2007 Draft

[EaglesFan]

Yes, it's early but I figured it will come up sooner or later anyway. Who or what position would you want to target in the first round of the draft? I think it is obvious from my user title what I'm looking for, but I don't know that I'd be disappointed with this pick (http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/wr/dwaynejarrett.html). That's assuming, of course, they let Stallworth go during free agency. The rest of the projected draft is below.

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/sub/mockdraft.html

[D.C.]

I'd like to see another receiver drafted but would like to see how the running back situation is as the season progresses before making a firm commitment to my answer. Buckhalter worries me as I don't see him staying healthy for a full year (but if Moats can play similar to last year on a regular basis we could be ok).

The more I type the more I think a receiver is the best option for the 2007 draft.

[ATLFalcons]

I'd look to get a healthy running back before I'd try to get another receiver. I'm surprised Buckhalter was healthy for last night's game.

[football junkie]

The author of that mock draft must be on crack. The Eagles drafting 16th. Michael Bush falling all the way to the 29th pick. As if! I think the lowest the Eagles will draft in 2007 is #28, maybe #32 if things work out right.

The offensive and defensive lines were addressed this year. There's no reason Stallworth or another free agent can't be signed to sure up the passing game.

I'd like to see a solid running back selected. One who can run downhill. One who can run between the tackles. But I've come to accept that Andy Reid will never do this. I think it is obvious the Eagles need help in the secondary. Look for a safety to eventually replace Brian Dawkins or another cornerback -- but definitely a defensive back.

[EaglesFan]

The author of that mock draft must be on crack. The Eagles drafting 16th. Michael Bush falling all the way to the 29th pick. As if! I think the lowest the Eagles will draft in 2007 is #28, maybe #32 if things work out right.

I'd love to have a pick as low as the 28th but I wouldn't be surprised with a low-20s pick in the draft. The late Bye Week helps, but that's a tough schedule to finish the season off with and then head into postseason play.

I believe a big reason he has Michael Bush falling that far is because of the leg injury. Healthy players fall on draft day all the time. An injured Bush is a prime candidate to see his draft stock fall if he's slowed down during the senior games in January and the NFL Combine.

I'd like to see a solid running back selected. One who can run downhill. One who can run between the tackles. But I've come to accept that Andy Reid will never do this. I think it is obvious the Eagles need help in the secondary. Look for a safety to eventually replace Brian Dawkins or another cornerback -- but definitely a defensive back.

A DB would be a smart pick too. But I think there is enough talent, particularly at S, to wait until the second round.

[football junkie]

Boy was it nice to see Lito Sheppard back this week!

[EaglesFan]

Boy was it nice to see Lito Sheppard back this week!

It's amazing what happens when Joselio Hanson isn't relied upon as your #2 CB.

[football junkie]

Now that I've had a little more time to rethink this I'm not sure the secondary or the running game is the most pressing need.

Defensive backs are increasingly easy to come by via free agency and trade, i.e. Champ Bailey to Denver, John Lynch to Denver, Charles Woodson to Green Bay, Ricky Manning Jr. to Chicago, Lawyer Milloy to Buffalo then to Atlanta, Ty Law to the NY Jets then to Kansas City, etc, etc.

And Brian Westbrook isn't the traditional-style running back. He reminds me more of Roger Craig. I now think the Eagles can win a Superbowl with him as a starter.

The 22 October game against Tampa Bay exposed an Eagles' urgent need: offensive line help.

Yes, I know they just drafted Winston Justice and he has a ton of talent and may one day turn into a Pro Bowl caliber tackle. But that's still up in the air. And when William (Tra) Thomas was out that game, Tampa Bay just hurried Donovan McNabb into making some very bad decisions and throws. Which made me examine the offensive line.

Center, Jamaal Jackson, third year player and first year starter out of Delaware State. He is listed as 6'4" and 330 but he looks a lot more like 6'7" and 345. He's 26 years old and should be able plug the hole at center well into the next decade.

Right Guard, Shawn Anderws, 2004 first round pick and second year full-time starter. After years of doubt and speculation Andrews has really come into his own this year and could garner a Pro Bowl selection. At 23, he needs to be at the core of the Eagles offensive line for many years to come.

Right Tackle, Jon Runyan, the consumate professional. But he's in his 11th year in the NFL and is 32 years old. He has already suffered serious injury problems and he isn't planning on playing forever. Right tackle is a need and it's not one that I think Winston Justice can fill, if Runyan were to retire after the season.

Left Guard, Todd Herremans, 6'6" and 320 he's a big fella and at 24 is still very young -- especially to be starting on the left side! The Eagles need more depth at this position.

Left Tackle, William (Tra) Thomas, is now 31 years old and in his ninth year in the NFL. Runyan and Thomas have been the anchor of the O-Line since Reid took over as head coach. He has an heir-apparent in Winston Justice, however, Justice is nowhere near ready to be a starting tackle.

Runyan concerns me the most. If he were to retire after the season the Eagles would literally be sans replacement with anyone even half way adequate. That's why I think they need to spend their first round pick on an offensive lineman, even if that means trading up in the draft.

Sam Baker, right tackle at USC, or Joe Thomas, left tackle at Wisconsin could be had at the top of the first round. Either Jake Long, left tackle at Michigan, or Levi Brown, left tackle at Penn State could be had in the middle of the first round. And the versatile Justin Blalock, right guard/tackle at Texas might be the bargain of the bunch.

Personally, I'd like to see the Eagles trade up to the middle of the first round and snag Levi Brown, setting up a potential future O-Line of LT Justice, LG Brown, C Jackson, RG McCoy, RT Andrews.

[D.C.]

Is it too early to start thinking about a decent replacement for McNabb? With Garcia at QB we now have an outside chance at drating Michael Bush.

[football junkie]

From what I understand about McNabb's injury is that his surgery was a "success" and that he'll obviously miss the rest of this season and likely miss a healthy portion of 2007. With that in mind, I think the Eagles ought not worry about drafting a replacement yet. I think there is a better solution.

Sign Brett Favre to a one year deal.

Andy Reid and Favre go way back to Favre's earliest days in Green Bay. Favre already knows the Eagles offense. Favre still has a great arm. Favre is the definition of dependability. And if he were to be surrounded with a team as talented as the Eagles, great line, great running back, great tight end, decent wide outs, fantastic defense -- he could take the Eagles and himself on one last Superbowl run in 2007.

When 2008 rolls around, McNabb should be fully recovered (we sure don't want a repeat of how Daunte Culpepper was rushed back way too early this year by Miami). And McNabb can take over the helm again.

This way we don't have to give up on McNabb. We get a run at the Superbowl next year with Favre and we don't have to give up anything to get him as he is a free agent after this season. This works out well for everyone -- except the Packers. And this would serve as a little pay back for signing away Reggie White all those years ago.