Eagles draft talk

[MDC 7,407]

I'd give the Eagles a solid B, possibly a B+.

 

Philly really strengthened both lines, particularly the OL. Bunkley falling to them was a stroke of luck, and Winston Justice in the 2nd round was a major steal - they would've drafted him in the first round. Max Jean-Gilles in the 4th adds some great depth to the OL. Right now it looks like Herremins will compete with Giles for a starting guard spot and Justice providing depth and insurance at tackle. The OL is much better now than it was a year ago.

 

Bunkley could start immediately at DT; he and Patterson give the Eagles a solid 1-2 punch at DT. I was disappointed that they followed those picks up with a reach in the 3rd round. I think Chris Gocong will be an excellent special teamer but he didn't play LB in college and trading up to take a Division II player wasn't so bright. Giles was a solid pick in the 4th round.

 

Jason Avant is an interesting pick in the 4th. From what I've read he doesn't have great measurables but he made plays at Michigan. The Eagles WR corps isn't very talented but it is suddenly kind of glutted with Gaffney, R.Brown, Pinkston, McMullen, McCants, and now two rookies. Jeremy Bloom is only a special teamer - he sort of reminds me of James Thrash - less of a receiver than a punt returner. Hopefully this will force Mahe out of a roster spot - he sucks.

 

I couldn't say anything about Gaither or Ramsey.

 

Overall both lines are better now than they were a year ago but the big oversight in the draft was the lack of a RB. Philly desparately needs a big, rugged between the tackles RB and they didn't take one. They must like Bruce Perry a lot, but it's a position I'd have liked to seen addressed in the middle rounds.

 

So right now I'll give them a B - the OL in particular has much better depth and talent than they did in 2005, and that was a sore spot for the Eagles. Had they drafted a RB and not reached in the 3rd I would've made it a B+ or higher.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

I'd give the Eagles a solid B, possibly a B+.

 

Philly really strengthened both lines, particularly the OL. Bunkley falling to them was a stroke of luck, and Winston Justice in the 2nd round was a major steal - they would've drafted him in the first round. Max Jean-Gilles in the 4th adds some great depth to the OL. Right now it looks like Herremins will compete with Giles for a starting guard spot and Justice providing depth and insurance at tackle. The OL is much better now than it was a year ago.

 

Bunkley could start immediately at DT; he and Patterson give the Eagles a solid 1-2 punch at DT. I was disappointed that they followed those picks up with a reach in the 3rd round. I think Chris Gocong will be an excellent special teamer but he didn't play LB in college and trading up to take a Division II player wasn't so bright. Giles was a solid pick in the 4th round.

 

Jason Avant is an interesting pick in the 4th. From what I've read he doesn't have great measurables but he made plays at Michigan. The Eagles WR corps isn't very talented but it is suddenly kind of glutted with Gaffney, R.Brown, Pinkston, McMullen, McCants, and now two rookies. Jeremy Bloom is only a special teamer - he sort of reminds me of James Thrash - less of a receiver than a punt returner. Hopefully this will force Mahe out of a roster spot - he sucks.

 

I couldn't say anything about Gaither or Ramsey.

 

Overall both lines are better now than they were a year ago but the big oversight in the draft was the lack of a RB. Philly desparately needs a big, rugged between the tackles RB and they didn't take one. They must like Bruce Perry a lot, but it's a position I'd have liked to seen addressed in the middle rounds.

 

So right now I'll give them a B - the OL in particular has much better depth and talent than they did in 2005, and that was a sore spot for the Eagles. Had they drafted a RB and not reached in the 3rd I would've made it a B+ or higher.

 

How can you base your grade based on what/who they didn't take? Shouldn't the grade be based on the players they chose?

 

Don't be so quick to dismiss Gocong. Besides, there have been many quality guys to come out of 1-AA (Westbrook jumps right out). Gocong is a football player. He has natural instincts, he can run, and he hits like a truck. You can't teach size and speed, and you can teach a new position and technique.

 

Besides, Big Red said he's gonna address the running back situation during camp, and possibly see if someone of value gets cut. No room for Perry nor Mahe (thank God).

 

2 names to watch: Stephen Davis and Antwoin Smith.

 

A- for the Eagles overall draft.

[FlyEaglesFly 0]

How can you base your grade based on what/who they didn't take? Shouldn't the grade be based on the players they chose?

 

Don't be so quick to dismiss Gocong. Besides, there have been many quality guys to come out of 1-AA (Westbrook jumps right out). Gocong is a football player. He has natural instincts, he can run, and he hits like a truck. You can't teach size and speed, and you can teach a new position and technique.

 

Besides, Big Red said he's gonna address the running back situation during camp, and possibly see if someone of value gets cut. No room for Perry nor Mahe (thank God).

 

2 names to watch: Stephen Davis and Antwoin Smith.

 

A- for the Eagles overall draft.

 

 

I totally agree! In the past, the draft wasn't Andy's strong suit but I think he did an excellent job here. Outside of not getting Walker (I heard on the local sports talk station that the Packers basically refused to trade him to a NFC team), they addressed every need. I think they can ge a solid "big" RB after the June one cuts.

[ShaneFalco 0]

Not trying to nitpick, but why would you start a new thread and post the exact same thing you posted in the other draft grades thread?

 

[Franknbeans 46]

Not trying to nitpick, but why would you start a new thread and post the exact same thing you posted in the other draft grades thread?

 

He needs his nit picked

[MDC 7,407]

How can you base your grade based on what/who they didn't take? Shouldn't the grade be based on the players they chose?

 

Of course the grade is based partly on what the team doesn't get. The point of the draft is to address short and long-term needs, right? If RB is a need and they don't address it in the draft, that's an oversight.

 

Far as Antowain Smith or Stephen Davis, come on. How much do either of those guys have in the tank? This offense has needed an upgrade at running back for years. I don't think they've had a 1,000-yard rusher since Duce Staley did it in Andy Reid's first year with the team.

[D'ohmer Simpson 0]

not getting Walker (I heard on the local sports talk station that the Packers basically refused to trade him to a NFC team)

Yep, he wasn't coming here no matter how much Eagle fans cried for him. And Randle-El sucks, not to mention wanted WAY to much money. I think the Eagles WR corp will be fine.

 

[NewbieJr 541]

Of course the grade is based partly on what the team doesn't get. The point of the draft is to address short and long-term needs, right? If RB is a need and they don't address it in the draft, that's an oversight.

 

Far as Antowain Smith or Stephen Davis, come on. How much do either of those guys have in the tank? This offense has needed an upgrade at running back for years. I don't think they've had a 1,000-yard rusher since Duce Staley did it in Andy Reid's first year with the team.

You don't need much in the tank to get the tough 3rd and short or 2nd and goal. Davis is a master short-yardage back. With Westbrook getting 70% of the touches, Buckholder spelling him from time to time, a nd Stephen Davis handling short yardage, the Eagles would be just fine at running back.

[MDC 7,407]

You don't need much in the tank to get the tough 3rd and short or 2nd and goal. Davis is a master short-yardage back. With Westbrook getting 70% of the touches, Buckholder spelling him from time to time, a nd Stephen Davis handling short yardage, the Eagles would be just fine at running back.

 

None of these guys can stay healthy.

[FlyEaglesFly 0]

Yep, he wasn't coming here no matter how much Eagle fans cried for him. And Randle-El sucks, not to mention wanted WAY to much money. I think the Eagles WR corp will be fine.

 

 

Actually HE did want to come to Philly and even had a contract worked out. It was the Packers that didn't want to give him to a conference rival, so they demanded a 1st round pick from the Eagles, which they knew they would never give up. Denver lucked out in this deal.

 

 

As far as grading the Eagles draft, I just read SI and that clown "Dr. Z" gave the Eagles a C- and said it was a bad draft. The more I read that guy, the more I am convinced that ANYONE could write for SI if given a chance!

[D'ohmer Simpson 0]

Actually HE did want to come to Philly and even had a contract worked out. It was the Packers that didn't want to give him to a conference rival, so they demanded a 1st round pick from the Eagles, which they knew they would never give up. Denver lucked out in this deal.

As far as grading the Eagles draft, I just read SI and that clown "Dr. Z" gave the Eagles a C- and said it was a bad draft. The more I read that guy, the more I am convinced that ANYONE could write for SI if given a chance!

Mmm, perhaps, but I didn't say HE didn't want to come here, just that it wasn't going to happen and he probably knew it.

SI and ESPN especially do seem to have a lot of clowns. I don't see how anyone couldn't give them at least a B+. Very respected Ray Didinger give them an A-. Great draft no matter who grades it.

[MDC 7,407]

I think it's a very "good" draft.

 

The offensive line was clearly a need. They are stronger on the line and have much more depth with the additions of Justice and Giles. They badly needed another DT and Bunkley was a stroke of luck.

 

Other than those two guys though, I see depth at WR and a whole lot of special teamers. RB was a need that they failed to address, and I wouldn't have minded seeing a CB or a developmental QB somewhere in there.

 

Right now the draft looks good. It'll take a few seasons to get a real read on it.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Of course the grade is based partly on what the team doesn't get. The point of the draft is to address short and long-term needs, right? If RB is a need and they don't address it in the draft, that's an oversight.

 

Far as Antowain Smith or Stephen Davis, come on. How much do either of those guys have in the tank? This offense has needed an upgrade at running back for years. I don't think they've had a 1,000-yard rusher since Duce Staley did it in Andy Reid's first year with the team.

 

The Eagles need a guy who can handle 5-10 carries a game.

 

I didn't see a guy in the draft who could step on the field, game one, and be able to do that every game.

 

There are plenty of guys the Eagles didn't draft. Teams only get a certain amount of picks, obviously, and should be judged based on the VALUE they get with each pick.

 

Personally, I felt the Eagles should have used a 5th round pick and made an offer to RFA Hunter Hillenmeyer, strong side linebacker from Chicago.

 

The Eagles took care of a high percentage of their short and long term needs with this draft, and they got quality to boot. Obviously, the jury is still out on this, and we'll see how they all pan out.

 

They know more about their own needs and deficiencies alot better than we do.

 

BTW, have you still gotten over the fact they drafted 3 DBs in the draft 3 years ago?

[Dr. Octopus 0]

I totally agree! In the past, the draft wasn't Andy's strong suit

 

They never sign any free agents and have been one of the leagues's best teams for the past five-six years (excluding last year's disaster). Reid must have been doing something right with his drafts.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

..........I wouldn't have minded seeing a CB or a developmental QB somewhere in there.

 

From what I've heard, the Eagles got Timmy Chang, QB from Hawaii, playing over in NFL Europe.

http://www.nfleurope.com/players/playerpage/1073

 

They may still be able to grab a younger QB when training camp cuts happen.

 

As far as CB is concerned, it's kinda difficult to judge the DBs based on last year, when the defense completely lacked a pass rush. They're rolling with Sheppard, Brown, Hood, Wynn, and Matt Ware, who needs to step in as the nickel this season.

 

They also have Eddie Canonico (6'1"), Brandon Pinderhughes(6'), Levonne Rowen(5'11"), and Donald Strickland(5'10") on the roster at cornerback, so I don't know how much you're really looking for.

 

 

BTW, the tally for wide receivers on the current roster is now up to 14.

[MDC 7,407]

BTW, have you still gotten over the fact they drafted 3 DBs in the draft 3 years ago?

 

This makes no sense.

 

From what I've heard, the Eagles got Timmy Chang, QB from Hawaii, playing over in NFL Europe.

http://www.nfleurope.com/players/playerpage/1073

 

They may still be able to grab a younger QB when training camp cuts happen.

 

As far as CB is concerned, it's kinda difficult to judge the DBs based on last year, when the defense completely lacked a pass rush. They're rolling with Sheppard, Brown, Hood, Wynn, and Matt Ware, who needs to step in as the nickel this season.

 

They also have Eddie Canonico (6'1"), Brandon Pinderhughes(6'), Levonne Rowen(5'11"), and Donald Strickland(5'10") on the roster at cornerback, so I don't know how much you're really looking for.

BTW, the tally for wide receivers on the current roster is now up to 14.

 

They need a CB with size who can get onto the field. Ware is huge, but right now he's the 5th or 6th CB. Lito, Brown and Hood are all around 5'10 or shorter. Yes they didn't get much pass-rush, but teams absolutely picked on Lito last year and there was no dropoff when Hood stepped into the starting role.

[Mark Buffington 3]

Buckholder spelling him from time to time

Buck who?

 

also, it is a tip THAT RYAN MOATS!@#!@

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

This makes no sense.

They need a CB with size who can get onto the field. Ware is huge, but right now he's the 5th or 6th CB. Lito, Brown and Hood are all around 5'10 or shorter. Yes they didn't get much pass-rush, but teams absolutely picked on Lito last year and there was no dropoff when Hood stepped into the starting role.

 

A vastly improved pass rush will greatly improve the secondary.

 

Big cornerbacks in the NFL are a premium. Like I said previously, Matt Ware's going into his 3rd year, and he needs to step it up and be the nickel back that Al Harris was a few years back.

 

IMO, size is overrated when it comes do the dback position. If a guy's a football player who can cover, then that guy is a good corner (unless he's a pygmy).

 

In the NFC East, you have Burress, TO, and Toomer, who are oversized WRs. Truthfully, how many dbacks in the NFL can really cover these guys? I'll bet the list is comprised of pro bowlers, and I highly doubt the Eagles can afford to pay a Pro Bowl salary to a nickel back and justify it.

 

This very same secondary did quite well in the SB year when there was a pass rush. I expect the pass rush to bring back the defense, and I expect the secondary to be the beneficiary.

[MDC 7,407]

Maybe you're right; I still wouldn't have minded seeing a big CB in the mix. I miss that Bobby Taylor type on the team. That's a minor issue - I do think that not drafting a RB was a major oversight that they'll regret.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Maybe you're right; I still wouldn't have minded seeing a big CB in the mix. I miss that Bobby Taylor type on the team. That's a minor issue - I do think that not drafting a RB was a major oversight that they'll regret.

 

I partially agree with you because I'm thinking they're gonna give Buckhalter one more shot (the mini camps) to prove that he warrants a spot on the team.

 

That bothers me, because he hasn't been a factor in YEARS. Despite the talent, they need to cut loose from this guy. Great talent, bad wheels.

 

They'll get a veteran RB before the season starts.

[MDC 7,407]

They'll get a veteran RB before the season starts.

 

Not good enough IMO. They did that last year with Levens. The Eagles invested a lot into really bulking up the OL and right now it looks talented and deep - it's a shame that Andy Reid doesn't put much stock into the guy running behind it. I like Brian Westbrook but he is no better than OK as a rusher.