Thanks, Seattle! Eagles Get Cox
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Thanks, Seattle! Eagles Get Cox
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
There were people who said Fletcher Cox was the best defensive player available in the draft, and some of those people were Eagles' fans, so there was little complaining, for once, when the Birds burned fourth and sixth-round selections to move up three spots. taking Cox 12th overall with the Seahawks' pick.
Cox would seem to be the difference-making defensive tackle the Birds so badly need in the middle of Jim Washburn's wide nine d-line. He is 6-4, 298 and has startling power and speed.
Cox told reporters on a conference call that he thought the Eagles were the best fit for him, that he prayed on it, and that his agents agreed with him about the fit. Washburn, the team's defensive line coach, came down to Yazoo City, Miss., and spent time with Cox before the draft. Cox said they watched tape together and he felt he could play Washburn's style with little adjustment needed.
"I'll bring excitement and a great attitude to Philadelphia," said Cox, who was a Mississippi State teammate of Eagles linebacker Jamar Chaney. Chaney texted that Cox "will kill it in the wide nine."
Eagles coach Andy Reid said the Birds looked into moving up farther but didn't want to part with any second- or third-round picks. As other teams moved up to target players, they began to think they might really have a shot at Cox. The first five selections were offensive players. The Chiefs picked 11th, just before the Seahawks, but Reid said he figured they needed a nose tackle, which was what they got in 345-pound Dontari Poe. When that pick was made, the Eagles pulled the trigger on the deal.
Reid called Cox "one of those rare kids that size who can run," and said he would mostly play tackle but could move around.
Poll: Are you glad the Eagles drafted Cox?
Let's hope he stays healthy or everyone who loves the pick now will be calling him a bust in two years.— bc3030- Cox is a player and a good pick. Graham is a bust.— coloradoeagle
- Who truly knows how this will turn out? But it's nice to come away with a first-round pick whom the experts and fans like, and not one where Reid, et al, are implying to us how much more they know about the guy's abilities than everyone else does.— PhilaLogic
- Yeah, this was a good pick for once, I agree. Cox should be (is) a monster. Also, they have three picks tomorrow. They only swapped picks with Houston.— WestonF01
- I like that we only gave up 2 later picks to get the player that may make a difference. Welcome to the nest, Cox!— vafan
- I am glad they got this guy, but I really think every pick is a roll of the dice. I would rather have three rolls than one. Graham has been hurt, give him a chance when he is healthy before declaring him a bust.— Paul SoTX
- Great pick! Would have been happy with Cox, Kuechly, or Barron. To those who will still find something to complain about, go root for another team.— Penfold18
- Suh 6'4"; 307; 33 1/2" arms; 5.03 forty. Cox 6'4"; 298; 34 1/2" arms; 4.97 forty.— PHLtoLAX
- Not trying to bust your balls or anything but Cox actually ran a 4.79 forty. — bmv21
Welcome to Philly Fletcher Cox still having difficulty believing we got the # 1 rated DT in the draft. Excellent sense by Andy and Howie to move up because Arizona would definitely have grabbed Cox. Coby Fleener is next. Go Eagles.- ESFjellin - we got it. After all, we all were 14 years old at one time. MOST of us have matured since then ...— FishFryFrank
- Yeah, well expect to hear stuff like that throughout his career. Good times ahead! — ESFjellin
- About the same size Suh was when he came out as I recall.— tpizza
- Nice pick, we can't feel bad about ourselves. Aaaand we get 2 more pics tomorrow.— Mugwumps88
- Not Andy's typical small guy, big motor. 6'4", 298 lbs. That's NFL sized.— hallux
- No complaints here. Nice tto have a guy who will start from opening day. Nice work Andy. For once I agree with your first rounder.— soybot
I am not sold but its done— lib4- Watch out, lib4 is not sold on this pick it must be something wrong with it. Who's lib4 you might ask....................... — realtruth
- For all those calling Graham a bust, his coach sees things quite differently so I'll take his word over the Playstation, XBox playing couch potato's on this board.— realtruth
- @realtruth, thank you so much I have said it so many times these people will complain about anything. I don't think they even read the articles, they just start writing and complaining. Thanks again — charmaine
- Graham is Jerome McDougle 2.0 — coloradoeagle
- what did you think Washburn was going to say? they will talk him up right until they cut him. Graham is a bust. — coloradoeagle
- He could have said nothing. So the fact that he still thinks Graham can be something speaks volumes. — Penfold18
- @mr.sinatra, Just heard Washburn interview and according to him people shouldn't be so ready to give up on Brandon Graham, he's really high in his expectations of him this coming season. I think I'll take coach Washburns'assessment about Graham.— realtruth
- Kiss of death for any D lineman is being drafted by the Eagles! Good luck kid!— JBinPA
- Yeah, that really hurt Trent Cole. Whatever happened to that guy?
— phillychaos - Up next. Draft lavontte David olb— fman727
- Where is Brandon Graham going to play or is he a BUST!!!!!!!— KOOLK777
- he was a bust the day the Eagles drafted him. — ESFjellin
- cox is the real deal. this isn't another jerome boondoggle or brandon graham cracker.— Mr.Sinatra
- Cheer up.— p-diddy
- another player with a high motor. hopefully he turns out better than the previous years' high motors.— P Even
