Philadelphia Eagles: The 2012 NFL Draft Is the Most Important Draft of Decade

I felt the need to write this article less than two hours before the 2012 NFL draft begins because this could really be a turning point for the Philadelphia Eagles. This draft will definitely change the upcoming Eagles season, but it’s a lot more than that.

Howie Roseman, the team's general manager, knows that he must make the right choices more than ever before. The last two drafts weren’t very successful for Philly, but it was more or less expected, since he was a young and inexperienced manager. After a bad season, the pressure for more productive players out of the draft is 10 times greater.

Andy Reid will also be held accountable and he is in a worse position than Roseman. Nobody expects the rookies to raise the team a whole level; on the other hand, everybody demands a better selection of players than the ones in 2010 and 2011.

Brandon Graham and Danny Watkins, the first-round picks of the Eagles in the last couple of NFL drafts, have been fairly good players, but they do not justify their status as first-rounders—especially Graham, who struggled with injuries last year.

The Eagles can’t afford another questionable first-round pick. They need someone that can make an immediate impact and turn into a future leader in his position. It’s essential if they want to be competitive both in 2012 and the coming years.

During the last decade, Philadelphia has been a constant presence in the playoffs, but never enjoyed the ultimate success: a Lombardi trophy. It seems that the time has come for the Eagles to win it all or turn the page. They did a great job retaining their most important free agents and signed two very good players—DeMeco Ryans and Demetress Bell.

The NFL draft is the next step. If the Eagles can find themselves two or three players than can help them right away, then they’ll have the most complete roster in the NFC East. It’s a matter of who has that extra edge and Philadelphia can get that in the draft.

So, get your popcorn and find yourself a seat. The 2012 NFL draft is about to begin.