The Eagles finally made a trade for a player today, but it wasn’t for a Boldin or an Edwards. The Birds picked up former Patriot CB Ellis Hobbs in exchange for two fifth round picks.
Hobbs finished with 3 interceptions last season, and is still young (only 25 years old.) He could potentially replace Sheldon Brown if he is indeed moved, or serve as a nickelback, but with Joselio Hansen seemingly slated for that role this move makes it much more likely that Brown is dumped before the start of camp.
Here’s what one of my good friends Jonathan Stallsmith, a die-hard Pats fan, had to say about Hobbs:
“Ellis Hobbs is a good player for a nickel or dime back…I’d say two fifth round picks is a fair price. Much better than Cassel and Vrabel for Patrick Chung!”
The MO on Hobbs is that he is a solid player, but struggled as a starter. It should be interesting to see how he adjusts to playing on the Eagles D, and considering he hasn’t even reached his prime yet this is a good risk/reward move for them. Worst case you gave up two low picks to take a chance on a player who could take his game to the next level, best case the Eagles just gave up chump change for a new starting-caliber corner/punt returner.
Now on to the Day 1 Draft Review for the NFC East, starting with the Eagles.
EAGLES DAY 1 PICKS
Rd 1 #19 – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
At first I was pretty dissappointed with this pick. Knowshon Moreno was taken off the board by Denver at #12, but I still felt there were other players available (Brandon Pettigrew) who fit more desperate areas of need for the Birds. Once I had some time to think it through though I realized that Maclin was projected by just about everyone to be a top 10/top 15 pick and to get him at #19 was a terrific value pick. Maclin has excellent quickness, reliable hands, and can serve as a kick returner to take some of the load off Desean. I really see Jackson/Maclin evolving into one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the NFL over the next few seasons.
The only issue I take with this pick is the fact that it all but eliminates the Eagles from acquiring Boldin or Edwards. While either of those two guys could contribute at an elite level right away, Maclin will most likely need a bit of time to develop. Considering Donovan only has a couple good years left I feel like it would have made more sense to go after a more establish receiver instead of relying on grooming one from the draft. That being said Maclin will cost the Eagles a lot less than either of those other guys, so they can invest that money in other areas.
***Quick change of topic*** Is there a bigger moron/douchebag in the NFL than Broncos coach Josh McDaniels right now? The guy runs his star QB out of town and replaces him with KYLE ORTON. Then he goes on a runningback signing spree picking up Correll Buckhalter, JJ Arrington, and Lamont Jordan, but that of course doesn’t stop him from taking the runningback the Eagles had their eye on in the first round. First Bucky, then B-Dawk, and now this. Kiss my ass McDaniels. That’s ok though, you’ll inevitably end up humiliating yourself and getting fired in a year or two anyway.
Rd. 2 #53 – LeSean McCoy, RB, PITT
The Eagles had to be thrilled that McCoy dropped to them after Moreno went to Denver. LeSean has excellent vision and speed, and even more importantly excels at catching the ball out of the backfield. Seriously, read this guy’s scouting report and tell me it doesn’t sound like he is a younger, less-developed version of Brian Westbrook. If he can bulk up a bit over the next couple seasons McCoy should be able to take over once Westy’s time here is done. Excellent pick.
GIANTS DAY 1 PICKS
Rd 1 #29 – Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC, Rd 2 #45 – Clint Sintim, OLB, UVA Rd 2 #60 – William Beatty, OT, UCONN
Nicks is a solid receiver who won’t beat you with his speed but can battle for the ball. Not a guy I was particularly high on, but obviously they needed help at receiver and Nicks will be relied on right away. Sintim was a productive player and a team leader at UVA, but he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed (only scored a 17 on the Wonderlic). Makes you wonder how he’ll adjust to having to learn an NFL defense. He’s an excellent pass rusher but is lacking in coverage. Beatty was projected to go as high as the late first round but dropped to here. An above-average tackle but certainly not an elite prospect by any means.
Coming into the draft receiver and linebacker were two serious needs for the team, and they addressed them with their first two picks. Whether Nicks and Sintim can take their games to the next level is another matter entirely.
COWBOYS DAY 1 PICKS
They had none. They traded their first rounder to Detroit for Roy Williams and traded their second-rounder to Buffalo for a third and fourth round pick on draft day. Guess Jerry didn’t feel like working on a Saturday, eh?
REDSKINS DAY 1 PICK
Rd 1 #13 – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
The Skins only had one Day 1 pick but boy did they make it count. Orakpo was an elite pass rusher at Texas and should be able to start right away in Washington. Paring him with Albert Haynesworth on that defensive line is going to make life that much tougher for the trest of the NFC East. The only real knock on Orakpo is that he has gone through quite a few injuries throughout his time at Texas, but if he can stay healthy he will be a difference maker for the Skins. They really needed an end too considering how old their starters were last season.
