Philadelphia Eagles 2012 Draft: Buy or Sell the Eagles' Draft Picks

The Philadelphia Eagles used their first three picks to add some playmakers to their developing defense. They also managed to find their backup quarterback and add some intriguing late-round talent at wide receiver and along the offensive line.

Truth be told, it's difficult to fault many of the Eagles' picks. The need for Fletcher Cox was obvious and Mychal Kendricks should start right away in a suspect linebacker corps.

The only burning question is whether Nick Foles was the best fit as a development quarterback. With these considerations in mind, here is a buy-or-sell analysis of the Eagles' 2012 draft picks.

Round 1: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

The Eagles simply had to take Fletcher Cox in this draft. He is the kind of quick-hustling, marauding, playmaking defensive tackle that is an ideal fit for Philadelphia's double 3-technique schemes.

Cox gives the Eagles' wide-9 front a big body in the middle and is also blessed with tremendous off-the-snap speed. He has a great range of movement and should partner with Cullen Jenkins immediately.

Verdict: BUY

Under the tutelage of Jim Washburn and playing on a front already including Jenkins, Trent Cole and Jason Babin, Cox should enjoy a monster rookie season.

Round 2: Mychal Kendricks, LB, California

Cal enforcer Mychal Kendricks has great value for the Eagles as a second-round pick. Kendricks is a sound and active tackler, capable of making plays at every level of a defense.

The 5'11", 239 pounder should see time at weak-side linebacker in Juan Castillo's front. He has the instincts and recognition skills to fill any gaps and improve the run defense.

Verdict: BUY

Along with the addition of DeMeco Ryans, Kendricks makes the Eagles' linebacking group significantly better. Like Cox, he should be given the chance to start right away.

Round 2: Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

The Eagles continued to stockpile defensive weapons and got themselves a steal in defensive end Vinny Curry. The ex-Marshall standout is a natural 4-3 defensive end who can be an immediate contributor in the wide-9 rotation.

Marshall has a lengthy and angular frame, with the coordination and lean to get around blockers on the outside. He uses his hands well and has the initial burst to beat tackles to the edge.

Verdict: BUY

Many may have felt defensive end was not an obvious need, but this was still an outstanding pick. Babin and Cole need a young understudy and so far Brandon Graham hasn't delivered.

Round 3: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

The Eagles decision to settle on Nick Foles as the understudy to Michael Vick was the first questionable decision of their draft. While the Arizona passer certainly has the arm strength, his decision-making in the pocket and the timing of his release are major question marks.

It was surprising that the Eagles didn't make a play to move up and select Russell Wilson, who would have been a more natural fit to back up Vick. However, even without that, a player like Kirk Cousins may have been a better pick.

Verdict: SELL

Foles has some impressive physical attributes, but is extremely raw. Unless Andy Reid can work some magic, this could be a case of right pick, wrong player.

Round 4: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

Brandon Boykin has sleeper value as a fourth-rounder and can play a key role in Philadelphia's nickel and dime packages. The Georgia corner is undersized for the physical, press requirements of the Eagles' base coverages.

However, he has the fluidity and vertical speed to stay with receivers deep down the field. If used correctly, Boykin can be a useful third corner.

Verdict: BUY

Despite his diminutive stature, Boykin's ability to tightly shadow receivers makes him a nice fit for the Eagles' new emphasis on man coverage concepts.

Round 5: Dennis Kelly, OT, Purdue

The Eagles added some needed depth at offensive tackle, but the selection of Purdue's Dennis Kelly came at the expense of some more marquee talent. They left Matt McCants, Nate Potter and Andrew Datko still on the board, all three of whom would arguably be better fits for Howard Mudd's schemes.

Kelly certainly has elite size at 6'8" and 321 pounds. However, his technique needs a lot of work and given the need for quality depth at left tackle, the Eagles took a risk with such an unrefined prospect.

Verdict: SELL

Kelly has potential, but the Eagles may regret not looking for a more polished player to back up the injury-prone Demetress Bell.

Round 6: Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

Sixth-round pick Marvin McNutt was a smart choice for an Eagles team needing a big, physical receiver for the red zone. He could provide a nice complement to the explosive talents of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

The 6'3", 216-pound former Iowa star is a sure-handed and resourceful possession receiver. McNutt has the potential to be a reliable underneath outlet on third downs.

Verdict: BUY

With Jackson and Maclin working the outside, the Eagles have a need for a crafty, short-range receiver like McNutt.

Round 6: Brandon Washington, G, University of Miami

The Eagles found another potential steal when they used their second sixth-round pick to select Miami guard Brandon Washington. A hulking lineman, Washington is a great sleeper prospect to develop behind Evan Mathis and Danny Watkins.

The 6'3", 320 pounder possesses above-average coordination and athleticism for his size. Washington has quick feet and also displays the versatility to maybe move outside to tackle.

Verdict: BUY

A more skilled prospect than Kelly, Washington could surprise many if he responds to Mudd's teaching.

Round 7: Bryce Brown, RB, Kansas State

Bryce Brown was a strange selection by the Eagles in the seventh round. Brown is a powerfully-built back who could add a complement to the quick-cutting and more elusive running style of LeSean McCoy.

However, the 6'0" 223 pounder's selection seems to have been rendered moot by the post-draft free-agent signing of Chris Polk. It seems odd that the Eagles didn't simply opt for Polk in the seventh round. They might have even taken the opportunity to boost depth at safety with South Carolina's Antonio Allen.

Verdict: SELL

Drafting a power back was a good move, but the Eagles got an arguably more dynamic player after the draft and might have used this pick on other needs.

Impact Players Could Make Philadelpia's Defense Match Its Prolific Offense

Andy Reid and Howie Roseman conducted an excellent draft for the Eagles and their defense is the real winner. Cox, Kendricks, Curry and Boykin can all be counted on to make an early impact.

That's certainly good news for a unit that is deep with talent, but failed to play to its potential last season. These four selections give Castillo and Washburn the players to help make their daring schemes work.

If they play to their talent level, expect the Eagles defense to be back amongst the league's best units. With an already potent offense, that will make Reid's team legitimate contenders in the NFC.