Eagles Draft-Day 2
April 28th 2008 15:02
The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up what looks like a relatively promising draft on Sunday. Having selected a defensive tackle and wide receiver in Round 2, the Eagles came away with another eight players on Sunday. In the third round they selected a player who was a bit of a surprise, defensive end Bryan Smith out of McNeese State. Although undersized at just 6-2, 228 pounds, Smith is also a very quick pass-rushing threat off the edge who dominated his level of competition in college. In 2007 he had 10.5 sacks, 60 tackles and 4 forced fumbles. However, having played in such a small school and being at such a small size, there are questions at how his game will translate to an NFL level. In the 4th round the Eagles picked up offensive tackle Mike McGlynn from Pittsburgh, free safety Quintin Demps from Texas El-Paso, and cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu from Wisconsin. McGlynn is a promising prospect, having won the Ed Conway award in Pittsburgh in back-to-back years, given annually to the most improved player from Pitt. This shows McGlynn likely has a great work ethic and is still getting better. A concern is that he seems to have an extensive injury history. Demps, to me, seems like a boom or bust type of player. He lacks the physical attributes that make a prospect appealing-size, blazing speed, etc,- but he has unbelievable production. He has 17 career interceptions, a trait that, if carries over, will be welcome in an Eagles secondary that struggled to produce turnovers last season. A concern is his ability to make tackles in the open field. Ikegwuonu is another boom or bust type prospect. At the beginning of the season Ikegwuonu was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, and projected as a first or second round pick. However, character concerns arose as he was arrested on burglary and trespassing charges. In addition, Ikegwuonu's performance on the field was underwhelming. He also tore several ligaments in his knee during the NFL combine. Ikegwuonu is a physical tackler who garnered back to back All-Big Ten Conference first team selections. The Eagles took several risks in the 4th round, and may get nothing out of it. If it works their way, however, the payout could be huge. After having no picks in the 5th round, the Eagles went back to the O-Line in the beginning of the 6th, drafting guard Mike Gibson out of California. They also drafted linebackers Joe Mays out of North Dakota State and Andy Studebaker out of Wheaton. Gibson is an impressive, verastile blocker, having played both left and right tackle for the Bears in college. He is projected as a guard in the NFL. A concern that may have dropped him is his injury history, having previously torn his labrum in his left shoulder. He has also suffered multiple concussions. Mays is a powerfully built, at a bullish 5-11, 245 pounds. He is known as a punishing tackler. His build, however, reduces his agility, making it difficult to change direction and is somewhat of a liability in pass coverage. Studebaker is a 6-3, 251 pound linebacker from another small school, Wheaton. Having been a defensive end in college, he had 55 tackles and 17.5 sacks in 2007. He will move to linebacker in the NFL, hopefully bringing more depth to the Eagles' linebacking corps, a strength for the in 2007. With the Eagles' final pick, in the 7th round, they drafted another offensive lineman in offensive tackle King Dunlap, a mammoth at 6-9, 310 pounds out of Auburn. Coming into the year, Dunlap was considered one of the best tackle prospects in football. However, he came in out of shape, and performed terribly. He was eventually injured, and several games after his return was removed from the starting lineup. However, with his 6-9 frame, he seems to be a player worth taking a shot on. If he can pack on some more muscle and regain the talent that once made him a hot prospect, he could be a real steal for the Eagles.
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