2011 NFL Draft: Projecting the Eagles' Final Draft Board
The Philadelphia Eagles most likely have their draft board finalized by now.
Andy Reid believes in picking the best player available and staying true to the draft board.
The Eagles have a total of ten picks in the draft, and will have a lot of room for trading to acquire one of their top players on their board.
So, what could the Eagles draft board look like:
50. CB Davon House
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Davon House is a very underrated corner. House has 10 career interceptions and possesses great ball skills
He is 6'1'' 200 pounds and ran a 4.35 at his Pro Day.
If he had played at a major college program, he would probably be an early second-round pick.
House is underrated in the running game. He can stick his nose hitting a running back coming full steam ahead.
He can be overaggressive and fall for double moves and pump fakes, but can be coached to be a top corner in the league.
49. WR Greg Little
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Brian Baldinger of the NFL Network recently said that the Eagles could trade down and draft Little, the receiver out of UNC.
Baldinger said that it would be tough for the Eagles to re-sign DeSean Jackson, so they could take a chance on Little.
Little is a physical specimen and actually worked out for the Eagles, so there could be something brewing.
48. LB Casey Matthews
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While Matthews does not have the physical tools, he has a relentless motor and never stops working on and off the field.
Matthews can play all three linebacking spots, though he would excel in the middle, calling the plays out for the defense.
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47. RB Ryan Williams
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Williams missed nearly half of the 2010 season to injury, but still is a great talent at the running back position.
Williams has above average speed and excels in his jukes and cuts. With a poor offensive line, Williams still showed a good burst of speed and averaged just over four yards per carry.
46. C/OG Stefan Wisniewski
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The offensive line needs multiple upgrades and could start with the 6'3'', 313 pound Wisniewski.
Wisniewski brings versatility as he can both play center and guard. He plays with leverage and balance and will not be bull-rushed.
He moves very well and can neutralize linebackers in the second line of defense.
Wisniewski would bring stability to the line and is reliable, not missing a game the past three seasons at Penn State.
45. WR Randall Cobb
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Cobb was a jack-of-all trades type of receiver at Kentucky.
He played a little Wildcat quarterback, ran with efficiency, and caught a lot of tough balls in traffic.
Cobb could be a nice slot receiver with the Eagles if drafted.
He also brings versatility as he was a great punt returner.
44. CB Curtis Brown
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Curtis Brown may be one of the harder guys to predict. He can definitely sneak into the first half of the 2nd round, but could also fall.
Brown at 6-0, 190 pounds has good size, speed, and athletic ability.
Though he picked off just 1 pass this season, Brown is physical player who is a solid press corner as well.
Brown would be a significant upgrade over Dmitri Patterson, and would form a great tandem with star Asante Samuel. Brown is very similar to the Giants first rounder in '07, Aaron Ross.
43. S Rahim Moore
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If Rahim Moore came out last year as a sophomore, he would have likely been selected ahead of Nate Allen. He had 10 interceptions that year.
Moore is 6'1" and 200 pounds and can fly around the field. His athleticism is second to none at the safety position in this year's draft.
The Eagles run a man cover three system, which would be perfect for Moore. He has the speed to play in man coverage and can help out in run support.
Moore is very similar to last year's Earl Thomas.
42. DE/DT Cameron Heyward
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Heyward underachieved this year with the Buckeyes.
If you put on his tape against Arkansas in their bowl game though, he looked like a top 15 pick. That type of inconsistency throughout the season will slide Heyward into the second round.
At 295 pounds, he fits more as a 3-4 defensive end, but could possibly play as a 4-3 defensive tackle.
41. RB Mikel Leshoure
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Though the comparison to Rashard Mendenhall is a little unfair, Leshoure could be a solid running back at the next level.
At 230 pounds, Leshoure runs with power, but he can catch the ball out of the backfield very well. He could be a nice 1-2 punch with LeSean McCoy, who is more of a scat back.
40. CB Brandon Harris
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Harris is a ball hawking cornerback with great coverage skills.
Harris is 5'10'', 192 pounds, and ran in the mid 4.4's at the Combine.
Unlike Asante Samuel, Harris is willing to sacrifice his body in run coverage and can press at the line if asked.
39. LB Mason Foster
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Foster recorded 162 tackles (105 solo) and seven sacks last season at the University of Washington.
The 6'2'', 241-pound Foster is aggressive and is one of the best tackling linebacker in this draft class. He ended his career at Washington with eight forced fumbles, including six his junior season.
He is a sound tackler who can read and react react to the play in front of him. He is fast and plays around the ball.
Foster is a versatile linebacker as well and could play all three linebacking spots, though he would excel playing the weakside, a important position of need for the Eagles.
38. C/OG Rodney Hudson
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Hudson is quick and get move laterally. The Eagles like their offensive lineman sometimes to pull, so Hudson could be a nice fit on the offensive line at guard.
He also brings added versatility, as he can kick out to center.
Hudson has long been regarded as one of the better offensive linemen in college football. However, he played at only around 280 pounds for most of his career. He needed to add more weight to prove that he could be effective at the next level, which he did. Hudson measured in at 6’2″, 299 pounds at the combine, to improve his stock.
He plays with good awareness and technique, and rarely gets beat on bull rushes.
37. CB Ras-I Dowling
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Ras-I Dowling of Virginia was supposed to be a first-round prospect if he declared for last year's draft.
But in his senior season, Dowling struggled mightily and dealt with lingering injuries the entire season causing him to miss nine games.
Dowling is a big corner who could translate to safety at the next level. He is 6'2", 210 pounds and could be a steal in the second round
Though he bites for pump fakes, he is a solid cover corner and is great against the run.
Dowling recorded eight interceptions from his freshman to junior season.
36. OG/OT Marcus Cannon
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Cannon dropped from 358 to 349 at the combine, solidifying his dedication to improve his overall physique.
Cannon showed he has quick feet in drills and even posted a solid 5.20 in the 40-yard dash.
Right guard is the biggest hole on the Eagles offensive line, especially with the inconsistent play of both Max Jean-Gillies and Nick Cole.
Cannon could even play tackle if needed, as that was his college position at TCU.
Cannon was a dominating tackle, toying with opposing defensive ends at college.
35. DT Phil Taylor
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Phil Taylor started his career at Penn State, but was suspended and kicked off the team. He came back in 2010 and dominated since.
At 335 pounds, Taylor carries his weight well enough and actually lost weight from the day of the combine to his pro day, showing his dedication to play football at his highest potential.
Taylor recorded 62 tackles and 2 sacks last season and manhandled opposing offensive lines.
He can bull rush, driving the lineman back, and is agile enough to move side to side. He even ran in the 5.18 range at his pro day.
34. OT Derek Sherrod
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Sherrod is a tall lineman who excels in pass protection.
He is a very raw offensive lineman, but has the potential to be a solid right tackle in the league.
The Eagles have to decide if Sherrod needs more time before he can become a starter.
33. LB Martez Wilson
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Martez Wilson performed well in the combine where he ran a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash at 6'4'', 250 pounds.
Wilson was highly productive in 2010 with 112 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception.
He is a linebacker that uses his speed as a huge advantage on the outside and though he played inside linebacker at Illinois, he has the quickness and strength to play on the strongside.
He sometimes over pursues, but with coaching, Wilson could be a poor man's Patrick Willis.
32. OT/OG Benjamin Ijalana
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Ijalana is a local offensive lineman out of Villanova who brings versatility. He can play both guard and tackle, and even a little center.
Ijalana could come in and start somewhere on the right side of the offensive line.
He is a very fluid athlete and can pass protect very well.
31. CB/S Aaron Williams
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Cornerback is one of the Eagles greatest needs. It will be important to find a solid complement to Asante Samuel.
Williams is a physical corner, opposite of Samuel. He has great cover skills, even if his ball skills do not match up.
Williams could also play safety, which could be insurance if Nate Allen does not fully recover from his knee injury.
30. DE Jabaal Sheard
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The 260 pound Sheard has a great first step and can use his edge rush to pressure the quarterback.
Sheard though will have to improve his pass rushing moves because just a solid edge rush will beat NFL offensive lineman.
Sheard can fit in Jim Washburn's system because of his good agility.
29. DT Stephen Paea
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Paea is a very powerful interior player.
He set a combine best 49 reps of 225 pounds in February. He is short and squatty, but very difficult to push back.
Paea has an explosive first step and plays in the opposing backfield. His disruptive hands allows him to bull rush the guard back.
The Eagles even had a private workout with Paea, showing their interest.
Paea was projected to be a first-round pick before he suffered an injury at the Senior Bowl.
28. LB Bruce Carter
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Carter may be the best weakside linebacker prospect in this draft, even though he did not play most of last season.
He is a fluid athlete that can cover sideline to sideline, making him one of the better fits for the Eagles' quick, aggressive defense.
Carter would have been a first round pick, had he played this season.
Carter's instincts are great and he is able to read and react quicker than most linebackers in the draft.
His injury may scare a few teams off, but he could be a second-round steal for the Eagles, who desperately need a playmaking linebacker.
27. RB Mark Ingram
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Some team will get a starting capable running back with Mark Ingram, just not the Eagles.
With LeSean McCoy entrenched at starter, would the Eagles even consider Ingram, the tough-nosed kid from Alabama in the first round?
Ingram can do it all at running back: block, catch, and run effectively.
Even though Ingram does not have great speed, he has good enough to be more than just a power back.
26. OT Nate Solder
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Solder is regarded by many as the top offensive tackle coming out of the draft and has monster size at 6'8", 315 pounds.
As a pass blocker, Solder excels and is a natural fit for the offense.
Most pundits though think Solder is not ready to start right away. Solder would have to protect Michael Vick's blindside if drafted.
25. DE Adrian Clayborn
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If you look at Clayborn's junior tape, he shows top 5 potential.
He struggled more this season, but his talent and potential is still there. Clayborn could bring size to the defensive end position, as he stands at over 280 pounds.
He could play defensive tackle on third downs as well.
24. OT/OG Gabe Carimi
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Carimi was highly touted coming into this college season, but has not played up to par. He struggled early on, but came on late towards the end of the season.
Gabe Carimi also played left tackle, but can be moved over to the right side or even play inside at guard.
Carimi fits into this scheme and if he can be coached well by offensive line coach Howard Mudd, then the Eagles could get themselves a perennial Pro Bowler.
23. LB Akeem Ayers
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Ayers had a great senior campaign, recording 68 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.
The Eagles have lacked a linebacker like Ayers for a while. Ayers disappointed at the Combine, but he plays much faster than his 40 time.
Ayers is very athletic and could fit in as a strongside linebacker.
22. DE Brooks Reed
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Reed is flying up draft boards and is being hailed as this year's Clay Matthews.
In fact, he had the fastest 10-yard split at combine, and only second all-time to Matthews.
Reed would fit as an edge rusher and has developed numerous pass rushing moves to be a solid complement to Cole.
The knock on Reed is that he lacks an explosive first step.
21. OG Mike Pouncey
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Pouncey is quick-footed and would be perfect in the Eagles passing style offense.
Pouncey protected for a running quarterback at Florida in Tim Tebow a couple of seasons ago, and could fit in protecting Michael Vick.
Right guard is the biggest need across the offensive line, and Pouncey would fill the need.
20. DE/DT J.J. Watt
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The Eagles defensive scheme just may not fit Watt's strengths. Watt would be an ideal defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.
Watt could possibly play defensive end in the 4-3, but as more of a run stuffing end.
The only reason Watt would be ranked a little lower on the draft board is because of the scheme difference.
19. DE/DT Cameron Jordan
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Some think the 287 pound Jordan is great fit in the 3-4 DE position, but I think he could be capable of playing 4-3 end or tackle.
I just do not think he would fit the "wide-9" scheme Jim Washburn will be enforcing, where the ends play outside the parameters of the offensive line, using their pure speed to get to the quarterback.
Like Watt, Jordan falls on the board because of the scheme differences.
18. DT Corey Liuget
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Liuget is a quick, penetrating defensive tackle that makes plays.
He had a tremendous season with Illinois, recording 63 tackles and 5 sacks.
Liuget could be a nice fit across a defensive line desperately needing a strong push up the middle.
17. OT Anthony Castonzo
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Castonzo is a tall lineman at 6'7'', but is an athletic pass protector.
With a large wingspan, it is hard for defenders to get by him.
He could start at right tackle, even if his run blocking needs improvement.
NFL Films guru Greg Cosell believes Castonzo is one of six elite players in this draft class, certainly a high praise.
16. DE Justin Houston
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Houston recorded 10 sacks and was up to 6'3'' 270 pounds at the Combine. He still ran a 4.63 in the 40-yard dash and notched a 36.5-inch vertical.
Houston could be the solution to an average pass rush, lacking an ideal complement to Trent Cole, especially with the recent news of Brandon Graham.
15. DT Marvin Austin
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There was talk of Austin being a top ten pick before the season, but he was suspended due to receiving improper benefits from his agent.
Austin though has great potential. Though he took plays off on his junior tape, Austin was disruptive when he tried.
He is quick and is very explosive as a pass rusher.
14. DE Ryan Kerrigan
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People call Kerrigan this year's Brandon Graham, and I can definitely see the comparison. Both have relentless motors and are a little undersized for the 4-3 end position.
The Eagles cannot count on Graham next year and need a pass rusher across Trent Cole.
13. DE Aldon Smith
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Aldon Smith is a high potential player, who had an injury-plagued season. He is very similar to last year's Jason Pierre-Paul who found success with the Giants.
Smith got by on sheer athleticism, so his game will need to be refined as a pass rusher.
Smith can be an elite player at the next level, if he puts in the hard work in the weight room and watching tape.
12. DT Muhammad Wilkerson
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Wilkerson was a standout at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, coming at 6'4'', 315 pounds while still running a 4.99 in the 40-yard dash. He bench-pressed 27 times and has 35 1/4'' arms. Wilkerson has been quickly rising up many draft boards.
In his junior season, the 21-year-old Wilkerson recorded 68 tackles (43 solo) and 10 sacks, an astounding number for a defensive tackle, even if it was against inferior competition.
Wilkerson is very athletic and is almost a perfect fit for the Eagles.
11. WR Julio Jones
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Jones is a physical specimen at 6'4''. He ran in the 4.3's at the Combine and can catch passes in tight windows.
Jones improved tremendously his junior season, showing why he was considered an elite wide receiving prospect.
10. DE Da'Quan Bowers
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Bowers is 280 pounds but still fits as a 4-3 defensive end with his monster pass rushing moves.
Bowers recorded 15.5 sacks last season and was nearly unblockable in the ACC. He has injury concerns that have reportedly dropped him off of a few teams' draft boards.
Though he is not an explosive athlete, Bowers still can be a great player at the next level.
Bowers used his hands to gain leverage and could use one of his numerous pass rushing moves to disrupt the pocket.
With a great first step, he sometimes even bull rushed his way to the quarterback.
His 25 tackles for losses showed he played in the opponents backfield.
9. OT Tyron Smith
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Smith is regarded as the consensus number one tackle in the draft. He is a natural pass blocker and looked fluid on the right side at USC.
He could protect Vick's blindside and develop into one of the league's best tackles, especially with the best offensive line coach in football.
Smith looks to be a top 12 pick.
8. CB Prince Amukamara
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If the Eagles miss out on Nnamdi Asomugha, they can trade up to draft Amukamara, who some call the next Asomugha.
He would be an elite shut down corner that would complement the ball hawk Asante Samuel.
He was rarely targeted in college as well and could be a huge uplift for the secondary.
7. CB Jimmy Smith
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Smith,at 6'2'' 205 pounds, ran in the 4.4's and has huge upside.
Smith's play earned him 2010 First Team All-Big 12 honors, as he recorded 68 tackles.
Though he did not intercept a pass all season, Smith was not targeted. He shut down the opponent's best wide receiver. Smith is a great run supporter, he is obviously big in size and is also great in press coverage.
6. DT Nick Fairley
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Fairley, at defensive tackle, was a gamechanger. Late in games, Fairley came up with huge tackles for losses or sacks, setting back the momentum.
He could fit in well here as an athletic defensive tackle.
Just turn on the Oregon National Championship game tape if you have any questions about his impact on the game.
Fairley takes lots of plays off, but is still a dominating force.
5. DE Robert Quinn
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Quinn could possibly be the best talent in the entire draft, so he could be a great complement at defensive end to Trent Cole.
If Quinn played last season, he would have likely been a top 3 pick, as his pass rushing speed and moves were second to none.
4. WR A.J. Green
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Many consider Green the best offensive player in the draft.
Green brings the physicality to the position, and people feel he could be in the same boat as a Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, etc. in a couple of years.
3. LB/DE Von Miller
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The Eagles are never afraid at drafting undersized defensive ends, but could Miller really fit at defensive end here in Philly.
At 246 pounds Miller has great speed. In fact he runs in the mid 4.4's.
In the college ranks, Miller was nearly unblockable. He would fit the Eagles 'wide-9' technique.
He could also play strongside linebacker if needed.
2. DT Marcell Dareus
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Like Nick Fairley, Dareus possesses great feet and is "fast" for a man his size.
Dareus disrupts offensive game plans, and was continuously double teamed at Alabama.
He could be a great fit on the defensive line, and provide the Eagles with a dominating defensive tackle for the first time in many years.
1. CB Patrick Peterson
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Peterson is the best player in the draft, and I would not be surprised if he was #1 on the Eagles draft board.
He possesses a unique blend of size, speed, and talent, and could be the best corner in the league by next year.
If Peterson falls out of the top 5, do not be surprised if the Eagles pay a ransom to try to acquire him.
Peterson is also an elite punt returner.
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