Philadelphia Eagles Draft Predictions

Featured Blogger: Scott Tunstall from Inside the Iggles

I’m opening myself up to severe criticism, but I don’t mind. Why any writer, reporter or blogger even bothers to forecast what the Eagles will do draft weekend is a mystery. It really is a futile task. Only a select few members of the front office hold the key to the Birds’ draft treasure chest. Andy Reid and his cohorts excel at keeping their cards close to their vests.

This simple fact won’t prevent countless pundits, experts and fans from donning their homemade GM caps and predicting how the chips may fall for our beloved Birds. Well, I’m wearing my homemade hat (it’s green, of course) and am fully prepared to tell everyone exactly what will occur this weekend. Along with a fellow Eagles pal, we have concocted a crazy draft day script that goes something like this:

Pick #21 – Knowshon Moreno is already gone. The Titans call Reid. They are in love with Connecticut cornerback Darius Butler. Not only is he a terrific playmaker in the secondary, but he’s also a great return man. The Titans need both. Jeff Fisher is afraid the Patriots might grab Butler at 23. Tennessee and Philly agree to a trade. The Birds get the #30 overall pick and the Titans’ second-round choice (#62), while Tennessee receives pick #21 and one of the Eagles fifth-round selections (#153).

Pick #30 – Eagles take Connecticut running back Donald Brown. The versatile, hard-working back fits the West Coast system perfectly. The Birds get their much-needed runner and an additional second rounder from the deal with the Titans.

Pick # 53 – Eagles take South Carolina tight end Jared Cook. The need for a big receiver will be offset by Cook’s arrival. Tall and fast, Cook is a legit downfield threat who will complement the steady Brent Celek extremely well.

Pick # 62 (from Tennessee) – Eagles take Vanderbilt cornerback D.J. Moore. Another corner was needed even prior to Sheldon Brown’s recent bellyaching. Moore has a knack for the big play and possesses the burst to run with speed receivers. He’s not big (5’9″, 185), but he supports the run well and has excellent ball skills.

Pick #85 – Eagles take Penn State wide receiver Derrick Williams. Williams brings versatility and toughness to the position. He can operate over the middle and stretch the field. His skills as a return man add value to this selection. With DeSean Jackson expected to adopt the #1 receiver role, Williams can step in immediately and take over punt return duties.

I’d go into the fifth and sixth rounds, but I have no idea who would be available. Although, an offensive tackle, safety and linebacker could very well come off the board.

As for me and my buddy’s wild prognostications, we both anticipate nothing remotely close will take place. Offense with three of the first four picks? No way Reid follows that path. At any rate, we had fun tossing around different projections. One did involve Darrius Heyward-Bey going at 21, which I’m sure would please the receiver-hungry portion of Eagles Nation. I just can’t see them taking a receiver high two straight years.