Andy Reid wrapped up his 14th NFL Draft to mostly cheers and high-fives from the assembled media.
No, not literally, of course. But the Eagles took a simplistic approach in this draft, addressing legitimate needs and not over-reaching for potential. On paper, at least, this looks like Howie Roseman’s best haul. Overall, we’re giving the team a B+ — we do have questions about Dennis Kelly, Nick Foles, Bryce Brown but the early picks, especially Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry paved the way for high marks.
“Time will tell here on the players,” Reid said of his draft. “From my standpoint I think we brought in, not only quality guys, but also good football players. I look forward to seeing them put the wings on.”
Anyway, here’s what the Eagles did by round with brief scouting report:
Overall: B+
First round: No. 12 overall, Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: Everyone is praising this heist. Cox was made to play in Jim Washburn’s Wide-9 scheme. He’s fast for his size (298 lbs.), instinctual and loves to hit you in the mouth. We’re predicting he cracks the starting lineup and racks up 7 sacks.
Second round: Mychael Kendricks, LB, California; Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall: Kendricks is under-sized but considered NFL-ready. He ran fastest 40 in 12 years at combine and hits hard. Meanwhile, Curry isn’t just a speed end, he’s a playmaker (11 sacks, seven forced fumbles in 2011) and could be steal of this draft.
Third round: Nick Foles, QB, Arizona: Not the prototypical Andy Reid QB: Foles has an elongated release and isn’t a scrambler, prone to taking sacks. On the positive, he is deadly accurate (69.1 completion percentage as senior) and thrives with underneath throws.
Fourth round: Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia: Boykin is a smallish corner (5-foot-9, 180 lbs.) but plays an aggressive style and holds value as return man. We could see him contribute immediately in nickel packages.
Fifth round: Dennis Kelly, T, Purdue: Reid compared him to Jon Runyan. Very high praise. Look, we like that they acquired offensive line depth. Still, we see more King Dunlap than Runyan.
Sixth round: Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa; Brandon Washington, G, Miami: McNutt has potential to be that red-zone target Mike Vick has been coveting. He’s 6-foot-3, 216 lbs. With great hands. Think possession receiver. Washington is a project, but what you would expect in the later rounds. He played both guard and tackle in college.
Seventh round: Bryce Brown, RB, Kansas State: Wild card here. Brown played just one full college season, then reportedly quit on teammates after transferring to K-State. Why draft him? Reid saw “raw talent.”
The Eagles also added RB Chris Polk (Washington) and S Phillip Thomas (Syracuse) as undrafted rookie free agents.
