Eagles draft S Jarrett and CB Marsh
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Eagles draft S Jarrett and CB Marsh
Jonathan Tamari and Jeff McLane
The Eagles drafted Temple safety Jaiquawn Jarrett in the second round, selecting one of the better safeties in a what is considered a weak class, but one who was not expected to be chosen until later in the draft.
They also took a cornerback -- Utah State's Curis Marsh -- in the third round after they moved back five places. The 6-foot-1, 197-pound Marsh ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the combine. The Eagles swapped third round picks with the Ravens and also recieved a sixth rounder (191st overall) in return for the 85th overall pick.
Jarrett, from Brooklyn, is considered a hard-working, instinctive player, but one who does not have the size or speed of a top-flight NFL player. He started all but six of his college games at Temple and played in every game of his college career.
"A lot of teams like kids that are just natural football players and that’s what coach Reid saw in me," Jarrett said.
He is listed at 6-foot-0, 198 pounds -- around the same size as other Eagles safeties. His best 40-yard dash time was 4.54, not exactly blazing for a defensive back. But he led Temple in combined tackles last season with 74 (41 unassisted, 33 assisted).
"They see something in me that other teams didn't see," Jarrett said.
He described himself as a physical, disciplined player.
"This right here is one of the greatest situations for me," said Jarrett, who has played his college football in Philadelphia and said he was glad to be staying close to home.
Most analysts expected that Jarrett would last into the middle rounds of the draft.
Jarrett will join a young safety group that includes Nate Allen and Kurt Coleman, each drafted last year. His selection may spell bad news for veteran Quintin Mikell, whose contract is up and future in Philadelphia was already cloudy.
"I'm Happy For Jarrett I Love The Temple Players! Do Your Thing!" Mikell wrote on Twitter.
The second round started in unhelpful fashion for the Eagles: two of the top cornerbacks remaining -- Ras-I Dowling and Aaron Williams -- were taken with the first two picks. Then the Bengals drafted quarterback Andy Dalton and the 49ers took quarterback Colin Kaepernick, likely taking two quaraterback-needy teams out of the sweepstakes for Eagles backup Kevin Kolb, whenever trades resume.
While Dalton and Kaepernick might need time to develop, it seems unlikely that the Bengals or 49ers would invest heavily in another quarterback who would serve as a stopgap before they are ready.
Next Jabaal Sheard, one of the top defensive ends remaining, went to Cleveland, taking off another strong prospect at a position where the Eagles need help.
Iggles are doing the best they can under these uncertain circumstances. They got one potential starter in Round One. These two latest picks are potential upgrades. Meanwhile, by swapping picks they get additional selections in later rounds. Their record for picking occasional gems in rounds 4 & beyond is pretty good. It's a wise strategy.— rad205- Iggles are doing the best they can under these uncertain circumstances. They got one potential starter in Round One. These two latest picks are potential upgrades. Meanwhile, by swapping picks they get additional selections in later rounds. Their record for picking occasional gems in rounds 4 & beyond is pretty good. It's a wise strategy.— rad205
- Iggles are doing the best they can under these uncertain circumstances. They got one potential starter in Round One. These two latest picks are potential upgrades. Meanwhile, by swapping picks they get additional selections in later rounds. Their record for picking occasional gems in rounds 4 & beyond is pretty good. It's a wise strategy.— rad205
- Trust Andy and Howie. They'll fill all the seats, have thousands waiting for season tickets, get into the playoffs, keep our hopes alive, sell a lot of merchandise, and then lose. It's a great success for making money. Forget the Super Bowl. It ain't happening with this team of businessmen in place. Your time.— BigMike100
- Hey, look at all the ups we have. McDermott is gone, the defense can't help but be much better this year, the offensive line will improve, and I am as certain as I am handsome that Vick is studying blitz packages. Things are going to be just fine. The problem lies with the lockout and revenue sharing issues.— WantToKnow
- you guys slay me. The collective numbnut-edness nevers shines as brightly as it does on draft night. Every year it's the same thing boo-freaking-hoo and then they go on to a successful season. Don't you guys ever get tired of it?— figgypop
- In Bizarro World, where up is down and out is in, Andy's scheme of drafting lower-round guys early all makes sense.— NM Eagle fan
- Watkins was a decent pick and I like the idea of Jarret and Allen at safety. But Marsh is hit and miss in coverage. Still need a veteran corner.— MrMiles1
- The Eagles have drafted just the way you would want them to... as long as your a Cowgurlz Vigiants or Deadskins fan.— Shawnadelphia
- They passed on Aaron Bailey! Reid better take Colin McCarthy and Casy Matthews..Damon Berry would be a great late round pick up.— new2vero2
- lol I love Eagles fans, always two seconds from giving up on a season that hasn't started yet. Give the picks a chance and lets see what happens in free agency.— TRealEaglesFan
- Don't be so quick to condemn this draft, Naysayers. Watkins especially may turn out to be a fantastic pick. The Birds needed to make the o-line a priority. Check out this prescient article written before the pick was made; I'm convinced (as much as anyone can be before there's a career history to track) that pick may prove to be spot on.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/681302-2011-nfl-draft-philadelphia-eagles-do-not-have-a-need-at-right-tackle
They needed a guard, not a tackle, and they got maybe the best projected guard available. Now, a safety with instincts capable of hitting and supporting the run. Perhaps a project, but a talented corner. So far, so good. They have targeted 3 glaring needs for the coming years.— ExPhilly77 - A good pick for the Eagles.— Powelton villager
- i went to two temple games and everytime on defense u saw this kid making hits and always making a play or involved in it..he plays alot like ronnie lott, has a nice burst to the football, and can read and react..he isnt going to get u many ints, but receivers will hestitate to go over the middle with this kid roaming..u wont see him get run over like nate allen did last year thats for sure..good wrap up tackler..dont knock him until u see him play..he is like trent cole..nonstop motor and never takes plays off. jarret is a upgrade over nate allen and quintin mikels..wait until u see him play and judge for yourself— bigjay215
