2008 Woodie Awards
Eagles look to duplicate past draft-day success
Philadelphia has several big needs to fill by draft or trade
Mickey Bell '08
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Sports
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The Philadelphia Eagles, like all other teams, have had their successes and failures in drafts during head coach Andy Reid's time. The greatest successes include 2002 third-round pick Brian Westbrook, 2005 fifth-round pick Trent Cole, and 2006 sixth-round pick Omar Gaither. The mistakes include Jerome McDougle (2003), Matt McCoy (2005), and Ryan Moats (2005) in the first, second, and third rounds, respectively.
All in all, Reid and company can be considered good judges of talent and potential. The team consistently finds value in late rounds and even has found a few gems like cornerback Rod Hood and center Jamaal Jackson, who have gone undrafted altogether. They have also selected eight players since 1999 who have gone to the Pro Bowl.
A trait of the Philadelphia Eagles in the past few drafts is a willingness to facilitate trades either up or down and not just be content with who drops to them. Throughout the years, this strategy has netted them, with varying success, McDougle, offensive linemen Winston Justice and Max Jean-Gilles, and safety Sean Considine. Last year, they were content in sliding out of the first round to pick up quarterback Kevin Kolb early in the second round.
This year, the Eagles have several needs, but must focus the first few rounds on players who can produce immediately.
The pick of Kolb was even more confusing last year because they passed up on players who could have helped immediately. Had they not traded their first-rounder away to the Cowboys, they could have selected tight end Greg Olsen who instead went to the Chicago Bears. With tight end L.J. Smith struggling all season with injuries and inconsistencies, the team could have used Olsen to stretch the field.
Even after signing cornerback Asante Samuel to the largest contract in free agency this year, the corner position may still be a need. Most Eagles fans have likely heard the trade rumors involving fellow cornerback Lito Sheppard.
The two-time Pro Bowler Sheppard will almost certainly be traded on draft day, whether to move up in the first round, receive another first- or second-rounder, or to acquire a veteran in a position of need. The 27-year-old is not participating in off season conditioning programs and expects to be shipped off. He was reportedly upset with his contract this year and reduced playing time will not make him any happier.
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