NFL Draft 2011: Should Philadelphia Eagles Go for Jimmy Smith?

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Eagles select Colorado cornerback in many mock drafts

Scanning around and reading up on all things NFL draft related...

Saw the latest Q&A that Ray Didinger did for CSNPhilly.com. A reader writes in about the Eagles and asks specifically about them taking Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith. Didinger explains that Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara are the top corners in this draft, and that the talent drops off dramatically after that.

Smith, however, could still be available at No. 23.

"I would not take Smith in the first round even though I consider cornerback the Eagles’ No. 1 need," he writes. "He has the ideal frame (6-2, 210) and he’s fast and physical, but he has off-the-field issues and his level of play was up and down last season. Perhaps he got bored because teams didn’t throw many balls his way, but he wasn’t as focused as he was in other years.

"Smith has the skill set to be an outstanding corner and for that reason. I’m sure some team will draft him in the first round but his attitude and inconsistency makes him a risky pick."

Let's lay out the facts: Smith wasn't the brightest early on at Colorado. He says he's learned from his mistakes, his former position coach said he never had a problem with him and another NFL general manager said he didn't see any issues.

So what's all the fuss about? What should Philly do?

Well, let's keep in mind we don't know what the Eagles' draft board looks like and which players rank where, value-wise. Is there someone below Smith, in terms of corners? How much are they separated by?

The upside is obvious, but then you have to ask yourself how much Andy Reid is willing to tolerate. If you decide to draft him, you'd have to keep the kid on a tight leash until he proves he can be trusted. Otherwise you could have another Dez Bryant on your hands.

And you've got to wonder just how enjoyable he's been for Dallas.

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