Drafty

A quick round up of the many mock drafts, that have now proliferated like kudzu, indicate that the conventional wisdom is that the Eagles will take either a defensive end, offensive tackle, or receiver.

 

Picking 19 is an intriguing spot. Throw in a later round selection and you can move up to top 15. Conversely, add a 4th/5th rounder to drop 8 slots.

 

Presumably the tackle predictions are based on Andy Reid's love for lineman and his prediliction for taking them with high picks (see, Andrews, Shawn and Justice, William). Granted the Eagles track record with linemen has been one of their more impressive accomplishments under Reid. However, in the bad picks breed bad picks department, picking a lineman here cause they totally screwed up the Justice second round pick from two years ago would seem to merely compound the original mistake (though I still remain hopeful about Justice and that the Umenyiora meltdown was a freak occurrence). And honestly, taking a O-lineman here is hardly one of the "offensive weapons" the team's leaders have been begging for.

 

Defensive end is an odd priority given that Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas are anchors there and the Eagles already expended a high pick on Victor Abiamiri last year. Much of the speculation is the result of the impending departure of Jevon Kearse. Not sure the Eagles don't try to shore up this spot, but 19 seems pretty high to do it.

 

WR is a possibility - again given that its a need and the Eagles have shown a willingness to take a receiver in this area (the unforgettable Freddie Mitchell). Bottomline is that if the Eagles take a OT or WR in the first round that player will likely spend the season on the inactive list, and thus would hardly be the "impact" player the fans are clamoring for.

 

The other glaring ommission in the draft summaries is safety. The Eagles are still searching for an heir apparent to Brian Dawkins or at the very least competent competition for Sean Considine. Q. Mikell could be the answer to one of the safety spots, but that still leaves one with a glaring need.