction. 19 just isn't doing it for what the Eagles need. Also, what about Lito? Should be interesting.

Comments

[GreggyD]

I've heard so many rumors and my friend and I have been holding a rumor mill of our own of late and discussing possible trade talks. Here is the latest:

Several people are reporting that the Eagles could possibly move up to the 11th pick (Buffalo's spot) to take one of two OT's (but the more likely is Chris Williams out of Vanderbilt) or Michigan St WR Devin Thomas. I'm not too thrilled about either of these picks because I think OL is a deep part of this draft and that Devin Thomas did nothing against quality opponents in the Big 10. He's another Combine/Pro Day wonder.

I've also heard that the Eagles did make an offer to the Cardinals that included Lito Sheppard for Anquan Boldin. As we all know, the Cards have said he's not available. However, an interesting quote on ESPN.com reads, "The Cards are saying no for now." So we'll see if "for now" means until Saturday.

Roy Williams name continues to pop up in relation to Washington, Dallas, and the Eagles. In my opinion, despite their voiced unwillingness to trade him, the Lions would be better off getting rid of Williams now (because let's face it, we all know they're not going to contend) and getting some value for him. Williams is in the final year of his contract and will no doubt be bolting Detroit in the off-season next year.

One final report is saying that the Rams are one team that is highly interested in Lito Sheppard. They do own the 2nd pick in the 2nd round (33 overall) and are also possibly working on a deal with New Orleans for the Saints to move up to the number 2 spot to pick up Glenn Dorsey, which in effect would give them even more picks, most likely including the Saints' second round pick which is 40th overall. So that is an interesting situation to watch as well.

I really cannot wait until Saturday!

[Kulp]

I seriously doubt the Cards are interested in trading Boldin. Even if he is disappointed with his contract, they have him locked up through 2010. There is no pressure on the organization for a trade, so a team would likely need to give up a king's ransom.

Roy Williams is much more likely to happen, but I don't see the Lions being interested in Lito because they play a Cover 2 defense and he may not be a good fit in that scheme. Also, it's not a foregone conclusion that this will be Williams' last season in Detroit. Under their current regime, they obviously covet a strong group of wide receivers and I expect them to explore all options before parting ways. He could be heading for the franchise tag next season.

I've really given up trying to predict what the Eagles will do in the draft. Unlike most people, I really don't expect them to draft an offensive lineman with their first pick. With 11 picks and perhaps more, they have a great deal of flexibility and I expect a strong draft class.

[GreggyD]

I would hope that the Eagles would not use a first round pick on the OL, but I feel like I have been disappointed in the past, so why would this year be different? But then again, they have been trying to make moves galore this offseason, so they must see what the fans see at this point, and maybe they will break the mold on Saturday.

[gootman]

The Eagles will take the who they think is the best player available regardless of position, they state this time and again, and I really believe they follow this philosophy. Lets just hope the scouting has improved from the back end of last year's draft.

[Brian H]

My opinion of the draft is that the 19th pick wont get the Eagles what they need for the upcoming season...

I dont know how possible this is, but I would trade for Jason Taylor (1st round should do it, since the Dolphins already got Jake Long)...plug Taylor onto the line and keep Lito and have a very very solid D...then take a gamble of some WR in the 2nd round and do with them what you can.

[John]

It wouldn't surprise me if the Eagles drafted 11 players and cut 9 of them.

[Ian]

There's a big drop-off after the top five OTs (counting G-T Albert) and they all may get picked before 19, so if you're trading a lower pick to move up it makes sense because of the number of picks. Probably they'd pick OTs Otah or Williams over WR Thomas, this being Andy. The top five OTs are much better than in most years so this is a good time to get that LT for the future.

The question is, what happens if they don't trade up and William, Otah, and Devon Thomas are gone. One'd guess they'd either take another WR or a CB -- CB Aqib (Roll a fat one) Talib and possibly CB Mike Jenkins would be on the board then.

In general it's a deep draft with a long list of 'maybe they'll be good' WRs so it's good they have a lot of picks and they, um, didn't make the playoffs.

[Matt]

Well i really believe that if the eagles wamt to win this year than wide reciever should be their greatest concern. They have pretty decent depth on both sides of the line if Winston Justice learns how to block (Ex. the sunday night game against the giants) It would be choice if they were able to trade Lito to the cards for Bolden, but i doubt that will get off the ground. I think they should keep lito switch him to the other side and have Brown in nickel situations and sometimes safety because he has the size and did not play extremley well in one on one situations. So back to the draft, with the 19th overall selection in this years draft the eagles should pick Wide Reciver Devin Thomas from Michigan State. He has size, speed, and to everyone that says he didnt not play well against big schools he racker up 7 catches and three tds against Penn State,caught ten balls against purdue,and went over a hundred yards seven times last season, plus they can pick up a ol in the second or third round. also they should draft a back in the fourth round, someone like Mike Hart for Michgan who is a bruiser with the ball and would compliament westbrook greatly.