Five Guys the Eagles Might Draft

After pouring over piles of scouting reports and stacks of game tape (I have an NCAA connect), I’ve compiled my unscientific and most likely inaccurate list of players that would fit the Eagles. Everyone already knows the big names: Moreno, Pettigrew, Monroe, Brown, Hicks, etc. But most successful drafts are defined by the gentleman selected in rounds 4-7.

With this in mind, here’s five guys I think the Birds might (should) consider picking on the second day of the draft:

Brandon Tate – Hakeem Nicks is getting all the pub and deservedly so, but if it weren’t for Tate’s torn-up knee, Hicks’ senior season would not have been as productive. Through six games of the ’08 season, Tate had 16 catches for 376 yards and 3 touchdowns. That’s a gaudy average of 23.5 ypc. Tate could be this year’s Jack Ikegwuonu; a top-notch prospect who slides into the later rounds due to an injury. In addition to his vertical threat skills, Tate is an excellent return man. Watch his tape. The punt return at 2:40 is sick!

Marlon Lucky – Lucky’s 2007 season was as good as it gets. Playing in a true West Coast system he rushed for 1,019 yards, 9 TDs and caught 75 passes for 705 yards, 3 TDs. A coaching change in 2008 led to him being platooned with other runners. He has good size and speed and arguably the best hands of any back in the draft. His highlight tape is impressive. Lucky would make an ideal third-down back with starter potential. He’ll probably still be around in the 5th round.

Jared Bronson – Bronson reminds me of Brent Celek. A small-school guy who put up decent numbers. At 6’4″, 255, Bronson has the size to make it at the next level. His college days were hindered by multiple injuries which will cause him to slip, but he averaged 17.9 ypc as a senior and scored six touchdowns. Intriguing player who could be a late-round steal.

Lee Robinson – Steve McNair attended Alcorn State. So did Lee Robinson. A talented but raw linebacker, Robinson was a four-year starter who never missed a game. His numbers are impressive: 334 career tackles and 20.5 sacks. Robinson plays hard and fast, with excellent lateral pursuit. He’s the type of player who could rise from special teams performer to starter within three years. Here’s some practice tape.

Gregory Toler – Ever heard of St. Paul’s College? It’s a tiny school in Virgina. I didn’t know either. Toler is a tall, physical ball-hawking cornerback who could be a classic day 2 sleeper. Toler was a four-year starter who racked up 161 tackles, 38 passed defended and 14 interceptions. At 6’1″, 180, he would fill the need for a bigger corner.

Will the Eagles pick any of these guys? Probably not. Again, I don’t consider myself any sort of draft expert, but I do enjoy trying to guess what Reid and Co. might do. Sixteen days away. Tick… tick… tick.

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