2003 Draft

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

Player who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than him.

The Eagles draft was all over the place.  They had some great picks (Laws, Demps, Gibson), a head-scratcher (Smith) and missed a player I would have pulled the trigger on (strong safety Josh Barrett) by a wide margin over Mays or Studebaker in round six.  Barrett would have been been better on special teams than either player and could develop into a very good starting strong safety in a year or two, a position of need for the Eagles with Considine (a player whose skills I like) always getting hurt.  The Eagles didn't sign any college street free agents that blew my mind.

DRAFT PICKS

Laws is a player I like a lot.  He goes all out on every play, is very strong and very quick, and is a player the Philly fans will appreciate.  He should be part of a three man rotation immediately, and, in time, will be a player they will find hard to keep off the field (both because of his talent and his attitude).  Laws was a great pick.

Jackson was another nice selection by Philly.  While players like Sweed and Hawkins may have a higher upside since both have the skills to be a #1 receiver and Jackson is a clear #2 or #3; he was an excellent fit for the Eagles.  Now some of you will complain that the Eagles could use a #1 receiver, however, there were no top tier #1's available.  Also, the Eagle fans (and national media) greatly under-appreciate Kevin Curtis, a former member of my list of players who will have a better NFL career than many drafted higher than them.  Just a reminder, scout Matt Gambil had these numbers for Curtis at his on campus workout: 39 1/2" vertical, 4.27 forty, 20 reps. Now back to Jackson.  He will provide the Eagles with another speedy receiver and a good return man.  When he is on the field with Curtis and Brown, McNabb can confidently go where the coverage dictates and feel confident the ball will be caught, and the receiver has good YAC.

The Eagles had Smith rated more highly than me.  He was an undersized defensive end who got double-digit sacks his last two years at McNeese State who projects to outside linebacker in the NFL because of his size.  However, as an outside linebacker his speed and quickness are only average so I'm not sure he will be able to transfer his skills to be a starting linebacker in the NFL.  As fifth round selection, he would be worth the risk.  Not as a third round pick.  If the Eagles wanted a linebacker here who could play the strong side, Stanford Keglar would have been my pick.  If they wanted a smallish pass rushing defensive end with a chance to play linebacker here, Marcus Howard would have been my pick.

McGlynn is a strong kid with quick feet who will be a versatile sub.  He played tackle in college, but may be best suited for guard in the NFL.  He does have enough skills to develop into a reliable starter down the road.

Demps is a smart, speedy free safety who has a nose for the ball, and has above average cover skills.  Immediately, Demps is an ideal nickel safety.  Long term he could be a good replacement for Dawkins.  He is not a good fit at strong safety since he is better in coverage playing the run. 

Ikegwuonu would have been a third round value if he didn't get injured prior to the draft (knee).  He won't play this year, and next year will be a recovery year, but if he bounces all the way back the Eagles will have a heady, physical corner who fits their scheme.

Gibson has the measureables, the toughness and the attitude to succeed.  He needs work on his technique.  I expect him to be a better pro long tem than McGlynn.

Mays and Studebaker are linebackers from small college programs.  Personally, I would have grabbed strong safety Josh Barrett with one of these picks. Mays is short, not particularly fast or quick, but is instinctive and was the defensive player of the year in his conference.  He can play the run but is limited in pass defense.  He will be a good special teams player.

Studebaker is a small college pass rusher who also shows good pursuit against the run.  He was injured much of his senior year but had 17.5 sacks as a junior.  He projects as a possible pass rush specialist.  While some see him as similar to Gocong, Gocong was on my "list" (like Curtis), and Studebaker was off my board.

Dunlap has tremendous size.  He will need time to develop and is an ideal practice squad candidate.

COLLEGE STREET FREE AGENTS

Collins is a blocker who could play in the backfield or on the line.  There is an opportunity for him at fullback, not a deep position for Philly.

Dunbar is another offensive lineman (Dunlap) who could win a spot on the Eagles practice squad.  He is skilled, but slow.

McBride has good hands and plays better on the field than he performs at workouts.  Still, he has his work cut out for him to make this team.