SB Nation Philly - 2011 NFL Draft Grades: How Did The Eagles Fare?https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48987/philly-fave.png2011-05-01T15:38:45-04:00http://philly.sbnation.com/rss/stream/19036692011-05-01T15:38:45-04:002011-05-01T15:38:45-04:002011 NFL Draft Grades: How Did The Eagles Fare?
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<p>Even though it’s a nearly pointless exercise to “grade” a draft, we all love seeing the pundits handing out their 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> 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.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cbssports.com/#!/nfl/draft/story/15008226/final-draft-grades-bucs-giants-texans-earn-top-marks" target="new">Pete Prisco of <span class="caps">CBS</span> Sports</a> graded the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> 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.”</p>
<p>As we said earlier, Mel Kiper <a href="http://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/5/1/2147394/mel-kiper-2011-nfl-draft-grades-philadelphia-eagles" target="new">gave them a C+</a></p>
<p>Our <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft site, <a href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/5/1/2147200/2011-nfl-draft-grades-nfc" target="new">Mocking The Draft </a>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 <span>David Akers</span>? Alex Henery is the best kicker in the draft but was selected about a round or two early.”</p>
<p>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 <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?id=6456201" target="new">criticized the Eagles pick</a> of Henery.</p>
<p>“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. "</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/5/1/2147770/2011-nfl-draft-grades-philadelphia-eaglesJason Brewer2011-05-01T12:11:16-04:002011-05-01T12:11:16-04:00Mel Kiper's Draft Grades: Philadelphia Eagles Get A C+
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<p><span class="caps">ESPN</span> draft guru Mel Kiper has issued his <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/news/story?page=Kiper2011DraftGrades" target="new">2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft grades</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> did an average job by his estimation. Here is Mel’s reasoning.</p>
<p>“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. <span>David Akers</span> 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 <span>Kevin Kolb</span>."</p>
<p>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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> to take him at #29 if he was still on the board. So who knows if the Eagles could have got him later.</p>
<p>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 <span class="caps">RCB</span> spot in the free agency, whenever that finally happens.</p>
<p>Speaking of free agency, I’d say <em>that’s</em> the looming question as far as what the Eagles do next… but yeah Kevin Kolb’s future is a question.</p>
<p>One thing I do agree with is “They got a lot of guys.” The Eagles made 11 picks in this draft.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/5/1/2147394/mel-kiper-2011-nfl-draft-grades-philadelphia-eaglesJason Brewer2011-04-30T19:46:50-04:002011-04-30T19:46:50-04:002011 NFL Draft Grades: Was Dion Lewis The Philadelphia Eagles Best Pick?
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<p>John Dove, one of our draft gurus from <a href="http://www.mockingthedraft.com" target="new">Mocking The Draft</a> has been <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/14998621" target="new">grading every pick</a> for <span class="caps">CBS</span> Sports through this draft. Here’s what he’s had to say about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> picks so far as we enter the 6th round.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75573/danny-watkins">Danny Watkins</a>, B-</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.</p>
<p><b><span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14284/jaiquawn-jarrett">Jaiquawn Jarrett</a></span></b><b>, B-</b> – He is a rangy safety who will help in pass coverage. He isn’t a great tackler, but that can improve.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/14580/curtis-marsh">Curtis Marsh</a>, B- </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.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/19274/casey-matthews">Casey Matthews</a>, B</b> – Linebacker depth has been an issue for the Eagles. Matthews can play either inside or outside due to his good instincts.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8285/alex-henery">Alex Henery</a> C+</b> – This is a bit early for a kicker but Henery is by far the best in this class. <span>David Akers</span> is getting older and Henery could be the future.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75523/dion-lewis">Dion Lewis</a>, B+</b> – Lewis lacks ideal size and speed but is very shifty. His ability to make people miss is what makes him special.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/6758/julian-vandervelde">Julian Vandervelde</a>, B-</b> – Iowa does a good job producing technique sound offensive linemen. Vandervelde has ability to be a decent guard in the <span class="caps">NFL</span>.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5815/jason-kelce">Jason Kelce</a>, C-</b> - The Eagles are still focusing on the interior of their offensive line. Kelce doesnt represent much upside and is limited as an athlete.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/17641/brian-rolle">Brian Rolle</a>, C </b>- 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.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/5941/greg-lloyd">Greg Lloyd</a>, C+</b> - Lloyd is always around the football and making plays. This last season he suffered a knee injury which cut his season short.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9554/stanley-havili">Stanley Havili</a>, B </b>- Havili was my top rated FB. He is strong runner that is able to make some catches out of the backfield.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/4/30/2145809/nfl-draft-grades-was-dion-lewis-the-philadelphia-eagles-best-pickJason Brewer2011-04-30T19:09:17-04:002011-04-30T19:09:17-04:00NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles Select Greg Lloyd Jr, Son Of Steelers Legend
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<p>Call this “The Bloodlines Draft.” With the 237th pick in the 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> selected UConn LB Greg Lloyd, who is the son of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Of course, there’s one really big negative.In 2009 he tore both his <span class="caps">ACL</span> and <span class="caps">MCL</span> 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.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/4/30/2146221/nfl-draft-philadelphia-eagles-select-greg-lloyd-jr-son-of-steelersJason Brewer2011-04-30T16:54:31-04:002011-04-30T16:54:31-04:00Eagles Draft Pick Brian Rolle Says He's As Good As Von Miller
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<p>With 193rd overall pick in the 2011 <span class="caps">NFL</span> Draft, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> 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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a>’ safety <span>Antrel Rolle</span>.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>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.”</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/4/30/2145883/eagles-draft-pick-brian-rolle-says-hes-as-good-as-von-millerJason Brewer2011-04-30T16:12:22-04:002011-04-30T16:12:22-04:00Eagles And Patriots Make A Trade To Keep Their Streak Alive
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> have made at least one draft day trade with one another every year since 2000, when Bill Belichick took over the Patriots. Andy Reid had become the coach of the Eagles the year prior. Well, apparently they just hadn't been able to agree on a meaningful deal this year, so they decided to do a trade just to do it.</p>↵<p>The Patriots swapped their 193rd overall pick for the Eagles 194th overall pick in the sixth round. To make the trade even sillier, they decided to make it during the fifth round, which meant the NFL announced it here at Radio City during said fifth round.</p>↵<p>Make no mistake about it, the trade was done just for fun. Belichick let Andy Reid move in front of him for nothing. Just to add yet another silly layer to it all, the pick that the Eagles sent to the Patriots was one that they picked up from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>, the Patriots most hated rival, in an earlier trade. So now Jets fans get to watch a player taken by their hated rival with a pick they used to own.</p>↵<p>That's actually rare for those franchises, unlike the Eagles who regularly trade with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>.</p>↵<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/711080/48851_patriots_eagles_football.jpg"><img alt="48851_patriots_eagles_football_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/711080/48851_patriots_eagles_football_medium.jpg" width="303" height="203"></a></p>↵
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/4/30/2145720/eagles-and-patriots-make-a-trade-to-keep-their-streak-aliveJason Brewer2011-04-30T15:48:39-04:002011-04-30T15:48:39-04:00Eagles Draft Picks: Julian Vandervelde, Fifth Round
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<p>With the 161st overall pick from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> took offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde from Iowa.</p>
<p>The 6-2, 301 pound Vandervelde projects as a guard in the <span class="caps">NFL</span>. He’s athletic and can pull in the running game while also getting to the second level on blocks. Vandervelde said the player<a href="http://www.newerascouting.com/2011/04/interview-julian-vandervelde-ol-iowa/" target="new"> he compares himself to </a>is Casey Weigmann of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a></p>
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<p>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 <span class="caps">NFL</span> 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 <span class="caps">NFL</span>.</p>
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<p>Also Vandervelde might have the best tidbit of any player in this draft. When President Obama visited the University of Iowa, it was Vandervelde <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oVw8rp_yFw" target="new">who sung the national anthem</a>.</p>
https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/4/30/2145692/eagles-draft-picks-julian-vandervelde-fifth-roundJason Brewer2011-04-30T15:01:32-04:002011-04-30T15:01:32-04:002011 NFL Draft: Eagles Select RB Dion Lewis, Who Had Replaced LeSean McCoy At Pitt
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<p>Two drafts ago, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> 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 <span class="caps">NFL</span> draft the Eagles selected RB Dion Lewis, who had replaced <span>LeSean McCoy</span> at Pitt.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <span class="caps">NFL</span>, but that’s not going to be a role he’s likely asked to play by the Eagles anyway.</p>
<p><a href="http://sidelinescouting.com/rankings/rb/dion-lewis.shtml" target="new">Sideline scouting had</a> to say on Lewis</p>
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<p>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…</p>
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https://philly.sbnation.com/philadelphia-eagles/2011/4/30/2145581/2011-nfl-draft-eagles-select-rb-dion-lewis-who-had-replaced-leseanJason Brewer