***Official 2011 Philadelphia Eagles Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Jason Wood]

Sigh, how did I know the usual crew of "fans" would be in here lamenting our pick.

I thought it was A-OK. Would I have preferred Carimi? Yep, but Watkins was slotted as a starting caliber interior lineman and mocked as a mid 20s option by many.

All this consternation about Jimmy Smith cracks me up. The guy is toxic poison.

 

[delusional]

Its like this every year. The Eagles ALWAYS throw some sort of curveball in the draft. You can not tell me this wasn't one of them either. When something seems so obvious, the Eagles have to do the opposite. When you have the coaches on the eagles staff that you do, wouldnt it be wise to draft a young player who they would be able to mold that potentially would be around for 10 years ( espeically at OLine )...This guy is going to be 32 by the time his rookie contract is up.

 

[Insein]

Im really not worried about his age if he comes in and solidifies the inside of the line. OL can play for 10 years if they stay healthy. Guy looks like a dedicated person being a firefighter. A nasty streak from rugby and hockey isn't all that bad. If we get an all-pro guard for the next 3 or 4 seasons even, then this was a win.

Guess we'll see though. This does have the feel of that old Andy special of making a square peg fit in a round hole but we shall see.

 

[LTsharks]

Its like this every year. The Eagles ALWAYS throw some sort of curveball in the draft. You can not tell me this wasn't one of them either. When something seems so obvious, the Eagles have to do the opposite. When you have the coaches on the eagles staff that you do, wouldnt it be wise to draft a young player who they would be able to mold that potentially would be around for 10 years ( espeically at OLine )...This guy is going to be 32 by the time his rookie contract is up.

It never stops.If this kid grades out to a 1st round pick then if you are the Eagles you take him at 23. It doesn't matter how old he is. Even at his age he can easily play 8 yrs in the NFL at his position. If he has 1st round talent you would sign up for that in a minute. The best part is that none of the "negative" posters have questioned his ability, just his age.Everyone likes to talk about taking the lineman in the 1st round and pencilling him in for the next 10 years. How often does that happen anyway? It isn't likely.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Pretty surprised about the Eagles pick for the first time in years. I thought that it was a lock that they take Carimi (sp?) as he was the guy my buddy was really pushing for, but I guess he got over ruled. I am happy my Bears ended up Carimi, but equally happy the Eagles got what looks like a very solid interior lineman. I'm thrilled they passed on Pac-Man Jr.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

We will regret not taking DaQuan Bowers

They didn't do it because his injuries scared them to death. They think he'll plat 3 years tops.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Highest selected Gaurd ever? Pouncey beat him about an hour ago. So there's at least one. Anywho, Watkins in tough and athletic. He was a fireman in British Columbia for 4 years after high school. And I've never heard of a big fire in British Columbia. Ever.

He's a tough SOB with a first round grade. We need one of those since Runyon retired.

Possibly my favorite post I have ever read in the shark pool. Thank you for that!

 

[Jason Wood]

Its like this every year. The Eagles ALWAYS throw some sort of curveball in the draft. You can not tell me this wasn't one of them either. When something seems so obvious, the Eagles have to do the opposite. When you have the coaches on the eagles staff that you do, wouldnt it be wise to draft a young player who they would be able to mold that potentially would be around for 10 years ( espeically at OLine )...This guy is going to be 32 by the time his rookie contract is up.

Yep...such a curveball that Peter King had us taking Watkins in the Sports Illustrated draft issue.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Here's my problem with the pick, and it really has nothing to do with Watkins. It's the classic case of Big Red thinking he is smarter than everyone else. And he simply isn't. So tired of it. Go the whole offseason hearing only about the lockout, and finally we get to the draft and everything seems like it's getting back to normal, and immediately it's the same old frustration. Andy being Andy. But I digress, atleast everything I hear about him sounds good. I like the mean streak and leadership. Don't like the age.

 

[Jason Wood]

Here's my problem with the pick, and it really has nothing to do with Watkins. It's the classic case of Big Red thinking he is smarter than everyone else. And he simply isn't. So tired of it. Go the whole offseason hearing only about the lockout, and finally we get to the draft and everything seems like it's getting back to normal, and immediately it's the same old frustration. Andy being Andy. But I digress, atleast everything I hear about him sounds good. I like the mean streak and leadership. Don't like the age.

Why do you think he thinks he's smarter than everyone else? You realize Watkins was projected to us by several major mockers, including Peter King right? You realize Watkins was projected as the 2nd best interior lineman available, right? You also realize that, if you're alluding to Carimi, we're not the only ones that passed him over? EVERYONE had Carimi going ahead of James Carpenter, yet Pete Carroll apparently felt he was smarter than everyone else. You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

 

[shader]

I'll step into the in-fighting between you Eagles fan and congratulate you on a great pick. The one thing Philly needs more than any other position on the field is offensive line help. Vick got murdered last year, and they have got to get him more time. Hopefully they aren't done addressing the position. But this kid should be able to start from day 1, he's a grown, seasoned man, and he will benefit your explosive offense more than a poison cornerbackl. Gotta keep Vick healthy if you guys want to go anywhere in the playoffs.

 

[renesauz]

Jimmy smith will end up a star now

SOOOOOooo glad we passed on him...way too many flags for comfort.

 

[renesauz]

Sigh, how did I know the usual crew of "fans" would be in here lamenting our pick.I thought it was A-OK. Would I have preferred Carimi? Yep, but Watkins was slotted as a starting caliber interior lineman and mocked as a mid 20s option by many.All this consternation about Jimmy Smith cracks me up. The guy is toxic poison.

NOt sure he was my pick but I like it none the less.

 

[renesauz]

Here's my problem with the pick, and it really has nothing to do with Watkins. It's the classic case of Big Red thinking he is smarter than everyone else. And he simply isn't. So tired of it. Go the whole offseason hearing only about the lockout, and finally we get to the draft and everything seems like it's getting back to normal, and immediately it's the same old frustration. Andy being Andy. But I digress, atleast everything I hear about him sounds good. I like the mean streak and leadership. Don't like the age.

HOW exactly was this a curevball. We all knew they might very well go O-Line in the first, and they took one of the top rated O-lineman...no curveball there.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Don't know anything about the guy, but I LOVE the fact that Kiper/Gruden said the guy DOMINATED at Senior Bowl practices. I also like the versatility with guy. He should be another Todd Herremans type lineman that can slide out to tackle.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Here's my problem with the pick, and it really has nothing to do with Watkins. It's the classic case of Big Red thinking he is smarter than everyone else. And he simply isn't. So tired of it. Go the whole offseason hearing only about the lockout, and finally we get to the draft and everything seems like it's getting back to normal, and immediately it's the same old frustration. Andy being Andy. But I digress, atleast everything I hear about him sounds good. I like the mean streak and leadership. Don't like the age.

My problem is that so many Eagles fans think they are smarter than Reid and the Eagles front office. They consistently put out a winning team, have a top offense almost every year and a top defense almost every year but in the Eagles fans eyes they never make the right move.

 

[eaglesfan7]

The Eagles knew they dropped the ball when the Giants took prince. They should have done everything possible to trade up to grab him.

Do I dislike the pick of Watkins? No, but taking o-line when cornerback is a glaring need is somewhat disappointing.

 

[JAA]

He's a tough SOB with a first round grade. We need one of those since Runyon retired.

As you know, we didnt reach for Runyon, who was taken in the 4th round, as a Tackle. We signed Runyon as a UFA from Houston

 

[JAA]

Guard. Gotta protect Vick.

I believe this is the highest selected Guard EVER

Or since Iupati went 17 to SF last year.

Dont mind me, Im just a little bitter

 

[JAA]

and mocked as a mid 20s option by many.

link please

 

[JAA]

The best part is that none of the "negative" posters have questioned his ability, just his age.

He has played football for 4 years. What do we know about him?

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

and mocked as a mid 20s option by many.

link please

Going 21 to KC

 

[JaxBill]

and mocked as a mid 20s option by many.

link please

Gosselin had him going 28 to NE. This is what he said about him:

28th pick: New England PatriotsDanny Watkins -- G, BaylorWatkins is the safest pick in the entire draft — the one player you can confidently say will be in the Pro Bowl in 2012. He’s the best guard on the board, and some NFL teams were looking at him as both a center and tackle.(Team needs: OL, DE, OLB, HB)

 

[Jason Wood]

and mocked as a mid 20s option by many.

link please

Kiper had him going to the Chiefs, and Peter King had the...gasp...Eagles drafting him in his mock in the magazine. There are others too but you're capable of a quick Google search I'm sure.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Some scouting reports:

Ourlads: Long arms 33 ¾” and bighands 10 1/8”. Physical in his play. Works to finish. Goes to the whistle.Played left tackle in college but got most of his work during the week at guard. Plays square Can sit down, anchor, and lock out a bull rush. Gets push on double teams. A power player with good feet and follow through in the run game.

Sideline Scouting:

Positives: Solid athlete... Reasonably good arm length... Good strength and power... Good drive blocker... Stays low and plays with good leverage... Can get movement in the running game... Explodes into his blocks... Can pull reasonably well... Can get to the second level... Does a nice job blocking in space... Good short area quickness... Reasonably good footwork lateral movement and slide... Good anchor, holds his ground versus bull rushers... Does a nice job re-setting and re-establishing position... Good balance... Not a natural knee bender but is consistently getting better... Good arm extension and solid and improving hand placement... Heavy and violent hands, uses his hands well... Controls defender once locked on... Sustains his blocks... Patient, sits into his stance and lets defender come to him... Mean streak, very physical... Good motor, hard worker, competitive, tenacious... Similar to former St. Louis Ram Adam Timmerman.

Negatives: Will stand upright into his stance when pass blocking... Kick step can be a little shallow... Can be a little slow to re-direct... Plays with a narrow base at times but still manages to maintain his balance reasonably well... Allows his hands to get a little high and wide at times... Will be a 26 yr. old rookie.

Pro Draft Central:

Strengths:

- Great athlete for his size

- The one word I would use to describe him is “massive”

- Only 6’3″, but he’s 310 and has extremely powerful arms

- Plays very low and balanced

- Can get to the second level

- Blocks well in space

- Plays with an edge

- Locks on a defender and does a great job controlling them

- Extremely high ceiling

- Does a nice job recovering when he does get beat

Weaknesses:

- Sometimes plays a little slow

- Will be 26-years-old as a rookie

- Needs to learn how to use his hands when pass blocking

- May have to change positions depending on who drafts him

- Not very experienced

- More raw than any other potential-first rounder



Draft Countdown:

Strengths:

• Athletic with terrific quickness and agility

• Nimble feet w/ nice balance and body control

• Outstanding natural strength and power

• Shows the ability to recover when beat

• Will get some movement in the run game

• Understands positioning and angles

• Can get to second level and work in space

• Extremely competitive with a great motor

• Tough and plays with a nasty demeanor

• Still has a ton of unfulfilled potential

Weaknesses:

• A bit older than the normal prospect

• Just average size with short arms

• Frame appears close to being maxed out

• Is not real stout at the point of attack

• Does not have a lot of playing experience

• Raw technique, footwork and hand use

• Will probably have to change positions

 

[Bushead]

and mocked as a mid 20s option by many.

link please

Kiper had him going to the Chiefs, and Peter King had the...gasp...Eagles drafting him in his mock in the magazine. There are others too but you're capable of a quick Google search I'm sure.

Wouldn't Mudd have weighed in on this as well? I think I would value his opinion pretty highly.

 

[JAA]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

 

[JAA]

and mocked as a mid 20s option by many.

link please

Going 21 to KC

thank you for the link

This may be a bit of a reach, but

In all honestly, I am looking to read more about the player so please do provide more links as I want to read

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Donovan, Simon, Sheppard, Andrews and maclin isnt looking too bad.

 

[JAA]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Donovan, Simon, Sheppard, Andrews and maclin isnt looking too bad.

Corey Simon?I dont agree on Andrews.Ill give Maclin, McNabb, and Sheppard. Is that all you got?

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Donovan, Simon, Sheppard, Andrews and maclin isnt looking too bad.

Corey Simon?I dont agree on Andrews.Ill give Maclin, McNabb, and Sheppard. Is that all you got?

DeJax, McCoy, Kolb, M.Lewis, & S.Brown, in the 2nd

 

[JAA]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Donovan, Simon, Sheppard, Andrews and maclin isnt looking too bad.

Corey Simon?I dont agree on Andrews.Ill give Maclin, McNabb, and Sheppard. Is that all you got?

DeJax, McCoy, Kolb, M.Lewis, & S.Brown, in the 2nd

Who is talking about the 2nd round

 

[bushdocda]

Clearly Reid should have traded up for Peterson, drafted Prince instead of letting the Giants get him, drafted Smith and his syrup too and he better sign Nmandi the instant FA opens.

Then we'd have a defensive backfield.

 

[JAA]

The Watkins pick is growing on me, but it still 'feels' like a reach. The only player I can think that compared is Brandon Albert who played G in college and moved to T. If Watkins turns out to be the next Logan Mankins, I will be very satisifed. None of this changes my feeling on him being 27th this season and only having played 4 years of football.

 

[CentralPA]

It sounds as if this guy wasn't going to last until their 2nd round pick. NE or CHI probably woulod've scooped him up.

 

[unckeyherb]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Donovan, Simon, Sheppard, Andrews and maclin isnt looking too bad.

Corey Simon?I dont agree on Andrews.Ill give Maclin, McNabb, and Sheppard. Is that all you got?

DeJax, McCoy, Kolb, M.Lewis, & S.Brown, in the 2nd

Who is talking about the 2nd round

OP said Reid's drafting. Not Reid's first round drafting.

 

[Nagle2998]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Even if you hate McNabb he was a very good pick for the Eagles and when you consider all the players they could have gotten in that draft he was a great pick. Simon only played 5 years but he was a stud when he was here and if he had any self control he could still be here. Lito Sheppard was also a very good player for a decent number of years and made a few pro bowls. I think Maclin even in his 2nd year can be considered a very good pick who will only get better. Andrews was a head case but for three years he was a top 3 OG in the country not sure how Reid or anyone can determine if a guy will go nuts after 5 years but I say good pick.Now Reid has had a few bad ones also the worse IMO being Mitchell only because it seems like every Wr other then him became a stud in that draft. McDougle was also a flop but I'm not sure if it was because he sucked or because he was always hurt. Bunkley is still young but I don't see anyway when it's all said and done he is considered a bad pick. I think Patterson is a decent pick not a great one but he is a solid DT who was taken at the very end of the first. It's to early to tell on Graham but looking over Reids first he isn't the Steelers but I wouldn't put him down as one of the worst either and he does well in the middle rounds which some other teams don't

 

[zadok]

He's a tough SOB with a first round grade. We need one of those since Runyon retired.

As you know, we didnt reach for Runyon, who was taken in the 4th round, as a Tackle. We signed Runyon as a UFA from Houston

It was Tennessee at the time...but no matter. I don't think he was comparing Runyan's draft stock to Watkins, only the "tough SOB" part. And no, Watkins was not a reach.

 

[bighandsray]

The Watkins pick is growing on me, but it still 'feels' like a reach. The only player I can think that compared is Brandon Albert who played G in college and moved to T. If Watkins turns out to be the next Logan Mankins, I will be very satisifed. None of this changes my feeling on him being 27th this season and only having played 4 years of football.

Everything you read on this guy is that he is NFL ready. Most other linemen available may have taken time to develop. If you draft a guy who is 23 and he takes a couple of years to play than he is 25-26. They needed line help. They got it. I would have preferred to get help for the D. Should be a good Dlineman or CB available in the 2nd. If they take a QB in the 2nd I am jumping off the Whitman.

 

[dhockster]

Aaahhhh.... The thrill of the draft and the agony of reading Eagles fans tear it apart.

I will just say for those who are questioning OL vs. CB, can you at least wait until the rest of the

draft and free agency is over before you complain? If the Eagles pick up Nnamdi, won't you look pretty

stupid? If the Eagles end up with nothing new at CB, then you can complain, but until then you haven't seen

the whole picture.

 

[loose circuits]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Donovan, Simon, Sheppard, Andrews and maclin isnt looking too bad.

Corey Simon?I dont agree on Andrews.Ill give Maclin, McNabb, and Sheppard. Is that all you got?

Simon had 32 sacks at DT and played at a pro bowl level in his time in Philly, not sure why he wouldn't be considered a good pick. He played out his contract, but then we let him go when he wanted too much money and it turned out to be a great decision as his play fell off a cliff in IndyAndrews was a pro bowl caliber guard who couldn't stay healthy. No way to predict the injuriesBunkley & Patterson have been decent...Was Tra Thomas picked under Reid?

 

[zadok]

I'm starting the official Ras-I Dowling in the 2nd round bandwaggon! Who's on board???

 

[Jason Wood]

Not getting into yet another JAA ###-for-tat.

You hate the team you claim to like, we get that. And maybe when you finally get your wish and Reid is gone, and we're mired in mediocrity, you'll be the guy trying to put a positive spin on it for the rest of us.

 

[dhockster]

DH or G-King:

Did any of the teams rumored to be trading partners with the Eagles for Kolb take a QB last night?

If not, then I think that increases the chance that what you are hearing is correct.

TIA

 

[zadok]

Aaahhhh.... The thrill of the draft and the agony of reading Eagles fans tear it apart.

I will just say for those who are questioning OL vs. CB, can you at least wait until the rest of thedraft and free agency is over before you complain? If the Eagles pick up Nnamdi, won't you look prettystupid?

Even if they do (PLEASE), both starting CBs will be 30 and Samuel is becomming brittle. They need a young starting-caliber CB in this draft. They can't count on Trevard Lindley's progression.

 

[Jason Wood]

DH or G-Kingid any of the teams rumored to be trading partners with the Eagles for Kolb take a QB last night?If not, then I think that increases the chance that what you are hearing is correct.TIA

Tennessee did, but Arizona, Seattle and San Francisco didn't.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Here's my problem with the pick, and it really has nothing to do with Watkins. It's the classic case of Big Red thinking he is smarter than everyone else. And he simply isn't. So tired of it. Go the whole offseason hearing only about the lockout, and finally we get to the draft and everything seems like it's getting back to normal, and immediately it's the same old frustration. Andy being Andy. But I digress, atleast everything I hear about him sounds good. I like the mean streak and leadership. Don't like the age.

Why do you think he thinks he's smarter than everyone else? You realize Watkins was projected to us by several major mockers, including Peter King right? You realize Watkins was projected as the 2nd best interior lineman available, right? You also realize that, if you're alluding to Carimi, we're not the only ones that passed him over? EVERYONE had Carimi going ahead of James Carpenter, yet Pete Carroll apparently felt he was smarter than everyone else. You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

Great, if we are grouped in with Pete Carroll we're more screwed than I first thought.

And I still can't figure out if you are being serious with your last statement? You realize it is just a laughable statement right? You realize you sound like an Eagles lapdog right? You know it sounds like you need a refresher right? You remember Teo Nesheim in the 3rd round when nobody had him rated more than a 5th or 6th rounder right? Here are some more: Trevor Laws, Bryan Smith, Victor Abiamiri, Tony Hunt, Brodrick Bunkley, Chris Gocong, Mike Patterson, Reggie Brown, Matt McCoy, Jerome McDougal. You realize even the Fatman can hit the broad side of a barn occsionally right? His drafting has been consistenly poor.

 

[JAA]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Donovan, Simon, Sheppard, Andrews and maclin isnt looking too bad.

Corey Simon?I dont agree on Andrews.Ill give Maclin, McNabb, and Sheppard. Is that all you got?

DeJax, McCoy, Kolb, M.Lewis, & S.Brown, in the 2nd

Who is talking about the 2nd round

OP said Reid's drafting. Not Reid's first round drafting.

Im the OP since I asked this question

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Since we are talking about 1st round picks today, its the point.Im past it though. I am an optimistic bird fan, but I do like to cash out some boo-bird chips every so often.

 

[JAA]

You also realize that Reid's drafting has been a cornerstone of making us one of the best, most consistent teams in the NFC for more than a decade?

This is laughable. Who has AR drafted in the first round that has been a stud for us?

Even if you hate McNabb he was a very good pick for the Eagles and when you consider all the players they could have gotten in that draft he was a great pick. Simon only played 5 years but he was a stud when he was here and if he had any self control he could still be here. Lito Sheppard was also a very good player for a decent number of years and made a few pro bowls. I think Maclin even in his 2nd year can be considered a very good pick who will only get better. Andrews was a head case but for three years he was a top 3 OG in the country not sure how Reid or anyone can determine if a guy will go nuts after 5 years but I say good pick.Now Reid has had a few bad ones also the worse IMO being Mitchell only because it seems like every Wr other then him became a stud in that draft. McDougle was also a flop but I'm not sure if it was because he sucked or because he was always hurt. Bunkley is still young but I don't see anyway when it's all said and done he is considered a bad pick. I think Patterson is a decent pick not a great one but he is a solid DT who was taken at the very end of the first. It's to early to tell on Graham but looking over Reids first he isn't the Steelers but I wouldn't put him down as one of the worst either and he does well in the middle rounds which some other teams don't

Im not a McNabb fan anymore, but he helped turn around the Philly franchise so I will forever be grateful. I will say the same thing about AR. That said, I am glad McNabb is gone now. I also wish AR would change some things up, but I cant disregard how successful he has been. I do believe Im a better in-game coach then him, so I got that going for me.I believe the most telling stat of AR 1st round picks is how he traded out and DIDNT go after players. A lot of those players are studs now, and we are left behind. I believe AR and crew KNEW Steven Jackson would be a stud and didnt take him so they didnt need to have to pay him top dollars. I mean, trading up to grab Andrews (who had ballooned up on college and required surgery to get his breathing under control) and NOT taking Jackson ... needless to say Im still bitter.I believe the Eagles dont draft BPA. That bothers me as we are lacking 'stud' talent at a lot of positions and I believe this is due to the franchise not wanting to pony up the dollars for 1st round picks (right or wrong).

 

[zadok]

I believe the most telling stat of AR 1st round picks is how he traded out and DIDNT go after players.

He traded up for Andrews. Up for McDougle. Up for Maclin. Up for Graham...