With the 23rd pick of the 2011 NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select Danny Watkins, guard out of Baylor University. Along with many other Eagles fans, I myself was pulling my hair out.
Who the hell is this guy? He's 26 years old! What the hell are we doing? Were all questions on my Twitter feed coming out of Eagles fan's mouths.
Clearly, with Jimmy Smith still available, arguably the most talented corner in the draft (minus the off-field issues), Eagles fans all over the country were questioning the decision to take Watkins.
First of all in defense of the Eagles pick, this helps protect the blindside of Michael Vick, which was a huge problem last season.
Between injuries and inconsistency, the right side of the Eagles line was a huge hole in their weapon heavy offense last season.
Also, Watkins can step in right away and start, and despite his age he has only been playing football for four years. With this being said, he has experienced less wear and tear than most offensive lineman coming into this draft.
But, this was not the main reason the Eagles passed on Jimmy Smith. Behind Darrelle Revis arguably the best cornerback in the league, Nnamdi Asomugha will be a free agent barring the end of the lockout (again).
ESPN Insider Adam Schefter tweeted he thinks Asomugha will land in the NFC East, as do many other experts. He also reported that the Eagles are one of six front-runners to land Asomugha.
With cornerback being a huge need for the Eagles, there is no reason they would pass up on Jimmy Smith other than if they knew they can sign Asomugha or another quality cornerback.
The Eagles have a lot of money to spend, and signing Asomugha would make them an instant Super Bowl favorite.
Also on a closing note, I would like to express how mad I am at the NFL. The one year the Eagles have a piece to trade in the draft (Kevin Kolb) to possibly draft a star prospect, they cannot trade because of the labor situation.
Just Philly sports luck, right?
2 comments:
Now it all makes sense, Drew. I was wondering the same thing! Eagles are still sick without Asomugha.
Rumors have it that Asomugha will go the WASHINTON!
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