Philadelphia Eagles Grade
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Philadelphia Eagles (A)
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(14) Brodrick Bunkley, DT. Florida State
(39) Winston Justice, OT. USC
(71) Chris Gocong, DE. California Polytechnic
(99) Max Jean-Gilles, OG. Georgia
(109) Jason Avant, WR. Michigan
(147) Jeremy Bloom, WR. Colorado
(168) Omar Gaither, OLB. Tennessee
(204) LaJuan Ramsey, DT. USC
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THe Philadelphia Eagles would have loved a chance at Ernie Sims in the first round. Having missed on him, Brodrick Bunkley had to be the next best thing in their minds. Darwin Walker and Hollis Thomas both underachieved at defensive tackle after losing Corey Simon. Bunkley gives the Eagles an impact player inside. Should Bunkley have not been available, Winston Justice was an option for the Eagles. They had to be pinching themselves when Justice managed to fall all the way into the second round when they were able to make a trade up for him. Considered by many to be a top ten prospect based on his athleticism, Justice's character concerns had to be a major issue with many teams. Regardless, he was a steal. Chris Gocong is an explosive pass rusher and Max Jean-Gilles is a day one talent that somehow managed to slip to the fourth round. Jason Avant gives Donovan McNabb a sure-handed target and Jeremy Bloom is a home-run threat both in the return game and the passing game. Omar Gaither is a steal at outside linebacker and LaJuan Ramsey is a pass-rushing specialist up the middle that can supply the Eagles a lot of depth. Both days of the draft were given top marks in my book.
(14) Brodrick Bunkley, DT. Florida State
Having lost a Pro Bowler in Corey Simon, the Eagles may have drafted one in brodrick Bunkley. At 6'3"/306, Bunkley has a cut physique, something rare in defensive tackle prospects. Bunkley's 4.94 speed is excellent, suggesting that he can continue his excellence as a pass rusher into the NFL. Bunkley is extremely strong and can plug the middle very well. He plays with good leverage to find his way into the offensive backfield often. No one can deny that Bunkley has all the measureables to be great. Needing defensive tackle help first and foremost, Bunkley not only fills a giant need, but he presented excellent value at #14.
(39) Winston Justice, OT. USC
The Eagles never could have imagined Winston Justice slip to them in the second round. Should Bunkley have been off the board, Justice would have likely been the Eagles pick in the first round. Justice is a physical freak at 6'6"/319. He has a 39" vertical and can run the 40-yard dash in under five seconds. He is a great blocker that protected the blind side of Matt Leinart at USC. He has the footwork and requisite athleticism to play left tackle while also possessing the size and strength to play on the right side. With Tra Thomas securing the left tackle spot on the Eagles' line, Justice would be the perfect candidate to step in at right tackle. Slightly inexperienced and a bit raw, Justice has some technique flaws. Nevertheless, he is an elite prospect that will give the Eagles just what they desire along the offensive front.
(71) Chris Gocong, DE. California Polytechnic
One of the top sleeper prospects in the draft, Chris Gocong is a productive college player who simply dominated the Division-II level. Having attended California Polytechnic for engineering, Gocong developed into an NFL-caliber athlete during his time at the university. He has a knack for getting into the backfield and will relentlessly pursue the quarterback. Having has experience at defensive tackle, Gocong knows how to use leverage to his advantage to fully utilize his power and strength. Gocong twice won the Buck Buchannon award given to the top defender in Division-II. While he lacks experience against elite competition, Gocong dominated the combine and has the mental makeup to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to have success in the NFL.
(99) Max Jean-Gilles, OG. Georgia
One of the top offensive guard prospects in the draft, it was very surprising to see Max Jean-Gilles last until day two. The Eagles were surprised by this as well, judging by them moving up in the round to grab him. At 6'4"/355, Jean-Gilles is a massive specimen that is virtually immoveable in the running game. He is extremely strong and can manhandle opponents at the point of attack. However, Jean Gilles also has very good feet, allowing him to have the quickness to be an excellent pass blocker as well. Tough and durable, Jean-Gilles was another excellent value pick for a team that needs help along the offensive front. Jean-Gilles will likely have a starting spot at right guard on opening day. To grab a player of his caliber in round four is truly spectacular for the Eagles.
(109) Jason Avant, WR. Michigan
Needing to grab a receiver to bolster the lackluster corp in Philly, Jason Avant is a very solid selection for day two. Avant is rather slow, clocking in at only 4.62, but he has very good hands and had a productive career in the Big Ten. At 6'1"/209, he has good size. He could excell in the NFL as a possession receiver. He is very polished as a route-runner and has the ability to go up and get the ball in the red zone. Donovan McNabb has a knack for making receivers look much better than they might otherwise, and Jason Avant is certainly a leading cadidate for this type of treatment. He is simply a football player that gets the job done. Needing someone sure-handed in the receiving game, the Eagles made another great selection here.
(147) Jeremy Bloom, WR. Colorado
While Jeremy Bloom is certainly a better downhill skier than he is a football player, Bloom is an excellent prospect as a return man. One only has to look at Tim Dwight, currently of the New England Patriots, to see someone whose game is very similar to Bloom's. Bloom has explosive speed and can take the ball the distance each and every time it falls into his hands. Very undersized at 5'9"/173, Bloom uses all-world agility, acceleration, and speed to make up for his diminutive build. Likely projecting only as a #4 or #5 option offensively, Bloom will make his biggest splash on special teams. But, Bloom can certainly change ames in this aspect of the game. With Reno Mahe currently scheudled to be the top return man for the Eagles, it is needless to say that Jeremy Bloom will supply the Eagles with an upgrade at the position.
(168) Omar Gaither, OLB. Tennessee
Having had time to step in when Kevin Simon was repeatedly down with injury, Omar Gaither proved himself to be a productive player in his own right. At 6'1"/234, Gaither has good size to play either of the outside linebacker spots. He is very quick and instinctive, always getting a good jump on the play. While he may lack the bulk to play the strong side and the speed (4.78) to play the weakside, Gaither is at the very least an excellent player to supply depth to a linebacking corp that needs it. Given the right development, it is very possible that Gaither could be a starter by the end of the year. A special teams' ace, Gaither will be able to help the Eagles in every aspect of the game.
(204) LaJuan Ramsey, DT. USC
At 6'3"/294, LaJaun Ramsey is a bit under-bulked for an every down defensive tackle. However, Ramsey has incredible athleticism for his size. He is an explosive pass rusher that can get to the quarterback. He is very quick off the pine and knows how to use his hands to get around offensive lineman. As a senior, he showed flashes of brilliance. With the proper development, Ramsey could be an every-down player in the NFL. In the meantime, Ramsey is an excellent option for the Eagles as a pass rushing specialist up the middle. A solid character guy, Ramsey will also help keep his USC counter-part, Winston Justice, in line during their time together. Even if the Eagles are unable to tap LaJuan's full potential, this pick will exhibit good value as Ramsey can work into the defensive line rotation. If Ramsey achieves his potential, this pick will be a massive steal. Don't forget that Ramsey had time to learn under Shaun Cody early in his career at USC.
Philadelphia Eagles (A)
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(14) Brodrick Bunkley, DT. Florida State
(39) Winston Justice, OT. USC
(71) Chris Gocong, DE. California Polytechnic
(99) Max Jean-Gilles, OG. Georgia
(109) Jason Avant, WR. Michigan
(147) Jeremy Bloom, WR. Colorado
(168) Omar Gaither, OLB. Tennessee
(204) LaJuan Ramsey, DT. USC
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THe Philadelphia Eagles would have loved a chance at Ernie Sims in the first round. Having missed on him, Brodrick Bunkley had to be the next best thing in their minds. Darwin Walker and Hollis Thomas both underachieved at defensive tackle after losing Corey Simon. Bunkley gives the Eagles an impact player inside. Should Bunkley have not been available, Winston Justice was an option for the Eagles. They had to be pinching themselves when Justice managed to fall all the way into the second round when they were able to make a trade up for him. Considered by many to be a top ten prospect based on his athleticism, Justice's character concerns had to be a major issue with many teams. Regardless, he was a steal. Chris Gocong is an explosive pass rusher and Max Jean-Gilles is a day one talent that somehow managed to slip to the fourth round. Jason Avant gives Donovan McNabb a sure-handed target and Jeremy Bloom is a home-run threat both in the return game and the passing game. Omar Gaither is a steal at outside linebacker and LaJuan Ramsey is a pass-rushing specialist up the middle that can supply the Eagles a lot of depth. Both days of the draft were given top marks in my book.
Brodrick Bunkley is a classic one-gap DT
(14) Brodrick Bunkley, DT. Florida State
Having lost a Pro Bowler in Corey Simon, the Eagles may have drafted one in brodrick Bunkley. At 6'3"/306, Bunkley has a cut physique, something rare in defensive tackle prospects. Bunkley's 4.94 speed is excellent, suggesting that he can continue his excellence as a pass rusher into the NFL. Bunkley is extremely strong and can plug the middle very well. He plays with good leverage to find his way into the offensive backfield often. No one can deny that Bunkley has all the measureables to be great. Needing defensive tackle help first and foremost, Bunkley not only fills a giant need, but he presented excellent value at #14.
Winston Justice was one of the steals of the draft
(39) Winston Justice, OT. USC
The Eagles never could have imagined Winston Justice slip to them in the second round. Should Bunkley have been off the board, Justice would have likely been the Eagles pick in the first round. Justice is a physical freak at 6'6"/319. He has a 39" vertical and can run the 40-yard dash in under five seconds. He is a great blocker that protected the blind side of Matt Leinart at USC. He has the footwork and requisite athleticism to play left tackle while also possessing the size and strength to play on the right side. With Tra Thomas securing the left tackle spot on the Eagles' line, Justice would be the perfect candidate to step in at right tackle. Slightly inexperienced and a bit raw, Justice has some technique flaws. Nevertheless, he is an elite prospect that will give the Eagles just what they desire along the offensive front.
(71) Chris Gocong, DE. California Polytechnic
One of the top sleeper prospects in the draft, Chris Gocong is a productive college player who simply dominated the Division-II level. Having attended California Polytechnic for engineering, Gocong developed into an NFL-caliber athlete during his time at the university. He has a knack for getting into the backfield and will relentlessly pursue the quarterback. Having has experience at defensive tackle, Gocong knows how to use leverage to his advantage to fully utilize his power and strength. Gocong twice won the Buck Buchannon award given to the top defender in Division-II. While he lacks experience against elite competition, Gocong dominated the combine and has the mental makeup to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to have success in the NFL.
Jean-Gilles unexpectedly made it to day two
(99) Max Jean-Gilles, OG. Georgia
One of the top offensive guard prospects in the draft, it was very surprising to see Max Jean-Gilles last until day two. The Eagles were surprised by this as well, judging by them moving up in the round to grab him. At 6'4"/355, Jean-Gilles is a massive specimen that is virtually immoveable in the running game. He is extremely strong and can manhandle opponents at the point of attack. However, Jean Gilles also has very good feet, allowing him to have the quickness to be an excellent pass blocker as well. Tough and durable, Jean-Gilles was another excellent value pick for a team that needs help along the offensive front. Jean-Gilles will likely have a starting spot at right guard on opening day. To grab a player of his caliber in round four is truly spectacular for the Eagles.
(109) Jason Avant, WR. Michigan
Needing to grab a receiver to bolster the lackluster corp in Philly, Jason Avant is a very solid selection for day two. Avant is rather slow, clocking in at only 4.62, but he has very good hands and had a productive career in the Big Ten. At 6'1"/209, he has good size. He could excell in the NFL as a possession receiver. He is very polished as a route-runner and has the ability to go up and get the ball in the red zone. Donovan McNabb has a knack for making receivers look much better than they might otherwise, and Jason Avant is certainly a leading cadidate for this type of treatment. He is simply a football player that gets the job done. Needing someone sure-handed in the receiving game, the Eagles made another great selection here.
Jeremy Bloom is an explosive return man
(147) Jeremy Bloom, WR. Colorado
While Jeremy Bloom is certainly a better downhill skier than he is a football player, Bloom is an excellent prospect as a return man. One only has to look at Tim Dwight, currently of the New England Patriots, to see someone whose game is very similar to Bloom's. Bloom has explosive speed and can take the ball the distance each and every time it falls into his hands. Very undersized at 5'9"/173, Bloom uses all-world agility, acceleration, and speed to make up for his diminutive build. Likely projecting only as a #4 or #5 option offensively, Bloom will make his biggest splash on special teams. But, Bloom can certainly change ames in this aspect of the game. With Reno Mahe currently scheudled to be the top return man for the Eagles, it is needless to say that Jeremy Bloom will supply the Eagles with an upgrade at the position.
(168) Omar Gaither, OLB. Tennessee
Having had time to step in when Kevin Simon was repeatedly down with injury, Omar Gaither proved himself to be a productive player in his own right. At 6'1"/234, Gaither has good size to play either of the outside linebacker spots. He is very quick and instinctive, always getting a good jump on the play. While he may lack the bulk to play the strong side and the speed (4.78) to play the weakside, Gaither is at the very least an excellent player to supply depth to a linebacking corp that needs it. Given the right development, it is very possible that Gaither could be a starter by the end of the year. A special teams' ace, Gaither will be able to help the Eagles in every aspect of the game.
(204) LaJuan Ramsey, DT. USC
At 6'3"/294, LaJaun Ramsey is a bit under-bulked for an every down defensive tackle. However, Ramsey has incredible athleticism for his size. He is an explosive pass rusher that can get to the quarterback. He is very quick off the pine and knows how to use his hands to get around offensive lineman. As a senior, he showed flashes of brilliance. With the proper development, Ramsey could be an every-down player in the NFL. In the meantime, Ramsey is an excellent option for the Eagles as a pass rushing specialist up the middle. A solid character guy, Ramsey will also help keep his USC counter-part, Winston Justice, in line during their time together. Even if the Eagles are unable to tap LaJuan's full potential, this pick will exhibit good value as Ramsey can work into the defensive line rotation. If Ramsey achieves his potential, this pick will be a massive steal. Don't forget that Ramsey had time to learn under Shaun Cody early in his career at USC.