2011 NFL Draft Grades: How Did The Eagles Fare?

Even though it’s a nearly pointless exercise to “grade” a draft, we all love seeing the pundits handing out their 2011 NFL Draft grades anyway. Fact is, we probably won’t know for two to three years how good these drafts where in reality… but that’s no fun. So let’s hear some grades.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports graded the Eagles draft a “B” saying “The Eagles always seem to do a good job in the draft. This year was no different. The key might be second-round safety Jaiquawn Jarrett.”

As we said earlier, Mel Kiper gave them a C+

Our NFL Draft site, Mocking The Draft agreed with Kiper on the grade, although were overall positive about the selections saying, “This was a very solid draft with few wow selections. Watkins will start right away at guard and bring some toughness to the offensive line. Jarrett is a good safety prospect that might need a little time to fully develop. Marsh is an underrated corner that could fill a nickle roll. Casey Matthews will provide some linebacker depth which is something lacking in Philly. Is this the end for David Akers? Alex Henery is the best kicker in the draft but was selected about a round or two early.”

The most common criticism you see about the Eagles draft is that they took a kicker in the 4th round. Despite the fact that so often the kicker plays a vital role in the outcome of a game, drafting a kicker just offends the sensibilities of all these draftniks. Todd McShay didn’t hand out grades, but he also criticized the Eagles pick of Henery.

“The 120th pick is simply too high for Alex Henery. Yes, he was the No. 1 kicker on our board, but Henery has had some inconsistent stretches in his career, and while he has a monster leg, the Eagles would have been better off addressing right offensive tackle, defensive line, tight end, wide receiver or return specialist, then taking someone like Kai Forbath further down the line. "

Bear in mind that Alex Henery is the most accurate kicker in the history of college football and David Akers is a 37 year old free agent. So McShay’s advice was to grab some other, lesser rated prospect and draft a worse kicker later. Sounds like some plan… Plus, Kai Forbath wasn’t even drafted, which makes McShay’s plan look all the more idiotic.

I think what a lot of people ignore is that the Eagles had so many picks, that they could afford to maybe take a guy a round earlier than they had to, so as to ensure they got the player they wanted. Now, whether or not the Eagles actually could have gotten Henery later is a complete guess no matter what anyone tells you. But even if that was a chance, why risk it? If you’ve got the chance to get the best player by far at a position of need, why isn’t that worth a 4th round pick.

Mel Kiper's Draft Grades: Philadelphia Eagles Get A C+

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has issued his 2011 NFL Draft grades and the Eagles did an average job by his estimation. Here is Mel’s reasoning.

“This feels like last year. I look at the Philly board and think, “Well, they got a lot of guys.” The Eagles targeted what I considered their three biggest needs with their first three picks. The selection of Watkins surprised some people, as he may have been available even into the early second round, but they may believe he has the capability to stay at tackle. I think he’s a guard. Elsewhere, Jarrett provides depth at safety, and Marsh will be asked to step in early at corner. David Akers can’t feel too confident about his future in Philly, as Henery was the first kicker off the board. The looming question now is what picks or players will come back if and when the Eagles decide to deal Kevin Kolb."

I have a few reactions. For one, I think the Eagles absolutely expect Danny Watkins to play guard from day one. Whether or not he would have been on the board later is just a guess, but I’ll say that sources at the draft told me that they expected the Bears to take him at #29 if he was still on the board. So who knows if the Eagles could have got him later.

I very highly doubt that CB Curtis Marsh will be asked to “step in early” as Mel suggests. Yes, he could get on the field, but not as a starter. I expect the Eagles to address the starting RCB spot in the free agency, whenever that finally happens.

Speaking of free agency, I’d say that’s the looming question as far as what the Eagles do next… but yeah Kevin Kolb’s future is a question.

One thing I do agree with is “They got a lot of guys.” The Eagles made 11 picks in this draft.

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Was Dion Lewis The Philadelphia Eagles Best Pick?

John Dove, one of our draft gurus from Mocking The Draft has been grading every pick for CBS Sports through this draft. Here’s what he’s had to say about the Eagles picks so far as we enter the 6th round.

Danny Watkins, B- – One thing about the Eagles, they love taking big people. This is an aggressive player who will fit right into the Eagles’ style of play.

Jaiquawn Jarrett, B- – He is a rangy safety who will help in pass coverage. He isn’t a great tackler, but that can improve.

Curtis Marsh, B- - This former running back has good speed, but he is raw. It might take time for him to get on the field. He should play well on special teams.

Casey Matthews, B – Linebacker depth has been an issue for the Eagles. Matthews can play either inside or outside due to his good instincts.

Alex Henery C+ – This is a bit early for a kicker but Henery is by far the best in this class. David Akers is getting older and Henery could be the future.

Dion Lewis, B+ – Lewis lacks ideal size and speed but is very shifty. His ability to make people miss is what makes him special.

Julian Vandervelde, B- – Iowa does a good job producing technique sound offensive linemen. Vandervelde has ability to be a decent guard in the NFL.

Jason Kelce, C- - The Eagles are still focusing on the interior of their offensive line. Kelce doesnt represent much upside and is limited as an athlete.

Brian Rolle, C - Rolle is not an every down linebacker because of his lack of size. He is a guy that is good in coverage and has good speed.

Greg Lloyd, C+ - Lloyd is always around the football and making plays. This last season he suffered a knee injury which cut his season short.

Stanley Havili, B - Havili was my top rated FB. He is strong runner that is able to make some catches out of the backfield.

NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles Select Greg Lloyd Jr, Son Of Steelers Legend

Call this “The Bloodlines Draft.” With the 237th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft the Eagles selected UConn LB Greg Lloyd, who is the son of Pittsburgh Steelers great Greg Lloyd Sr. Unfortunately the family ties stop with the bloodlines. Lloyd Jr does wear his father’s number, but the two are estranged and don’t speak. Greg Lloyd Sr was not a great guy in his post football career to say the least. He was arrested sticking a gun in his son’s mouth when the 12 year old brought home bad grades. He was tried twice in that case, resulting in two hung juries. He later was arrested for pointing a gun at his ex wife, Greg Jr’s mother.

So suffice to say, it makes sense that Lloyd Jr doesn’t have any contact with his pop. He did get some of the good genes though. He’s 6-2, 259 and is known as a big hitter. He’s not incredibly quick however which limits his ability to get sideline to sideline. He’s a nasty presence in the box however.

Of course, there’s one really big negative.In 2009 he tore both his ACL and MCL against Syracuse in the second to last game of the year. He managed to get in only seven games last year. It’s a speculative pick, but this is the 7th round we’re in… If he can get back from a pretty nasty injury, the Eagles could potentially have found themselves a player here. But he’s a long shot like all 7th rounders.

Eagles Draft Pick Brian Rolle Says He's As Good As Von Miller

With 193rd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Eagles have selected LB Brian Rolle from Ohio State. He’s the second “bloodlines” type player the Eagles have taken in this draft, as he’s the cousin of Giants’ safety Antrel Rolle.

Rolle is a speedy, yet undersized LB at 5-9, 225 pounds. However, Rolle rejects the idea that his size holds him back in any way. In fact, he says he’s as good Von Miller, who was taken #2 overall this year.

“People who say (size) is an issue, they must not have seen any film,” Rolle said, “because put on Von Miller (the draft’s top-rated linebacker, from Texas A&M) and put me on film, and everything he does, I can do just as well. So scouts and coaches – guys who actually watch film and evaluate me – I’m pretty sure they know I can play football.”

Rolle was a standout special teamer in his first two years at Ohio State, before taking over a starting job in his final two. Scouts Inc said of him “He is vastly undersized and plays the game with borderline wreckless abandon.”

Eagles And Patriots Make A Trade To Keep Their Streak Alive

Eagles Draft Picks: Julian Vandervelde, Fifth Round

With the 161st overall pick from the Jets, the Eagles took offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde from Iowa.

The 6-2, 301 pound Vandervelde projects as a guard in the NFL. He’s athletic and can pull in the running game while also getting to the second level on blocks. Vandervelde said the player he compares himself to is Casey Weigmann of the Kansas City Chiefs

I really respect Casey Weigmann of the Chiefs. A former Hawkeye himself we have a lot in common. Just seeing how long he has lasted in the NFL and his attitude and toughness that he brings to the game. He isn’t over-sized and is very tough and smart. He is very durable. He takes hits and keeps coming back and has had a lot of success in the NFL.

Also Vandervelde might have the best tidbit of any player in this draft. When President Obama visited the University of Iowa, it was Vandervelde who sung the national anthem.

2011 NFL Draft: Eagles Select RB Dion Lewis, Who Had Replaced LeSean McCoy At Pitt

Two drafts ago, the Eagles took a RB out of Pitt that worked out well and they’ve went back to that well this year. With the 149th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft the Eagles selected RB Dion Lewis, who had replaced LeSean McCoy at Pitt.

Lewis is a speedy back with a low center of gravity and compact running style. He has a knack for making defenders miss, runs through arm tackles and has good cutback ability. Lewis shows good patience behind the line and often seems to find his way through a crowd. He was rarely ever asked to block, so that’s obviously something that needs to be worked on.

He has 30 TDs in his college career including 13 from last season. He has experience as a receiver out of the backfield catching a little over 50 passes over the last two years. At 5-7, 193 pounds there is some concern whether he’s got the size to be an every down back in the NFL, but that’s not going to be a role he’s likely asked to play by the Eagles anyway.

Sideline scouting had to say on Lewis

Strong for his size, reportedly can bench press 400 pounds, over twice his body weight… Rarely fumbles, does a good job of holding the football high and tight… Very quick and shifty in the open field, shakes a lot of tacklers… Great short area burst, hard to contain… Surprisingly good runner between the tackles, keeps his pad level low… Outstanding vision, finds the crease almost immediately… Patient runner, consistently waits for his blockers to set up… Good hands out of the backfield, secures the ball with both hands…

Eagles Draft Pick Alex Henery Means David Akers Era Is Over

The Eagles longest tenured player and the longest currently tenured athlete in Philadelphia appears to have reach the end of the line. The Eagles selection of kicker Alex Henery from Nebraska means that David Akers is likely finished in Philadelphia.

Akers spent 12 years in Philadelphia, making five pro bowls in the process and being named an all pro four times. Unfortunately, as Jimmy pointed out on Bleeding Green Nation, as good a guy as he is… it’s business.

He’s been an extraordinary player, person, and role model for the Eagles during his tenure here. But he’s a free agent, and the Eagles tagged him as their transition player this offseason, a move that Akers and agent Jerrold Colton balked at. The uncertainty of Akers’ contract is likely the motivation for picking a kicker, and in Alex Henery, they get a fantastic player.

As sad as it will be to see Akers go, it’s pretty exciting to see Alex Henery coming in. It’s rare to see a kicker go in the fourth round, but it’s also rare that a kicker like Henery comes around. One of the most accurate kickers in NCAA history, Henery missed only two kicks from inside 50 yards during his Nebraska career.

He’s also got ice in his veins as our pals at the Jets blog Gang Green Nation pointed out.

In the pressure packed Big XII Championship Games of the past two seasons, Henery hit 6 of 6 field goal tries. 5 of these 6 were from over 40 yards. 2 were from over 50, including a 52 yarder that gave the Cornhuskers a late lead in the 2009 title game against Texas with under 2:00 to go. A kicker battle tested like this is a good thing.

It’s actually somewhat odd that a position which continually plays such a vital role in the outcome of a game is so often ignored in the draft. I think this is a great use of a fourth round pick to grab far and away the best kicker of this class. Henery also served as the Cornhuskers punter and averaged 43.2 yards per kick as a senior. I doubt the Eagles will want him punting in the NFL, but it’s a useful skill nonetheless.

If there was on knock against Henery it’s that he didn’t kickoff at Nebraska, who opted to use a specialist. Clearly though, Henery has a leg for it and given the NFL’s new kickoff rules, it’s just not that important.

Eagles Draft Picks: Philadelphia Takes Casey Matthews, Brother Of Clay Matthews

With 116th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft the Philadelphia Eagles selected LB Casey Matthews from Oregon. If you don’t know Matthews, you certainly his bloodlines. His brother, father, uncle and grandfather all played in the NFL. His brother is of course Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers.

Matthews isn’t quite the athlete his brother is and doesn’t have his size, but he does that have Matthews motor and instincts. Oregon coach Chip Kelly called him “the most instinctual player he has ever coached.” He was a finalist for the Butkis award in 2010 as the nation’s top linebacker.

As FFToolbox put it, “He is a football player, not an athlete. That means he will be drafted in the fourth or fifth round, but be around the NFL a lot longer than many players drafted before him.”

Here is a scouting report on Matthews from Mocking The Draft.

Matthews is a good looking prospect that will make plays in the NFL. He has really good instincts and the tenacity necessary to contribute. Matthews is always round the football and looking to create a turnover. He possesses enough athletic ability to cover sideline to sideline. His 2nd gear and short area burst allow him to close on the ball carrier. He doesn’t have his brothers pass rushing ability but he knows how to create pressure. Matthews is a good blitzer with excellent timing and savvy.

NFL Draft Day Three: Philadelphia Eagles Look To Fill Remaining Needs

The Philadelphia Eagles have taken three players over the first rounds of the 2011 NFL draft, which given their history in the draft is somewhat of a surprise. The Eagles, who are usually very active on draft day moving up and down the board made just one trade. They dropped back five spots in the third round in a trade with Baltimore that netted them an extra sixth round pick. I would expect to see a lot more movement from the team on this final day.

Here are what I see as the Eagles top remaining needs (in no particular order):

Running back - LeSean McCoy is the unquestioned starter and a burgeoning star, but in today's NFL everyone has two backs to lessen the load on their top guy. Last year, the Eagles struck out with the free agent signing of Mike Bell, but traded him for Jerome Harrison midseason, who came in and did a very good job. Harrison is a free agent, so the Eagles could look for Shady's backup here

Linebacker - The Eagles have a slew of young linebackers but none have really emerged as a sure fire starter. Stewart Bradley has been good when healthy, but he has been injured often. Jamar Chaney did good things last year, the team likes what Moise Fokou has done, but it's not a if there aren't upgrades to be made. Plus, it's likely that Ernie Sims won't be back.

Offensive line - Obviously the Eagles made a big move to solidify their right guard position taking Danny Watkins in round one, but the struggles of the line and injuries last year really did expose a lack of depth. I expect that there's a decent chance the Eagles will grab some developmental big guys on this last day.

Check out out live NFL draft coverage all week here on SBNation Philly and at our Eagles site Bleeding Green Nation.

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Mel Kiper Calls Cowboys Day Two Selections "Questionable"

As we get set to start the final day of the 2011 NFL Draft, everyone is taking a look back to see how teams did over the first three rounds.  ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper didn't have any feelings on the Eagles picks, but he did call the job the Cowboys did in rounds two and three "questionable."

The Cowboys took outside linebacker Bruce Carter and running back DeMarco Murray

"I praised the Cowboys for what they did in Round 1, adding Tyron Smith, a player who certainly should help on that leaky offensive line. But Dallas has real needs at defensive end, safety and cornerback, and they added a linebacker and a running back on Friday, when at each spot they had options to get help at positions where I see more pressing needs. I assess needs down for teams, and for the Cowboys, those might not be the same ones Jerry Jones has. But if the Carter pick didn't seem too peculiar, the Murray one really surprised me based on how this roster looks right now."

It is particularly puzzling that the Cowboys haven't made any moves to upgrade their secondary as of yet, which is what several pundits saw as their top need. However, you have to remember that this is a year unlike any other and I'm not sure if it makes a lot of sense to criticize teams for not chasing need. The free agency period hasn't even happened yet and there's a slew of really good corners and safeties to be had there.

2011 NFL Draft: Assessing The Philadelphia Eagles First 3 Picks

Who did the Eagles take? How do those players fit on the roster? Can they play right away?

NFL Draft Results: Eagles Trade Down, Select CB Curtis Marsh From Utah State

The Eagles came into this draft with two glaring needs in the eyes of many fans an pundits. One was on the offensive line, which was addressed in round one with Danny Watkins. The other was cornerback, which was addressed the with selection of Utah State corner Curtis Marsh.

Marsh has all the physical tools you look for in a corner prospect. He’s tall at 6-1, he’s got good speed (ran a 4.4 40) and he’s got long arms that give him a knack for breaking up passes. He was ranked sixth in the nation last season in passes defensed per game.

Marsh actually went to Utah State initially as a running back and played there for two years. However, when coach Gary Anderson came in, he took one look at Marsh’s size and athleticism and decided he would be best served at corner. It appeared as though he was right. After his second year playing corner, he earned All-WAC honors in his senior season and had a big game against highly touted Boise State WR Titus Young, who was taken with the 12th pick of the 2nd round this year.

He did in fact have a visit with the Eagles earlier this month and was projected to go anywhere from the second to third round. Solid value, great physical tools and still with plenty of room to improve. There’s a lot to like about this pick.

“He has a lot of upside,” Utes coach Gary Andersen said. “He’s only been playing the position for two years. His best football is ahead of him, and as he gets more comfortable with the position, he’s only going to get better.”

Marsh earned All-WAC honors last season and was sixth in the country in passes defensed per game. As we said earlier, his long arms gives him a knack for that. Marsh started to grab the attention of scouts last season, when he shut down highly touted Boise State WRs Titus Young and Austin Pettis last season. Those players went the second and third round respectively this year.

He did in fact have a visit with the Eagles earlier this month and was projected to go anywhere from the second to third round. Solid value, great physical tools and still with plenty of room to improve. There’s a lot to like about this pick.

Eagles Draft Picks: Eagles Select Temple Product Jaiquawn Jarrett With 54th Overall Pick

With the 22nd pick in the second round of the NFL draft, the Eagles surprised picking local product Jaiquawn Jarrett from Temple University. The Eagles have held a private workout with the hard hitting safety, who also went on a visit to the New York Giants.

Jarrett is an interesting pick as he could potentially signal the end of Quintin Mikell's career in Philadelphia. Mikell is a free agent and the Eagles now have three young safeties, two of which are second round picks in Jarrett and Nate Allen.

Jarrett's highlights show a guy that's not afraid of contact and is a fantastic wrap up tackler. The physical way he plays belies his seemingly small 6-1, 200 pounds frame. CBS Sports praised his intelligence and football instincts.

Intelligent player with the football instincts necessary to start at the next level. Though he likes to attack run plays before the snap, his quickness and football intelligence allows him to get back into the deep third to be a factor in play action. Patient on misdirection, keeps his eyes in the backfield, plants and drives to the ball once it's clear where the play is going.

ESPN noted his knack for creating turnovers and praised his aggressive nature.

Plays like a free safety in the Owls' scheme but probably better suited to be a strong safety in the NFL. ... Really liked how aggressive he was once he recognized the play and came forward. Only had one missed tackle that I saw and that came on the first play of the game against Penn State when he was stiff-armed in the open field. In other opportunities he was able to come forward, strike a blow and bring the ball carrier down. ... Has a unique ability to cause turnovers. In the three games I studied, he caused a fumble in all of them. He is not afraid to hit you and try to rip the ball free

NFL Draft Results: Villanova OT Ben Ijalana Drafted By Colts, Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson To Jets

Rumor: Eagles And Patriots Talking Trade For Pick #33

[Note by JasonB, 04/29/11 6:09 PM EDT ] Pats have made their pick, so I guess Andy and Bill will have to talk later

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Eagles and Patriots are currently in discussions for the #33 pick, which is the first of the second round and first of the evening here at Radio City.

Schefter also had a great tidbit about the history between Andy Reid Belichick on draft day. Since Belichick took over the Patriots in 2000, he and Reid have swung at least one draft day trade every year. I can only imagine how exciting those conversations must be between those two…

It’s fitting that they’ve done so many deals, considering how both probably trade up and down the draft board more than anyone.

So, if history means anything, the Eagles and Patriots will swing a trade this weekend, the question is when. It could potentially be #33, so stay tuned.

Check out out live NFL draft coverage all week here on SBNation Philly and at our Eagles site Bleeding Green Nation.

2011 NFL Draft Grades: Winners And Losers From Day One

There are two kinds of winners and losers in the first round of the draft. The ones we label as winners and loser right now and the ones who actually turn out to be winners and losers when we find out if these guys are any good in a few years. But we won't let the latter fact stop us from handing down swift and terrible judgment on a few teams...

Losers

Atlanta Falcons - If there's a team that I feel good about calling a loser no matter what, it's Atlanta. Julio Jones might be a really good player, but they gave up five picks including two firsts, a second and two fourths for that guy. That's 3 to 5 players they could have had with a real potential for impact that they gave up for one guy who was generally seen as the second best WR in the draft.

Also how did they have to give up the extra fourth in 2011? Was two firsts a second and one fourth not enough? Crazy deal.

Basically every team that took a QB - In a year that many scouts claimed was a bad year for QBs, teams picked the second most QBs in the first round since 1970. Forget all the questions surrounding a guy like Cam Newton or even the lack of production of a guy like Blaine Gabbert. There were the two other picks in the top in the top 12 that literally solicited laughter from the scouts and media in attendance. Those were of course Jake Locker and Christian Ponder. Maybe those guys prove everyone wrong and become stars, but right now they're all head scratching picks.

Winners

Washington Redskins - As I said earlier, the Redskins put on a clinic. Washington traded down from #10 to a QB desperate team in Jacksonville, who saw a run on QBs and decided to go up and get Blaine Gabbert. The Skins only moved back six spots and picked up an extra second round pick in the process. When their pick came up at #16, Ryan Kerrigan, who they likely wanted all along was still there. They played the first round perfectly.

Cleveland Browns - One draft expert remarked to me after their trade with Atlanta, "That's a franchise changing haul for them." The Browns got that massive package of picks from the Falcons to drop out of the #5 spot to #27, then they spent a third round pick to pop back up the draft later in the round to fill a need with big NT Phil Taylor, who should fit nicely in the middle of their 3-4.

Eagles Draft Pick Danny Watkins Reflects On Day At Ground Zero With FDNY

Eagles draft pick Danny Watkins spent four years as a firefighter in his native Canada before he ever even decided to play football. In fact, he only took up football when he came to the US to study to become a full time firefighter. So when he came to the New York this week for the NFL draft, it made sense that the FDNY invited Watkins and his firefighter cheering section out with them.

"We had an amazing day with the FDNY," Watkins said, "Just the opportunity to spend time with them and meet them... They embraced me as one of their own, as a brother, like I've known them 20 years. When my name got called tonight I thought there was going to riot up there on the balcony."

Watkins said that the FDNY took him to ground zero for a tour and to talk about their memories with a fellow firefighter.

"We had the opportunity to pay our respects to ground zero and that was probably one of the most sobering and humbling experiences of my entire life. I don't know what I'd do losing one member of the fire service that I grew up with, let alone 343 brothers. Seeing that, seeing the memorials and speaking to the guys that lost guys, words can't describe the pain you felt for them. It doesn't seem that long ago after being there today. Today, besides from the draft, it was something I'll never forget, that's for sure."

Teams always say they love "higher character guys," and Eagles fans should be proud to have the guy who many see as the highest character player in the draft.

2011 NFL Draft Results: Run On QBs Benefits Giants, Chargers And Colts

With the eight pick of the 2011 NFL draft the Tennessee Titans woke up Radio City when they drafted Washington QB Jake Locker. There had been one shock, most notably the awful trade Atlanta made to get up to Julio Jones, but at least people expected Jones to go high. The Locker pick came out of nowhere.

The Jake Locker pick shocked almost everyone, but also elicited cheers from the media. It was the first real pick that media could have some fun with. The draft isn't fun until someone reaches for a QB. SI's Tony Pauline, who actually pumped his fist and cheered the pick exclaimed, "That was a great pick... in the second round!"

I said to Colts writer Brad Wells after the Locker pick "there's going to be a run on QBs here." Sure enough, there was. Locker went, then Blaine Gabbert to the Jaguars, and soon after the Vikings made a another head scratcher taking Christian Ponder. A national media source sitting near me remarked, "This is like the 1999 class, except there's no Donovan McNabb."

The inexplicable run on QBs at the top of the draft meant that a slew of a really good players slipped down to all the teams sitting in the late teens and early twenties. The Chargers got Corey Liguet, the Colts got Anthony Castonzo and the Giants were able to take corner Prince Amukamara.

That's a great pick for the Giants to get a good player at a position of need without even having to move around. It was actually interesting to see Prince fall to where he did. For months he was seen as a top ten pick, but in the past two weeks we've seen him slip in mock drafts to this late teens area. There's no doubt that the run on QBs pushed him down, but it could be that he was taken right where he belonged all along. Either way, Giants fans at Radio City went nuts and for good reason. It's a very good pick for them.

Speaking of Prince Amukamara, he may not have had any ladies the caliber of AJ Green(whose girlfriend in a painted on purple dress was the hit of the draft), but he did have the most impressive and largest entourage. He had two ladies, which appeared to be his mom and grandma out in full African dress. They were clad in long, gold sequined dresses with giant gold headdresses. They wouldn't have been out of place on the Radio City stage on any other night but this. There were also probably 15 other people up there with him. It was really a sight.

Eagles Draft Pick Danny Watkins Brings Firefighter Cheering Section

With the 23rd pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected offensive lineman Danny Watkins from Baylor. It was a pick that not even the Giants fans in attendance could boo. Why? Because Watkins had the best cheering section in the house.

For those that don't know, Watkins was a firefighter for four years in Canada who didn't even begin to play organized football until about five years ago. He actually started to play football when he moved to Northern California to attend Butte junior college where he planned to study to become a professional fireman. The football coach there saw the giant kid walking around and convinced him to play.

However, it's not his experience in football that made Watkins the person he is. Much of who he is and the way he carries himself comes from his time as a firefighter. Just as an illustration of the bond he had with the guys he calls "his brothers" at least 10 of them made the trip from British Columbia to cheer him at the draft. As soon as the pictures of him smiling on his phone came up on the monitors, his firefighter buddies went nuts. In the photo on top of this story, Watkins is giving the thumbs up to all the firefighters in the balcony that were yelling and chanting his name.

Afterward, he told me that he and his firefighter friends were invited out by members of the FDNY, who only gave them a tour of their house but also took him to ground zero, where all the men shared stories of people they'd lost. Watkins said that he couldn't imagine losing one brother, let alone 343 on one day and that his experience with the FDNY, who he said he called him their brother, is one he'll never forget.

A lot of people use the cliche that a guy with courage is one that will "run into a burning building." This is guy is no cliche. He really has done that. There's no doubt that his age is a concern. There's a reason teams pick 22 year olds, because they're looking for longevity. But Watkins' age and life experiences give him a perspective on life that arguably no other player in this draft has.

Below is the video of the Watkins' selection, complete with some shots of his firefighter buddies in the balcony.

2011 NFL Draft: A Wildly Entertaining First Round Comes To A Close

What an evening from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Not for the media members in attendance, including SB Nation Philly’s editor Jason Brewer, who had to deal with an internet outage all evening. But for the rest of us watching from home or elsewhere, it was certainly an entertaining first night of this year’s draft. There was a major trade early on — Atlanta moving all the way up from the 27 hole to acquire AJ Green with the sixth overall pick; there were two quarterbacks taken within the first 12 picks (Jake Locker and Christian Ponder) that almost everybody thought would go later in the first at the very earliest; there was a botched trade that led to Baltimore not getting its pick in on time; and finally, for fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, there was the acquisition of Danny Watkins, the player with arguably the best story of any top prospect in this year’s draft.

There’s plenty of time to dig even deeper into all the interesting facets of round one, as well as what to expect in rounds two and three tomorrow evening, but for the time being, let’s make sure we’re all caught up to speed on who was selected with the first 32 picks. Here’s the list:

1. Carolina Panthers — Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2. Denver Broncos — Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
3. Buffalo Bills — Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
4. Cincinnati Bengals — AJ Green, WR, Georgia
5. Arizona Cardinals — Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
6. Atlanta Falcons (via Cleveland) — Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
7. San Francisco 49ers — Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri
8. Tennessee Titans — Jake Locker, QB, Washington
9. Dallas Cowboys — Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Washington) — Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
11. Houston Texans – J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
12. Minnesota Vikings – Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State
13. Detroit Lions – Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
14. St. Louis Rams – Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
15. Miami Dolphins – Mike Pouncey, C, Florida
16. Washington Redskins (via Jacksonville) – Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
17. New England Patriots – Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
18. San Diego Chargers – Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois
19. New York Giants – Prince Amukamara, DB, Nebraska
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
21. Cleveland Browns (via Kansas City via Atlanta) — Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
22. Indianapolis Colts — Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
23. Philadelphia Eagles — Danny Watkings, OG, Baylor
24. New Orleans Saints — Cameron Jordan, DE, California
25. Seattle Seahawks — James Carpenter, OT, Alabama
26. Kansas City Chiefs** — Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
27. Baltimore Ravens** — Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
28. New Orleans Saints (via New England) — Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
29. Chicago Bears — Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
30. New York Jets — Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple
31. Pittsburgh Steelers — Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
32. Green Bay Packers — Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

NFL Draft Results: Washington Redskins Put On A Clinic

When Bruce Allen was hired as the GM of the Redskins, may predicted that we would be seeing a new and smarter Redskins team in the draft. Then they traded three picks for Donovan McNabb... However, here in 2011 it seems like the promise may finally be paying off.

Washington wisely traded down from #10 to a QB desperate team in Jacksonville, who saw a run on QBs and decided to go up and get Blaine Gabbert. Washington only moved back six spots and picked up an extra second round pick in the process. When their pick came up at #16, Ryan Kerrigan, who they likely wanted all along was still there. We may be seeing a new Redskins after all. Really nice bit of maneuvering by them.

Even better, they aren't going to have Blaine Gabbert throwing three yard curls for them for the next three years. Who knows who will play QB for them, but either way this was a great first round for the Redskins. They got their man and replaced the picks in this draft that they wasted last year.

2011 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles Select 27-Year Old Former Firefighter Danny Watkins

For the first time in the Andy Reid era, the Philadelphia Eagles have spent a first round draft pick on an interior offensive linemen. The Eagles welcomed Danny Watkins, the 27-year old guard out of Baylor to the family with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Watkins will quickly become a fan favorite with the blue collar Eagles fanbase. A volunteer fire fighter than didn’t even play high school football, Watkins is a rough and tumble, hard nosed man that won’t need any grooming from a physicality stand point. At 6’3", 313 pounds, Watkins is projected to slide over to guard at the NFL level, but the NFL Network guys quickly pointed out that Reid will give Watkins every opportunity to compete for a hat at tackle.

For those who might question selecting a player that age, it’s worth noting that Watkins’ has very little wear and tear on his body due to not playing competitive ball until college. Don’t forget as well that Watkins’ physical and emotional maturity will be an asset as the Eagles try to get over the hump now rather than building for the future.

We will have much more analysis and reaction to the Eagles’ first round selection later in the evening and over the course of the weekend. To see how Eagles fans are feeling about the pick, head on over to Bleeding Green Nation to join the discussion with fellow fans as we wind down the final few picks of this year’s first round.

2011 NFL Draft: Prince Amukamara Still On Board As Philadelphia Eagles Pick Approaches

During the lengthy lead up to the 2011 NFL Draft, we saw dozens upon dozens (if not hundreds) of mock drafts filed by pundits and fans alike. Many pegged a cornerback to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 23. Colorado’s Jimmy Smith was name that was thrown around as a potential good fit for the Eagles. Well, with the 17th pick just announced, Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara is still on the board. For all the surprises that there have been so far in this year’s first round, the biggest in my opinion might be that Amukamara is still on the board. Should the Philadelphia Eagles consider trading up to land a prospect that most believed was the second best CB in this year’s draft behind only Patrick Peterson? They wouldn’t have to give up too much at this point to move up to No. 18, so you have to believe that it’s at least being discussed by the Eagles front office in the war room right now.

All very interesting! And we’re only just getting started. With the Eagles’ selection at No. 23 just around the corner, stay tuned here and at Bleeding Green Nation for more updates and reactions as the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft continues to unfold from New York City.

Selections Of Jake Locker And Christian Ponder Are Two Biggest Surprises Through First 12 Picks

The 2011 NFL Draft is underway from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. While we wait for the Philadelphia Eagles’ selection at No. 23, here’s what’s transpired through the first 11 picks of the first round.

1) Carolina Panthers — Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2) Denver Broncos — Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
3) Buffalo Bills — Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
4) Cincinnati Bengals — AJ Green, WR, Georgia
5) Arizona Cardinals — Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
6) Atlanta Falcons (via Cleveland) — Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
7) San Francisco 49ers — Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri
8) Tennessee Titans — Jake Locker, QB, Washington
9) Dallas Cowboys — Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10) Jacksonville Jaguars (via Washington) — Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
11) Houston Texans — JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
12) Minnesota Vikings — Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

The major surprises came at No. 8 when the Tennessee Titans selected University of Washington quaterback Jake Locker. Nobody denied Locker’s god-given athletic gifts, but his accuracy issues led most to believe that Locker wouldn’t be taken until the early or middle stages of the second round.

Then, a few picks later at No. 12, the Minnesota Vikings announced another shocking quarterback selection when they took Florida State signal caller Christian Ponder.

Some might be surprised by the selections of Smith by San Francisco considering Gabbert was still on the board. And for how porous Houston’s secondary was, most thought Nebraksa corner Prince Amukamara was the obvious selection at No. 11.

All very interesting! And we’re only just getting started. With the Eagles’ selection at No. 23 just around the corner, stay tuned here and at Bleeding Green Nation for more updates and reactions as the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft continues to unfold from New York City.

2011 NFL Draft Order And Time

The NFL Draft is set to begin tonight at 8 p.m. live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Tonight will be the first round only, tomorrow night features the second and third round, and the draft finishes up on Saturday with rounds four through seven.

The event will be carried live on both ESPN and NFL Network. However, we will also be live from the draft and will have updates about everything draft related all weekend. Stay tuned to this very storystream for constant updates about rumors and analysis of the Eagles picks and more. To chat with Eagles fans during the draft and for in depth analysis on all their moves, be sure to check out Bleeding Green Nation. Finally, I will be tweeting live from the draft so follow me on twitter @BleedingGreen.

Below is the full order for tonight's draft, which is ordered at the top by record and at the bottom by playoffs results. This is why the 7-9 Seahawks pick later than the 10-6 Eagles. Seattle advanced one more round than Philadelphia.

1. Carolina (2-14)
2. Denver (4-12)
3. Buffalo (4-12)
4. Cincinnati (4-12)
5. Arizona (5-11)
6. Cleveland (5-11)
7. San Francisco (6-10)
8. Tennessee (6-10)
9. Dallas (6-10)
10. Washington (6-10)
11. Houston (6-10)
12. Minnesota (6-10)
13. Detroit (6-10)
14. St. Louis (7-9)
15. Miami (7-9)
16. Jacksonville (8-8)
17. New England (from Oakland 8-8)
18. San Diego (9-7)
19. New York Giants (10-6)
20. Tampa Bay (10-6)
21. Kansas City (10-6)
22. Indianapolis (10-6)
23. Philadelphia (10-6)
24. New Orleans (11-5)
25. Seattle (7-9)
26. Baltimore (12-4)
27. Atlanta (13-3)
28. New England (14-2)
29. Chicago (11-5)
30. New York Jets
31. Pittsburgh (12-4)
32. Green Bay (10-6)