Grading the Philadelphia Eagles 2011 NFL Draft Picks

The 2011 NFL Draft is now a thing of the past and each pick for all 32 teams are now in the history books, even though they can’t be signed just yet. That’s because the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted the NFL an immediate temporary stay on an injunction and reinstated the lifted lockout.

Still, the draft went on and the Eagles walked away with a total of 11 draft picks in all through the three day event. The initial reactions are over with and now we can begin to truly grade the individual picks. I will say that it is far to early to actually grade this draft without the players stepping on to the NFL stage yet. But a day after grade is never out of the question so with that let’s begin to break down each pick and offer a grade on each.

The one thing I am not taking in to consideration when grading the draft is my personal opinion (as much as possible) of what position should have been drafted. I am strictly looking at the talent in the player compared to the pick invested in him

OG Danny Watkins – 1st Rd

Entering the draft the Philadelphia Eagles had two primary needs, somehow acquire talented defensive back and offensive lineman. Head Coach Andy Reid and co. utilized No. 23rd pick overall in the 2011 draft and selected Baylor product OG Danny Watkins. Some may think that at age 26, and that he only has a total of four years football experience, Watkins might have been a bit of a reach to invest a first round pick on. But Andy Reid explained during an interview that Watkins isn’t 26 and beat up, he’s a 26 year old athlete that is as fresh as a rookie. What the Eagles won’t have to deal with is a certain level of immaturity that often comes from football players, especially first round picks.

Even though the Eagles didn’t go the direction I hoped they would in the first round and take a cornerback, the pick up of Watkins will pay dividends in the long run. He’ll serve as a dedicated warrior to QB Michael Vick and is expected to open gaping holes for both RB LeSean McCoy and Vick.

Watkins is solid in pass and rush protection, but age has to be taken in to consideration when applying a grade. Do I think Watkins is going to be a phenomenal player in this league, YES! But at age 26 how long does he have to play before the everyday grind of the NFL starts taking a toll? Even if you take great care of your body, it still tends to take longer to heal from injuries than younger players.

Time will tell if his age is a factor but if it does scream one thing, it’s that Andy Reid wants to win and win now!

GRADE: B+



DB Jaiquawn Jarrett – 2nd Rd.

Jarrett was an extremely productive at the safety position at the college level, but he may lack the size and speed to make an impact at the next level. He’s a four-year starter that doesn’t shy away from contact in run support and breaks down ball carriers in the open field. In terms of his pass defense, he uses very good recognition skills to effectively cover the defensive backfield despite having less than ideal speed.

It remains unclear if his toughness and instinctual advantages can make up for his size and speed deficiencies in the NFL, but he come to Philadelphia with a great attitude and work ethic.

Jarrett doesn’t lack athleticism, that much we know. But this is a player that most anticipated to be available in the middle part of the draft and some agree that taking him in the second is a bit of a stretch.

GRADE: B-



CB Curtis Marsh - 3rd Rd.

The Eagles take another athletic defensive back in the third round with the addition of Curtis Marsh. He is a talented press corner with the size and speed (6’1, 197 lbs.) to run with quicker, bigger, receivers along the edge. His evolving instincts make him an intriguing selection. While I don’t think he’s the compliment to Asante Samuel the Eagles so desperately need, Marsh should compete with veteran Joselio Jansen and 2010 fourth round pick Trevard Lindley for time as a nickel or dime corner in his rookie season with the Eagles.

Jarrett was a projected late third to mid fourth round pick who is considered another stretch of the Eagles in this year’s draft. So it’s safe to say the Eagles didn’t get a steal from a projection standpoint. Everybody likes the potential that Marsh has, and he has a very bright future in this league.

However, the Eagles should have found Samuel’s compliment in the event a certain free agency signing doesn’t happen.

GRADE: C+



LB Casey Matthews – 4th Rd.

Well Philadelphia fans, the Eagles landed the guy who has been on the minds of so many over the past few months. Oregon product LB Casey Matthews claims he wants to make his own name in this league, but there is no denying that Eagle fans want an exact replica of what his older brother Clay Matthews brings to the Packers defense.

In Matthews the Eagles nabbed an instinctive middle linebacker who has an outstanding feel for the game in the fourth round, a great value. He has a habit of not only locating, but also getting to the ball also. His vision and instinctive play ability will make it hard to keep him out of the Eagles starting lineup, most likely at the weak-side position.

A true student of the game, Eagles fans should expect a high performer and quick learner! From the bloodline he stems from and having to only invest a fourth round pick, Mattews was a great pick in the middle rounds of the draft!

GRADE: A-



K Alex Henery – 4th Rd.

Is investing a mid-round pick on a kicker a wise decision? Some of you will say no and while I can definitely understand if you are frustrated about this selection, I remind you that there has to be something the Eagles front office knows that we fans don’t. It is widely speculated that with the selection of Alex Henery that the days of the reliable David Akers will be enshrined in Eagles history.

While it’s fair to think that way, i’m thinking more outside the box and wondering if Eagles head coach Andy Reid and Akers sat down after the 2010 officially ended and he (Akers) offered a resignation. After his daughter needed immediate surgury to remove a malignant tumor, he may have said it best after the loss to the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 playoffs—”It was a good run“!

For this pick i’m going to offer two grades. One grade for if Henery is Akers replacement and the other if he isn’t with a short explanation of my grade!

GRADE (if Akers replacement): A - If David Akers has kicked his last field goal for Philadelphia then there isn’t any reason to delve in to this pick. Henery has a monster leg, is accurate, and is very clutch is extremely key moments! I almost forgot to mention that he also is an accomplished punter at the college level.

GRADE (if he doesn’t replace Akers): D- - If Akers sticks around for another season or two then this was a wasted pick that could have been used on another position, like defensive tackle. But I still won’t give the pick an “F” because I am under the assumption that if Akers isn’t quite finished, he will be soon. It never hurts to look to the future a little bit and grab a very sound player!



RB Dion Lewis – 5th Rd.

Is anybody else really excited about the potential Dion Lewis brings to the table? A former teammate with Eagles starting RB LeSean McCoy, the front office has decided to reunite the two after Lewis very productive 2010 season.

Lewis is a crafty runner who is shifty and can break ankles with his quickness. He is extremely effective between the tackles and gives the Eagles another contributor in their stable of running backs. He’ll probably find a home as a change-of-pace back up to McCoy, but still needs to develop as a receiver out of the backfield and pass blocker in order to be relied upon on third downs.

His most likely serve as the teams kick and punt return specialist with his ability to quickly change direction without losing a step.

GRADE: B



OL Julian Vandervelde – 5th Rd.

Iowa product Julian Vandervelde gives the Eagles a big, physical interior lineman to work into the rotation. He will likely come to Philadelphia to compete for a backup position at one of the Eagles’ guard spots. Vandervelde possesses the smarts, nimbleness and intangibles to make it in theNFL. When he plays with fundementally sound technique, he looks like a guy who could become a starter for a zone-blocking organization.

He has as a quick set, uses his hands well and can move laterally in pass protection but does tend to give up some ground which results in him getting caught turning his shoulders. Vandervelde does display enough ability to get movement in the running game by staying low, and displays enough overall strength to continue driving his defender to the second level.

Julian will need to work closely with new offensive line coach Howard Mudd in order to develop on-field awareness to become elite in this area. He’s an extremely coachable player and Mudd should be able to hone in on his (Vandervelde) strengths and use them to both of their advantage.

GRADE: C



OL Jason Kelce – 6th Rd.

The Eagles continued their 2011 draft trend and selected yet another offensive lineman Jason Kelce out of Cincinnati in the sixth round, giving them a total of three. Kelce has enough ability to play center, but there are questions about being able to protect the quarterback at the NFL level.

At 6’3, 280 lbs. Kelce is an undersized lineman who lacks both size and power to sustain his blocks long enough for the quarterback to read all of his options. He does do a good job at getting his feet set and has enough mobility to move laterally but is going to struggle early with pass rushers who have an array of moves at their disposal. Kelce also needs to work on being able to locate his man once the play reaches the second level.

As a projected late seventh round pick or even an undrafted free agent, Kelce will serve primarily on special teams or on the reserve team. But with the help of Howard Mudd he should learn a great wealth of knowledge that could eventually benefit the Eagles.

GRADE: D+



LB Brian Rolle – 6th Rd.

Cousin of division rival New York Giants DB Antrel Rolle, Rolle’s lacks the size to become a starting linebacker or the athleticism for a potential move to safety. However, he does possess sufficient enough range, power, and the necessary mentality to contribute as a backup as well as on special teams.

Has just average range against the run and is willing to take on blockers but isn’t a true sideline-to-sideline guy and displays an inability to effectively shed blocks. He has also shown that he can bedominated or over powered by stronger defensive lineman.

Rolle does display the ability to drop into zone coverage and read a quarterback’s eyes but lacks height and quickness in man coverage. Reminds me of a Joe Mays type player.

GRADE: D-



LB Greg Lloyd – 7th Rd.

A defensive end in college likely to be converted to linebacker in the NFL, Lloyd should give Eagles fans some excitement out of a seventh round pick. The son of the same five time Pro Bowler who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers back in the 80′s and 90′s Greg Lloyd (Sr.). Not many are expecting Jr. to be the same caliber player his father turned out to be. But being a blood relative of a former player in the league who had as much success as Sr. did, the potential is always there.

Lloyd has some limitations to his game and an injury history but could emerge as an effective two-down, between the tackles middle linebacker at the next level. He’ll make his money with good instincts, awareness, a nose for the football and the physicality to play downhill and fill in the running game. He probably won’t see a ton of action on third down or passing situations.

He’ll have to really focus on detailing his skills in man coverage, his range in zone defense, and his burst to really apply pressure on the quarterback on a more consistent basis.

I’ll give him a C- for his bloodline alone but beyond that Lloyd will have to prove he’s worth keeping around once training camp comes under way. His best bet is to become a special teams ace and open the coaches eyes, create turnovers on special teams.

GRADE: C-



FB Stanley Havilli – 7th Rd.

Last pick of the Philadelphia Eagles 2011 NFL Draft, and with it they take USC fullback Stanley Havilli.

Havili is a extrodinary fullback prospect that also poses as a matchup problem as a receiver coming out of the backfield. He runs well for a bigger back having a nice blend of speed and strength to manuever his way through the tackles. Quite possibly his best attributes are his physical nature and advanced route running abilities who has with very strong hands. He has the athleticism to split out wide, shows good explosion off the line and has enough of a wiggle to be a threat after the catch.

In terms of concerns surrounding Havilli, he does not have the strength and lacks desire to be a lead blocker which is crucial to any fullback in the NFL. Maybe getting him teamed up with Eagles pro bowl fullback Leonard Weaver will provide enough encouragement to take on the required duties of the position.

Still, Havilli could be a great threat during situational play or on third and down as a receiving option in the Eagles pass happy offense.

GRADE: C

Head on over to BleedingEagleGreen.comto get my final post-draft grade  as well as ESPN Mel Kiper's grade for the Eagles.