Draft Grades: Eagles

I was shocked when the Eagles selected Jeremy Maclin for a couple of reasons. First, he's too similar to DeSean Jackson. Maclin is a little bigger than Jackson, but just as soft. He also isn't going to make a significant impact while McNabb is still in Philly. The Eagles have a closing window of opportunity to win a Super Bowl and selecting a receiver in the 1st round isn't going to help much. There were other players available that would have made a more immediate impact.

LeSean McCoy was an excellent 2nd-round selection. I think there's a significant difference between him and the three 1st-round running backs, but he can still get the job done. He's an excellent receiver and will be able to take some of the load off Brian Westbrook's shoulders.

Cornelius Ingram was a steal in the 5th round. He's a major injury risk, but he has a tremendous upside. If healthy, he could start for them as early as this year.

Macho Harris is a little overrated because of his collegiate success but he had good value in the 5th round. He isn't a future starter, but he'll add to their depth and should contribute on special teams.

I love the selection of Brandon Gibson. He doesn't have elite speed but he has great hands and is an excellent route runner. He may actually be able to contribute more right away than Maclin.

Paul Fanaika is an unimpressive lineman with little upside. However, the Eagles do need depth at guard and there wasn't much else available in the 7th round.

Moise Fokuo will compete for the backup job at strong-side linebacker. He doesn't have much upside but could be an adequate backup.

Overall the Eagles had a decent draft, but they didn't get much in term of immediate impact players. McCoy and Ingram should see playing time right away and Maclin will contribute on special teams, but its possible that none of them crack the starting lineup. The impact of this draft class won't be felt until a few years down the road, which was a curious decision by the Eagles who hope to compete for a Championship in 2009.

Grade: B

Bills, Eagles Agree on Jason Peters Trade

In a trade that has been in the works for the past week, the Bills have agreed to send Jason Peters to the Eagles in exchange for three draft picks.

The Bills were left with almost no choice in the matter, but this trade is devastating to their hopes of making a serious playoff run in the near future. Peters, a two-time Pro Bowler, was developing into a truly elite left tackle. And remember, having played tight end in college, he's still perfecting the left tackle positions which he has been playing for just five seasons.

From the Eagles point of view, however, this trade is a steal. They give up a 1st-round pick (28th overall), 4th-round pick (121st overall) and an undisclosed pick in 2010. Its a decent sum, but the fact that they still hold a 1st-round pick this year eases the loss considerably. The Eagles had hoped to land an offensive tackle with one of those picks, which they accomplished. The 21st pick can now be spent on either Brandon Pettigrew or a running back (Knowshon Moreno?).

So where do the Bills go from here? The left side of their line is in shambles. Demetrius Bell (2008 7th-round selection) is their top internal candidate at left tackle. Kirk Chambers is slotted in at left guard for now, filling the hole left by the release of Derrick Dockery.

With one of their two 1st-round picks the Bills must address the offensive line. The most logical selection is to take Michael Oher 11th overall (or Andre Smith if he's available). Defensive end is still a need, put can easily be filled with the 28th pick. Guys like Connor Barwin and Michael Johnson will be realistic options in the late 1st round.

Bengals Want A Running Back

The Bengals are showing a clear interest in running backs this offseason, and could be targeting one with their second-round pick. The Bengals have either met with, or will be meeting with, Chris Wells, Donald Brown, Rashad Jennings and LeSean McCoy.

While the Bengals are clearly doing their homework, Donald Brown appears to be the favorite and the mostly likely be available and worthy of their 2nd-round selection. The Bengals have reportedly mentioned him as a player they have been impressed with and will strongly consider selecting him 38th overall selection.

Brown's stock is rising, however, as he has/will meet with the Chargers, Eagles and Jets as well. Its possible that he could come off the board in the late first round.

Brandon Pettigrew Postpones Pro Day

Brandon Pettigrew was scheduled to work out on Wednesday, but he postponed his workout because of a pulled hamstring.

Pettigrew's workout is one of the more important ones this offseason. He's clearly the top player at his position, but he also doesn't fit the mold of recent first round tight end selections. He's an elite blocker, with only decent receiving skills.

Despite being the consensus top tight end, its tough to justify taking a blocking tight end in the first round. He'll need to hope he impresses the right team in hopes of sneaking into the late first round.

The Eagles and Falcons would appear to be likely destinations if he does find a place within the first 32 picks.