In the 2nd round, the Philadelphia Eagles Select...

Nate Allen, safety from South Florida. And that's all the Eagles pick. They went on a pick-trading rampage, and won't pick again until at least the third round. Unless they trade again. And they might.

What's worse, one of the Eagles' trading partners was the odious Dallas Cowboys. Why would the Eagles help a bitter rival move up to get their man? I hates it.

On to Nate- kind of interesting that the Eagles draft a #5 with the Donovan McNabb pick. Allen seems to be a ballhawking safety, and his film reel on ESPN highlights some really nifty interceptions. The knocks I've heard knocking on him say that he isn't an intimidating presence like Brian Dawkins, and that he launches himself to tackle instead of wrapping up. It looks like Nate might be the starter this season.

SI.com's reaction:
"The Eagles choose to fill the safety position opposite Quintin Mikell that many expected them to select in the first round. Allen is an excellent athlete who was considered the third best safety in this draft. The Eagles are happy he was still available, using the selection they received from the Washington Redskins for Donovan McNabb.

ESPN's Mel Kiper considers Nate Allen the 5th best safety in the draft, behind Taylor Mays who was drafted later in round 2.

Todd McShay comments:
"Allen is a smooth athlete that shows a willingness to support the run, but is at his best roaming center field in coverage."

ESPN's Matt Mosley blogs:
"Marlin Jackson will certainly be in the mix, but I would expect for Allen to eventually take over as the starter. If you've watched any South Florida football the past three years, you know how many plays Allen makes. He's not as special as Earl Thomas and Eric Berry, but he's a huge upgrade over what the Eagles had last season.

The Eagles now match up with Jason Witten a lot better. And don't think that wasn't on Andy Reid's mind when he made the pick."

Sounds good to me- I'm sick of Jason Witten wrecking my Sunday afternoons.

ESPN's draft tracker says:
"What he brings: Allen needs to be a more consistent tackler and take better pursuit angles in run support, but he has the potential to excel in coverage. Although he's 6-foot, Allen is fluid enough to match up with slot receivers in man coverage. He also has the range to play a centerfielder-type role and plays the ball well.
How he fits: The Eagles definitely needed a safety as they try to replace Brian Dawkins. Allen may not be the physical presence Dawkins was versus the run, but he will be an improvement providing versatility in pass defense. He will be an improvement over Quintin Demps, Macho Harris and Marlin Jackson, who's coming off his second ACL injury in two years. Quentin Mikell is tough and a consistent, blue-collar player, but Philly needed a good pass-defender next to him. Sean Jones is gone to Tampa Bay and this very possibly could be an upgrade over him."