Like many Philadelphia Eagles fans I expected the team to use this draft to focus on the defense and the front office didn't disappoint. The Eags used their first 5 picks on defensive players upgrading the pass-rush with two defensive ends (Michigan's Brandon Graham and Washington's Daniel Te'o-Nasheim) and the secondary (USF safety Nate Allen and Kentucky CB Trevard Lindley). This team needed a serious face-lift on defense and I think they've spent this offseason doing just that. Along with acquisitions Darryl Tapp, Ernie Sims and Marlin Jackson, second-year defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will have his hands full evaluating talent for his re-vamped defensive unit in his first full year at the helm (after having the title of D Coordinator thrust upon him following Jim Johnson's passing last July).
The most intriguing move the Eagles made after the first round was to select Northwestern QB Mike Kafka in the 4th round. As the first offensive player the team took in this year's draft I was surprised at first but the more I think about it, the more I like the pick. The Kevin Kolb era has started in Philadelphia and head coach Andy Reid is smartly thinking ahead with his pick of Kafka. Backup QB Michael Vick is in the final year of his contract and I cannot possibly see a scenario where he plays 3 seasons for this team. I think Kafka will fit in perfectly as a developmental prospect and should be a reliable backup for year to come after Vick's likely departure.
All in all I am very happy with the way the team drafted. I also want to address a couple of other picks that I really agreed with; the Cincinnati Bengals selection of Texas WR Brandon Shipley and the New England Patriots choice of Bristol, CT's own TE Aaron Hernandez. Hernandez became Florida QB Tim Tebow's favorite weapon this past season and I feel he has the physical frame to develop in the NFL and become an effective blocker which will compliment his skills in the pass game that earned him the opportunity to be picked in the draft. Jordan Shipley almost single-handedly upset Alabama in the BCS National Championship game this past year and has never ceased to be productive for the Longhorns. He simply makes big plays at big times. I tip my cap to head coaches Marvin Lewis and Bill Bellichick for choosing football-players over "height-weight-speed" guys like the Oakland Raiders love to do. I'm predicting both Hernandez and Shipley will be Pro-Bowl caliber players in the NFL within the next 4 season.
Feel free to disagree...
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