Friday, April 29, 2011

Eagles Select Danny Watkins in the First Round

It comes as little surprise that the Eagles selected an offensive lineman with the 23rd overall pick in last night's first round of the 2011 NFL draft, but who they selected does raise a few questions.

When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that Philadelphia had selected Baylor guard Danny Watkins, it was not the name I was expecting with Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carmini and Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith still on the board. None the less it is a solid pick as the Birds definitely need some help on the right side of the offensive line.

Watkins is a bona fide road grader at 6-foot-4 and 312 pounds and should be able to step in as a starter right away. There is some concern with his age, as he will turn 27 later this year, but if things work out he could become a fixture at right guard for a number of years.

The next major area of need would be in the defensive secondary, which will most likely be addressed tonight in rounds two and three. The Eagles have nine more picks in the draft including two fourth and fifth-round picks and three in the seventh.

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