Biggest Draft Day Needs for the Eagles
The 2006 NFL Draft is April 30th and the Eagles just like every other team in the NFL have some pressing needs that must be addressed on draft day. The Birds have plenty of time to figure out what position requires new top talent. They have the 14th pick in the draft and have many different options for how they could use this pick.
Offensively, they will most likely avoid using the pick on a QB, RB, and TE due to the contracts of Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and L.J. Smith. The Birds do seem to have a glaring need at WR due to the exit of Terrell Owens and Pinkston coming back from an injury. However, the Eagles seem primed to go after some receivers in free agency including Pittsburgh’s Antwaan Randle El or Buffalo’s Eric Moulds. I don’t personally see them grabbing a wide receiver with the first pick but 2 potential candidates include Ohio State’s Santonio Holmes or Miami’s Sinorice Moss. As for the offensive line, the Eagles could choose to beef up the front line since it’s never a bad decision to protect your franchise quarterback. After all, the Birds jumped up two years ago out of nowhere to nab the 300 plus OT Shawn Andrews. Two possible picks here from the O line include USC’s Winston Justice or Auburn’s Marcus McNeill.
As for the defense, the Eagles probably will avoid drafting a CB, SS, FS or DT with the first pick. All those positions are essentially locked up with solid players that shouldn’t be going anywhere soon. The 2 prominent positions that Eagles will probably address on Draft Day are DE or LB. Defensive End is interesting position with the impressing play of rookie Trent Cole and the likely exit of N.D. Kalu. The Eagles could very well go after a DE with the first pick to go opposite Jevon “The Freak” Kearse in order to take some pressure of him. Two possible candidates here include Penn State’s Tamba Hali or BC’s Mathias Kiwanuka. For more information on the great story of Tamba Hali’s past, check out this article. I’m sure there would be plenty of Penn State fans that wouldn’t mind seeing Tamba suit up in Eagles green. In my opinion, I think the Birds need to sure up their linebacking corps. Dhani Jones has been sparingly good during his tenure in Philadelphia while Keith “The Bullet” Adams seems like he is more suited for special teams and a backup role. Trotter has been terrific in the middle and he could use some help on the outside and that help could come from players such as Iowa’s Chad Greenway (Keep an eye on this kid on Draft Day, he’s going to be a great LB) or Alabama’s DeMeco Ryans.
If I was Andy Reid, I would be hoping that Greenway is still there at number 14, otherwise I would be going after either Tamba Hali or Santonio Holmes.
- Kyle Garis
Please reply with what you think the Eagles’ plan should be on Draft Day.
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Posted on February 28, 2006 by Kyle Garis | Filed Under Eagles, Philadelphia
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Print This Article | 11 Comments
Isn’t it so cool that less than one month after the Super Bowl, we’re already getting pumped for the next NFL season? Says a lot about Philly, IMHO. We bleed Eagles Green.
I follow the Eagles more than the average fan. I really have a lot of expectations for this upcoming draft and having the 14th pick, i sure hope we can pull out a winner compared to the past couple of years. I know some of out players are still progressing but it would be real nice if Andy could pull something out of this draft this year.
I know this isn’t likely to be a possible scenario but I would love to see the eagles trade up to grab A.J. Hawk. Im not sure if they have what it takes to get a deal that moves them up that far, but he is going to be a force and we could use him immediately.
Micah, I couldn’t imagine not being an Eagles fan to be honest. It’s just part of growing up in the Philly area. You are born with an Eagles jersey I think.
Eric, I agree with you on trying to pick and winner and actually I think the last 2 first round picks are gonna turn out to be solid players (Patterson and Andrews). Last pick that Andy screwed up was Freddy and let’s hope that type of fiasco doesn’t happen again.
Well Brian, A.J. Hawk would look great in an Eagles uniform especially teamed up with Trotter in the middle clogging up the line of scrimmage. And there’s nothing wrong with a little Wishful Thinking every once and a while.
THE EAGLES REALLY NEED TO GET A POWER RUNNER…BRIAN WESTBROOK IS NOT AN EVERY DOWN BACK. IF YOU RUN HIM TOO MUCH YOU WILL SEE THAT HE WILL MISS SEVERAL GAMES DUE TO INJURY. THE EAGLES DEFINITELY NEED TO GET A RECEIVER. NOT JUST A SPEED GUY, BUT SOMEONE THAT CAN REALLY PLAY FOOTBALL. MCNABBLE HAD DECENT SEASONS W/O A GOOD RECEIVER. WHEN HE GOT A GOOD RECEIVER, HE GOES TO THE SUPERBOWL AND IN THE RECORD BOOKS. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, BEEF UP THE DEFENSE!!!! LAST YEAR I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED IN THE DEFENSE. THE EAGLES COULD’VE STILL MADE THE PLAYOFFS IF THE DEFENSE SHOWED UP A LITTLE BIT.
the eagles just need to shut the hell up, keep T.O draft some good young fella and go back to the super bowl
im also gay
the eagles need to give a 3rd to GB for Javon Walker to get their #1 receiver.
with their #1 pick get OT Marcus McNeill. AND with #2 pick get OLB Thomas Howard from UTEP.
Also try to sign Lavar Arrington who will kick asses next to his buddy Trotter.
Finally, get a damn big RB from those who are going to get cut on June.
A.J HAWK OLB WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THE EAGLES…ANOTHER BRIAN U FRO THE BEARS….THE EAGLES COULD DO IT BY GIVING GREEN BAY THE 14 AND 3RD AND 4TH ROUND FOR DRAFTING A.J HAWK AND THEN TRADING HIM TO THEM WITH JAVON WALKER THE 1ST..3RD…A 4TH AND HOLLIS THOMAS DT WOULD WANTS TO BE TRADED ANYWAYS…
WhAt?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
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