But there’s one guy on that list we probably should have included–Rutgers WR Mohamed Sanu. Sanu is only 6-2, 215-pounds, but is a physical receiver that can stretch the field and go the distance every time he touches the ball. He would provide an excellent compliment to Jeremy Maclin and create matchup nightmares for opposing secondaries.

Sanu leaves Rutgers after three seasons at Rutgers where he compiled 210 total catches for 2,263 yards and 12 touchdowns. His best season came in 2011, when he finished with 115 catches for 1,206 yards and seven scores. And he was a model of consistency, recording at least five catches in all but one game.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rates Sanu as the fourth best receiver in the draft and currently projects him as a late first round selection. Kiper writes:

Sanu is the type of guy who can stretch the field and be a huge threat…Sanu is hugely productive, creates space, has good speed and can contribute early.

The key here, obviously, is that he’s a guy who can contribute early. The Eagles need to win. And they need to win now which means that Jackson is still likely the best option–but keep an eye on Sanu, a guy the Eagles could trade back into the first round to grab if needed.

Check out Sanu’s highlight reel after the jump. … [visit site to read more]

The Eagles will have a gaping hole at wide receiver in 2012 if they decide to let DeSean Jackson walk come March. This will be a hole they must fill. While potential free agents Dwayne Bowe and Vincent Jackson present possible targets, it’s more likely the team will address this need through the draft.

Upgrading internally is not an option if this team wants to make a legitimate run at a Super Bowl in 2012. And it had better be looking to do so.

Jason Avant is an underrated slot receiver on this team, but simply doesn’t possess the ability to be a true second option. Riley Cooper had his moments in 2011, but isn’t a viable threat. So let’s take a look, in order of personal preference, who the Eagles should target in April’s NFL Draft.

Michael Floyd (Notre Dame) - The Eagles don’t have a prayer of landing Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon. However, if you watch the tape on Floyd, it’s obvious that he has the skills to be an above average receiver at the next level. He’s a big body which is something the Eagles’ current crop of receivers desperately lack. He’s quick, too. Given that he played with dreadful quarterbacks at Notre Dame, it’s astonishing he put up big numbers. With no true complimentary wideout to play along side of, no real running game to speak of, and a revolving door at QB, Floyd still managed to dominate even when teams knew he was the lone threat. With the Eagles having a short, inaccurate quarterback, it would serve them well to draft a guy like Floyd who can makes good adjustments to the football and makes the acrobatic look routine. … [visit site to read more]

Would it better to draft an absolute animal, a guy that plays with reckless abandon and actually looks like he may kill opposing players? Hell yes.

Yes.

Enter Vontaze Burfict, a guy who fits the profile of the versatile, nasty linebacker the Eagles so desperately need, but seem to go out of their way to avoid.

The 6-3, 250-pound Burfict was called “the meanest man in college football” last year by The Sporting News . And that’s exactly what this defense needs–a guy that tackles an opponent and makes him think twice before he gets back up.

Forget scheme. You want to know the biggest problem with the Eagles defense? It lacks balls. I never again want to see players like Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch spinning out of weak gang tackles by defenders who lack killer instinct.

Burfict would fix that problem.

Here’s an excerpt from that aforementioned SN story:

Here’s the best one of all: The toughest, meanest, nastiest player in the college game—the guy opponents fear and officials target, the guy once benched by his own coach because his violent makeup led to too many personal fouls—barely says two words away from his 53⅓-by-100-yard lined playground.

He is the ultimate enigma. A shy and reserved son who loves his mother and football and focuses on little else and a destructive, intimidating linebacker whose exploits have become so famous—or infamous, depending on how you see it—he has become a YouTube phenom.

Don’t believe it? Type Vontaze Burfict into the search field, and watch the ensuing carnage.

That’s what daddy likes.

Yeah, I know–you’re worried that he’s going to play out of control, draw stupid penalties, and play out position–kind of like Ernie Sims. But any coach worth a damn should be able to channel Burfict’s intensity and turn him into a force. Click after the jump to get an idea of what type of skills and attitude Burfict brings to the table. … [visit site to read more]