Eagle's Draft Update- April 23rd

With the draft less than 48 hours away it is crunch time for the Eagles' war room as the phone calls are coming and going at a fever pitch. Andy Reid and gang are trying to finalize their strategy for the ten picks they have in this weekend's draft.

Over the past few weeks we have taken a look at a number of scenarios the Eagles might entertain primarily with their two 1st round picks. Last week I went so far as to predict them trading up to draft one of the top offensive tackles available. Less than 24 hours later, they proved me wrong by using one of their first round picks(the 28th overall)along with a 4th round pick this year and a 6th round pick next year to trade for Buffalo OT Jason Peters. I told you I do not have a personal line to Reid's office and this obviously proves it.

So with the hole at left tackle filled, what will the Bird's do with their other 1st round pick, the 21st overall? Popular opinion has them taking Georgia RB Knowshon Moreno. This would be a great pick as he could come in and help right away. Teamed with Brian Westbrook, the Eagles' offensive suddenly becomes a lot more balanced. The only problem with this scenario is Moreno may not last that long as his stock is on the rise. The Eagles may look to package some of their other picks to trade up if they want Moreno bad enough.

With TE Tony Gonzalez being traded to Atlanta, the Eagles may take a look at Oklahoma St TE Brandon Pettigrew if he is still available. They need a tight end, but may also wait to a later round to fill this need.

A third option would be to trade out of the first round all together, a strategy they have employed a few times before, if their man is not available when they go "on the clock."

Since I went out on a limb last week only to have it cut right off the tree, I am going to refrain from making any hard and fast predictions. I, like many fans would love to see Moreno in the Eagles' backfield next season in tandem with or as a change up to Brian Westbrook, but I'm not convinced they will be able to pull this one off. Anyway, come Saturday I'll be glued to the T.V. set with a cold one in hand to watch the action unfold. Tune in next week as we'll recap all the picks and grade the Bird's overall draft.