Eagles draft South Florida S Allen
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Eagles draft South Florida S Allen
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Eagles drafted South Florida safety Nate Allen with their first pick in the second round of the NFL draft -- aka "The Donovan McNabb selection."
The Eagles received the 37th overall pick from Washington in exchange for their one-time franchise quarterback. They made good use of it, taking a player at a position that was a definite need.
"Whatever they need me to do, I'll do it," Allen said via conference call.
The Eagles passed on Southern Cal safety Taylor Mays, who was also still on the board. With the their first two picks in this year's draft, the Eagles have now taken two defensive players -- defensive end Brandon Graham and Allen.
There was speculation that the Eagles would trade away the 37th pick in the hopes of getting back additional picks and because they might not have wanted to burden a draftee with the label of being the player they got for McNabb. Allen was asked if he thought the McNabb tag would bring any added pressure.
"Not really," he said. "It's an honor to be even considered. Just being in the NFL draft is an honor, to me. ... I'm just so excited. I'm ready to get up there and start working hard."
Allen didn't visit with the Eagles, but he said he met some of the team's representatives at the Indianapolis combine in February.
"They definitely showed interest at the combine," Allen said.
Allen will likely compete for the open free safety position -- the spot once occupied by Brian Dawkins for over a decade. Last season, Macho Harris, Quintin Demps and Sean Jones each failed to secure the starting role. Harris and Demps are expected to be back, and the Eagles aquired Marlin Jackson in the off-season. Quintin Mikell is slated to return as the starting strong safety.
There had been some concerns about the 6-foot, 207-pound Allen's tackling.
"I'm just going to come in and show everyone that I can be a consistent tackler," Allen said. "I can always improve in everything."
The Eagles still have one more pick to go tonight. They still hold the 23d pick (55th overall) in the second round.
Excellent pickup for the philadelphia eagles. This guy is a ballhawk and will tackle. Nate Allen is fast and quick and was better than taylor mays. He will get some picks next year for the Eagles.— briandawkins20
Don't know anything about this guy but I like his size. If he's a tackler that'll give the team something they haven't had enough of in the D backfield since Dawkins left.
This fella did a nice job at SFU. Will be interesting to see if he makes the squad.— gubbers97- very good pickup.. we still need to get one more pic on defense and pick up another offesive lineman— nixman101
- Nate Allen is really good and no question that he will make the team. Nate Allen is a starter and Eagles will probably go Cornerback with the 55th Pick.— briandawkins20
- There are some concerns about his tackling??? Oh boy! I really wanted Taylor Mays.— derrickh
- Nate Allen is way better than Taylor Mays Eagles Fans. Mays cant cover and Allen is a ballhawk and tackler.— briandawkins20
- But is he big enough to go up against those large Dallas receivers?— atp2007
- Nate allen is the second-rated free-safety by many scouts. I like him better than Thomas. He will be a good NFL player. Has great ballskills and has great instincts for the game. He one of those guys who will work to get better all the time.— brickhead
- atp2007: Dallas is going to miss Flozell Adams.— p-diddy
- I have to agree with all on this page this kid is very good I had my eye on him before the draft. He fits this style of D and they will need he and Graham plenty in fact I'm willing to say he'll start this season. They will need the bolster that D because #4 will be turning it over a plenty. Anyway good pickups so far.— realtruth
- Nate Allen seems to be well thought of by every scout and analyst. We have 4 picks in the 4th round and there still are some highly thought of players out there. Hard to beleive we didn;t take Everson Griffen over the DE we chose from Washington. There must be some dirt on that guy Griffen for him to have fallen so out of favor. I would take a chance on Bruce Campbell at pick 105 if he is there. Some mock drafts had him going 8th to the Raiders. I'd also like to see us take C matt Tennant in the 4th round and CB Owusu-Ansah. We should also take a DT to compete with Trevor Laws.. that could be either Atkins or Thomas.— bradco
