Archive for March 18th, 2009
- Andre Smith (NFL.com)
21. Philadelphia Eagles
-Andre Smith (OT/Alabama)
A month ago, the possibility of Andre Smith falling out of the top 5 would have been quite an absurd notion. Well, proceeding his pro day work out and failure to perform at the Combine, his stock has taken a hit comparable to his immense weight. Smith is still a skilled lineman, but there are so many unanswered questions about his character and fitness that I feel many teams won’t be willing to take the risk.
Currently, the Eagles must fill their LT spot since Tra Thomas was signed by the Jaguars, and RT Jon Runyan (age 35) is no spring chicken. Couple this with Andy Reid’s taste for XXXXL linemen such as Shawn Andrews (6′4 335 lbs), Jamaal Jackson (6′4 330 lbs), Todd Heremans (6′6 321 lbs), Tra Thomas (6′7 335 lbs), Jon Runyan (6′7 330 lbs), and backup Winston Justice (6′6 320 lbs).
At 6′4 332 lbs, Andre Smith fits the mauling run-blocker physique of other Eagle linemen. It will be interesting to see whether Andy Reid wants to risk making the same mistake with Smith that he did with Winston Justice. Both players may be natural RT. Yet, the Eagles are in most need of a LT.
-Brandon Pettigrew (TE/Oklahoma St)
- Brandon Pettigrew (NFL.com)
The failure of L.J. Smith to develop into a reliable pass-catching tight ends led Philadelphia to release him recently. Naturally, the Eagles are looking for a solid replacement for him, and may strike the jackpot by selecting the mammoth from Oklahoma St. Brandon Pettigrew.
As I’ve said before, Pettigrew is a fantastic blocker and a huge target in the red zone. Last season, Donovan McNabb lacked a physical receiver. Ever since Terrell Owens left the team, McNabb has been throwing to either undersized or unreliable. Pettigrew is neither of the above.
-Chris Wells (HB/Ohio St)
- Chris Wells (NFL.com)
Being from the state of Michigan, I am not at all a Chris Wells fan. I think he is too injury prone, and doesn’t use his power enough, in favor of running around opponents. Even with those shortcomings, he is a good running back, who would take the load off of Brian Westbrook, and bring some youth to the Eagles running game. I’ve seen plenty of mock drafts that have Donald Brown going to Philadelphia with the 28th pick. So, Andy Reid may wait until or beyond to address the running back situation. Frankly, this draft provides a lot of depth at running back and the Eagles may be better served to wait til the mid rounds to grab a HB.
If you vote “other,” please comment below on who you chose.
Next on the clock: Minnesota Vikings
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