Eagles Draft Breakdown

Although it’s rather pointless to assign draft grades less than 48 hours after it ends, let’s face it – it’s fun.

Eagles Breakdown
Much to the fans' chagrin, the Eagles once again traded out of the first round. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Not only did they get Carolina’s first round pick in 2009, which, with Jake Delhomme still under center, should be a good one, but they also were able to pick up two players – Trevor Laws and DeSean Jackcon – who should make an impact in 2008.

Outside of Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis, no other DT could fit Jim Johnson’s scheme better than Laws. Will he start? No. But the Eagles’ front four won’t be suffering as much when they have to rotate out Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley.

Jackson is the most exciting addition. He won’t be the weapon Donovan McNabb craved on offense (at least this year), but just the mere fact we won’t be forced to watch Reno Mahe return punts or Correll Buckhalter take kick returns to the 21-yard line again and again makes this pick special. Obviously Andy Reid’s proclamation that they wouldn’t spend a pick based on a guy’s return ability is dubious.

Third rounder Bryan Smith goes hand-in-hand with Reid’s love for tiny defensive ends. Where he fits in with Philly’s already large crop of smallish pass rushers Trent Cole, Chris Clemons, Chris Gocong and Juqua (Thomas) Parker remains to be seen.

Cocky to a fault safety Quintin Demps is going to make his mark on special teams. He will need to keep his mouth closed and his ears open to have a chance of ever making his mark on defense.

The offensive line additions – Mike McGlynn, Mike Gibson and King Dunlap – are versatile, but only McGlynn will make this team.

It would be a wonderful story if linebacker Andy Studebaker could make the roster out of tiny, Division III Wheaton College. But Studebaker is among a stacked group of small pass rushers and will have to excel on special teams to earn a roster spot.

Overall, the Eagles found a dangerous returner, DT depth, more bullets for Johnson’s blitz gun, and some bodies for the offensive line – along with another first-round pick that could come in handy if that weapon Donovan McNabb wants shakes loose before training camp.

Grade: B

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