Eagles' Draft Review

By Mike Duncan:

This was a very crucial draft for the Philadelphia Eagles.  This was mainly due to the fact that the team was coming off an extremely disappointing 8-8 season, have not won a playoff game since 2008, and have had minimal impact contributions from draft picks, especially on the defensive side of the ball.  Although its near impossible to accurately judge a team’s draft before any of the players have stepped onto a NFL football field, we can at least amuse ourselves for the time being with semi-educated assessments. 

              I feel that the Eagles had one of the better drafts in the NFL this year and one of the better drafts of Andy Reid’s tenure.  What I was most impressed with was their ability to maximize the value of the players they selected while still trying to fill positions of need.  That is not an easy thing to do and teams tend to get in trouble on draft day when they put too much focus into filling needs.   Many of their draft picks were prospects that I thought easily could have been selected earlier.  Below is a list of the Eagles selections and some quick thoughts. 

1(12) – Fletcher Cox DT Mississippi St.

            The Eagles traded a 4^th and 6^th rd pick to move up 3 spots in the first round to select Cox, a great fit for the Eagles and a player that could have gone as high as 6^th overall.  He is a disruptive and penetrating DT with excellent athleticism.  Will fit right in with the DL coach Jim Washburn’s aggressive, pass rushing scheme.  I see similarities to Cullen Jenkins, who is currently on the Eagles.  Cox is only 21, has room to get bigger, and can certainly improve technique.  He should be able to come in immediately and make an impact but still has room to develop. 

2(46) – Mychal Kendricks LB Cal

             Very versatile LB.  Can blitz(whens the last time the Eagles had a LB with legitimate blitzing ability?), play the run and play the pass.  In his last two years at Cal, accumulated 30 TFL, 11.5 sacks, and 3 ints.  One of the most athletic LBs in the draft.  While he is on the short side, 5-11, he does weigh 240.  Will most likely be opening week starter on the strong side for the Eagles but has versatility to play all 3 LB positions. 3 down LB who could become fan favorite with aggressive and ferocious play. Interested to see how he will fair playing behind the wide 9.  Will need to use athleticism and quickness to get around blockers as he could have issues taking on and shedding NFL OL.  Along with Demeco Ryans, should significantly improve dreadful Eagles LB corps.

2(59) – Vinny Curry DE Marshall

            Love this pick.  The Eagles traded down from 51 to 59 and recouped a 4^th rd pick to make up for trading up for Cox in rd 1.  They were still able to get incredible value with Curry, who could have been a late first rd pick.  Extremely productive, relentless motor, and wide array of moves.  Dropped due to not having ideal height, short arms and did not have a great combine.  Will be perfect in wide 9 scheme where he can just pin his ears back and get after the QB.   Not a good run defender and does not have great recognition skills.  Could be another fan favorite. 

3(88) – Nick Foles QB Arizona

            Developmental Qb.  Top intangibles.  Great size.  Good while facing pressure.  Threw for 4,300 yards in front of an all freshman OL.   3 years worth of starts.  Doesn’t have a great arm or accuracy and doesn’t have great mechanics.  Can throw some pretty balls.   Has ability to be a starting QB.  Feel confident with his mental makeup. 

4(123) Brandon Boykin CB Georgia

            Love this pick.  Personally would have grabbed him a rd earlier.  Does not have great size but is very fast.   Much better in man to man coverage than zone which fits Eagles scheme.  Ticketed for slot CB.  Willing to help in run support but not necessarily great at it.  Excellent with the ball in his hands.  Eagles had him as the top combo returner in the draft.  Would love to see him come in and take PR and KR duties.  Got dinged up a lot during college and suffered a broken foot during the senior bowl. 

5(153) Dennis Kelly OT Purdue

            Very tall @ 6-8.  Good athleticism.  Probably not enough ability for LT.  Have to trust Howard Mudd when it comes to late round OL as evidenced by Kelce last year and some of his picks during his Colts days. 

6(194) Marvin McNutt WR Iowa

            Good size.  Very productive senior year 82 1300 12.  Could provide red zone scoring ability.  I feel he is infinity better than resident big wr Riley Cooper.  Shows ability to go up for the ball and play to his size.  Inconsistent hands.  Will make highlight catches and drop easy ones.  Not overly athletic but does show some quickness and decent speed.  37 inch vertical.  Did not play great vs top competition. 

6(200) Brandon Washington OG Miami(FL)

            Played LT last year and left guard in 2010.  Will most likely play G for the Eagles.  Andy Reid was very impressed with his 2010 game tape when he played Guard.  Strong, good feet. 

7(229) Bryce Brown RB Kansas St

            Low risk.  High reward.  Was elite recruit out of HS.  Limited production in college.  Went to Tennessee and left after one year.  Sat out for one year and transferred to Kansas St where he had only 3 carries last year.  Has some pretty ridiculous HS footage out there.  Measured in at 223 lbs and was clocked between 4.37 and 4.45 in the 40 yard dash.