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After mostly toiling in mediocrity since the 2004 Super Bowl appearance, the Philadelphia Eagles seem to be back among the NFL's elite.
They didn't make the big trade for Anquan Boldin or Braylon Edwards, but they put together an exceptional draft.
What did they do?
The Eagles added potentially big-time playmakers for quarterback Donovan McNabb.
The Eagles added a ton of athleticism.
The Eagles added tremendous versatility.
The Eagles added explosiveness.
The Eagles made themselves a better football team than they were in 2008.
In the first round, the Eagles pulled a huge shock by picking Jeremy Maclin. Maclin completes possibly the speediest group of three wide receivers in the league (with DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis).
In round two, they got a running back that Sports Illustrated's Peter King had them taking with the 21st pick.
McCoy is truly a perfect fit for this offense. He is a very similar player to Brian Westbrook, and he has yet to turn 21-years-old. He gives them the depth that they sorely need at running back, and there will not be much drop-off when Westbrook leaves the field.
The Eagles did nothing in the third round but trade down, and eventually, out of the round altogether. They stockpiled six fifth-round choices, which is where they did some serious damage.
With the first two, they acquired dynamite kick returner Ellis Hobbs, who is also an improving cornerback. At just 26, Hobbs already has three kick return touchdowns on his resume.
With their first actual draft choice on Day Two, they got what looks to be an absolute steal in Florida tight end Cornelius Ingram. He is a dynamic athlete that adds a very intriguing dimension to the Eagles' passing attack.
In 2007, Ingram scored seven touchdowns on just 34 receptions. He averaged 15.0 yards per catch, unheard of for a tight end. He isn't much of a blocker, but he will definitely help stretch the field.
The fifth round also yielded corner/safety Victor "Macho" Harris from Virginia Tech and Oregon offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou.
Harris was a playmaker in all phases of the game in college. He intercepted 15 passes in his final three seasons, returning four for touchdowns. He also returned kicks and punts, and spent time at tailback and wide receiver.
Tupou played left tackle at a very high level in the Pac-10. As Andy Reid loves to do, he will likely move him inside to guard. A great combination of size and athleticism, he has the ability to pull and make blocks down the field.
In the sixth and seventh rounds, the Eagles mostly traded, but did manage to pick up three more players.
With the 194th pick, they selected Washington State wide receiver Brandon Gibson. Gibson is a precise route-runner with great hands. He is also noted for being an exceptional blocker.
Gibson is a highly competitive player that works hard as a possession receiver. He is also a great candidate to help out on special teams.
The Eagles finished their weekend drafting two players in the seventh round. They selected guard Paul Fanaika from Arizona State, and Maryland outside linebacker Moise Fokou.
At 6'5" and 327 pounds, Fanaika is a massive human being. He does not have ideal athleticism, but he definitely can add some depth to the line with his smarts. He is a mauler that should have a chance to win a backup spot.
Moise Fokou is a bit of an enigma. He is very athletic with playmaking ability against both the run and the pass. He can get to the quarterback, harass running backs behind the line of scrimmage, and can cover backs and tight ends.
The problem is, he has trouble giving consistent effort. He will have to raise his level of play to make this team, but should be able to beat out Tracy White if he can be an asset on special teams. At pick 230, you have to like his upside.
Everyone thought the Eagles were satisfied with never taking the next step to the Super Bowl, but this draft proves that theory incorrect.
They ended up putting together a very aggressive offseason, and made very bold selections in the draft.
They have a wealth of playmakers now in all phases of the game, and there will be more competition than ever in camp for roster spots and playing time.
As it stands right now, from top to bottom, this may be an even more talented Eagles team than the 2004 squad. The defense is young and improving, and this offense became much more explosive this weekend.
Contract situation aside, Donovan McNabb should be smiling, and you know what everyone says about how McNabb plays when he is smiling.
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