Cornelius Ingram may have had the highest expectations of any fifth round pick ever taken by this team — or any team for that fact.Ingram is a guy who showed that he had what it took to make it big at the next level during his days at Florida, and probably would have been a first round pick last year were it not for an untimely knee injury that cost him his senior season.
As a result, he slid all the way to the fifth round where the Eagles snagged him up. But because of the success of fifth round picks in the past (Omar Gaither, Trent Cole, Brent Celek), he was expected to come out and contribute immediately.
That, of course, did not happen as he once again tore his ACL — most likely due to complications from his previous surgery. He was put on IR in the middle of training camp and became an afterthought.
Now, however, he says that the knee is “feeling good” and that he should be 100 percent ready to go for 2010. The only question now is, where does he fit in with this offense and how much can he contribute behind Celek?
Personally, I think he can contribute a lot. He’s an incredible athlete with the speed and hands to play either tight end or receiver. He also has the size (6’4, 245) to be a huge threat in the redzone. Teams will not have a nickel or dime corner, linebacker, or safety who will be able to cover him well enough to shut him down.
His blocking could still use some work, as is the case with most young tight ends, but his receiving ability will become obvious very early in the season. I believe he will not only see time as a tight end, but also as a fourth receiver or in the slot when Jason Avant needs a breather.
I’m not saying he’s going to wind up in the Pro Bowl, but I don’t believe it’s out of the question for him to chip in with 30-40 receptions, 400-500 yards, and four or five touchdowns. That’s a bit of a liberal guess and it’s with the assumption that he’ll get the playing time I believe he deserves, but he will definitely contribute.
Reid has had a lot of success drafting in the fifth round, and I expect Ingram to be the next guy with that same sort of success story.
