- 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
See the rest of the hybrid mock draft here
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Hey David, I’ve seen Chris Wells going to Philly on other draft sites, but I think you make a compelling argument for Andre Smith. The guy would be listed as a top 10 talent, if it weren’t for his off-field drama. As you pointed out, this is a pretty deep pool of running backs this year, and it should be possible to find a big, strong back to pair with Westbrook in the later rounds (a la Rashad Jennings).
Looking good!!!
Nice blog,great info,great case for Smith going to the Eagles.
Love the color splash,gotta say,well done!
Sweet, Im glad you enjoyed yourself. The color scheme took me a lot of tweaking to get to a point where I was satisfied, but overall, I am now quite pleased with it!
I actually heard Draftcountdown.com? mention Andy Reid likes massive linemen, so I decided to look at the exact sizes of all his big fellas. Andre Smith really does fit that bill to a tee.
Ghostwriter,
I really am a big fan of Rashad Jennings too. He offers great value and has that intensity that teams really want. There are a lot of bruisers in this draft, and outside of Moreno, if I was the one drafting, I’d wait to select a HB until the 2nd or 3rd round, at least.
You think Andre Smith could slip all the way to pick 21?
Top-5 talent–questionable attitude…I still think he is worth of a top-5 pick
Fat,
I don’t honestly think he will fall this far, but I am confident that if he was available, then he would get no farther than the Eagles at 21.
I read in sports illustrated the other day how one GM picking in the top 10 (anonymous) said that his team would definitely pick him up if he was available. Smith could still slip back into the top 10. Only problem is that in my estimation, he is more of a right tackle which decreases his value. Maybe he will be selected by the Redskins, Jaguars, or 49ers.
The draft is one of those things that cant be easily predicted. There are always a few playes that are chosen earlier or much later than expected. Thats the problem when dealing with perceived value of a player rather than actual value. He could take a fall like Brady quinn or may be selected way early like Derrick Harvey last year.
You make a valid point though. Last season Darren Mcfadden was coined a character risk but still was a top 5 pick.
Here is another point I want to make. Andre Smith is extremely overweight as was visible at his pro day. I would guess he has somewhere around 40 pounds of excess fat. If you cut even 20 or 30 pounds off his body, then he doesnt seem to have quite the intimidating size anymore. 6’4 300 lbs is hardly a mauling right tackle or guard any longer. Unless he was able to convert that fat into pure muscle, he might struggle.
But youre right-on talent alone he is a top 10 pick.