Quarterback Donovan McNabb wanted playmakers, and
the team grabbed one in receiver DeSean Jackson. The Eagles did not draft a
backup tackle to replace aging veterans Jon Runyan and William Thomas, instead
turning to the defense. The most important need was getting a big anchor for the
4-3 defense, a role that second-round pick Trevor Laws should fill
Round 2, Pick 16 (47) (From Vikings) Trevor Laws DT 6'1" 304 Notre Dame
Laws is an intelligent player, who the Eagles most likely took because of his
fit in their 4-3 scheme. If not for that, Laws likely would have not gone this
high. But his motor and his ability to read plays will be a good addition for
Philly.
Round 2, Pick 18 (49) DeSean Jackson WR 6'0" 178 California
Donovan McNabb gets the playmaker he's been coveting in Jackson. A deep threat,
Jackson is in the mold of Carolina's Steve Smith -- a small but shifty receiver,
who gives the Eagles their most explosive weapon since Terrell Owens, as well as
a potentially great punt returner.
Round 3, Pick 17 (80) Bryan Smith OLB 6'2" 228 McNeese State
Smith is an undersized player who weights only 228 pounds, but has great speed.
He wowed the scouts at his pro day and had some academic problems, which is why
he ended up at McNeesse State. The Eagles like those small defensive ends and
have done pretty well with them. It looks like he could find a home at weakside
linebacker.
Round 4, Pick 10 (109) (From Panthers) Mike McGlynn OT 6'5" 318 Pittsburgh
McGlynn came to the Senior Bowl and really raised eyebrows at guard. He's a very
physical player - at Pitt he was in a scuffle every day, and made 42 starts
Round 4, Pick 18 (117) (From Vikings) Quintin Demps FS 6'0" 206 Texas-El Paso
Demps was a three-year starter at Texas-El Paso who recorded a lot of
interceptions (17). He also had 275 tackles in college and ran an extremely
impressive 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine. He's a rangy player and could end
up a good cover-two safety.
Round 4, Pick 32 (131)
(Compensatory selection) Jack Ikegwuonu CB 5'11" 194 Wisconsin
Ikegwuonu is a solid player, but his draft status took a serious hit after he
tore his ACL in January. He is good value at this point in the draft and showed
his skills by shutting down receivers such as James Hardy in the Big Ten.
Round 6, Pick 18 (184) Mike Gibson OT 6'4" 305 California
Gibson will probably be a guard at the pro level and is very strong. He may have
the agility to play some tackle in the NFL and is willing to put in the work. He
has decent waist-bend ability.
Round 6, Pick 34 (200)
(Compensatory selection) Joe Mays ILB 5'11" 245 North Dakota State
Mays had a good workout at his pro day. He is shorter, but is a great special
teams player. That will probably be his role at the NFL level and he could be
one of the league's better contributors in the kick coverage.
Round 6, Pick 37 (203)
(Compensatory selection) Andy Studebaker OLB 6'3" 251 Wheaton
Studebaker is a hybrid linebacker/defensive end with decent size, though he is
slender. He has speed and is very strong as well. He's probably slated to be a
special teamer at this point.
Round 7, Pick 23 (230) (From Seahawks) King Dunlap OT 6'9" 310 Auburn
Dunlap had a terrible senior year. After his junior season, he was potentially a
second-round pick, but his lackluster senior campaign really damaged his draft
stock.
Philadelphia Eagles 2008 NFL Preview
The Eagles will look for Donovan
McNabb to stay healthy and to find a way to get some other
playmakers involved besides just Brian Westbrook. The defense will
look for Asante Samuel to have a real impact as well.
Offense: The offensive key is keeping Donovan McNabb helathy
all year. If McNabb stays healthy, the Eagles are in the playoffs,
if he goes down so do the Eagles. Kevin Kolb is the future in
Philly, but he is not ready yet. The solid ground game led by Brian
Westbrook will be solid, and Lorenzo Booker has been aquired to help
lighten the load.
Defense: The Eagles signed DE Chris Clemons to help with the
pass rush, with RE Trent Cole thy should be able to put some
pressure on the quarterbacks this year. The linebackers are young
and talented led by Omar Gaither and the Eagles defense shoud stay
in the top ten overall.
Overall: McNabb is the key, if McNabb puts last season behind
him and stays healthy, the Eagles can make some noise. They
need to win to keep the veteran stars on this team around a few more
years. As close as the Eagles are to the edge, there’s no reason
they can’t manage 9 victories this season.
