Philadelphia Eagles: Who are these guys?

CK’s Analysis: Recent free-agent signings and drafts have failed to solidify the back-up DT position. Laws was one of the few bright spots on last year's struggling Irish team. Hey, he can only be an improvement on what they currently have. Good drafting.

DeSean Jackson, Wide Receiver/Kick Returner: Jackson is the lone addition to the Eagles' receiving corps. Can he be a playmaker at the WR position? His impact and success next year is more than likely to happen in the return game. The reviews from camp are very positive, with Mornhinweg calling Jackson a natural at the position. His size and perceived attitude issues lead to his drop to the second round.  

CK’s Analysis: Again, speed, speed, and more speed. Two words: Reno Mahae.  Jackson finally brings a gamebreaker to the return game. When Jackson is on the field as a WR, his speed will allow Donovan’s deep pass to thrive. Love the drafting.

Bryan Smith, Defensive End: The Eagles hope Smith can turn into another Trent Cole, a dominant undersized DE. Smith's best chance to make this year’s team is on the practice squad. The DE position is deep. 

CK’s Analysis: Who would have thought Trent Cole would be as dominant as he was. 2008 should be a year for Smith to bulk up and learn the system (see Victor Abiamiri). Time will tell.

Mike McGlynn, Mike Gibson, and King Dunlap, Offensive Linemen: Each of these picks are for the future. Runyan and Thomas are in the final years of their contracts. The Eagles are hoping for some luck-by-numbers in that one of the three can fill the OT void in 2009.

CK’s Analysis:  They can't be any worse then Winston Justice!  Well maybe as Dunlop had difficulty beating out a freshman on last year’s Auburn team. Time will tell.

Quintin Demps, Safety: The Eagles begin their search for the next Brian Dawkins. Demps brings terrific speed and coverage skills. The flip side is that his tackling ability is questionable. Like Jackson, his biggest impact on this year’s team could be as a returner.

CK’s Analysis: His return abilities should be a big upgrade over J.R. Reed and Buckhalter. Good drafting.  

Joe Mays and Andy Studebaker, Linebackers: With the Eagles already being young and deep at the LB position, it will be a struggle for each to make the team. A spot on the practice squad would be a best-case scenario for each.

CK’s Analysis: If nothing else, Studebaker was a YouTube sensation! Time will tell.

Jack Ikegwuonu, Cornerback: Injuries will keep Ikegwuonu off the field in 2008. His impact, if any, will not be seen until 2009. 

CK’s Analysis: Gamble pick, and another example of the Eagles always drafting for next year. Time will tell.

Can these additions help carry the Eagles back to the top of the NFC East? Would you rather still have Will James, Jevon Kearse, Takeo Spikes, and Thomas Tapeh? Only a few more months to kickoff...

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