Pre-Draft Needs: CB, FS, DE, C
Players Added
Round 1-Brandon Graham/DE - Some would argue that he was the best
defensive end available for this year's draft. While Graham may not have the
ideal arm length for a pass rusher, he makes up for that with pass rush moves
and skill. He's a relentless defender who never gives up on a play. He had one
of the most dominant performances ever during Senior Bowl practices earlier this
and in the game itself.
Round 2-Nate Allen/S - Allen, based on his ability and football intelligence,
should start as a rookie He has excellent range and cover skills. Philadelphia
has found their replacement for veteran FS Brian Dawkins.
Round 3-Daniel Te'o-Nesheim/DE - While some believe he should have been selected
later, Te'o-Nesheim was a high productive player in college. The high-motor
player figures to challenge for a roster spot as a nickel pass rusher. He could fill the role that veteran DE Darren Howard help for the past few seasons.
Round 4-Trevard Lindley/CB - The underclassmen committee gave Lindley a
second-round grade after his Junior season. Had Lindley not have dealt with a
high ankle sprain for the majority of the 2009 season, he would have been
selected much higher. Lindley had a productive Senior Bowl week. He figures to
compete for playing time against Ellis Hobbs, but most likely will see time in a
dime role to begin the season.
Round 4-Keenan Clayton/LB - The undersized linebacker figures to compete for a
backup job at WLB. It will be tough for him since Ernie Sims and Akeem Jordan
are also over there.
Round 4-Mike Kafka/QB - As Scout.com noted before the NFL Draft,
Philadelphia had a fairly high grade on Kafka. The Eagles like athletic
quarterbacks with size. Kafka fits that mold quite well. The feeling is that
they will develop him to be their No. 2 QB.
Round 4-Clay Harbor/TE - Philadelphia likes athletic tight ends, and Harbor fits
right in with that mold. He'll be competing against Martin Rucker and Cornelius Ingram for a roster spot.
Round 5-Ricky Sapp/DE - Had he not had a low medical grade, Sapp would have been
selected as high as the second round, sources said. Sapp suffered a torn ACL
late in the 2008 season. He figures to challenge for a job for the "Joker" role.
That's a hybrid DE/OLB.
Round 5-Riley Cooper/WR - The tall possession receiver will get a chance to
challenge for the No. 4 receiver role in training camp. Cooper, at worst, will
be their fifth receiver this season. His size could help him land a role in
their red zone offense.
Round 6-Charles Scott/RB - Scott is a big, downhill runner who fits in well for
Philadelphia's zone running scheme. Despite being a late-round selection, he
should have an excellent shot at making the final roster coming out of the
preseason.
Round 7-Jamar Chaney/LB - Based on talent, Chaney probably should have been
selected higher. Chaney is capable of competing for a job at all three LB
positions.
Round 7-Jeff Owens/DT - NFL Films' Greg Cosell said Owens is more talented than
his former teammate at the University of Georgia DT Geno Atkins. Owens, if he
has a strong training camp, could push third-year DT Trevor Laws for a roster
spot.
Round 7-Kurt Coleman/S - He figures to be a practice squad candidate.
Post-Draft Needs
Cornerback - They didn't address cornerback in the first two rounds, so it
appears veteran CB Ellis Hobbs is the default starter. Hobbs was unable to beat
out veteran CB Sheldon Brown for a starting job last season, so it remains to be
seen if he's ready to be a full-time starter. Hobbs, however, turns just 27 in a
few weeks. He showed incredible toughness during the 2008 season when he played
with a sports hernia and a torn labrum in his left shoulder during the 2008
regular season and playoffs.
Center - With starting C Jamaal Jackson coming back from ACL surgery, versatile
backup OL Nick Cole will fill in. Jackson is not expected to be ready for the
start of the regular season. What if he's not ready by mid-season? Does
Philadelphia believe Cole is capable of starting eight games without a drop-off?
The team needs to look for Jackson's long-term replacement. It remains to be
seen if Mike McGlynn or A.Q. Shipley fit in that mold. Jackson, who turns 30
soon, is signed through 2013.