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Slow Ride........
Slow time here in Eagle-land. The 2009 Eagles Draft Prospects thread has been updated with a couple more prospects the Birds have shown interest in while scouting the Senior Bowl. As for the Senior Bowl, I should have a substantial post this week outlining my thoughts on a number of the prospects that either impressed or underwhelmed me throughout the week of practices and during the actual game.
As we switch to full-on draft mode, I'd like to hear if there are any prospects that intrigue the readership. First round guys, second day guys, related sleepers - whatever. Don't Boo the Birds subscribes to a NFL scouting service to help sift through the draft wilderness. I'd be happy to give you my thoughts or better yet, the scouts' thoughts on any players of interest.
Submissions can be made in the comments or to dave@blogsbyfans.com
What are the chances the Eagles would take a TE with one of their first rounders? Any thoughts on the Pettigrew kid out of OK State? He looks like he would provide 2 things we don't get out of the TE position: blocking and a mean steak. Not sure if we value the position enough to invest a high pick.
What are you hearing about the WR class? Is it a strong crop this year? Everyone is in love with Crabtree. I like Nicks out of North Carolina because he does a nice job of attacking the ball and has decent size.
Bob - I guess it depends on the Birds comfort level with Celek. They could, but Pettigrew is the only true first round talent at the TE spot this year. Unless he runs like a champ at the combine (which I doubt he will) Pettigrew should be available when the Birds pick at 21.
From what I've seen with the WR class - aside from the elite guys at the top - Crabtree, Maclin, Nicks, and Harvin, I'm not that thrilled with this group of wide receivers. Both Nicks and Harvin should be available when the Birds pick, but do you think the Eagles' brass truly think WR is a major need? I don't. I'm anxious to see how these guys run at the combine. There's plenty of time for an opinion to change.
I even hate drumming up the WR talk because I sound like WIP caller. Since they scored with Jackson, I don't see this as need, but the two first rounders create a lot of different scenarios.
When you spend months studying these players, you inevitably become attached to some and become disappointed when they go somewhere else. I guess that's what makes this so interesting. A few years ago a thought we were trading up for Steven Jackson and instead pick Shawn Andrews. I thought last year we were taking Phillips at safety or Otah. You wind up following these players and wondering what if. Besides our propensity to reach some years with our 2nd or 3rd rounders, the Eagles really do a nice job of drafting to their scheme.
I just wonder who will be the fast rising lineman in the days before the draft. All the mocks last year had Brandon Albert a real possibility for us last year, and next time you look he's projecting top ten. I guess I better pace myself...
While Pettigrew is best in class in the TE group, he may not be available when the Eagles draft, esp. with Andy's penchant for trading down. One guy that should be available after the first round that I wouldn't mind the Birds drafting is Chase Coffman. How did he do in the Senior Bowl?
Of course, I'm dreaming if I think the Birds have a shot at Shonne Green out of Iowa, but he'd sure be a nice compliment to Brian Westbrook for the running game.
As for WR, I'm strangely OK with this group, MINUS GREG LEWIS. And if Reggie leaves town, that's OK too. One guy that they could grab possibly in the third round could be Brian Robiskie. He's the son of Atlanta WR coach Terry and a big, smart receiver.
I hear you Bob - we all have to realize the draft is 3 months away and a lot of vetting, moving, and shaking is going to occur. Which is precisely why it's hard to have a solid opinion of some of these guys at this point. I've been trying to look at linemen (Tackles especially) who fit the Eagles scheme. Guys like William Beatty and Jason Smith - who are really good pass blockers - but may lack the bulk as a run blocker at this point.
Pettigrew could still be there, but we'll have to wait and see. As for Coffman, he wasn't at the Senior Bowl (nor will he participate in the Combine) because of foot surgery to heal a fracture. Reports say he should be ready for his Pro Day (March 19th). Which means, he might slip a little due to the potential unknown.
Robiskie played well in the Senior Bowl, and looks like a polished 3rd guy at the next level. Thing about Robiskie is it seems like he is what he is - there is not a lot of upside. But, he's got all the tools, especially, the work ethic and polish to play consistently in the NFL.