Try NFL Sport Channel Seach:
Selected searches:
NFL Football Players Draft Injuries Rookies Season Superbowl
Items by
Donovan McNabb Under Pressure: No. 5’s Time to Shine
Published: April 27, 2009
No Comments
McNabb spoke, and apparently the Philadelphia Eagles’ front office listened. Between the actions taken by the organization earlier in the offseason and during this past weekend’s draft, Donovan’s call for more weapons has been answered.
The only matter of importance that remains is the quarterback’s performance on the field in 2009.
Left tackle Tra Thomas has departed the team, leaving a hole in the protection of McNabb’s blind side. The Eagles countered with the acquisition of Jason Peters from Buffalo.
And with the Andrews brothers anchoring the right side of the offensive line, this unit appears to be one of the best in the league today. You can go ahead and scratch “adequate protection” off of the wish list.
Prior to the draft, the consensus first round selection was Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno, but on Saturday he was off the board sooner than expected.
Surely a patented Andy Reid draft day disappointment was in the offing.
Wrong.
Thank the Oakland Raiders for shaking things up with their selection of Darrius Heyward-Bey over Michael Crabtree. It appears that the senility of Al Davis has worked in Eagles fans’ favor.
The Raiders’ unexpected selection allowed Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin to fall down the board. Surely the Eagles, the team that avoids first-round wide receivers like the plague, would pass on such a talent like Maclin.
Wrong again; that’s oh-for-two.
But soon came the challenge of drafting a suitable complement to the soon-to-be 30-year-old Brian Westbrook.
Donald Brown and Chris “Beanie” Wells were off of the board before the first round came to a close, and we all thought the Eagles couldn’t make it happen in the second round. Surely Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy would be snatched in the first twenty picks of Round Two.
Wrong yet again; that’s three in a row!
This Eagles organization has entered a new age; they are finally getting younger.
At the end of 2008, McNabb gave the front office an ultimatum: Give me weapons or get me out. His wish has now been granted, so the pressure is on him to perform and live up to the Lombardi trophy expectations.
If not, this fresh era will continue under the younger Kevin Kolb’s leadership.
As coach Andy Reid so famously puts it at every press conference:
Donovan, time’s yours.
Mock 2009 NFL Draft: Picks 21-32
Published: April 23, 2009
No Comments
21. Philadelphia Eagles—RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Philadelphia is looking to trade up to ensure they select Moreno, who is reportedly at the top of their draft board. New Orleans is looking to trade down from 14. Look for Philadelphia to be a potential trade partner to make the Moreno selection a reality. The Eagles need a running back who can take the load off of an overworked Brian Westbrook and eventually replace Westbrook in three to four years. Moreno’s the guy.
22. Minnesota Vikings—OT Eben Britton, Arizona
Minnesota needs an upgrade over Ryan Cook, who has struggled mightily. Britton could be a bit of reach here, but a definite upgrade on either side of the line.
23. New England Patriots—LB Brian Cushing, USC
A tough and physical player. Bellichick could utilize him in his 3-4 defense.
24. Atlanta Falcons—TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma
After further review after the Gonzalez trade, I will stick with Pettigrew to Atlanta. UConn running back Donald Brown is another very good option, but given that Gonzalez may call it a career after the 2009 season. Pettigrew could learn a lot with a season learning under one of the game’s greatest.
25. Miami Dolphins—CB Vontae Davis, Illinois
Despite his character flaws, Miami can’t pass on Davis. Hopefully the influence of someone like Bill Parcells can help turn him around.
26. Baltimore Ravens—WR Kenny Britt, Rutgers
Baltimore is reportedly in the hunt for Anquan Boldin, but the price may be too high for them to afford. Expect them to take the safe route with Britt.
27. Indianapolis Colts—DT Evander Hood
Indianapolis sorely needs defensive tackles to take the pressure off of edge rushers like Dwight Freeney.
28. Buffalo Bills—LB Larry English, Northern Illinois
Buffalo needs help after parting with offensive tackle Jason Peters, but can’t pass on shoring up their defense with English.
29. New York Giants—WR Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
The Giants may miss out on acquiring Braylon Edwards from Cleveland. Nicks is a tremendous talent with size and strength. He could prove to be the steal of the first round.
30. Tennessee Titans—LB Clay Matthews, USC
The third of the USC trio finally comes off of the board. Strong possibility James Laurinatis gets plucked here, but Tennessee will go with the safer bet in Matthews.
31. Arizona Cardinals—RB Donald Brown, UCONN
Arizona cannot depend on Tim Hightower and Edgerrin James to carry their otherwise lackluster running game. Brown, the country’s leading rusher, will make a great impact on this offense.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers—C Alex Mack, California
Two things Pittsburgh Steeler football is known for, fierce defense and punishing offensive linemen. Pittsburgh does not have alot to improve on as defending Super Bowl champions. It does not hurt to have depth in a 6’4″, 311 pound center like Mack.
