2011 NFL Draft Results: Danny Watkins, the Philadelphia Eagles' Latest Blunder?

Let me start this article by saying that I really like Danny Watkins—he seems like an awesome guy and the type of tough, gritty, blue-collar player that Philadelphia fans should absolutely love.

But seriously, Danny Watkins?

As the draft unfolded, the Eagles found themselves in a perfect position.

Jimmy Smith, Gabe Carimi and Cameron Jordan all fell right into their lap. Each could have filled a major need. They could have even gone for Da'Quan Bowers, a defensible upside pick.

Then Danny Watkins happened.

On the surface, it's not a terrible pick. Like I said, I like Watkins as a player and I think he'll have a solid career—right guard was a black hole on the Philadelphia line last year. Without doubt, Watkins fills a need.

That being said, there were bigger needs—bigger gaping holes at more high-priority positions.

What's more, Watkins is already 26 and Reid hates re-signing players over 30. If he lets Watkins walk in four years, will it have been worth it?

This isn't the first time that Reid has made an unconventional move against fans' wishes, which of course went on to blow up in his face.

Let's recap.

In 2007, Reid cut return specialist Jeremy Bloom before the regular season, opting to carry zero return men on the roster.

Several egregious mishaps in the return-game cost the Eagles their first game of the year. As a result, they were forced to re-sign Reno Mahe and missed the playoffs by one game.

In 2009, Brian Dawkins left to join the Denver Broncos and Andy Reid tried to convince everyone that Macho Harris could play free safety.

Instead, he was in and out of the lineup and got cut before the following season began.

In 2010, Reid then traded Sheldon Brown to Cleveland.

He tried to pass off a cast of retreads as viable second corners, opposite Asante Samuel. Ellis Hobbs got hurt, Dimitri Patterson and Joselio Hanson were outmatched and the Eagles were repeatedly torched through the air.

When Bill Belichick makes unconventional moves, it's savvy, because he's won three Super Bowls and is usually right.

When Andy Reid makes unconventional moves, it's stupid, because he's won zero Super Bowls and has often been wrong.

This is another such occasion.

Yes, the Eagles have nine picks left in the draft. Yes, free agency may yield some additional talent.

However, faced with a golden opportunity to plug a major hole without even moving out of the team's original draft position, Andy Reid went the unconventional route.

Once again, it could blow up in his face.