Round 1, No. 2: North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz
The franchise Quarterback has been selected. Standing at 6’5 and weighing in at 240 pounds, Wentz is a physical specimen. However, the most valuable thing Wentz possesses is his mind. He has a great football IQ. That is something every good quarterback needs to have to be successful. Everyone knew that Carson Wentz was going to be an Eagle, even before draft day. However, now that it is official, the feeling has been overwhelmingly positive. He has all the traits of a franchise QB. He has the mind and passion for the game. Carson Wentz is also bringing a winning mentality to the team. He is a two time national champion. It is in his DNA, it is the way he’s wired.
“This is a special moment for a Division-1AA (FCS) player. There is precedent in Joe Flacco, who came out of Delaware. Wentz is the No. 1 player on my board, so while I understand and believe that Goff is more ready to play today, but Wentz will be a player in five years” -Mike Mayock
Round 3, No. 79: Oregon State OG Isaac Seumalo
Some people were not too fond of this pick. However, I believe he will be a great player in the future. I do believe he will come into this team and have a serious impact right away. He is a player who has played in all 5 positions on the offensive line. His is a Center right now, but has played a lot of guard as well. Right now Jason Kelce is our center, so that’s obviously not a position of need. I expect Seumalo to play guard for us and possibly start his rookie season. Even if he does not star,t he will be a huge help to the interior part of our offensive line.
“I think this kid can come in and compete and give us great depth at the spot. I do agree he could challenge for a starting job.” -Doug Pederson
Expect big things from Isaac Seumalo in Philadelphia. This was a good pick for this team. Our O-line was not too good by any stretch of the imagination last season. With the pick-ups in free agency and the addition of Isaac, I think we are in a much better place.
Round 5, No. 153: West Virginia RB Wendell Smallwood
Wendell Smallwood was another pick who was questioned. He has had some off-the-field incidents in the past. For example, he has been arrested for witness intimidation. He also had some tweets that generated some buzz. I am sure you are all aware of those tweets. But, lets forget that and talk about him on the field. On the field Wendell was the Big 12 leading rusher. He is a quick and dynamic running back. He fits our offense pretty perfectly. Right now our RB situation is not the best. We have an aging Darren Sproles, Ryan Mathews who cannot stay healthy and Kenjon Barner who hasn’t made any noise at the NFL level yet. Smallwood can make some noise in that group and get some serious reps in the regular season.
“The Big 12 rushing leader last season, Smallwood’s strong test numbers don’t quite translate to the field but he’s a well-rounded back with solid pass pro and receiving skills. Doug Pederson will find a way to get him in the rotation often next season.” –Mark Dulgerian
Round 5, No. 164: TCU OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Of course we would draft a player whose name is almost impossible to pronounce. All jokes aside, Halapoulivaati Vaitai is a force. He is a big boy standing at 6’6 and weighing 320 pounds. I do not think he will play right away. He will most likely be a brick in the fortress we are building for Carson Wentz. He will be a more developmental player.
“Big V helps upgrade a shaky offensive line unit. He lacks standout physical traits in the pass or run game but he’s assignment-oriented and a much needed investment for Carson Wentz’s security.” –Mark Dulgerian
You have to be patient with this particular player. He is one whose reward you will see in a few years from now. However, with his size and impressive athleticsm, he can be a solid offensive tackle in the National Football league.
Round 6, No. 196: Auburn CB/S Blake Countess
The Eagles do not know where they want to play him just yet. He can play both corner and safety. Where he will play to start is special teams. Blake Countess is a hitter. He can light some people up. He also possess really good speed. I expect him to have a big role on our special teams unit. After, is when the Eagles will find his true position.
“Countess has experience at CB, S, and nickel at Auburn. Philly can try him out at special teams then decide where they want him to compete going into the season”. –Mark Dulgerian
Round 7, No. 233: LSU CB/S Jalen Mills
This was a pick I got very excited for. He is listed as a safety, but I think he will play cornerback for us. He has nickel corner experience already. Mills can get that position as a rookie, and play at a high level. Here is what one scout had to say:
“Four-year starter from deep, talented conference. Has slot cover ability. Hips are loose and he’s able to open and mirror receivers from press. Uses crisp, controlled footwork out of his transitions. Locates the deep pass and can turn to make plays on the ball. Very aware from zone and handles his responsibilities without many busts. Good blitzer from the slot.”
The reason he slid so far in the draft is of course off the field issues. He was arrested for a second-degree battery of a woman in the summer of 2014 (the charges were eventually reduced to a misdemeanor and he was assigned to a diversion program). He also has recently had a broken fibula and had ligament damage in his ankle. Put that all aside he has the potential to be the steal of this draft. Like I said, I expect him to start nickel corner for us right away and play at a high level.
Round 7, No. 240: Florida DE Alex McAlister
Another very talented player, but again with off-the-field issues. He was dismissed from his team this season which caused him to declare for the draft early. That red flag alone is why he fell to the Eagles. However, he still is a very talented player. The Eagles can also use depth at the DE position. This move is a risk for our team. Hopefully he can grow up a little and stop the off the field stuff. If he can he does have a future with this organization.
“McCalister has a wide receiver frame and some off-field red flags but at this point in the draft you take a chance on athletes with his length and SEC experience.”–Mark Dulgerian
Round 7, No. 251: Oregon ILB Joe Walker
Here is what scouts had to say about Joe Walker:
“Surprised some NFL scouts with solid workout at his pro day. Adequate play speed on tape. Uses hands well to punch and shift around blockers to stay clean. Square scraper with good lateral agility and quickness to flow to outside with run play. Plays under control. Productive tackler who rarely takes shortcuts and plays his role. Gets good depth in his drops has some cover ability in space.”
To be honest I did not know a lot about this particular player. From what I have heard and what I now think, this player will have an impact on special teams. Hopefully he can develop into a 3 down linebacker for the future. With our linebacker rotation all set for this season, I do not see him fighting for a major role. For now he will contribute on special teams.
When it is all said and done I think the Eagles had a pretty good draft. It is all dependent on the success of Quarterback Carson Wentz. I believe he is our franchise guy, but if for some reason he fails, then this draft is a bust. I think we added good players who will develop with him too. The Offensive linemen we added are bricks to the fortress being made for Carson Wentz. Like I said before, I think the picks Mills and Smallwood were great. For now it is hard to grade this draft because it all relies on Carson Wentz.
That being said, I grade this draft a B.
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