2011 NFL Draft Results: Philadelphia Eagles Day 2 Grades and Analysis

Yesterday, we saw Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles organization pass over cornerback Jimmy Smith to improve the offensive line.

Most Philadelphia fans and experts thought that the cornerback position would likely be the first target for the team in the second day of the draft.

That wasn't the case.

With the 22nd pick in the second round, the Eagles selected a local talent on their radar, safety Jaiquawn Jarrett out of Temple University.

Although the team passed on the cornerback position again, when the pick came through I was pleasantly surprised.

Although some may disagree, I have the feeling Jarrett has the tools to be a day one starter for the Eagles.

He may have to be that. This pick suggests that the Eagles will let veteran safety Quintin Mikell go to free agency.

Ranked as the second safety on my draft board, I projected Jarrett as an early third-round pick. Although the Eagles took him a little earlier than predicted, I don't see it as a big reach.

The biggest thing to love about Jarrett, from a fan's perspective, is the intensity he has on the field. Intensity is something the Philadelphia defense has been lacking since Brian Dawkins walked away after the 2008 season.

Jarrett plays fast and aggressive. He is also one of the best tacklers I have ever seen.

Al Golden referred to him as possibly the best tackler he had ever coached.

Although he plays aggressive, Jarrett still plays with intelligence. He puts himself in the position to make plays. His 292 tackles and nine interceptions during his career at Temple makes that case.

He will need to improve some of his footwork and technique, but that will come with good coaching. He also is a little undersized at safety, at only 6'0" and 198 pounds.

With his aggressive playing style, one might assume that he would be subject to injuries taking into consideration his smaller frame. However, this hasn't been the case so far in his career.

Grade: A-

After passing on a cornerback in the second round, it's probably safe to say that the team plans to address the position in free agency.

Players like Nnamdi Asomugha, Jonathan Joseph and Anthony Cromartie are all top talents that could be in the free agent pool, once offers can finally be given.

Adam Schefter tweeted earlier that the Eagles will likely heavily pursue Asomugha.

As the picks began counting down to 85, my eyes locked in on linebacker.

Washington's Mason Foster has been on many mock drafts falling to the Eagles at the 21st pick in the third round.

At the 84th pick, one selection before Philadelphia, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Foster.

Within minutes the Eagles traded out of the 85th spot with the Baltimore Ravens, acquiring the 90th overall selection and 26th pick in the sixth round tomorrow.

When the pick came back around to the Eagles, they finally did go with a cornerback.

It wasn't Curtis Brown, Brandon Burton or Davon House.

The Eagles selected Curtis Marsh out of Utah State, who many projected as an early fifth round selection.

Most fans may have been overcome with shock and confusion, but I have come to expect such things in an Andy Reid draft.

It's typical of Reid to make a reach somewhere in the third or fourth round that leaves everyone scratching their heads.

However, he sometimes strikes gold.

I'm not so sure if I would go that far with the pick of Marsh, but I do think that he can have an impact on the Eagles roster.

Marsh clearly is not the guy that I would expect to start opposite of Asante Samuel.

He doesn't have much experience at the cornerback position. Up until his junior season, Marsh was a running back on Utah State's roster.

However, he does possess a very unique skill set.

He is extremely athletic and has the speed to play man against most receivers in the league.

Marsh is comfortable playing both press and off coverage. Typically, cornerbacks prefer one or the other. This doesn't seem to be the case for Marsh.

This could make him a perfect fit as a nickel or dime corner.

When all is said and done, this pick was a reach. However, Marsh could still come in and have an impact on the Eagles defense.

This one is a bit of a toss up, but at the end of the day it's tough to watch a fifth round projection get selected ahead of talented cornerbacks like Davon House.

Grade: C

Overall, this wasn't an awful day for the Eagles.

I feel they got a quality starting safety in the second round, followed by a situational player in the third.

They did also add a sixth-round pick to their bundle, leaving them with eight picks tomorrow. If the Eagles can find just one or two gems tomorrow then they should come away with a solid draft class.

Good day, but not great for the Eagles.

Overall Grade: B-