#23 Philadelphia Eagles
What They Need: Mike Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, Brent Celek: the skill positions are just fine. The offensive line is another matter. Vick and Kevin Kolb got sacked a combined 49 times last year, an unacceptable rate especially considering how valuable Vick is to this team's success. Jason Peters is an ultra-talented left tackle but his technique has been wildly inconsistent. Winston Justice needs to be replaced at right tackle. Jamaal Jackson is a physical center who needs to improve his fundamentals. The offensive line could use help across the board, but right tackle is the major area of concern. Defensively the Eagles have some nice bright spots and some glaring needs. Trent Cole is a stud at defensive end, and the combo of Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley is solid at defensive tackle. Brandon Graham showed flashes of brilliance last year at defensive end and the Eagles will likely be content to let him develop another year. The linebackers are athletic but undersized on this team, and they could use a thumper that really brings physicality in the run game. Asante Samuel is still a very good corner though he gambles a lot, but opposite him the Eagles need a new cover man. Nate Allen and the return of Marlin Jackson should make the safety spot a strength.
Who They Might Pick: There won’t be a linebacker worthy of this pick, so to me this will clearly come down to the offensive line. The skill positions are set, the defensive line is young and talented, and the secondary has three strong starters. Another corner is a possibility, but just isn’t as important as protecting Vick. The Eagles can address other needs later in the draft, especially if they trade Kolb for draft choices. Mike Pouncey could easily still be on the board, though I have him going much earlier. He would be a nice option at guard or center. The Eagles are not a physical running team, and with Vick’s tendency to move the pocket, an athletic offensive tackle is a necessity. Unfortunately, Tyron Smith, Anthony Costanzo, and Nate Solder could all be gone by this spot, but if they aren’t, any of those three would fit the pass blocking mold the Eagles are looking for. Derek Sherrod might be on the board, and though massive, he has athleticism and a long frame that lends itself to pass blocking. If they looked corner here, Jimmy Smith, Davon House, and Aaron Williams would be options.
My Advice: I’ll give the Eagles Derek Sherrod, the last first round-rated tackle on my board. With a 3.5 GPA in college, he’s smart, and he has the athleticism to play the lefty Vick’s blindside protector. At 6’5”, 321 he has the size and long arms to fend off quick pass rushers and the brute strength to move his man in the run game. With Sherrod, Peters, and Jackson, the Eagles have the core of a nice offensive line.
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| With the twenty-third selection, the Philadelphia Eagles take Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State. |
#24 New Orleans Saints
What They Need: Quarterback and receiver are obviously set. Reggie Bush should return to the fold, but he’s obviously not an every down back, so running back should be a consideration. The offensive line is a really strong unit, particularly at guard where Carl Nicks and Jhari Evans form the best duo in football. Offensive tackle is reasonably strong between Jermon Bushrod and John Stinchcomb, but another young tackle would be a nice addition. Still, defense is probably where the Saints should spend this pick. Will Smith is a good defensive end, Sedrick Ellis is a young stud inside, and Shaun Rogers was just added to help clog the run game. Rogers though, has bounced around the league because of a bad attitude and inconsistent effort. Another pass rusher to complement Smith is certainly a need as well. Jonathan Vilma is a very good player at middle linebacker, but he isn’t surrounded by much talent at OLB. Corner is all set with Tracy Porter, last year’s top pick Patrick Robinson, and Malcolm Jenkins, who can play any position in the secondary. The safety spot is getting long in the tooth, but as mentioned, Jenkins can slide over and make that concern void.
Who They Might Pick: If Mark Ingram slides he’d be a great pick, but if he doesn’t, New Orleans should look to add a back in the later rounds. And if Ingram’s gone, defense is the way to go. Defensive line specifically seems to be the smartest spot to bolster. They are currently strong at defensive tackle with Ellis and Rogers, but adding another young player there as insurance for Rogers would be smart. Muhammad Wilkerson is a big body who is athletic enough to push the pocket and would be a really good value at this spot. Phil Taylor, if available, would be a steal here. Stephen Paea, Corey Liuget, and Marvin Austin could all be on the board at this point as well. Defensive end seems like the even better choice. You want your first pick to play right away, and I’m not sure any defensive tackle prospect would beat out Ellis or Rogers. Naturally a defensive end, Cameron Jordan is a really good player that can play tackle. Adrian Clayborn, JJ Watt, and Cameron Heyward would all be decent fits as well.
My Advice: Take Cameron Jordan from Cal. He would be a steal at this point in the draft. He can rush the passer and at 6’4” 287 pounds is plenty big enough to hold up against the run. Even as big as he is, Jordan ran a 4.74 40-yard dash and was an excellent basketball player in high school. Basically, he’s a freak athlete. Jordan is not a born pass rusher, but he has the ability to push the pocket and is just one of those guys who is always a positive force on the field.
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| For the twenty-fourth pick, the New Orleans Saints take Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal. |
--from Adam
(first image from nflsoup.com, second from flickr.com)
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