The experts have weighed in, and the consensus is that the Eagles fared well in the 2009 draft. In fact, according to a consensus of experts put together by ESPN.com, the Eagles had the best draft of any team. While we really can't tell anything about a draft until 3 or 4 years down the road, it's nice to know the initial results are positive. Here is just a sampling of what some experts are saying about the Eagles draft:
Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com: A+
If you count adding left tackle Jason Peters and corner Ellis Hobbs, they had an amazing week.
Mel Kiper, ESPN: B-
Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was a good pick, but he needs to work on his route running to be a consistent threat in the NFL. Running back LeSean McCoy was a good selection in the second round and so was tight end Cornelius Ingram in the fifth round. The fifth round was a good round for the Eagles, who also picked up cornerback Victor Harris and offensive tackle Fenuki Tupou.
John Czarnecki, Fox Sports: A
When rating this draft, start by remembering the Eagles used a first-round pick for Buffalo offensive tackle Jason Peters, who has Pro Bowl talent. Peters will team with ex-Bengal Stacy Andrews to give Donovan McNabb two new protectors on the outside. Then, the Eagles lucked into Missouri receiver Jeremy Maclin, who was rated No. 1 at his position on 18 teams' draft boards. Then in the second round, Pitt running back LeSean McCoy was another steal with 53rd overall pick. McCoy will give Brian Westbrook a breather this season. Virginia Tech cornerback Victor Harris has only 4.6 speed, but he should be a core special-teams player. Harris did have 15 interceptions. You have to like the trade with New England in order to land cornerback Ellis Hobbs, who gives the Eagles some added depth in case they ever deal unhappy starter Sheldon Brown. Florida TE Cornelius Ingram could be a steal if his knee is OK.
Clifton Brown, Sporting News: A
Their offense has become more dangerous. Jeremy Maclin is a threat as a receiver and a returner. Running back LeSean McCoy can make people miss and can catch the football. Tight end Cornelius Ingram fits their system as a receiver. And they traded Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters before the draft.
Charles Robinson, Yahoo Sports: B-
Maclin should be another instant impact guy, like DeSean Jackson was last season. McCoy doesn’t have elite speed, but he can make defenders miss and could develop into an NFL starter. Ingram will be a liability in run-blocking. After Maclin and McCoy, there may not be many future starters.
For my full run-down of the Eagles draft, click here.
I give the Eagles an A, by the way, simply because they got a ton of value with every pick and when you count the acquisitions of Jason Peters and Ellis Hobbs in with the draft, I don't think you could ask for anything more.
How do you grade the Eagles draft? Vote in the poll on the left!
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