By: Steve Johnson
Rd 1. Pick 23. Danny Watkins, OL Baylor
Reaction: Watkins is a top rated linemen prospect, a real blue collar, hard nosed "Philly type" player, that will give 110% and start immediately. With that being said, it's not always about need as is about value. When the season kicks off (if it kicks off), Watkins will be 27 years old, meaning by the end of his rookie contract he will be 31. Watkins didn't play football until community college. He is Canadian born firefighter, that played rugby and hockey before attending Butte College in California and then transferring to Baylor in 2009. I don't hate this pick because Watkins will start day 1 and immediately have an impact protecting franchise quarterback Mike Vick. He has all the physical tools to be a great player, he even took over at left tackle for Rams '09 first-rounder Jason Smith. Downside is, he is still learning the game and his age. This pick is safe, the Eagles know what they are going to get, and to me with not much talent still left on the board, the pick of Danny Watkins is solid, just not exciting.
Rd 2. Pick 54. Jaiquawn Jarrett, S Temple
Reaction: Like Watkins, Jarrett can probably play day one for the Eagles and also is a hard working, give it all type guy. He's slightly undersized but he plays bigger and more physical than his height and weight show. He can play either safety position, although it would be beneficial for him to add some bulk to his frame. The local product is a very smart, "coach on the field", vocal leader, and can line up in multiple positions, which defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will love.
Rd 3. Pick 90. Curtis Marsh, CB Utah St
Reaction: Marsh is very athletic, has good size and speed. Great explosion showing a broad jump of 10 feet, 3 inches, and a vertical leap of 37 1/2 inches at the NFL Combine. He is still a project player that will need time to learn the game from good coaching. Also needs to learn how to use his size and strength to his advantage. Should have immediate impact on special teams from day one.
Rd 4. Pick 116. Casey Matthews, ILB Oregon
Reaction: Got this pick from the Donovan McNabb trade. Matthews comes from a football family if you've ever seen one. His father, Clay, played 19 years in the NFL, his uncle, Bruce, is a hall of famer, his uncle played in the 1950s, and his brother, Clay III, won a Super Bowl last year with the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately Casey is not as talented as any of them. He works hard, great awareness, always knows where the ball is. Plays every down like it is his last, has a special-teams type mentality that will help him get playing time early. Doesn't have the athletic ability of his older brother. Undersized, will have to add some bulk (hopefully not the way his brother is rumored to have). Bottom line is he has the bloodlines and smarts to play in the NFL, his size and skill set will have to be worked on.
Rd 4. Pick 120. Alex Henery, K Nebreska
Reaction: David Akers has played his last year as an Eagle. You don't draft a kicker in round 4 unless he is your future. Henery has a extremely strong leg and he is accurate at times. Probably the best kicker in the draft and will have a job right away. Punted in college, but projects only as a kicker in the NFL. Very confident and poised, who has been through tough games and made even tougher kicks.
Rd 5. Pick 149. Dion Lewis, RB Pittsburgh
Reaction: Think Brian Westbrook (I hope) when he was first drafted. Lewis is very short at 5-6' but surprisingly bulky at 193. More quick then fast, with a stop on the dime type first step. Vision is most like Westbrook, he sees the hole before it opens, and can hide behind blockers and make his first move. Won't run away from anyone in the open field, but will make them miss. Should provide a good backup to former Pitt teammate and current Eagles starter Shady McCoy. Getting Lewis in the 5th round is somewhat of a steal, should be able to make the team as a backup.
Rd 6. Pick 161. Julian Vandervelde, G Iowa
Reaction: Very thick, extremely weight room strong player. Very smart, maybe even too smart to stick it out in the NFL. Surprisingly quick on his feet, but is short with short arms. Will have to fight to make it on the roster, if he doesn't, look for him to retire and use his smarts in something other than football.
Rd 6. Pick 191. Jason Kelce, C Cincinnati
Reaction: Very athletic, but small player. Has decent height (6-2 5/8), but has small arms and only weighs 280. Kelce is a former walk-on, hard working, give it his all type player that will struggle to make the team. Ran the fastest 40 time at the combine among offensive linemen, but too often gets tossed around by bigger stronger players. Would have to add strength and bulk to compete for a roster job.
Rd 6. Pick 193. Brian Rolle, OLB Ohio St
Reaction: Very fast, very fluid hips, quick feet, and surprisingly stronger then he looks (benched 28 reps of 225 at the combine). Was a running back in college, and has the height of one (5-9). Will have to make an immediate impact on special teams in order to make the team. Typical small, fast linebacker the Eagles tend to go after, hopefully he plays better then his predecessors.
Rd 7. Pick 237. Greg Llyod, ILB Uconn
Reaction: Son of Grey Llyod Sr, played in the NFL for 11 years, although he hasn't been in his life since 2002 for being accused of sticking a gun in his son's mouth. Llyod is very well built with long arms and big hands. His size slows him down and prevents him from being very fluid. Will not chase anyone down or make plays outside the tackles. Played some defensive end in pass rush situations, which makes you think the Eagles will look at him there, and if he can't do that he's gone.
Rd 7. Pick 240. Stanley Havili, FB USC
Reaction: Running and receiving type with great speed and soft hands. Very experienced but sometimes tends to play soft, which doesn't look good for a fullback. Most likely won't make the final roster, even with the injury to Leonard Weaver. Not the type of player you look for in a fullback.
