Eagles draft outlook: Quarterback
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Eagles draft outlook: Quarterback
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
The situation: I think you might be well-versed on this one. Donovan McNabb's gone. Kevin Kolb is the man. And Michael Vick is here - for now.
Kolb will be the unquestioned starter and will be given every chance to succeed. Vick is the backup, as of today. Both guys are entering the final year of their deals. For Kolb, that could certainly change - either before the season or during the season. For Vick, it won't.
Paul Domowitch of the Daily News reported recently that the Eagles are still looking to deal Vick, which makes sense. If that happens, there have been grumblings that Jeff Garcia could be back.
Depth: The Eagles currently have two quarterbacks on their roster. That will obviously have to change. Much depends on how they view Vick, if he's still with the team at the start of next season. If they are comfortable with him playing and having success, they would need to add a third quarterback as insurance.
But if they are not confident in Vick as a backup, the Eagles would have to look for someone better, who could serve the role Kolb had last season.
The outlook: Here's my guess at how the Eagles would prefer this situation to play out: Find a team who's willing to take Vick. This might mean lowering their asking price or potentially making a deal that is based on Vick's performance in 2010. Sign a backup such as Garcia - a guy without a significant learning curve, who can come in and play in the event that Kolb should go down with an injury. And then draft a third quarterback in the middle rounds. A guy who can sit back and learn for a year or two and then assume the backup role to Kolb.
Do the Eagles absolutely have to draft a quarterback? No. They could sign a veteran and go with Vick as Kolb's backup, which would mean finding another backup next offseason. But my guess is they've highlighted some guys they like (they've certainly been linked to enough QBs during the workout/official visit period), and if one of those players becomes available, they'll grab him.
Click here for a list of scouting reports on the quarterback prospects.
Earlier, we offered draft outlooks for offensive tackle and guard/center.
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Paul SoTX has a good idea -- Daryl Clark late in the draft. Psuwelsh -- Colt McCoy would be a very good backup, but do we spend a 2nd rounder on a backup and would he be content after the 2nd year or so? I'm not convinced Colt is a good starter, but he is.— tacklinjoe- The eagles did not let veterans go the got rid of HASBEENS, Making the right decision to pull the trigger. They all were two steps to slow and that includes McStink....— SkipinWV
- tpizza nbtt, Would youy guys quit crying about McNabb not having any talent. Did he make it to 5 NFC championship games? He was one game away of the Superbowl 4 out of 5 times. So the teams must of had some kind of talent. McNabb played behind one of the best o-lines for years. It doesn't matter who played wideout if the passes are into the ground or behind them.— Fast Eddie
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