Philadelphia Eagles 2012 Draft: 2nd-Round Draft Grades

The Philadelphia Eagles began the second round of the 2012 NFL draft with a smart pick in the form of California linebacker Mychal Kendricks. This was followed by a trade with the Green Bay Packers which saw the Birds swap second-round picks with the Pack and also net a fourth-rounder.

That left the Eagles to take Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry, adding another edge rusher to Juan Castillo's schemes. Here are the team's grades for the second round:

Mychal Kendricks, LB, California

Mychal Kendricks was an excellent choice for the Eagles. Despite trading for DeMeco Ryans, the Eagles still need more productivity from the linebacker position.

Kendricks is a fast-flowing, natural downhill run-plugger. He should immediately force himself into the starting lineup on the outside.

Kendricks gives the Eagles an active, tough, tackling linebacker with the athleticism and smarts to contribute immediately.

Grade: A

Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

One of the best picks of the draft so far, the Eagles brought in Vinny Curry. The Marshall star is one of the finest pure pass-rushers in this draft class.

He is a high-effort pressure specialist, possessing excellent off-the-snap quickness. While the Eagles didn't have a glaring need at the end position, Curry gives them a promising youngster behind starters Jason Babin and Trent Cole.

Babin is 31, and Cole will turn 30 before the season starts. Philadelphia has acquired a young playmaker with the movement skills and initial burst to be an asset at the wide-9 position for years to come.

Grade: A

Curry and Kendricks cap an outstanding second round for the Eagles. Along with Fletcher Cox, these additions leave no excuse for Castillo not to produce a top-10 defense in 2011.