Michael Crabtree, 10th selection in 2009 NFL Draft.


Meet Michael Crabtree.

Heading into the 2009 NFL Draft, this kid was almost a lock to be selected top five. He was electric during his years at Texas Tech and showed that he had natural ability few could hope to match.

However, only weeks before the draft, teams came out saying that Crabtree had a "diva-like" attitude. He was acting like a spoiled rich kid before actually becoming a spoiled rich kid, which is never a good sign.

The kid has an ego bigger than the entire state of California, so it's fitting that he eventually fell to the San Francisco 49ers at the 10th slot in the most recent draft.

Allow me to digress for a second.

For those of you who don't know, the payment of rookies is really quite simple. The higher the pick, the more zeroes. The No. 1 pick gets the most, the 32nd pick gets the least. The No. 15 guy gets paid more than the No. 16 guy, who gets paid more than the No. 17 guy, and so on.

That is, of course, except quarterbacks, who are a different story entirely.

The contracts of the rookies in the first round usually begin to fall into place once the top 10 is sorted out. From there, teams can gauge what their selection should be paid based on the guy in front of him.

Now back to Crabtree.

Michael Crabtree has apparently brought his "diva-like" attitude all the way to the negotiating table.

According to reports, Crabtree wants to be paid like a top five selection, when he was only the 10th man taken. He is arguing, along with his agent, that he is a top five talent. They're basically saying that the 49ers were lucky to get him at 10 and should pay him like the top five talent he is.

The 49ers are saying, you're right, we were lucky to get you at the 10th spot. We're also lucky enough to get to pay you like the 10th selection that you were. If any of the other nine teams saw fit to pick you, they would have. The bottom line is that you hurt your stock by being a "diva," which worked out for us because here you are.

Crabtree really throws a wrench into this whole thing because now all the players (who remain unsigned, No. 1 Stafford and No. 5 Sanchez already have signed) picked below him are waiting to see what he gets paid. If he is overpaid as a top five selection, that means more money for every guy below him as well.

If one guy can step up and say, "I don't care about Crabtree, I want to be in camp." then the problem goes away and other guys will start to follow. There needs to be a "trend-setter" within that top 10 to get the picks moving.

So really, who does this kid think he is demanding that he be paid like a top five selection? He has not played a single down in the NFL, yet he's demanding that the entire system be changed simply because he doesn't like where he got drafted?

This brings up memories of Reggie Bush petitioning the NFL to be able to wear the number five like he did in college (in the NFL, running backs can only wear numbers 20-49). We've all seen how mediocre his career has been to date. His biggest headline was his split with Kim Kardashian.

You're in the NFL, son. This is big boy country.

You can't go into a league with the rich history that the NFL has and expect that you're going to change the system simply because you think you're special. You've got more important things to worry about.

For instance, you need to worry about what it's going to feel like the first time Adrian Wilson, Antrel Rolle, O.J. Atogwe, or Lofa Tatupu put a shoulder into your mouth because you came across the middle.

I can assure you, they won't care that you're Michael Crabtree. In fact, no one does.

So swallow the red pill, see how far the rabbit hole goes, and face reality. Until you do something in the NFL, you are nothing.

Sign whatever deal they offer that is fair for the 10th overall selection and move on with your career. Other rookies are suffering because they can't get their deals done, and why? Because you can't face the fact that you're the 10th selection.

It's an honor to be in the NFL, whether you're the first pick or an undrafted rookie. Honor the great ones who have come before and the great ones who will come after you. Humble yourself and realize that if you have a Hall of Fame career, you still might not be the best receiver that the San Francisco Bay has seen.

Perhaps not even second-best, for that matter.
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The 2009 NFL Draft has been exciting thus far through the first round. There have been some trades, some surprises, and perhaps some reaches.

Let's take a look at each selection.

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford - QB - Georgia

First off, this guy has bust written all over him. The documented strength of Stafford is the arm strength, while the weakness is that he is rather slow in his progressions and reads.

To me, that screams, "Bust!"

Making reads and becoming quicker in his progressions can be coached so that may not turn out to be a big deal. Unfortunately, the Lions are not well-known for sculpting talented players more than they are for ruining them. Stay tuned.

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith - LT - Baylor

This is a fantastic pick for the St. Louis Rams. They were rumored to want to trade out of this pick, but since there were no takers they did the smart thing and took the best player on the board. Let’s also not forget he fills a huge need.

Smith is a big, nasty guy who will bring a certain attitude to the Rams that they have lacked for quite some time.

Look for this guy to hold down that left tackle spot for the next 12-15 years.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson - DE - LSU

This may have been a slight reach for Jackson at 3, but with that said the Chiefs got a good player here.

Jackson is a guy who’s athletic enough to play end in a 4-3, but big enough to play end in the 3-4, and play it well.

The Chiefs are looking to get tougher all-around, and Jackson helps that.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Curry - OLB - Wake Forest

Curry fell into the Seahawks’ lap with the number four pick in the draft, after passing by a team everyone was sure would take him with the third pick in the Kansas City Chiefs.

Curry may be the best overall player in the draft this year, and was in talks with the Lions to become the first overall pick.

If there is such a thing as a value pick in the top five, the Seahawks just got it.

5. New York Jets (from Cleveland Browns): Mark Sanchez - QB - USC

In the first blockbuster trade of the 2009 draft, the Jets traded an immense amount (swapped first-round picks, 5 and 17, their second-round pick, along with players Abram Elam, Kenyan Coleman, and QB Brett Ratliff) for an unproven guy.

Not just a guy unproven in the NFL, but unproven in college as well, making only 16 starts in his college career. But then again, Matt Cassel started 16 less than that.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith - LT - Alabama

The Bengals did what most people thought they would do, and that is drafted LT Andre Smith. Regardless of his problems this offseason, Smith is an incredible talent and may have been the second guy off the board if it weren’t for the aforementioned troubles.

The Bengals have acquired a guy who has the potential to be a fantastic, Pro Bowl caliber left tackle for a long time in the NFL.

7. Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR - Maryland

In typical Al Davis fashion, he overlooked talent and any other sort of stat or intangible and drafted solely on speed.

So with Michael Crabtree still on the board, waiting in the draft’s green room, the Oakland Raiders selected Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Without getting offensive, this is just a dumb pick. Heyward-Bey may turn out to be a good player, but he was not worth the seventh pick. The fact that Crabtree was still on the board just makes it even worse.

Davis’ affinity for speed will come back to bite him.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eugene Monroe - LT - Virginia

Monroe was considered by many to be the best left tackle in this draft and could have gone in the top five simply based on preference.

The only knock on Monroe is that he’s not aggressive or tough enough in the run game, but the same was said about Joe Thomas; The same guy who made it to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.

9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji - DT - Boston College

With the Packers bringing in Dom Capers to switch the defense over to the 3-4, Raji was the only pick here. He can be that kind of Vince Wilfork-type nose tackle who can keep the linebackers free and clear to move around and make plays.

Raji is a great jumping-off point to get this 3-4 moving. He should be an impact player immediately. They better hope that their 2007 first-round pick DT Justin Harrell can play defensive end.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree - WR - Texas Tech

The 49ers need to kiss the ground that Al Davis walks on, then send him a thank-you letter for allowing their franchise to progress, while sending the Raiders back a few years.

Crabtree will help out whichever quarterback wins the job in camp look a whole lot better. The last time the 49ers drafted a wide receiver who was a playmaker but perhaps a little slow, it worked out just fine.

For those who don’t know, that man was Jerry Rice.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin - DE/OLB - Penn State

The Buffalo Bills must have a plan for Aaron Maybin, because he doesn’t really fit into a 4-3. He’s a little too small to be a 4-3 defensive end, and not quite big enough to play OLB. He’s a perfect 3-4 pass-rushing OLB.

Look for the Bills to try and bulk him up to play outside linebacker.

12. Denver Broncos: Knowshon Moreno - RB - Georgia

In one of the biggest surprises of the first round, the Broncos picked Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno. Moreno is one of seven running backs on the Broncos roster heading into 2009.

This is a textbook case of simply selecting the best player on the board and not selecting for need, but was Moreno the best player on the board at the 12th pick? The Broncos are certainly starting the Josh McDaniels-era in a peculiar fashion.

13. Washington Redskins: Brian Orakpo - DE - Texas

Orakpo is another guy who was projected as a possible 3-4 OLB, but has been drafted by a 4-3 team as a defensive end.

He’s a high-motor guy who will help the Redskins get pressure on the quarterback, something they’ll need in a quarterback-heavy division with Eli Manning, Tony Romo, and Donovan McNabb.

14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins - CB/FS - Ohio State

Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins could have easily been rated the best corner and the best free safety coming out of college this year. He reminds me a lot of Antrel Rolle in that he’s versatile enough to play both.

Personally I would have him playing free safety, but with the addition of Darren Sharper he may see time at corner until Sharper hangs it up.

15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing - LB - USC

Cushing is the first of the USC linebackers to be drafted, but I’m not sold that he’s the best. I believed, and still do, that the best linebacker from that group was Rey Maualuga, then Cushing, and then Clay Matthews.

However, I do believe that Cushing is a good player and will be very good next to DeMeco Ryans. Cushing is a smart guy who plays within his assignment which will allow him to make an impact day one.

16. San Diego Chargers: Larry English - DE - Northern Illinois

This is a great pick for the Chargers who lost their defensive end, Igor Olshansky, to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency.

A lot of people are screaming “reach” here at this pick, but I think this was a guy who was incredibly underrated and will make a big impact on a struggling Chargers’ defense.

He comes in listed as a defensive end, but he could play OLB in the 3-4. We’ll see if they have him bulk up and play DE or not.

17. Tampa Bay Bucs (NYJ thru CLE): Josh Freeman - QB - Kent State

The Bucs moved up from 19 to 17 in order to grab Kent State quarterback Josh Freeman, a guy most had thought the Bucs were targeting from the very beginning. This move marked the second trade-down made by Cleveland.

The Bucs have a starter right now in Byron Leftwhich, who they believe can play and mentor Josh Freeman until he’s ready to start for them. Leftwhich and Freeman are similar in physique and style of play, which will allow Freeman to really learn a lot from a good veteran quarterback.

18. Denver Broncos: Robert Ayers - LB - Tennessee

It took them two first-round picks, but at least they finally made a pick that made sense.

After a headscratcher of a pick, the Broncos selected Robery Ayers out of Tennessee, and a guy who can come in and help with their transition to the 3-4 immediately.

He’s an extremely talented athlete and very competitive. This pick shows that the Broncos are married to their switch to the 3-4. Ayers will be a very important piece of that puzzle.

19. Philadelphia Eagles (TB thru CLE): Jeremy Maclin - WR - Mizzou

In an extremely surprising move, the Philadelphia Eagles traded up from the 21st pick in order to select wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.

With an entire city clamoring for Anquan Boldin or Brandon Pettigrew, the Eagles went their typical way and shocked everyone watching by going wide receiver through the draft rather than a trade.

Maclin is a superb talent who could have just as easily been a top-10 pick. When I see Maclin, I think a taller, bigger, DeSean Jackson.

20. Detroit Lions: Bradon Pettigrew - TE - Oklahoma State

The Lions capped off their first round by selecting the best tight end on the board, and probably the best overall player available.

It’s never a bad first round when you can come out of it with a future franchise quarterback and the best-rated tight end in the class.

21. Cleveland Browns: Alex Mack - C - California

After moving back in the first round a total of three times, the Browns finally made a selection here with Alex Mack.

This may be another reach here, but all it takes is one team to draft a guy before you come out looking stupid. Reach or not, Mack is a player who will help the Browns whenever he gets the opportunity to play.

He was by far the best center coming out this year and the Browns got a very good player for the future.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin - WR - Florida

This seems like a reach as well. Harvin is obviously explosive and very dynamic, but he doesn’t have a set position. I’m baffled as to how you can spend a first-round pick on a guy who doesn’t really fit anywhere.

He’s not bulky enough to play running back, but not tall enough to play receiver so his success will be contingent upon the talent of the coaching staff. When I think of Harvin I immediately think Reggie Bush, but not quite as explosive.

I’m not sure if this guy is a first-round talent.

23. Baltimore Ravens (from NE): Michael Oher - LT - Miss

Michael Oher is a guy who I felt coming in was very underrated. He’s a blue-collar working kind of guy who gives it his all in order to get the job done.

He’s got very good feet and can hang with the best speed-rushers in the league. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play either left or right tackle starting day one.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry - DT - Miss

Peria Jerry was a guy who I wasn’t sold on. He’s a good player, but he just might not be first-round worthy and really reminds me of guys like John McCargo and Justin Harrell, guys who have struggled mightily after having a lot of pressure put on them as first-round picks.

Of course this is also the same thing I thought when the Falcons drafted Roddy White in almost this same spot a few years back so, this could wind up working out very well.

25. Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis - CB - Illinois

Vontae Davis was a surprise pick here in my opinion. Davis is a guy who has well-documented mental issues that cause him to play inconsistently at times.

Sometimes he looks like a first-round guy, then other times he plays like someone who doesn’t belong on a draft board.

This is not a Parcells pick and is not a Parcells guy. If he doesn’t play well in the first couple years he could find a quick end to his career in Miami.

26. Green Bay Packers (BAL thru NE): Clay Matthews - OLB - USC

The second of the USC linebackers goes to the Packers here at 26, and they get a guy who I really like. I do think he’s a stretch here at 26, looks to me to be more of a second-round talent but they’ve got they’re guy here.

He’ll probably be kicked inside to play middle linebacker in their new 3-4 defense as he’s probably not quick enough to rush the quarterback consistently from the outside.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Donald Brown - RB - UConn

Love this guy coming out of UConn. He can run well, he can catch the ball, and he’s an intelligent football guy.

In order to play for the Colts intelligence is a high priority because Peyton Manning will put his football knowledge and overall intelligence to the test.

This is a very good pickup for the Colts, especially because of how they struggled when Joseph Addai went down last year.

28. Buffalo Bills (CAR thru PHI): Eric Wood - C - Louisville

This is another reach here. Wood is another guy who had a second-round grade, but got selected here because the Bills are drafting for need and didn’t want to wait and potentially miss out on him.

Good player, just not a good value here.

29. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks - WR - North Carolina

Good selection by the Giants here. They fill a need but also didn’t have to reach to get him. There were a couple of good receivers still on the board at this point but Nicks must have been the best on their board.

Nicks is a guy who will have to prove himself to be a No. 1 receiver because the questions are out there, but No. 1 or not he will be a good player.

30. Tennessee Titans: Kenny Britt - WR - Rutgers

The Titans always have a need for wide receiver, but rarely do they ever take one in the first round. They apparently thought that they could not afford to miss on Britt’s rare combination of size and speed.

Another example of a team filling a need but not really reaching for the player. A very good pick by the Titans, as usual.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Chris “Beanie” Wells - RB - Ohio State

This could finally be Edge’s ticket out of Arizona. Beanie Wells is a big, tough guy who will intimidate and bruise any defender he runs into.

He’s a rare combination of size, speed, and agility. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield and should fit very, very well in Arizona’s system.

When you think of Beanie Wells, think Stephen Jackson.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Evander “Ziggy” Hood - DT - Mizzou

Hood is a bit of a reach here, but not much. He’s another guy who I gave a second-round grade and may have been there for the Steelers to possibly trade up and grab him somewhere in the middle of the second.

With that said, Hood’s a good player who can really help them out. At 6’3 and 300 pounds he may or may not be able to play DE in the 3-4. With Casey Hampton, the Steelers don’t really have a need for NT.

I thought Hood was a 4-3 DT but the Steelers evidently believe he can play in the 3-4.



The draft is an exciting time, and this year is no different. There are still moves to be made and surprises to be had so keep watching.

If you watch long enough, the Raiders just may draft you.
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ESPN's Micheal Smith is reporting that the Atlanta Falcons have just traded for tight end Tony Gonzalez for a second-round pick in 2010.
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UPDATE: Peters has received a 6-year, $60 million deal from the Philadelphia Eagles after their trade with the Buffalo Bills. Michael Lombardi reported the deal also includes $24 million guaranteed.

In case you live under a rock, the Philadelphia Eagles have traded for LT Jason Peters.

The Eagles have agreed in principle to trade their 1st round (28th), 4th round, and an undisclosed selection next year in 2010.

Peters looks to become the highest paid left tackle in the NFL and it's being reported that he and the Eagles have agreed in principle to a deal that would do just that. At this point, the highest paid LT is Jordan Gross who will be making around nine million dollars annually.

My guess is that Peters will get a deal somewhere in the ballpark of five to six years, and between $55 and $65 million with about $32-$35 in guaranteed money.

On the surface, this is a fantastic trade for the Eagles and it significantly improves their offensive line. However, this a trade that could go very wrong, very quickly.

When you look at this line now, it screams "best in the league!" This is not to say that maybe it won't be, but another possibility is presenting itself.

What if Jason Peters doesn't feel motivated to play?

The biggest gripe with Peters is the fact that he sometimes just doesn't feel like playing football and that it then affects his play on the field, something Andy Reid won't put up with for very long.

Peters is a Pro Bowl caliber player and obviously is worth everything that the Eagles are giving up for him, but again only if he can get over the mental aspect.

Unfortunately, this sounds like another high-priced Pro Bowl caliber player the Eagles have along that offensive line.

Yeah, you guessed it. Shawn Andrews.

Both of these guys are players who no defense in the league want to face. These are guys who strike fear into defensive coordinators, because they know they now need to find a way to blitz through a brick wall.

But again, these are also guys who can be revolving doors if not in the proper mental state.

Neither Peters nor Andrews had a particularly good 2008 season, and both of them came for the same reason: mental weakness.

Yes, they both had injuries, but the injuries really only came as a result of the weakened mental resolve that these players showed through the '08 season.

Peters only played in 13 games last year, while Andrews could only play in two.

If these two players can overcome their mental hurdles, then the Eagles' line will be in great shape and a top-five unit at the very least. If they cannot, the Eagles will have a year filled with nothing but frustration trying to cover the holes created by two Pro Bowl players who can't get their minds right.

And not the good kind of holes you expect from two Pro Bowl linemen, either.

Ripple Effect the Trade Causes

Q: Does this automatically take the Eagles out of the running for receiver Anquan Boldin?

A: No, not necessarily. The Eagles still have a first and third-round pick, exactly what the Cardinals are asking in exchange for Boldin.

Now, that does not mean the Eagles will pull the trigger on the deal. Reports have come out from every which way that the Eagles are very close to a deal for Boldin but they may have no merit.

Everyone in Philly is hoping this goes down. The city would be just fine without a first round pick if it means adding a Pro Bowl left tackle and wide receiver.

Q: What do the Eagles do with their other first-round (21st) pick?

A: They could go in any number of directions, including Knowshon Moreno or perhaps Brandon Pettigrew if he were to fall that far (interesting sidenote: Pettigrew was in Philly today for a visit).

The other possibility is the obvious one of trading for Boldin as mentioned above. However, and unfortunately, that's not the way the front office operates here in Philadelphia. They covet their draft picks, and rightfully so. But now it's time for them to ask themselves: Can we get a player of Boldin's stature with the 21st pick?

Their answer should be: Eh, probably not. What's Mr. Graves' phone number?

Q: What happens if Peters gets his money, then doesn't feel like playing?

A: He won't be in Philly for very long.

As addressed earlier, Peters has had a problem on the mental and motivational aspect of football for a couple years, and some fans are worried this could carry over down south here in Philly.

First off, even for me, this is really just thinking out loud and being a pessimistic fan. That's all it should be for everyone else as well. Peters should be just fine considering the change of scenery, big money, and being able to play for a team with a winning tradition over the past decade.

However, worst case scenario: Peters doesn't play up to par and the Eagles move him within the next two years. Reid and company have shown they have no problem moving a high-price player if he's not producing the way he should. See: Terrell Owens and Jevon Kearse.

In all, this is a great move by the Eagles (not so much for the Bills, but let Bills fans discuss that amongst themselves. I'm not here to rub salt) for the future of this team and for next season.

And to the people who complained last season about trading out of the first round, it would appear as though we've essentially traded Jeff Otah for Jason Peters and DeSean Jackson. I'll take that, won't you? Give the Front Office its props.

There's no doubt that this move makes the Eagles better and should create some excitement in the locker room and in the streets.

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Two weeks before the draft, the NFL is fairly slow at the moment.

I, for one, am all in favor of moving the draft up to the end of March or beginning of April. The time between the combine and the draft is incredible and has fans like you and myself going crazy for a month and a half.

In any event, the draft changes the landscape of a team for years to come. It may change the philosophy of an entire team, or just turn its fortunes with one pick.

But since we're not there yet, let's look at how the teams stack up right now before the draft.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers - Defending champs get this spot almost by default. They haven't made many moves in free agency with their only glaring need coming on the offensive line. While they should have made a go at Stacy Andrews (who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles), they still stand as the default number one team in the league.

2. Tennessee Titans - The Titans seem like a mirror image of the Steelers, so it should come as no surprise that they're a force and major player in the NFL. They have an astounding defense and running offense second to only that of Carolina's in DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Chris Johnson and LenDale White may change that this year.

3. New York Giants - The Giants may be higher on the list if it weren't for the Plaxico Burress incident. They lost Derrick Ward, but will replace him with Ahmad Bradshaw and should be just fine. However, the Giants are a totally different offense without Burress and unless they address that, this could wind up being way too high for the G-men.

4. Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens are another team who seem to look just like the Steelers. This really shows twice a year when the two teams play. Strong defense and a capable offense is the identity of the top AFC teams, and the Ravens are no different.

5. Arizona Cardinals - This may be a surprise pick, but on paper they're definitely one the best teams in the league. Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Edge, and Steve Breaston on offense with Karlos Dansby, Darnell Dockett, DRC, and Antrel Rolle on defense, this team is superstar-laden with a shot to get back to the Big Game.

6. Indianapolis Colts - Can't ever count out the Colts, no matter how bad the defense may look. The offense is incredible year after year and always will be as long as Peyton Manning is under center. A year removed from a knee surgery that took away almost seven productive weeks is scary for the rest of the NFL.

7. New England Patriots - This is contingent upon a successful return by Tom Brady, but if that happens this is almost the exact team from 2007 and look just as scary. They will never duplicate '07, but this team is above average on both side of the ball and will find their way back into the playoffs.

8. Philadelphia Eagles - This seems a bit high, but the only teams who seem to be in better shape are the teams listed above. The Eagles return 19 of 22 starters and have a replacement in line for at least two of the three spots. Right tackle and safety are taken care of while left tackle is still undecided. A phenomenal defense returns to help a well-above average offense.

16. Dallas Cowboys - Be careful what you wish for, you'll miss T.O. and bad.

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As a team, the offense has always come under the most scrutiny. This comes as no surprise since the quarterback, especially Philly’s, is the most criticized player on the field. Our want, desire, and need for a number 1 receiver hasn’t helped the case much, either.

Let’s take a look at the offense as it stands.

Quarterbacks

We all know that Donovan McNabb will be the starter, Kevin Kolb will be the backup, and A.J. Feeley will have the easiest job in football as the third-string quarterback.

This should not be the case for the Eagles’ quarterback depth chart.

No, I don’t think Kolb should be starting. He should be a backup, but he’s backing up the wrong guy.

Feeley needs to overtake the second spot on this roster for the 2009 season.

While I’m not a Kolb fan, that’s not the real reason I believe this move must be made. I’m a fan of Feeley and believe he is the second best quarterback on this team.

Kolb was simply handed the backup role, and that could cause trouble for the Eagles.

Feeley has always been the backup here in Philly. Even when Koy was here, he was only listed second on the depth chart so that he would be able to hold for field goals; as the rule book says only punters or the backup quarterback may be a holder.

While Feeley has not found much success as a starter, he has found success as a backup. The 2002 season was really his coming out party as McNabb and Detmer were injured in back-to-back weeks, allowing him to take over and finish the season with a 4-1 record and a playoff berth for the Eagles. He also nearly led the Eagles to a win in 2008 over the undefeated New England Patriots.

The quarterback is arguably the most important position in football. However as we’ve seen over the past few seasons, backup quarterback may just be the second-most important position.

Running Back/Fullback

Westbrook is aging and needs a backup/eventual replacement. This needs to be done through the draft and really should be done this year.

There’s a few guys coming out this year who could fit the bill in Moreno, Wells, or Brown. But no matter who the Eagles take, they need to be sure that he can be the starter in two, three years tops.

For now, Westbrook can still get it done as a starter if that must be the case. I am on record as saying the Eagles need to do otherwise, but if that’s how it must be the Eagles are confident that Westbrook can still carry the load. Again, that’s for now.

Lorenzo Booker is a curious case.

Coming out of Florida State in 2007, Booker was looked at as a guy who could have some potential at the professional level because of his quickness and agility. This led to the Dolphins selecting him early in the 3rd round (71st overall) and making him their backup running back.

In spot duty with Miami, Booker was good for 28 attempts for 125 yards to go along with 28 receptions for 237 yards. While those aren’t “Rookie of the Year” type numbers, they’re not bad for a rookie backup.

Evidentially his play was good enough that the Eagles saw enough in him to trade away their 4th round pick for him. Unfortunately however, he was only the third running back and was able to muster up only 53 yards on 20 attempts to go along with a measly 6 receptions for 11 yards.

To date, he has yet to score an NFL touchdown.

With only two years of work, the Eagles will more than likely keep him on board for this year and see how it pans out.

On the fullback front, we’re all excited to see the versatile Leonard Weaver come in and show us what he can do. Whether that’s blocking, running, or catching (in that order) he looks to make a significant contribution to this team.

Quick side note, I loaded an old game of Madden 08 and who was my fullback? Leonard Weaver. He went to the Pro Bowl. Hmmm… Okay, we can hope.

Wide Receiver/Tight End

1. Kevin Curtis, 2. DeSean Jackson, 3. Jason Avant, 4. Hank Baskett, 5. Reggie Brown.

If the season started today, that would more than likely be the lineup for the guys catching the McNabb-thrown passes.

All has been said that needs to be said about this group. Either Reid will upgrade through a draft, the draft, or not at all. I think we all can agree that some sort of upgrade is necessary whether it’s Anquan Boldin, Braylon Edwards, or a rookie in the first few rounds.

Tight end is another position where some added talent is necessary.

Personally I’m a fan of Brent Celek and believe he can be a starter in this league one day. However, I’m not willing to wait for that day and would like a starter right now. Unfortunately I don’t see Pettigrew falling to us and there are no starters floating around in free agency so we may not be able to add a starter.

The Eagles do need to find a way to add a guy who can at least contribute this season in the passing game and, maybe more importantly, the running game. Schobel’s whiff in the Bears game which lead to a loss cannot be allowed to happen again.

Offensive Line

With some movement by the guys we have now, the offensive line is fine and really doesn’t need to be addressed until the second day of the draft, if at all.

Todd Herremans or Shawn Andrews should be able to play left tackle while either Herremans, Cole, or Jean-Gilles play one of the guard spots. Jackson is fine at center but should receive some competition from Nick Cole or a rookie, leaving Stacy Andrews as the starter at right tackle.

And from what I hear, Stacy should be just fine for training camp.

We have a lot of young guys with tons of potential who could push for time in Winston Justice (haven’t given up on him just yet), Mike McGlynn, King Dunlap, and Mike Gibson. If one of them isn’t starting, they should make fine backups.

Offensive line is really the only position on the team that would be difficult to upgrade and really can be put on a backburner as far as I’m concerned. However I would welcome any player Reid believes to be an upgrade. We question Reid on a lot of things, but one thing he definitely knows is his linemen.



In all, the Eagles offense should be extremely explosive and hard to handle for opposing defenses with just a few slight tweaks here and there. If the right moves are move in the draft or through trades, the offense should once again be in the top five. Focusing on running the ball is key. Without a good running game, it’s difficult for an offense to operate.

One or two moves here and there and this offense could be the best that the Andy Reid-era has ever seen.
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Brian Westbrook has been the exclusive starter of this Philadelphia Eagles team since about 2004. There have been other running backs who have gotten some carries, but for the most part he’s been the featured back.

This needs to change, and it needs to change now.

Over the past few years Westbrook has been unreliable from week-to-week and has been average at best when it comes to running between the tackles. He’s still an explosive outside runner and an unbelievable talent in the passing game, and should be utilized in that way.

The Eagles need to take a page from the NFC-rival Carolina Panther’s playbook on this one. They realized that while DeAngelo Williams is a fantastic talent, he is too small to carry the load of an NFL season on his back. Enter Jonathan Stewart and you can see the obvious explosion in Williams’ production for 2008.

Williams is younger than Westbrook, but he’s also not the same talent. In his prime, I don’t think many would argue that Westbrook was the better running back. But unfortunately his time as a featured back has come to an end.

The Eagles need to draft a running back this year who they believe can handle the bulk of the work, and not just spell Westbrook. Whether they’re thinking Moreno or Donald Brown, I’m just not sure, but it needs to be one of them.

The plan then would essentially limit Westbrook to a 1a type of role. He would see about 40 percent of the carries while the new guy (again, whomever that may be) would get roughly 55 percent of the carries with the other 5 percent going to miscellaneous carriers (Jackson, Weaver, Booker, etc.).

It boils down to Westbrook being the “2” in the 1-2 punch.

This way Westbrook would be fresh to go in on third down plays to catch the screen, take the pitch or other outside handoff, catch a pass in the flats, or simply be used as a decoy as defenses would still be forced to gameplan for him.

In the current system, defensive coordinators need only to plan for a way to stop Westbrook. Then if and when that happens, our running game is essentially useless, leading to McNabb being forced to drop back 45-55 times leading to more sacks, interceptions, and hits on our franchise quarterback.

Over the years, this is what has lead to the injuries suffered by McNabb. He has had the entire weight of the game thrust onto his shoulders because Westbrook has been shut down and there is no real alternative other than just passing and hoping for the best.

The simple fact of the matter is that Westbrook is at the age where running backs start to rapidly decline in production. Westbrook may not be in the same boat because he was not a featured back for the first two or three years of his career while splitting carries as a part of the three-headed monster with Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter. Still, 30 is a rough age for a back.

Being limited to more of a specialist role on offense helps Westbrook and the entire offense in every conceivable way. He stays fresher, adding years to his career and keeping him off of the injury report while the running game becomes multi-dimensional, causing more headaches for defensive coordinators than ever before.

Westbrook has done some great things, but I believe this is the way it must be for him to continue his career as an effective member of the Philadelphia Eagles. It also works as a great buffer for when the young guy must take closer to 70 percent of the snaps once Westbrook hangs up the old cleats.

Every running back pair must have a nickname, start thinking of one Philly. Hopefully, we’ll need it.
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The Eagles have 12 picks in the upcoming draft, with 2 of them in the first round, picks 21 and 28. Mark my words, the Eagles will not be selecting two players in the first round.

While talking to NFL.com anonymously, several GM’s around the NFL have said that during their grading period of this year’s prospects, that only between 20-22 of them are of a first-round quality.

The Eagles select 21st overall, so they would be right at the end of the pickings for the first round talent.

That’s not a position that this front office wants to be in. So what’s the solution?

Either one of two things will most likely happen. Either the Eagles will package those two picks in order to move up, or they will stay and select the best player on the board at 21 while attempting to trade the 28th pick.

For those who don’t know, the NFL’s draft spots work on a point system which simply puts a point total to each pick.

NFL Draft Point-Value Chart

At 21 and 28, the Eagles’ picks are worth 800 and 660 points, respectively. Adding the two picks together, the point total comes to 1,460, which lands in between the 7th (1,500) and the 8th (1,400) selection.

This move would give the Eagles the chance to likely select either the best left tackle on the board, or more to the liking of Philly-nation, Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

Of course, this is contingent upon the Oakland Raiders or Jacksonville Jaguars biting on the trade. This is entirely possible because of their many needs. However, getting Al Davis to part ways with possibly selecting Michael Crabtree is almost impossible.

So the more likely scenario is that the Eagles decide to stay at 21, selecting the best player available, while trading the 28th pick.

For the 28th pick, the Eagles could probably get a mid-round 2nd round pick and mid-round 3rd, or a move like this would allow them to possibly also make a draft-day trade for a guy like Anquan Boldin, Jason Peters, or Braylon Edwards.

Then with the 21st pick the Eagles could take any number of people depending on how they value them. Moreno, “Beanie” Wells, Britton, Oher, or whomever that may be.

While I would prefer that they go the second route, I wouldn’t mind them moving into the top 10 either. Even though that may be just a bit too pricey for the front office.

All in all, the second option is more likely and would seem to make the most sense. Either way, no matter which way the Eagles decide to go, I would be willing to bet that they don’t come out of this draft with two first-round rookies.
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With Andy Reid’s draft history, it’s hard to believe that he won’t draft an offensive lineman.

I’m not disputing whether or not he will, I’d be surprised if he didn’t, but I don’t think it’s necessary. Especially in the first round.

With the departure of Tra Thomas to Jacksonville and Jon Runyan still floating around in free agency, the Eagles would appear to have some huge holes.

However, after Eagles fans get over the emotional loss of two fan-favorites, the line doesn’t look to be in bad shape.

The Eagles have essentially six starting-caliber linemen on their roster right now in Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Shawn and Stacy Andrews, Max Jean-Gilles, and Nick Cole, with four other young talented linemen in King Dunlap, Mike Gibson, Winston Justice, and Mike McGlynn who are all busting at the seams with potential.

So Andy if you’re reading, here’s my 2009 Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line.

LT Todd Herremans, LG Max Jean-Gilles

C Jamaal Jackson

RG Shawn Andrews, RT Stacy Andrews

Backups:

LT King Dunlap, LG Winston Justice

C Nick Cole

RG Mike Gibson, RT Mike McGlynn

Let’s not forget that Herremans was a fourth round pick out of Saginaw Valley as a left tackle. Also, he was drafted with the intention of becoming Thomas’ heir-apparent. On top of all of that, Herremans has played left tackle while Thomas was injured and has played well. I think he can be a Pro Bowl caliber left tackle.

Jean-Gilles obviously only works if he can move to the left side. If he can, the line automatically becomes a run-blocking machine with that road-grater in the mix.

Jackson remains the starter at center, with a healthy Shawn Andrews back to his old Pro Bowl-caliber self. Brother Stacy has proven he can be a fantastic right tackle, he should fill Runyan’s spot as the leader on that line very well.

The backups are obvious, exact maybe Winston Justice whom Eagles fans have written off since his catastrophic day against the Giants.

He wasn’t a second-round pick for no reason. The man can play. The question is, where?

Guard fits him perfectly. I said coming out of college that I thought his footwork was suspect and that he attempted to be more of a hip-bender rather than moving his feet like he should.

Putting him at guard minimizes the negatives that come from his below-average footwork while putting his strengths on showcase. Most obviously, his strength.

At 6’6” 320 pounds, Justice is a behemoth who could push some people while making holes for Brian Westbrook.

I’d bet my life that the Eagles do use at least a couple of their picks on linemen, simply because Reid loves his line. However, if they don’t, don’t worry Philly nation, our line is just fine.
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The Eagles have been quite busy this offseason.

Chill out guy who is very upset the Eagles didn't do much of anything in free agency, I'm talking about the draft.

The Eagles have been looking at a number of top-flight prospects. But not simply going to Pro Days.

They've been bringing the guys to the NovaCare Complex.

Guys like Eugene Monroe, LeSean McCoy, Everett Brown, Darrius Hayward-Bey, Donald Brown, and even Matt Stafford - A guy they have no chance and really no intention of drafting - have all been under the watchful eye of the Philadelphia Eagles' coaches and scouts.

All are first-round prospects (with the exception of maybe Donald Brown) and there's a chance that they all may be off the board by the 21st pick (the Eagles' first).

However, a guy who they looked at just recently has caught my attention more than any of the other top-flight prospects who every team goes to watch simply because of their name.

Cornelius Ingram.

The Eagles were one of many teams on hand for Florida's Pro Day to watch Ingram and Florida teammate Percy Harvin, but it's not Harvin who the Eagles were most interested in.

Ingram has been invited to the NovaCare Complex next week for a private workout.

For those who do not know of Ingram, prior to the 2008 season, Ingram was regarded as one of the better tight ends in the country and a top target of Tim Tebow down in the swamps of Gainesville, Florida.

So what happened in '08? Injury.

In 2006, Ingram showed promise as a tight end after moving from quarterback. He caught 30 passes for 380 yards with 1 touchdown in '06 - not great, good, but not great.

2007 was a totally different story.

By this time Ingram had established a rapport with Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, and it showed on the field.

In 2007, Ingram caught 34 passes for 508 yards and 7 touchdowns. That's 4 more receptions, 128 more receiving yards, and 6 more touchdowns.

Guess he found his groove.

Unfortunately, after showing such promise, Ingram was hampered by a knee injury which occurred in practice.

The prognasis: a torn ACL which would keep him out for the entire 2008 season. While devistating at the time, it doesn't seem to have slowed him down any.

The word out of Gainesville is that Ingram ran in the 4.5 range, measured in at 6'4 and 246 pounds, and didn't drop a single Doug Johnson-thrown pass.

"I personally think he's the best tight end prospect in the draft," said Drew Rosenhaus, Ingram's agent. "I've been representing some of the tight ends in the NFL for the last 20 years. He's as good a prospect as I've seen. He's a great person. He is a gigantic wide receiver in a tight end's body. He can catch everything, can run any route, just superior hands and great route-running skills.

He's a physical specimen. He's come back from the injury. His knee is as functionally sound as anybody else that will work out. You cannot detect that he's had any injuries. He looks even better than he did before the injury and if I'm an NFL team, I'm not going to wait long before I call his number on draft day."

Rosenhaus says he expects Ingram to be a first-day pick, which under the new system would be either the 1st or 2nd round as the 3rd has been moved to day 2.

While this may seem to go against the Eagles' philosophy, they've shown they'll draft an injured player if the price is right.

Last year the Eagles drafted CB Jack Ickegwuonu in the 4th round, torn ACL and all, because he normally would have been a 1st round talent.

And on top of it, Ickegwunou was still hurt and missed the entire '08 season, while Ingram is healthy and ready to go now.

So while I don't believe the Eagles would take Ingram in the 2nd round, they could go for him if he falls to them in the 3rd or 4th round of the draft this April.

He's projected to go between the 3rd and 5th rounds, but I have a feeling that had he been able to play his senior year, he'd be a sure-fire 1st round prospect and regarded as the best tight end in the draft, even over Eagles' fans-favorite Brandon Pettigrew.

One more little tidbit that may be of interest: Ingram played basketball for the National Champion Florida Gators. Tight Ends such as Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates were also 2-sport athletes (both basketball) at one time during their college stays.

They're both pretty good.
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