From ESPN.com:
| 23(23) | Philadelphia | Danny Watkins | OG | Baylor |
| What he brings: Watkins is a mature, physical player with a nasty disposition. He is a technician who stays low and plays with good pad level, and uses his strong inline power base and powerful upper body to get movement in the running game. While he is light on his feet and does a good job moving laterally as a pass blocker, Watkins lacks elite length and is best-suited to play on the inside at the next level. Video analysis: Todd McShay  How he fits: This is a player who really grew on teams as we got closer to the draft and even though he'll be a 26-year old rookie, he will be a high-effort guy who fills a need on the right side of a struggling Eagles offensive line. RG Max Jean-Gilles is a free agent and not a great player and RT Winston Justice really struggles against edge rushers. Watkins has played LT and RT, but look for him to step in and start at either position on the right side under legendary OL coach Howard Mudd. And remember that the right side is left-handed QB Michael Vick?s backside, which makes this pick that much more important. | ||||
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And this from Peter King at SI:
The good -- Danny Watkins is a day-one starter, mature and experienced, and can play either guard and, in a pinch, tackle, where he played last year at Baylor. The bad -- He'll be a 27-year-old rookie this fall.
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From SI's Draft Analysis:
The Eagles grabbed one of the more interesting stories in the draft: a former firefighter from Canada turned big-time college offensive lineman despite the fact he never played high school football. With that said, it's a curious pick: the Eagles averaged 5.45 yards per rush attempt in 2010, making them one of the most effective rushing teams in the history of football. And QB Michael Vick has proven he can make plays even if the pocket collapses around him. The Eagles still need to find playmakers later in the draft or in free agency. The missed an opportunity to do it here.
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From ProFootballTalk.com's Evan Silva:
The Philadelphia Eagles selected Baylor offensive lineman Danny Watkins with the 23rd pick in the 2011 draft.
Watkins was a left tackle at Baylor, succeeding former No. 2 pick in the draft Jason Smith. A 26-year-old former firefighter, rugby and hockey player from Canada, Watkins made first-team All-Big 12 as a senior, despite it being just his fourth season of organized football.
Watkins was particularly impressive at the Senior Bowl, where his stock soared. He projects as a guard in the pros, and will block for LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia.
This is a bit higher than most had Watkins projected, but right guard is an area of need for the Eagles and the prospect they selected is NFL ready.
In January, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock described Watkins as “one of the nastiest players in the country.”
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From Pro Football Weekly draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki:
The Eagles struggled mightily along the interior offensive line a year ago when injuries depleted their depth. Watkins has the athleticism, foot quickness and strength to play anywhere on the line. He lined up at left tackle in college but projects to guard for the Eagles. Offensive line coach Howard Mudd is one of the best in the league at developing raw talent and could work wonders with the 27-year-old former firefighter.
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From Sean Leahy at USA Today:
Andy Reid sticks to form and takes a lineman in Round 1. Watkins is a fascinating story, a 26-year-old former firefighter who grew up playing hockey in British Columbia. He strapped on a football helmet for the first time in 2007 at Butte College -- where Packers QB Aaron Rodgers began his college career -- before joining the Bears in 2009. Watkins started at left tackle for Baylor for two seasons but could play initially at guard for the Eagles. He's versatile, mature and plays with a mean streak, a good combo in the City of Brotherly Love. He should bolster an interior line recently hampered by injuries and inconsistency. He might even be QB Michael Vick's blind side tackle on the right side in the future. He's renowned for his "heavy hands" ... defenders have been known to go down in a heap after enduring a Watkins block.
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Dave Spadaro's rebuttal: If you think guard wasn't a need here, you haven't been watching. The Eagles haven't been physical enough at the position, and they suffered in short-yardage rushing opportunities and in the red zone. Watkins, if he lives up to the expectations the Eagles have, could step right in and start and be a physical presence that the Eagles haven't had at the position.
Also from Spadaro:
Why not take a cornerback? The Eagles could have traded up and acquired Prince Amukamara, who went to the Giants with the 20th pick. But they stayed put and took Watkins even with Colorado's Jimmy Smith on the board. Does that mean they are satisfied with the cornerback spot? Maybe, maybe not. I expect the Eagles to address cornerback at some point in this offseason. Remember, Thursday was only one piece of an extensive puzzle.
Here's something
| Philadelphia | Jaiquawn Jarrett | S | Temple | |
| What he brings: Jarrett is a strong run defender, where he makes a quick diagnosis and fills downhill. He is a solid tackler who can deliver violent strikes on occasoin, and he has adequate instincts in coverage but his overall skills are just average. He will have issues against quicker No. 3 receivers in man coverage. How he fits: He should fill a significant need for the Eagles as starting SS Quintin Mikell is aging with a salary that may be too much, while young Nate Allen has a nice future but is coming off a knee injury. This is a secondary that gave up 31 TD passes a year ago, which was third most in the NFL, and they must tighten up the middle of the field. Jarrett is not necessarily a game-changer but could be a solid SS, good in run support and decent in zone coverages. | ||||
Quite a year for traditionally weak Temple: Jarrett is their second defender taken in the first 54 picks, this time by the hometown Eagles. He started four years for the Owls and was consistently one of their leading tacklers. Speed is an issue, though, and Jarrett might be another reach in a relatively weak year for defensive backs.
Todd McShay on Jaiquawn Jarrett:
I believe Jarrett will be a good starter in the NFL, and with Quinton Mikell a free agent Jarrett will ideally step in right away. He's not big but he's tough, and Jarrett is one of the more underrated defensive backs in the 2011 class.
SI:
Positives: "Fierce, aggressive safety with a solid game. Physical against the run, very quick up the field, and willingly throws his pads into ball carriers. Forceful hitter yet remains disciplined throughout the action. Diagnoses plays, shows range outside the numbers, and quickly gets to the flanks helping cornerbacks. Takes terrific angles to the action, plays with explosiveness and suddenness. Has good hands."
Negatives: Lacks classic safety size. Struggles in man coverage situations. Does not possess elite defensive back speed.
Analysis: Jarrett was immediately productive as a freshman at Temple and has improved his game ever since. He possesses the physical abilities and ball skills to be used as a true centerfielder who can roam sideline to sideline at free safety. He comes with a nice upside and grades as a potential starter at the next level.
Projection: 5th
Here's the Eagles 3rd round selection, after a trade with Baltimore:
| Curtis Marsh | CB | Utah State | ||
| What he brings: Marsh has great length and is a good press corner, but he is a former running back who is raw at this point. He does play the ball well, though, and shows good range. How he fits: The No. 1 need for this team was CB and Marsh is a perfect fit in the style of defense they play. They love to rely on man coverage behind their blitzes and the only guy they can count on in that role is Asante Samuel. The other guys give up too many plays and the Eagles probably need a starter and nickel back to fill out the secondary and Marsh should really flourish in those press schemes. | ||||
and this from SI:
Positives: "Well-sized and athletic defensive back who is still learning the position. Remains disciplined with assignments, displays the ability to drive to the action out of his plant and possesses a burst of closing speed. Fluid pedaling in reverse, quickly changes direction and plays an aggressive brand of football. Fast up the field defending the run, mixes it up with opponents throughout pass routes, and physically defeats them to defend the throw."
Negatives: Displays a poor sense of timing. Loses a sense of where he is in relation to the receiver he is supposed to cover. Not consistent with his defensive back mechanics.
Analysis: Marsh took a quantum leap last season and started to develop as a defensive back. He possesses desirable size/speed numbers for the next level but will need a lot of work before he's NFL ready.
Dealt a 4th round pick for a pick later in the round and TB's pick next year, and then:
Clay Matthews' brother!
| Casey Matthews | ILB | Oregon | ||
| What he brings: Matthews is instinctive, has a high motor and is a good tackler. He lacks top-end burst and athleticism but he locates the ball well and is relentless in pursuit. Overall he is a much better football player than athlete. How he fits: His versatility may allow him to play inside or outside for the Eagles and he will certainly be great on special teams. OLB Ernie Sims will likely leave via free agency and they can move starting MLB Stewart Bradley to the outside with Jamar Chaney taking his spot. Matthews will likely beat out somebody and the Eagles will really try to establish him as a blitzer and he could be very effective in their nickel package. | ||||
Casey Matthews doesn’t have the same explosive ability as his brother Clay, but he does have a nose for the ball. (And similar flowing hair.)
SI:
Positives: "Hardworking college linebacker with marginal size/speed numbers for the NFL. Displays good awareness, breaks down well and remains disciplined with assignments. Quickly locates the ball, fires up the field in run defense, and wraps up tackling. Uses his hands to protect himself, fluid pedaling in reverse, and quickly changes direction. Sells out in run defense and plays with an aggressive attitude. Collapses from the outside to defend the run and easily flows to the action."
Negatives: Average athlete with marginal quickness. Lacks true pursuit speed. Not a reliable tackler.
Analysis: Mathews was a solid college linebacker yet overrated outside of scouting circles because of his last name. He's a potential backup at the next level if he performs well on special teams.
Projection: 7-FA
also this in the 4th:
| Alex Henery | PK | Nebraska | ||
| What he brings: Henery has a strong leg and is the most accurate kicker in the class. He can also fill in as a punter if necessary. How he fits:This obviously will signal the end for David Akers because when you draft a kicker in the fourth round, you expect him to be your guy. | ||||
also about Henery
The 120th pick is simply too high for Alex Henery. Yes, he was the No. 1 kicker on our board, but Henery has had some inconsistent stretches in his career, and while he has a monster leg the Eagles would have been better off addressing right offensive tackle, defensive line, tight end, wide receiver or return specialist, then taking someone like Kai Forbath further down the line.
Akers will be a free agent.
SI:
Positives: "Big-legged kicker with a tremendous field goal leg. Gets immediate lift on kicks, drives the ball and consistently accurate. Kicks booming field goals that have great distance. Has a solid kickoff leg and is able to consistently place the ball inside the opponents? 5-yard line."
Negatives: "Average punter and slow getting the ball off his foot. Struggles with his drop, which slows his motion."
Analysis: Henery is a terrific kicking prospect who has the ability to hit from long distances in poor conditions. He's one of the few draftable kickers this year and could quickly find his way on into a starting spot in the NFL.
In the 5th
| Dion Lewis | RB | Pittsburgh | ||
| Lewis is undersized but displays above-average vision and elite lateral quickness as a runner to get himself in and out traffic near the line of scrimmage. | ||||
Positives: "Small but incredibly elusive ball carrier who consistently creates his own yardage. Quick-footed, easily makes defenders miss, and bounces around the pile. Shows a terrific burst of speed, squirms through the small openings of the defense, and keeps his feet driving up the field. Effectively sets up defenders, uses his blocks, and darts on the inside to pick up yardage. Solid pass catcher out of the backfield who finds the open seam in underneath coverage and extends his hands to catch the ball away from his frame."
Negatives: Small and easily brought down by a single defender. Gets minimal results as a blocker. Stopped dead in his tracks and shows no ability to pick up yardage off initial contact.
Analysis: "Lewis is a very small ball carrier with limitations for the next level. He'll fit in as a third-down back who is most effective in space, and will be given an opportunity as a return specialist."
Projection: 6-7
also in the 5th
| Julian Vandervelde | OG | Iowa | ||
| He doesn't have elite size for a guard prospect but his low center of gravity make him a solid in-line blocker and he has the balance to stay in front of defenders in pass protection. | ||||
Positives: "Fundamentally sound position blocker who uses all his skills to keep defenders away from the action. Stays square, bends his knees, and gets leverage on opponents. Quickly gets his hands up, keeps his head on a swivel, and is stout at the point of attack. Anchors in pass protection, fights hard, and works until the whistle blows."
Negatives: Struggles to adjust. Not a big-bodied lineman and will be overwhelmed by larger opponents.
Analysis: Vandervelde has been consistent on the college level and really showed himself to be a pro prospect last season. He's a solid lineman who projects as a backup at both guard spots.
Projection: 6th
in the 6th
| Jason Kelce | OC | Cincinnati | ||
| Kelce?s upside is limited by his frame, however, he has the quickness, toughness and enough football intelligence to develop into an effective reserve who can provide depth at guard and center. | ||||
Positives: "Strong run blocker moving up draft boards. Blocks with good lean, fights hard throughout the action, and anchors in pass protection. Stays square, gets his hands into defenders, and strong at the point of attack. Blocks with a nasty attitude and moves defenders off the line of scrimmage, opening up the running lanes. Flashes the ability to get out to the second level and hit a moving target."
Negatives: "Overextends and lunges into blocks, which adversely affects his balance. Lacks great footwork in space."
Analysis: Kelce has been durable and productive on the college level and added the dimension of effectively playing another position last season. He lacks true NFL size yet is a solid developmental prospect who can make a depth chart at several offensive line positions.
Projection: 4-5
also in the 6th
| Brian Rolle | OLB | Ohio State | ||
| Rolle has the tenacity, upper body strength and enough range to develop into an effective reserve outside linebacker. He will also contribute on special teams. | ||||
according to Wes Bunting from The National Football Post:
If Brian Rolle was three inches taller and ten pounds heavier, he likely would have gone within the top 50 picks. He’s tough, instinctive, finds the football and plays the game with a mean streak. However, Rolle lacks ideal size and will likely be more of a nickel backer in the Eagles 43 front, but he holds up very well in space vs. the pass game and should mature into a quality special teams guy as well.
SI:
Positives: "Small yet fearless linebacker who makes plays sideline to sideline. Fast moving in all directions of the field, fluid getting out to the flanks, and gets depth on pass drops. Quick to read and diagnose the action. Fires up the field filling gaps in run defense then immediately changes direction and loses no momentum. Displays tremendous range on the field, has a burst to the play, and is effective in pursuit. Breaks down well, gets his hands up, and is rarely off his feet."
Negatives: Does not have great size. Easily turned from the action by single blocker and gets swallowed up in the trash. Drag-down tackler and struggles to bring opponents down at the point of attack.
Analysis: "Rolle has been a terrific linebacker who was out of place in the middle of Ohio State's defense. Size limits him at the next level, but he could be an effective backup in a one-gap system or potentially get consideration at strong safety. Plays with a special teams mentality, which enhances his possibilities in the NFL."
Projection: 6-7
In the 7th:
| Greg Lloyd | ILB | Connecticut | ||
| Lloyd was already lacking in terms of elite athleticism before his knee injury and unfortunately took another step back in this area as a senior due to injury. However, he has the ability to develop into a reserve two-down inside linebacker in the NFL. | ||||
SI:
Positives: "Stout run defending linebacker who has struggled returning from the knee injury suffered in 2009. Disciplined with assignments, wraps up tackling, and drives through ball carriers. Effective when the action is in front of him, shows ability in zone coverage, and is fluid changing direction or altering his angle of attack. Breaks down well."
Negatives: Shows minimal quickness in his game. Often looks indecisive. Marginal burst to the action.
Analysis: Lloyd was justifiably rated as one of the better middle linebackers in the nation coming into the season but never fully regained his prior form after the knee injury as a junior. Possesses the skills and playing style to be a reserve on the inside if he's able to get back to full health sometime soon.
Lastly in the 7th:
| Stanley Havili | FB | USC | ||
| Havili is a unique talent because he?s an exceptionally skilled pass-catcher for the position. However, he?s not a good blocker, he lacks ideal size, toughness and power as an inside runner. | ||||
Weaver is rehabbing.
SI:
Positives: "Athletic but undersized fullback who has a lot of talent. Displays good vision, football instincts and movement skills. Quickly gets out front of running backs to create space and can adjust to linebackers on the second level. Works to get a pad on defenders and opens up running lanes. Attacks blocking assignments and gives effort. Works runs and shows the ability to quickly get through the hole carrying the ball. Solid receiver and extends to make the reception away from his frame."
Negatives: Lacks dominant strength and struggles to finish blocks. Not a powerful runner who can move the pile in short-yardage situations.
Analysis: Havili was very productive at USC the past four seasons and has versatility as a fullback. He lacks the size and strength to be a true lead blocker but could be very effective in a West Coast offense.
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