The Philadelphia Eagles, if nothing else, were certainly the league’s most active team over the weekend during The NFL Draft. Trading down was a common theme for the team in midnight green over the 3-day period that was The NFL Draft. All in all though, they selected 13 players (primarily on defense) that will start mini-camp very soon. They were in prime position to pounce on some fantastic talent that littered the seven rounds of this draft, and in knowing their needs they did just that. The draft is often won/lost in the later rounds, well if so, the Eagles appear to have acquired some steals in Day 3.
1. Brandon Graham - It came as no surprise when the Eagles moved up 11 spots in The NFL Draft’s 1st round on Thursday night. Yet, their decision after that in not drafting Texas Safety Earl Thomas was a shock. The stars had seemed to have aligned for the Eagles to take Thomas, one of the draft’s top players. Instead, they traded up for an undersized, speedy Michigan lineman in Brandon Graham. General Manager Howie Roseman and co. are banking on Graham as the perfect compliment to Trent Cole, as now they have two d-ends that teams will need to game-plan for individually. Graham, a “high motor“ guy needs to be able to pose a threat for opposing teams the same way that Cole does. If so, these two will be a fearsome duo for Philly up front. Sean McDermott, a Jim Johnson disciple, is salivating at his new defense, that is for certain.
2. Nate Allen (The Donovan McNabb Pick) - This had to be a pretty safe, logical choice for the Birds after passing up on Thomas. With this pick they were still able to fill a major void early on in the draft. Allen though, from a small school (USF) and not on the level of either Eric Berry or Thomas, can definitely make an immediate impact in a fading secondary. The sect of the defense that was a primary concern for the Eagles was shed light upon with this pick, Allen was too talented to pass up on in round two. He will be able to contribute on special teams and should compete with Quintin Demps, Victor “Macho” Harris and newcomer Marlin Jackson for the starting free safety job. This is a position that Brian Dawkins vacated and probably will never be able to be filled quite like it was from 1996-2008 by #20.
3. Daniel Te’o-Nesheim - Another defensive end selected with pick three, though Te’o-Nesheim was mid-range on Philly’s radar. Te’o-Nesheim, also a “high motor” athlete (freak athlete from what I hear) may have been a reach here, but the Eagles knew what they were doing when they chose him. Again, there seems to be a shift in drafting preference from the Eagles’ brass as opposed to in the past. Rebuilding the defense was the focus in 2010 through the draft for Philly, this was the first time in a long time that this has occurred. With deep talent in this draft, the Eagles, like many squads, were able to fill holes every, particularly on defense. Te’o-Nesheim, who will be forever known as the “ceiling starer,” appears to fit into McDermott’s defensive scheme and could also make an initial impact.
4. Trevard Lindley - The Eagles are pretty thin at corner even with Asante Samuel leading the way. His poor tackling and distrust in Philly’s brass could hurt his stock in the long run, not saying he will be moved, but quite frankly, you never know. Lindley, an SEC guy from Kentucky, seems like a clone of Samuel in his assets and detriments alike. The Eagles must have seen something in the injury-prone corner that was appealing. Many just simply do not see it in Lindley particularly, yet, regardless they were able to plug another hole here midway through the weekend.
5. Keenan Clayton - Little is known about this linebacker, a position that the Eagles could have filled a bit earlier in the draft mind you. One thing that is for sure was that Oklahoma had the power in this draft as Bob Stoops had seven players taken overall, and three of the first four on Thursday evening. This was a team that went 8-5 in 2009, much of which can be attributed to injuries. Clayton, yet another small athlete that the Eagles select, could also be an impact special-teams player.
6. Mike Kafka - Similar to starter Kevin Kolb, Kafka has good football sense and thinks the game through well out of its most important position. Although he threw more interceptions (20) than touchdowns (19) in his collegiate career, (only season as starter might I add) this appears to be a necessary gamble for Andy Reid. In obtaining Michael Vick, the depth chart looks to be Kolb-Vick-Kafka, in that order as Kafka has a lot to learn about playing the Quarterback position. Kafka, who once threw for 78! passes in ONE game (Outback Bowl vs. Auburn) is a decent pick-up at a position of need. Check out his stats from that Outback Bowl game. WOW!
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=300010002
7. Clay Harbor - This blocking tight end from small school Missouri St. could be an insurance policy for Cornelius Ingram from last year’s draft. He could be used as a hybrid athlete playing both the tight end and fullback positions. Impressively, Harbor had at least one reception in each of his 36 games in college. Another freak athlete for the Birds, adding another weapon to a young, action-packed offense.
8. Ricky Sapp - Sapp may very well be “the steal” of this year’s draft. This guy is a first-round quality talent and barring injuries, he, instead of Graham may have been drafted 13th overall on Thursday evening. Though scouting reports have claimed that his work ethic is not what it should be for a player of his caliber, if he plays up to his potential, Sapp could be a major player for this rebuilding defense. Sapp, Graham and Cole will be a force on the ends for years to come in this city and could help bring back a fearsome Eagle D.
9. Riley Cooper - First thing that comes to mind, what an athlete! To have been drafted in baseball twice, (by the Phillies and Rangers) have two National Championships and now be drafted in the NFL all at the age of 22 is one hell of an accomplishment. Cooper, with his 6-4 frame, could be the red-zone, jump-ball threat that the Eagles have envied for a very long time.
10. Charles Scott - Yet another SEC talent, after all, no one makes ‘em like the SEC right? Scott should compliment LeSean McCoy well, he who now carries the workload for Philly. Scott may also be the short-yardage back that the Eagles have longed since, well….FOREVER! Not only is he physical and stocky at 5’11-253, but he also hits the hole very hard and runs it right up the middle. Does not sound like your typical Eagle draftee, but mark my words, his immediate impact will help fuel this offense.
11. Jamar Chaney - Chaney ran the best 40-yard dash of all linebackers at the Combine. He could be a guy that may not even make the team when it is all said and done to be honest. It is not discussed much right after the draft, but cuts to rookies do occur and most likely in this case will with Chaney.
12. Jeff Owens - Coming off of an injury from 2008 Owens is expected to help clog the middle for the Eagle defense in the near future. He is the fourth SEC guy in a row drafted by the Birds, fifth altogether, WOW! He will fit into the Eagles’ rotation very well and can be a beneficial to Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson up the middle. First Te’o (T.O.) and now Owens (Jeff) what’s this world coming to people.
13. Kurt Coleman - He is not expected to make the team, and if he does it will be in a role far far away. Special Teams ought to be his niche in the NFL, if nothing else.
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