Grading the Eagles draft
What grade would you give the Eagles for their weekend of work?
Grading the Eagles draft
Josh Barnett
From Paul Domowitch:
The trade for Lorenzo Booker and the additions of return man DeSean Jackson (Cal) and defensive tackle Trevor Laws (Notre Dame), give the Eagles three players who should be able to make a contribution right out of the gate.
Multiple picks in the fourth round made cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu (Wisconsin) an affordable investment.
Grade: B+
Now it's your turn ...
Comments (48)
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After looking at the draft, I'm giving them a C. I had them at about a B+ before today's embarassment.— cg- The Eagles draft was pretty good, but could have been better. They had a few good picks, including the corner back from Wisconsin and Desean Jackson out of Cal will make an immediate impact for the return game. But, how can they honestly be a B+, without a first round pick? Really, the draft for them was average at best for this year. Next year is another story entirely, but as for this year, I give them a C at best.— Footballfan1341
- The first two picks were fine. The McGlynn and King picks will show up in two years as both will still be on the team. Jake is interesting because if, if he recovers he will be in the defensive backfield for a few years. The pick from Cal on the OL is also not as bad as some think.— KGKoons
- This is at best a C+. I will never understand the Bryan Smith 3rd round pick. Seriously, a 25 year old, vastly undersized defensive end is not what the Eagles there. Just a terrible pick. The trade down in the second round when Tyrell Johnson was there and the Eagles needed a safety, I don't get. Otherwise, who knows. But a B+ is very, very generous for this haul.— Tech_Triumph
- B .............Be careful.— S.J.
- I'm on line with Domo's grade, if not even going slightly higher. Jackson could be a guy like a Wes Welker, except with a higher chance of breaking a big play. Laws gives them another tackle to work into the fray, keeping the line fresh and allowing the linebackers a little more freedom. It's funny to see the complaints, because had the Eagles taken a receiver like Jackson in the first round, people would be thrilled. Instead, they were able to back up, get the guy in the second round and pick up an additional first round pick for next year. That's not a bad thing, but instead a huge weapon that could be used for a trade, or making a splash next year.— hunsinator
- Ultimately, the grade for this draft will be dependent on what happens with Lito and with the extra 1st they got back from the Panthers...if they use those chips to make a run at a #1 WR between now and the beginning of training camp, I don't think you'll hear a lot of complaints.— JLB
- My opinion hasn't changed from yesterday. The rest of the NFL identified value in players 1-46... not the EAGLES. In addition, the Eagles needed aan every down receiver or a red zone (TALL) receiver such as Hardy. All the receivers in the draft, and the Eagles couldn't find "1" prospect. The Eagles are solid in assessing lineman, they need to hire a talent evaluator for receiver selections; they obviously have no one in-house. Jackson is a return specialist, and not any every down receiver.— lerze77
I grade Domo's pedophile Beard an A+— dpcoz- Comment removed.
- The only grade that can be given any team's draft is an "incomplete." Before things "play out" on the field, everything is a guess. Since one aspect of the Eagles draft was acquiring another first round pick for next year, it will take at least two years, and possibly more, to evaluate this year's effort. This is especially true since several of the picks are clearly projects, such as the Wisconsin DB and Bryan Smith, who will be converted to OLB. I have trouble with all this "instant analysis," which is little more than a collection of subjectively based opinions.— judas_priest
- The proper comparison for DeSean Jackson is not Wes Welker, who is an outstanding possession receiver. The player I think (that is, hope) he would be like is Devin Hester. He's a great return man and a deep threat, but he's too small and not strong enough to be an every down receiver. Still, didn't we need a deep threat? I live on the west coast and have seen a lot of him on TV and, to use an overworked phrase, he is the "real thing."— judas_priest
- D. Im a big college football fan and watch many games. I key in on games with preseson Heisman candidates. Desean Jackson was one of them. He was awful this year, I know he had a bad thumb, but dont expect him to be a Wes Welker slot guy. He will only be good returning kicks, even then, I though Jeremy Bloom would of been just as good. Same type of return style? Ronnie Brown got hurt and Lorezon Booker still couldnt play for the worst team in the league. How good does Domowitch think he is? They did too many trades. Why trade for next year. If they picked Greg Olson last year instead of trading there pick, he would be the starter this year. McNabb only has a year or two left, dont keep building for the future.— Sports4Life
- it doesn't do much for this year, but the eagles might have gotten the equivalent of 3 1st rounders for next year: 1-regular pick 2-carolina 3-Ikegwuonu. if he rehabs fine (and no reason to see why not), he would have been a first round easy in 2009. - i'd gamble a mid-round pick for that kind of payoff... assuming they don't trade next year's picks for magic beans, that means three 1st round-level talents coming onto the field in 2009.— rustywheel
- Good draft. Quit whining!— namtac
- I'd say a C to a C-. They should have kept their 1st round pick only because with the way Carolina drafted and them getting Jake back next year they are going to be much much better and that first round pick will most likely be in the mid to late 20's. So that coupled with the eagles own pick...which will probably be in the 20's also will do them no good really, unless next years draft is insanely deep which it doesnt look like it will be. I still think Jackson is going to be way too small but I hope he proves me wrong. I would have liked to see Sweed or another big, fast, physical WR picked before a backup DT which is essentially what Laws is.— branden
- In all, I agree that it was at least a B+ effort, and managed with great intelligence. Considering that the top linemen and D backs went thru pick 18, and that Carolina's offer at 19 was too good to pass up, the Birds found real value in Round 2. I agree with the consensus that Laws, Jackson and Booker are quality talent who can make a significant contribution in Year 1 ... I also like the McGlynn and Ikeguonu (?) picks. Clearly, McGlynn has real potential down the road anywhere in the OL, but if the scouting report is to be believed, I think his real value comes as an immediate backup (and eventual successor) to Jamaal Jackson. Finally, by avoiding Round 1 and finding real value in later rounds, the Birds have managed to avoid undue pressure on the cap -- which could give them more room to sweeten the pot for Lito. Big Red's got plenty of talent, I believe -- not it's up to him and his guys to pull the trigger and make things happen in '08. It's gonna be an interesting season.— Elagins
- This draft is a huge bummer. All those extra pics and Lito Shepard to deal and the birds move backwards while the NFC East gets better. I don't get passing up on two safties on Saturday and taking an undersized DE on Sunday. Just what direction is this team going?— chasemutley
- I have no complaints about the 1st two picks however, I would have liked to see them take Kenny Phillips. Instead he fell to the Giants and made their secondary even better. We definitely had the worst draft out of the 4 teams in our division. To me every pick made from the 3rd round on will be a non-factor. Why do they insist on reaching when there are proven players on the board? My bad, I forgot...ANDY AND TOM ARE SMARTER THAN EVERYONE ELSE!!!!— JMilz
- Cowboys, Redskins and Giants each had superior drafts to Eagle's lame effort. Can you say 6-10? Sure ya can!— BigBlueBob
- There are two facts that makes this the most pathetic draft day of Andy's tenure. First they didn't the safety out of Miami, they could have traded down a few slots and aquired him. Secondly, they kept a Lito that will be cancerous in the locker room. Really sad day. I'm not saying they won't be a decent team thisupcoming year I just think 2-3 yrs down the line having 4-5 avg players from this draft will not be as good as having an Otah and using Lito and a second to get the safety. IS IT THAT HARD?— Truth
- It's amazing how low Domo's expectations have gone. To give the Eagles a B+ when none of the picks are likely to start (not this year, not ever). I like Jackson, but I thought the Eagles could have done more to package some of the 4th and 6th round picks with Lito to trade up and get more impact players. I think the Eagles have done such a poor job with the first round in years past, they are afraid to use the pick.— Rombo
- Stop drinking the Eagle Kool-Aid already. Basically, the eagles got a defensive tackle, an area that they were strong in with Bunkley and Patterson. The receiver that they picked up is fast but at 169 lbs, it is doubtful that he will be able to physically handle the defensive backs at the line of scrimmage. Maybe he'll be a good kickoff and punt returner. The rest of the draft is pure garbage---nothing but names, none of which were very highly rated. In addition, they didn't get the position players that they needed. As a college Prof, a Bplus is just short of excellent even with grade inflation.— ww2buff
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- As a Philly sports phanatic since the 50's I have lived through the best and worst of philly sports. The big red era has absolutely been the best in Eagles history. We haven't reached our destination yet but the trip the Eagles are on is certainaly more exciting than it has been in the past. The Eagles can go far this year...just like they could have last year...if they stay healthy...Everyone who wanted McNabb gone last year...you all lost your vote concerning the quality of this draft. When he comes back as strong as ever you can make believe you didn't want him gone. It wasn't bad drafting that has killed the Eagles...it has been injuries...but like everyone else, I would love to see a big trade for a stud number one receiver. Predicting the success of a draft on draft weekend is like predicting when Ryan Howard will have a good April...who knows...— Itzmikeyg
- I am a transplanted East Coaster living in Southern California, and having watched the Pac 10 for the past few years, I can say that Desean Jackson was the one player I hoped Philly would take. He's a perfect addition, and should become beloved by the fans. I don't know much about the other guys but in surfing the Web for the experts, folks seem generally positive about the Eagles' draft. Looks like Andy addressed issues for this season, and the future (Carolina's pick should be pretty high and the Wisconsin DB sounds promising). I'll go with that B+.— george
- Three teams in the NFC East got significantly better. The Eagles were not one of them, but they did solidify the likelihood that they will end up a 7-9 win team. The real question for me is whether Andy Reid will get a chance to trade both of our first rounders in next year's draft so the Birds can avoid having to pay first-round money for a third straight year.
- This draft deserves an INC at the moment. In order to give a full grade we must wait and see what the Eagles get from the pick they received from Carolina in next years draft, which could be quite good. With that in consideration, of an extra pick received then the eagles get an B+ at best. There was no one they really wanted so they did what they could in terms of trading. The deal they scored was a very good one, with out loosing anything. None of the picks made were great, but many were solid with players that could make an impact in some way this year. The Jackson pick could turn out to be a substantial one. The Eagles have lacked a return game for the last few years, it killed them last year, and now they their man and he is a good one.— unlvrebool
- Amazing draft. Eagles have the 1st round Ammo to trade for Ocho or another top WR. No one else does. Some solid picks, make some trades and get Booker along with a couple long-term projects AND set yourself for a monster trade. Awesome work. When the Eagles end up with Ocho and use the extra 1st rounder some fans will eat some more crow. Some great strategerie baby!— McNabbulous
- Draft grades are a bunch of B.S. anyway. Nobody can know for sure who will pan out. Do you think the other teams thought Westbrook (3rd round) or Brady (6th) would turn into pro bowlers?— bball
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- how can the grade be anything over a C-. year after year we waste our highest picks on positions we're good at or we trade down for lesser talent. it makes no friggin' sense. last year's drafting of kolb was a total failure on all levels. the jackson pick saves this draft from being an F but he has tons of holes as well. WTF? how hard is it to draft a safety, receiver and offensive tackle? heckert needs to be fired and reid stripped of his GM powers.— snakeplissken
- I think Reid is right. The draft is basically a crapshoot, with a few exceptions. I'd rather the Birds saved up for one of those exceptions.— p-diddy
- the most important thing is that the didn't trade lito if they can rectify that situation that will boost this draft grade...due to contrary belief the wr situation isn't as dire as you think....lj was donnie's lack of a big target if he's health plus the addition of the kid we got from kc gives us unbelieveable speed from the h-back/te spot especially when andy & marty put lj in the slot as the 3rd rec just watch what happens.... now would i've hope to see ocho sure....but not at the expense of lito..plus you can't make a team trade a player....and we don't even know what offers were made...plus there wasn't one receiver in the draft that was going to take us to the bowl. So lets recap people... was able to upgrade the return game, bolster the d-line got safty help late... pick up lo booker for a 4th rounder..but most important...possibly have the best secondary in the league....so like i tell people here in florida "talk to me in january"— jonpoetical
- Incomplete, because they didn't trade Sheppard, they got the #1 for next year from Carolina, and because of Ikegwuonu. If I had to give it a grade it would be a C though at best. For the second year in a row, the Eagles' draft doesn't include a player who is likely to be a starter/on the field much of time and this isn't because the Eagles are a loaded team either. This draft worries because the Eagles appear to be a waffling organization right now - trying to win now while also rebuilding for the future simultaneously. Very few teams have proven they can do both simultaneously. Maybe I am wrong but I see a team with a limited potential (10 wins max and maybe 1 win in the playoffs) and more likely a team that will be sitting at home again in January.— MG77
- "upgrade the return game, added d line depth, and a few potential diamonds in the rough" You would think that this team was drafting like it was a team that is a playoff, talent-laden roster that only needs to fill a few minor needs when in reality this team has had some major questions yet, has had depth problems the past 2 years, and struggled to even go .500 last year.— MG77
- The NFL draft is like the craps table in Atlantic City. The draft grade for every NFL team is incomplete. No rookie OT would start for the Eagles. So what did the Eagles do? They drafted OL from three major programs (McGlynn, Gibson, and Dunlap) on Day 2. They drafted a DT who had more tackles than most linebackers to put into Johnson's rotation. DeSean Jackson was the most electrifying player in NCAA football last season (ask Tennessee) and faced top tier competition for 3 years. The Eagles didn't reach for Kenny Phillips just because of Miami's safety pedigree (Reed, Taylor, Merriweather). They, on the other hand, drafted a play-making safety (Demps) who had the most INTs (17) of all defensive backs drafted. Ikegwuonu will probably spend his rookie season on IR, like Willis McGahee did a few years back. He is a first round talent who played well against Hardy, Thomas, and Manningham to name a few. They traded a 4th rounder for a 2nd year NFL player in Booker. Many of the best players in the league are not first round picks. They drafted fast linebackers with some size in later rounds (6 & 7). They'll make the team and improve special teams and depth if they're good. I saw something on guys picked in Round 6 since the mid-90's. Among them are Terrell Davis, Tom Brady, Matt Hassleback, Marc Bulger, and Derek Anderson. This draft was not loaded with clear-cut, blue-chip talent. Lito is still an Eagle which means the defensive backfield is loaded. If the Eagles want, they can trade him and the lower of two 2009 first-round draft picks for whomever they want; Chad Johnson maybe? They could stand pat. They lost many close games last year. On paper, the special teams and defense clearly got better through the draft and free agency. Good health and improved O-line play make the offense better and more efficient in the red zone. So, enjoy the Flyers' and Sixers' returns to the playoffs along with the Phillies' good start. In September, it'll be "GO Eagles!"— bigchief1970
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- I agree with a previous statement that if the Eagles had drafted Desean Jackson with the #19 pick, there would be half as many complaints on this board. Get over it! You don't need to overpay for some guy just because he's labeled a "1st round pick"! They did fine in the draft. If in 3 years the Redskins win a Super Bowl because they spent all their picks on WR's and TE's, i'll eat my words. But that isn't going to happen! We're still better than them and you whiney, fair weather fans will see that. Waaaaa, we didn't get a 1st round pick! Waaaa, shut up! None of you know what your talking about anyway. Think you know everything because you read a mock draft that Mel Kiper had on ESPN that was dead wrong anyway. Stick to booing injured players on the field.— MVKrum
- I give no grade at all for the simple reason that the Eagles have ne.ver known how to draft nor have they ever been good at it. And 90% of the players the Eagles have drafted have been useless...so why get yourselves in an uproar worrying about. If a pro team has needs go out and get an experienced pro and besides Reid would probably not play any youngster til the next decade anyway.— Pgt1400
- Oh, and one more thing...go Flyers as there is a team that knows how to go out and get playerws that make a difference!— Pgt1400
- does the draft really matter for this year...........no one will start that they have drafted. Should have packaged all their draft choices and sent to detroit for williams.— ox
- Pgt1400, did you see the ESPN graphic that the Eagles have drafted more players with Pro Bowl appearances (46) then any team since the 2000 NFL Draft? Don't be ignorant. and while this draft wasn't flashy it was solid. We'll have to wait and see. Super Bowls aren't won in April.
- wow! I couldn't wait to get on here for my first time. yup Eagles fan 'till I die, however I am still upset that Andy Reid never drafts a lot players at the skill positions! the defense and O line is all but shored up. He only drafted 1 wideout (DeSean Jackson) who will only play special teams because he is too small to take hit after hit in the NFL. we haven't had a credible receiving threat since, T.O. and before that it was Mike Quick. I mean, every 15 - 20 years for a decent wideout sucks big time if you ask me and anyone else in Philly who wants a wideout! good thing we have Westbrook or McNabb would be in trouble again this year too. they need to draft a bunch of wideouts and tightends, shake out the good from the bad, trade or not sign the rest and then build on the defensive spots that need addressing! too much of the same ol' B.S. from Reid, he's way too predictable, that's why we lost the Superbowl because of his predictability! I'll grade theis year's draft a C+. I do like the fact they have 2 first rounds next year though I bet Reid picks another QB or an O Lineman!— riqgeez
- NBC sports gave the Birds one of only two "A"'s they awarded (KC the other). It was not an exciting draft in some ways, but some smart people (including Domo) thought they were smart. What ails Didinger?— terp
- DeSean Jackson will be your favorite Eagle player in two years, and will play in the Super Bowl with Kevin Kolb.
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Eagletarian is your home for comprehensive coverage of the Philadelphia Eagles.
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