In last year’s NFL Draft, the Eagles traded out of the first round and selected QB of the future Kevin Kolb with the 36th overall pick, leaving many fans underwhelmed. What would they do in 2008? Trade out of the first round to take a DT, leaving many fans underwhelmed. Hey, at least they’re consistent.

Evaluating the NFL draft past, say, the 20th pick is like trying to handicap a middle school frog race. And to say I heard of half these guys before the draft would be a flat out lie, so I’ll give you the first three rounds!

Round 2
DT Trevor Laws, Notre Dame (47th Overall)
Laws led the Irish with 112 tackles as a senior, 8 for a loss. At 6'1", 304 he’s too undersized to be a run stuffer, but his strength (35 reps at the combine) and quickness allow him to get penetration. Because of a high motor, he’s around the ball constantly. He’ll work into a rotation with first round draft choices Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley.

WR DeSean Jackson, Cal (49th Overall)
A pick that fans can get excited about. This choice clearly addresses a need: wide receiver and punt return. Blazing speed (4.35 at the combine) and elusiveness make Jackson a first round pick, but lack of size (5'10", 170) make scouts wonder if he can take the punishment of an NFL season. He’s been compared to Steve Smith and Santana Moss; I’ll take that.

Round 3
DE Bryan Smith, McNeese State (80TH Overall)
Another 3rd round, small program, undersized DE in the mold of Chris Gocong. At 231 lbs Smith will have a tough time as a NFL defensive end. His speed and size dictate a move to outside linebacker.

The most surprising moves of the Eagles draft were moves that never happened. We’ve heard rumblings that Chad Johnson, Roy Williams and Anquan Boldin were going to be traded for weeks now, and the Eagles were contenders. Well, all three remain on their respective teams, and the birds are left with Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis. Lito Sheppard was given his ticket out of town when the team signed Asante Samuel at the start of free agency, but yet remains an Eagle. With the draft over, teams are offering 2009 picks for the pro-bowl corner, something the Eagles don’t need. Philadelphia needs help now, but it doesn’t look like those offers are on the table.

Image Credit: Flickr user law_keven