Seven Round Eagles Mock 2011 Draft

Here’s an Eagles Mock draft for the entire seven rounds of the draft. I think the Eagles are going to address their needs at the offensive line and cornerback positions in the first two rounds, then try to take the best player available while still trying to address their needs. I don’t necessarily agree with all the picks I’m anticipating what I thin the Eagles front office will do.

1st Round – #23 – Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

The Eagles would love to get Florida center/guard Mike Pouncey in the first round but he’s probably going to be gone, so they’ll grab Gabe Carimi, who like Pouncey can play two positions. He’s big, physical player who would will allow the Birds to upgrade their offensive line. They could move Winston Justice inside or have Carimi move inside to the guard spot. He showed at the NFL Combine that he’s a tremendous athlete with great technique, good feet and body control. It’s too bad the Birds don’t run the football more often because Carimi’s most outstanding qualities are his toughness and physicality.

2nd Round – #54 – Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

Brown is a tall defensive back who plays a physical style at the cornerback position. The young man seems to like nothing better than getting his hands on a receiver and jamming him to get him out of route. He’s got an outstanding combination of size and speed. Brown does a good job of throwing off the timing of the receiver and the quarterback. He tested well at the Combine, but needs to improve on his footwork. His size makes him a target for the Eagles who have to play against some big receivers that they have to deal with every year.

3rd Round – #85 – Brooks Reed, OLB/DE, Arizona

Reed is a tweener and fits the pattern of Eagles defensive ends. He’s got outstanding pass rushing skills and stands about 6’3″ 265 pounds. He hurt his ankle last year but still had 6.5 sacks amongst his 10 tackles for losses. This draft is deep in pass rushing talent, so I don’t see any way that the Birds don’t draft a pass rusher. I would like to see them do it earlier but I think they will address their problems on the offensive line and defensive secondary first.

4th Round – #103 – Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

Burton is a good football player who doesn’t have great speed or great size. He’s good but not great, but he’s solid. Burton has the ability to make plays in man-to-man and zone coverages. He does a nice job playing the ball in the air. Burton isn’t quite 6 feet but his long arms give him the ability to make plays on the big receivers. He’s got good feet and a good feel for the game. I like his ability to read routes and occasionally get a look in the backfield to anticipate the routes and when the quarterback is going to throw the football.

4th Round – #119 James Carpenter, OT, Alabama

Carpenter will be a steal this late in the draft. He’s able to play either side and either the guard or tackle position. He’s physical blocker with quick feet and outstanding strength. He will give the Birds tremendous upgrade in their depth at either tackle position. He’ll compete for a starting spot in a year or two.

5th Round – #146 – D.J. Williams, TE/HB, Arkansas

Williams is a very talented pass receiver, who will used as a tight end and H back for the Birds. They’ll put him in the backfield rarely hand him the ball, but Reid will have him running pass routes and picking up the blitz. I know the Birds are concerned about the comeback of fullback Leonard Weaver, who not only tore up his knee, but he also damaged some nerves in his leg. Williams would be a replacement of sorts for Weaver by giving the Birds a pass receiver out of the backfield.

5th Round – #150 – Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers

He’s got good size standing about 6 foot and he’s got good speed at 4.42 in the forty yard dash. The former Rutgers safety is a hitter, who will make receivers think before they cross the middle. The Birds need depth at safety with the possibility of Quintin Mikell leaving and Nate Allen struggling in his return from knee surgery. Lefeged is also a kickoff returner, which will be needed with the departure of Ellis Hobbs.

7th Round – #215 Rob Housler, TE, Florida Atlantic

Housler is much like Clay Harbor is that he played a small school, but is an outstanding athlete with outstanding speed. You’re talking about a 6’5″ 250 receiver, who can run the forty yard dash in 4.5. Housler will be a mismatch against the NFL’s linebackers because of his speed. The Birds will have to develop his route running and blocking skills. He’s a project, but well worth the risk in the last round.