The three-day extravaganza that is the NFL Draft begins tonight. I follow Philly beat writers to figure out who they want the Birds to draft (assuming the Eagles stick with the 22nd pick). I’ll be honest and say I’ve watched exactly zero seconds of Draft coverage on ESPN, and I’m mighty proud of that. That’s not to say I haven’t been paying attention to prospects. This draft has some really talented guys, and football clubs across the National Football League will be better after this weekend. I’m always in favor of teams trading down. I think it’s idiotic to trade up, no matter what your situation is. Remember the Falcons trading up for Julio Jones? They gave up valuable draft picks that could have helped that putrid defense. One player does not make a team (because that guy could get hurt just like Jones did this year), but you’ll see idiotic GMs tonight trading seven picks (including a couple first rounders) for a top pick. Oh, well. There’s four players who I really want the Eagles to draft. Unfortunately, they can’t draft all of them, but they should be able to draft at least one. Obviously what happens before the Birds pick will factor in who they can select, but there’s way more than 22 solid football players in this draft, meaning the Eagles will introduce a good, young new player. Brandin Cooks, Bradley Roby, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Kyle Fuller. Cooks would make this Eagles offense even more dynamic. I’m a firm believer in chemistry. It’s a reason why the Birds cut DeSean Jackson. He didn’t gel with his teammates. The defense has been built primary through free agency or trades, but they’ve spent a year together now, and will only grow better together. I don’t think Roby, Clinton-Dix or Fuller would hurt that chemistry at all, which is why I’m fine with the Eagles going that direction. Safety is arguably the Eagles biggest need. It’s much bigger than cornerback. Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher and Brandon Boykin are capable corners. Roby would provide toughness at corner. Fuller, on the other hand, can play multiple defensive back positions. Fuller has the versatility and physicality you want in a defensive back. The Eagles might be better off drafting a safety later on in the draft since Clinton-Dix might not be available at 22. I don’t want the Birds losing another draft pick since they have six total. This draft is deep at plenty positions, specifically wide out. Cooks, in my opinion, is too much of an impact player to not draft if he’s available at 22. If Cooks is drafted before 22, I want Roby or Fuller. Enjoy the draft!
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