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2009
NFL Draft Needs - Philadelphia Eagles
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/22/09
Picks (10): 21, 53, 85, 141, 153, 157, 159, 194, 195, 230
Tight End – I suppose it is better for the team to have thrown
the franchise tag on L.J. Smith last year and watched him flame out
rather than actually give him a contract. He has signed with Baltimore.
Brent Celek assumes his playing time and on the back of his strong
playoff showing should have no trouble as the receiving threat. His
blocking is a work in progress. The Eagles will be looking for someone
with more ability in that area and if that player can catch a few
passes that would be fine too.
Running Back – For as often as Correll Buckhalter was hurt he
still served as Brian Westbrook’s primary backup. Now that he has
signed with Denver there is no one on hand to pick up those 75 or so
carries. Ideally the new addition would contribute even more, and be
capable of solving their short yardage conversion issues. Lorenzo
Booker was acquired via trade from Miami, but his first season with the
team was uneventful to put it mildly. Just about everyone assumes the
Eagles will make an addition early on. They could care less how the
fans or analysts think they should approach this draft at the position.
It seems very unlikely for the Eagles to pass on a significant addition
though considering Westbrook is aging and constantly on the injury
report.
Center – The play of Jamaal Jackson leaves a lot to be desired.
His run blocking in particular has suffered of late. There is not an
heir apparent on the roster and it is not as if the team is short on
draft picks. This is a draft rich with potential starting centers and
after addressing the tackle position with the Peters trade I am no
longer ruling out striking early. Nick Cole, a starter at time last
year at right guard, will be given a shot to compete. The Eagles love
versatile linemen anyway and someone who can play guard and center is
going to be considered.
Cornerback – Lito Sheppard was dealt to the Jets. This move
coupled with safety Brian Dawkins signing with Denver has weakened a
previously stout secondary. Rashad Baker (Raiders) and Sean Jones
(Browns) were picked up at safety, but reserves at cornerback are
needed. Jack Ikegwuonu was taken in last year’s draft with an eye on
the future. A knee injury damaged his stock and he fell to the fourth
round, but he could develop into a contributing player. Still, they
need more. Finally, mix in Sheldon Brown chirping about wanting to be
traded – or get a new contract. Reports are that management has told
him to ostensibly get back to work and like it. Nevertheless, it does
boost the need for help at the position a little.
Defensive End – I think the standout secondary has really helped
the line create pressure. When players are covered bad things happen
for the offense – like sacks. Darren Howard must be a fan of the
Olympics because every four years, and Olympic years no less, he goes
big. His sack totals in 2000 (11) 2004 (11) and 2008 (10) were the best
of his career. From 2005-2007, however, he totaled just 9 ½ and
turns 33 this November. He might have some life left as a sack
specialist if someone convinces him 2009 is really 2012. Chris Clemons
had 4 sacks in his first season with the team. It remains to be seen if
Victor Abiamiri is going to justify his status as a second round pick
in 2007 although he has the ability to play inside or outside. Signs
point to no at the moment. Juqua Parker has been steady if not
spectacular in recent seasons. The fixture of course is Trent Cole and
the point is that if someone could really stand out on the other side
this defense would be even scarier. My concern would be Howard fading
due to age and Abiamiri not developing into starter material.
Wide Receiver – The Eagles like to spread the ball around. They
utilize a lot of players in their passing game. Greg Lewis was traded
to New England because they really did not need another player who is
too short to enjoy all the rides at Disneyland. Someone 6’2” or above
who can work the red zone is much needed in this offense. Hank Baskett
is the only one who fits that profile at the moment. Speed is not an
issue with DeSean Jackson coming off leading the team in receiving as a
rookie and Kevin Curtis returning from injury. There was a point last
season that the team realized featuring too many receivers was a bad
idea. It seems counterintuitive then to draft another player, but a big
body with possession skills can really help out Donovan McNabb. Given
the combination of their team needs and total draft picks it certainly
makes sense to go after Anquan Boldin (Cardinals) in a trade, but I’m
sure they would rather not deal with the team they just played in the
NFC Championship Game. Braylon Edwards (Browns) seems destined for the
rival Giants and #85 (Bengals) does not appear to be on the block. So
while I would suggest pursuing a trade it is debatable if they can pull
it off.
Michael
Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 7 rounds
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock
Draft - 6 rounds
Jared Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
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