With 10 picks in the 2012 NFL draft and a significant amount of space in the salary cap, the Philadelphia Eagles are sure to be major players on draft day. How effectively those picks are going to be used has yet to be seen, however. Having 6 picks in the first 4 rounds of the draft also gives the team some flexibility if they feel they need to move around to get a particular player.
While there was some disagreement earlier about whether the Eagles would select a linemen (as Andy Reid has been notorious for) or linebacker (a position they greatly undervalue in the draft) in the first round, it’s widely agreed upon that Philadelphia will target Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly with their first round pick. It’s without a doubt a position of need, and Kuechly is by far the most NFL ready linebacker in this year’s draft.
The only issue is that Kansas City (12th pick) and Dallas (14th pick) also have a need at linebacker, which could force the Eagles to trade up somewhere around the 10th or 11th pick to nab the BC standout. The middle linebacker position is not the only one that needs addressed, and many experts are predicting the Eagles to use a 3rd or 4th round pick on Texas outside linebacker 
Keenan Robinson. He has the potential the physical ability to go much higher than this, but “film doesn’t lie”, and right now he’s projected in the 3rd or 4th round.
There are obviously some other areas of need for this Eagles team (any time a team misses the playoffs, they are bound to have some glaring deficiencies). I anticipate adding some depth to the offensive line with at least one of their second round picks. Depending how the DeSean Jackson situation plays out, Philadelphia may find themselves in need some speed at wide receiver. If Jackson does depart, they will also need to find someone to return punts, and many people feel that Joe Adams should be able to fill both those voids.
The restructuring of DT Cullen Jenkins’ deal certainly helps to solidify the defensive line for 2012, but a few draft gurus, such as Mel Kiper, have the Eagles taking another defensive tackle with their first round pick. A significant part of this draft is going to see the Eagles take the best player available, after they address the glaring holes that were exposed in 2011.
Throughout the tenure of Andy Reid, and especially in recent years, the Eagles have performed disappointingly in the early rounds of drafts, and have found their biggest contributions from the middle to later parts. In order for Philadelphia to contend in 2012, they are going to need to find some players in the first 3 rounds that can come in and make an instant, positive impact on this football team. Doing so will also allow the team to grow organically for several years, as opposed to continually brining in free agents that need additional time to mesh with their teammates.
is Keenan Robinson a MLB or OLB? — first time anyone suggested OL in the 2nd for depth — everyone was filling starting positions with the first 3 picks
MY draft
1st round: Mark Barron
2nd: Brandon Thompson
2nd: Lavonte David (if Burfict is here tho i would take him)
3rd: Bobby Wagner or Sean Spence
4th: Ladarius Green (ran a 4.53 40 at 6-6 230 pounds…this guy might be almost as good as Jimmy Graham)
4th: Bernard Pierce
Then I uses the rest of the picks for O-line and either Brian Quick or Joe Adams
Use FA to get a veteran linebacker
Keenan Robinson played OLB at Texas, He’s about 6-3 245lbs and would make a great SAM LB in a 4-3 Scheme in my opinion..
If Eagles Re-sign LG E Mathis to a Deal, Then I think they can wait to the 4th Rd for an OL and maybe Draft a C/G type of Player for Interior Depth..
If Eagles do not re-sign MAthis, then they would probably move Herremans back to LG and have to keep W Justice to play RT and Draft an OT in the 1st 2 rounds are so to groom for the future.. This is not a very deep Draft at the OT position but some good potential ones like Tony Bergstrom,Nate Potter,Matt Reynolds who should all be on the board come 3rd/4th/5th RD but will need 1-2 Years to compete for a Starting RT in the NFL
Cowboys don’t need ILB’s for they have S Lee and last years 2nfd Round pick in Bruce Carter, but they do need an OLB to play opposite D Ware since they probably won’t resign Anthony Spencer.. and the Cowboys have more pressing needs at CB and Safety as well as OL I expect the Cowboys to select CB Dre Kirkpatrick if availalbe, then Janoris Jenkins if Kirkpatrick is off the board and if both CB’s are off the board, they may Select SS Barron with their 14th Pick
The Chiefs have needs at OLB,DT and OL and would probably jump at LB C Upshaw, DT S Still or OT J Martin or OG D Decastro. The Chiefs MLB Isd Derick Johnson who is a very good LB and in his prime so I don’t see them making a move for Kuechly
I think Kuechly will be on the Coard at #15 and I think the Eagles select at DT or possibly even drop back 5-10 Spots and get another 2nd or 3rd Rdd Pick for soing so and be in position to Select MLB D Hightower
Luke Kuechly will not be the Eagles pick if they decided to go linebacker, Courtney Upshaw would be their pick, possibly Hightower if Upshaw was off the board. Sean Spence and Bobby Wagner types is already on the team They are small 6’0″ 230 lbs, Sean Spence is actually smaller. Stop throwing names out there and think of the type of player needed to play in the Eagles scheme.
There gonna sign Stephen Tulloch so with the first pick the Eagles select Alshon Jeffery he weighed in at 219 or Micheal Brokers from LSU but my picks will change after free agency.
After combine Hightower will be the highest rated Mlb on the board.
Hey Mr. Conrad the Eagles need a physical game changing Middle linebacker and I don’t see Kuechley being that player Hightower played in big games dominated in the best conference in college football plus has more upside than your buddy from BC.
If Eagles don’t resign or trade D-Jax, you have to keep an eye on WR Kendall Wright from Baylor at the #15 Selection.. He would be the deep threat replacement from Day 1 for D-Jax and at 5-10 190lbs, can run and handle all the deep routes that D-JAx used to do.. Anyone watching the tapes of Baylores QB RGIII great deep TD Passes, well Kendall wirght was the WR making most of those catches and many of the were great catches in tight spots.. WR K Wright could play 35-40 Snaps a game as a Rookie and be as productive or more so than D-Jax does playing 60 Snaps
then the Eagles get a Veteran Big WR like Burress and the Eagles don’t have to chaneg a thing offensivley except in the Red-Zone where they need some alley-oop plays to Burress
Hightower has pass-coverage issues and will not leap over Kuechley as the Top MLB.. But for what the Eagles need to most is to toughen up the middle of their Defense at DT,MLB and SS.. Hightower even if a 2 Down LB and of course in SHort-yardage and Red-Zone defense would be a hugh improvment over what the have.. I am not sure you Draft that at #15, but if you trade down 5-10 SPots and then grab him it would be a great move and to be ghonest same with Safety Mark Barron,, Maybe $15 is too high, biut to me, if yuo get a players yuo really like, who fills an obvious need and can be a Starter and make a impact, then Select him when you have the chance and who cares if it was 5-10-15 SPots before they were supposed to go.. Once you have great players and winners, who remembers whether they were drafdt at #12, #18 or #24, get some damn players with passion,energy and a mean strak to them to help this Defense where it needs it the most which is right up the middle…
Luke Kuechly is NOT, head and shoulders above the rest of the class of draftees. Keep in mind that Courtney Upshaw, can play MLB. He can be used in so many ways, and he is an every down MLB, more so than Donte Hightower. Upshaw would be my MLB of the future, but I still bring in a veteran like London Fletcher, and Burfict to play on either side, along with Nigel Bradham or Bobby Wagner. I like Sean Spence, but he is small for the position. I would make him our strong safety. He hits like a truck, and he has the speed to cover; he runs a 4.4 40. He reminds me of Brian Dawkins, with better cover skills, and much more speed. But, as someone who is a better judge of talent than Howie Roseman, I’m not trying to hear Luke Keuchly. Although, this front office will think highly of him. Thats fine because I don’t. They’ll regret it after the season…thats what they get for drafting soft……….
No more players from Utah St we draft a guy from that school last season and he’s a stiff no thank you… Hightower can cover and he has long arms I watched 10 Alabama games this season and Hightower covered backs and tightends pretty good just because he’s 260 doesn’t mean he can’t cover plus hightower is a violent hitter and whats does the Eagles defense lack violent hitters.
Good points Turk, but as far as overall talent Upshaw is better, But, I would draft him if Upshaw’s not available, but I can trade down to get him. Curtis Marsh, was a converted RB to CB prospect; he’s still learning the position. I would be more comfortable drafting Bobby Wagner, but Nigel Bradham, would be my choice of the two, but I do think Wagner is a very good prospect.
WR’s this morning
Michael Floyd from ND and Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech having excellent workouts so far…
Stephen Hill is a 6-4 225 lbs from Georgia Tech who runs a heavy Wing-options Running offense and doesn’t throw much much.. Hill only had 28 Catches his Senior Season but is lighting it up at the combine with his 40 yd time of 4.3 and his catching skills… very impressive so far..
I agree about Stephen hill. He looks great. What’s the scouting report on him Paulman?
Wow Stephen Hill’s 40 yard time, did he play in the Senior Bowl?
TO be honest Btc24
There are a lot of unknowns about WR S Hill since he played at Georgia Tech who passed the ball 15-18 Times a game.. he is known a good blocker with good hands, he ended up with a career of 49 Receptions for 1250 yards for a 25 yards per catch average and finished with 9 Career TD’s.. He was mostly asked to run the straight deep or post routes so his Route running is kind of unknown.. Georgia Tech’s Offense is the type of College Team that runs the ball 75% of the time and then relies on Play-action or fake option with a deep pass behind it.. It’s the system they have run there since HC Johnson took over a few years ago.. which is the type of Offense he ran at Navy when he coached there.. Hill is obvioulsy a great athlete with size an speed and remember 2 Years ago another WR from Georgia Tech by the name of Danarius Thomas was the 1st WR taken by the Denver Broncos who shas shopwn some flashes as a Pro but had some injuries his Rookie Season and then last Season had QB Tebow throwing him the ball so the jury is still out on Thomas.. Hill was alros ranked the 20th Best WR coming out of High school when he signed with Georgia Tech so you have to assume that this guy can catch and run routes, but Teams at his provate workouts will get a lot better feel.. It appears that Hill has a bright future..
Stephen Hill is a 2nd round pick…. .he has SICK potential and Randy Moss type ability….however, he needs to work on route running…..if you are looking for someone to run posts or deep routes, Hill is the guy! Right now he is the 7th ranked WR in the draft.
To Eagles
WR S Hill came out after his Junior Season at Georgia Tech so he was not eligible to participate in the Senior Bowl which is just for Seniors Players
I expect him to rise and WR A Jeffrey and M Sanu to drop…
Right now it’s probably like this as far as the Top 10 WR’s
1st Rounders
#1) J Blackmon (Oklahoma State 6-1 207lbs)
#2) M Floyd (Notre Dame 6-3 220lbs)
#3) K Wright (Baylor 5-10 196lbs)
#4) S Hill (Georgia Tech 6-4 215lbs)
2nd Rounders
#5) R Randle (LSU 6-3 210lbs)
#6) M Sanu (Rutgers 6-2 211lbs)
#7) A Jeffrey (South Carolina 6-3 219lbs)
#8) N Toon (Wisconsin 6-2 215lbs)
3rd Rounders
#9) J Criner (Arizona 6-3 224lbs
#10) B Quick (App State 6-4 220lbs)
#11) D Jones (UNC 6-3 230lbs)
Late 3rd/4th Rounds
#12) T Streeter (Miami 6-5 220lbs)
#13) J Adams (Arkansas 5-11 180lbs)
#14) M Jones (Cal 6-2 200lbs )
#15) C Givens (Wake Forrest 5-11 200lbs)
Who doesn’t doubt that Patriots with 2 1st Round Selections (#27 & #31 Overall) wouldn’t take Hill at #31 after getting a Pass-Rushers/OLB at #27 to give them a legitimate deep threat they are lacking ..
Why trade away picks and pay a huge salary for a headache like D-Jax when your the Patriots an ddraft a kid who you can mold in your likeness…
LB V Burfict was blaming his Coaching Staff at Arizona State at the cmbine with the press for screwing him up as the excuse for having a poor Season in 2011.. Things are getting worse for this young man and he is kind of blaming everyone else and not looking at himself for your own mistakes and short-comings and how to go about improving the situation.. This kid may drop to the 3rd Round for he is very immature and has big issues contolling his emotions..
NE is predictable they will draft a cornerback again early just like Miami loves to take 2nd round QBs
Baylors Phil Taylor looked so good last year running over Danny Watkins in the preseason — if the Birds go after DTDontari Poe can they get those same type of results — a Pat Williams or Vince Wilfork big strong DT
No way the Eagles go after 350lb DT D Poe, he just doesn’t fit their type of schemes… Poe is better suited by a 3-4 Defense and I expect teams like the Steelers (Casey Hampton career coming to an end) or the PAckers would be very interested in a player like him.. Poe don’t not fit the Washburn mold of DT’s..
Patriots have 2 1st Round PIcks (#27 and #31) and will use one ofr a big target WR for Brady..
kendal Wright ran a 4.61 at 5′ 10” that might drop him out of being drafted
Cousins is looking good today and came in at 6’3″…taler than originally thought
To EaglesO
Kendall Wright did not have a great workout day today, He will still get drafted but probably fell out of the 1st Round..
Arkansas’s WR J Adams and J Wright also ran slower than expected and also came in with smaller heights/weights which will drop them to…
My Man WR Brian Quick from App State looked prettty good and has a lot of upside ..
My Obeservations on the QB’s who threw
QB’s Keith Cousins, Ryan Lindley, Jacory Harris, Austin Davis and Kellen Moore all looked good today throwing the ball and probably helped themselves …
QB Brandon Weeden, Nick Foles, Russell Wilson & Case Keenum did not and probably hurt themselves
i was looking at the 40 time list for wr and I don’t understand how Jacoby Harris failed as a QB — maybe a team had a corner who could cover one 4.4 guy but the whole team
Did anyone check out the RB’s Drills…
Was anyone overly impressed with this group….
I’ll be honest, I think generally speaking the Offensive Side of the ball for this upcoming Draft is pretty weak and not very deep outside the WR position
OT is pretty weak, TE’s are real weak after the Top 3-4, FB are non-existent and the RB group appears average and even with the QB’s after Luck & RGIII, I think the rest of the QB class are back-up material (Tannehill hurt his foot to ankle in JAnuary and won’t be 100% until his March Work-out day..
The Defensive side of players start topmmorrow so we will see how they look but the consensus is that it’s a deep draft for DT,OLB,CB’s and Average/Below Average for DE/Safety position
The Eagles Draft Strategy should be to load up on Defensive picks the first 2 Rounds at DT,LB where they should get a potential starter wuality player right away and then use 3rd/4th/5th Rounds for WR/RB/Safety/TE/OL to be groomed for the future …
Eagles have 3 Picks in the first 2 Rounds (top 51 Selections) and need to get 3 players who can make an impact their Rookie Season and compete for Starting time or at least be solid rotational players.. Then they have 4 more picks in Rounds #3 thru #5 where they need to get at least 2 more situational players/special teamers who have upside and be groomed for the future
Overall, I am not as high on this Draft as I was 2 months ago. so If I am Eagles Gm, I puse my 3 6th Round picks and package some players to move up in the Draft.. Get 7-8 Selections out of this Draft and maybe trade some 6th Rounds for next 2013 Draft picks.. .
Perhaps I should have rephrased. There’s no way BB is going to pay (picks) for Desean. All the other guys you mentioned were basically picked up off the scrap heap. Reclamation projects. Of the 4….2 were basically buried or released soon after (85 and AL) and Moss was dumped the moment he strayed from the company line.
I just hate the BS about Desean being disrespected. He signed the contract with full understanding of 2 things:
1 – NFL contracts aren’t guaranteed and players get bounced when the don;t produce.
2 – he knew the salaries
Just a symbol of the times. Understand exactly what the terms are. Sign. Then whine, complain and play poorly because the team isn’t doing what he hoped they might.
A new contract along with millions in growing endorsements were on the table. If he had just played hard. Now gone. Nice job putz. Enjoy Oakland.
Paulman should the Eagles break the bank and use Asante’s money to sign Tvyon Branch or 2nd choice Laron Landry at SS instead of going after a Stephen Tulloch in FA
No Eagles0SuperBowls,
The Eagles need to get a legitimate MLB more so than a Safety..
I do like Tyon Branch and Gholston from the 49ers, but not LaRon Landry who has been hurt too much the last 2 Seasons unless I could get him cheap…
I would rather Eagles sign a Top Free-Agent MLB and then use first 3-4 Picks for DT,OLB,SS and the Eagles would be better off. .
But I do think Samuel needs to go ..
Watching the Combine,
Warren Sapp just stated out of the Top 5 DT’s, that he likes Fletcher Cox from Miss State (my Eagles Mock Pick at #15) the most and feels the Cox reminds him of himself the most out of this years DT Class.. just sayin…
I love LaMichael James from Oregon and I know the Eagles wanted Sproles last season and I think in the second round they may think about drafting James he remind me of Sproles so much I’m not sold on Dion Lewis.
Paul, just saw that too. But did you notice that Sapp called Jarell Worthy “James Worthy”? He was just going through the motions in that segment, had more jokes than substance comments. AND, he said Cox reminded him the most of himself. Nobody mentioned or asked who he thinks will be the best or who is his favorite. They specifically asked for the one he thought was the most like him.
Id be happy woth Cox but I most want the Eagles to select Worthy. Worthy is one of my favoites, along with Couples, Rg3, Keuchly, Hightower, and the safety. Worthy reminds me or another Cullen Jenkins. And I don’t even think we need a dt that bad at all .if we can get Landri and Dixon signed. But worthy, cox, or still would be a nice pick.
When Warren Sapp and Deon speak about players I listen — I think they have a good eye on talent
Turk, yep. There are a few tempting backs. Tht would be a good way for the Eagles to spend picks along with ol depth after they shore up lb/dt in free agency and round 1.
schiller they could use a DT because noone they have has ever been to a pro bowl or will — if there is a pro bowl caliber player to be added at DT the birds have to be interested — I like Poe
Brockers and Still are 1 Year Wonders,
Poe is too big for the Eagles scheme and best suited as a NT for a 3-4 Scheme leaving Worthy/Cox.. Cox is longer,leaner and has more explosion to the backfield than the others and is the type of DT that Washburn really likes.. Th Eagles will re-sign Dixon no-doubt, but there is no guarantee of Patterson’s health or that the Eagles resign Landri or Laws who may get better deals elsewhere or just want a fresh Start.. .. Jenkins also has had some injuries and at 31 Years old, will not be the type of 50 snap a game player he used to be moving forward. .. The Eagles need to upgrade this positon and the middle of their Defense
Wisconsin whole interior line is projected to get drafted so I’d like to see Worthy’s games against Wisconsin — if he looks good there he might be a good choice
Paulman, I work in a hematology departmet, I talked to docs about his diagnosis. Its a freak anotomical thing, not a disease or something that will necessarily change. Its very unlikely that there are any health concerns for him going forward in relation to the AVM. Patterson played well last year too.
Zero – why do you like Poe other than his size? The man is a nose tackle, not a 4-3 guy.
Schiller the birds really missed Dixons size last year, When Dixon stole Bunkley’s job in 2010 I thought he was exactly what the team needed — I was hoping Poe plays like Pat Williams and a better version of Dixon
I agree with P as far as the offensive weakness in the 2012 draft. While I’m a little higher on Ingram than P, I think Cox represents the most likely BPA to fall to us at 15. I would be happy with either guy (although I don’t see Ingram falling to 15) both would provide a great year 1 impact/depth to Washburn in the currents system.
3rd and Long – Babin-Cox-Jenkins-Cole
That is a scary pass rush forcing teams into quick throws (even from shotgun unless they load the line)
1rst and 10 – Ingram-Patterson-Jenkins-Cole (you sure up your run support on the defensive left edge)
Either one of these guys would provide a major building block for the future of this d-line and provide needed depth that was not really tested last year as we were unusually healthy
Depending on where Manning and Flynn end up, it is totally possible that Ryan Tannenhill will be available at 15, and I would expect Andy to take him as Vick’s replacement (after next season )
We get a vet LB in free agency and draft a LB and DT in round 2. If we trade DJ (which I’m not sure happens), we use that pick to draft a WR.
That’s goo dto hear about Patterso Schiller and yest Patterson have a very good Season.. I think a rotation of Jenkins,Dixon,Patterson,Fletcher Cox and Landri would be excellent.. I also would like to see Jenkins slide out to LDE in replacement of Babin on 1st Downs or again strong running teams (Steelers,RAvens,Panthers,Falcons,GIants,Redksins) and let Babin come in on Passing situations only.. Babin is not very good in containing his edge which makes getting a Stud SAM LB critical for this Eagles Defense
Melvin Ingram is probably the best all-around OLB/DE in this Draft and will most likely be gone between 8th and12th Pick. I do think that OLB Upshaw could still be on the board at 15th
Paulie, while I do agree with you on the rotation, until I see a FA move to solidify that Mike spot (which all ramblings point towards addressing in FA) I don’t like moving our best run stuffer to the outside. I like Patt, and Cox’s (pause for a juvenile laugh..yes!) ability to fight thru blocks while keeping his eyes in the backfield is one of his enduring traits to me. I’d rather see Cox’s 300lbs eating up T or T/G double teams as they force the play to the Jenkins/Cole side of the line his rookie yr.
As far as Upshaw, I loved him at Bama, but I have some reservations about his ability to transition to a 4-3 (LB or DE), though his Senior Bowl tape provided some proof to the contrary.
Paulman..you left out these quotes from Burfict.
Burfict claims he’s the best linebacker in the draft, while he concedes he played “average” in 2011. So what makes him the best linebacker?
“My instincts, my nose for the ball, my study habits in the film room. I am a leader on and off the field,
and my aggression to win and my passion for the game,” Burfict said.
Who care where he slides in the draft?
Whoever pick him will have the best linebacker drafted and he’ll make the money with the next contract.
Hell, Djax slid and is about to bag a cool 9 Mil…and I know there’s many guys who was picked before him that will never get the opportunity to see 2 pro bowls and receive a serious pay day.
So, you keep focusing on the negatives to why Burfict will slide but one thing can’t be denied is his talent. Eagles need his intensity, his fire. Keuchly is ass and will be a roll player at best in the NFL.
Stydy habits and beinga leader.. HE weas suspending for getting into fights with his teammates and coaches… He was called out for missing assignments, changing plays and not following instructions, and he is reported as not being too bright to begin with.. This Kid id bad news period and will be reflected as such as he dropps down the rankings.. A good performance today at the combine nad more importantly, good interview sessions with teams will seal his fate.. If he does well in both areas, he will be a 2nd Round Pick, if he does poorly in his interviews, he will drop to the 3rd/4th Round…. (Use Ricky Sapp as an example. whose situation was a little different and dropped further down to a 5th round because of a his knee injury but he had character/immaturity/coachable issues too when coming out and didn’t he actually quit on the EAgles after they gave him a 2nd chance,.. )
getting into fights with teammates is now an undesirable trait with this soft coach, regime, remember the buddy days, loved the fights, buddy himself threw Haymarker at gilbride , it would be great to see burfict steamed after mm and Reid gas the defense with 3 consecutive 3 and outs by passing, knock Reid on his ass, Washburn with a credited assist
I’m watching the combine and I’m loving DT Fletcher Cox he’s a beast a good impact player should fall to the Eagles or they can always move up but if there gonna draft a DT in round 1 its between Cox and Brokers.
I been following and talking up Fltecher Cox for a couple of weeks now…
I hope he doesn’t do too well for he may go earlier than projected
I beleive DT D Still is dropping while DT’s Fleecher Cox, Dontari Poe & Jerel Worthy, Brandon Thompson are rising