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EAGLES MOVE UP FOR MACLIN

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EAGLES MOVE UP FOR MACLIN

POSTED: Saturday, April 25, 2009, 6:25 PM

Bob Brookover

The Eagles made a trade with the Cleveland Browns for a wide receiver after all, moving up two spots in order to select Missouri's Jeremy Maclin.

In order to get Maclin with the 19th pick, the Eagles dealt their first-round pick and a sixth-round selection, the 195th pick overall. He is just the second receiver the Eagles have taken in the first round during coach Andy Reid's tenure. The other was Freddie Mitchell in 2001.

Reid said the Eagles didn't expect Maclin to be available when it was their turn to make a pick.

"Actually, we thought he was going to go quite a little bit higher than he did," Reid said. "This was not who we had targeted. He just happened to be one of those guys who fell a little bit and he kind of fell into our lap there."

Maclin, 20, set a single-season school record for receptions with 102 and yards with 1,260. He also scored 13 touchdowns. In addition to his ability as a receiver, Maclin will likely take over as the Eagles' kick returner, a role he did extremely well at Missouri. His 1,346 kick return yards as a freshman were two shy of an NCAA record.

"I just love doing it," Maclin said when asked about returning kicks. "I put a lot of work and film study into it in order to be successful."

Maclin, who declared for the draft after just two seasons at Missouri, was just the third player in NCAA history to average more than 200 all-purpose yards per game.

52 comments

Comments (52)

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:43 PM, 04/25/2009

Charlie Casserly on NFL TV just said his favorite pick of the draft so far was the Eagles taking Maclin. Casserly said Maclin was one of the ten best players in the draft.

— Tom.Mack

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:48 PM, 04/25/2009

Charles Casserly (NFL Network and former NFL GM) just called Jeremy Maclin the "Best Value Pick In the First Round".

— knighn

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:49 PM, 04/25/2009

Hey JimG, He might not be a "Little Guy", but the reports have been that Macklin's hands aren't as good as Deseans, and I believe that Desean was a more established player coming out than Macklin. It doesn't matter how big you are if you can't catch the ball!!

— reggiedunlop

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0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:58 PM, 04/25/2009

Maclin is just what 5 asked for. A weapon. This guy is dangerous...

— Grazman

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 7:59 PM, 04/25/2009

Give Andy his due this guy is just what we need. Donovan has his new "weapon" a fast, hardworking playmaker who's not a diva with a posse. Thank you Al Davis for taking Heyward-Bey and leaving this guy for us.

— brs50

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 8:07 PM, 04/25/2009

Lets go for Javon Rionger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— The Roz

0 like this / 0 don't • Posted 8:17 PM, 04/25/2009

Jeremy Maclin info: VITALS Position: WR Class: Sophomore School: Missouri Conference: Big 12 Ht: 6.0; Wt: 198 40 Time: 4.42 NOTES: Received all-Conference and all-America honors as both a receiver and return specialist. In 2008 led Missouri in receiving with 102 receptions for 1,260 yards and 13 TDs. Averaged 11.7 yds on 23 punt returns with one TD and 24 yds on 42 kick-off returns with one TD. Led the nation in all-purpose yardage averaging 202.36 yards per game. SI.COM Description: "Explosive, playmaking prospect who is a threat to score whenever he handles the ball. Plays much faster than his 40 time, can turn it on in one step, and runs away from defenders. Dangerous in the open field, and displays elusiveness as well as speed. Quickly gets off the line into routes, easily adjusts to the errant throw, and makes the reception in stride. Plays with good balance, body control, and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Gets vertical and extends to make the reception away from his frame, displaying good eye/hand coordination. Cannot be caught in the open field, and he strikes fear in opponents." SI.COM Analysis: "Maclin is a game-impacting skill player who could help a team in a variety of ways. He possesses solid receiving skills, and at the same time, he is dangerous returning punts or kicks. Maclin offers a tremendous amount of upside potential, and he will see immediate action on special teams as a rookie in the NFL while he develops into a number one receiver."

— Tom.Mack