The Philadelphia Eagles have completed their 2005 Draft by picking eleven players and completing trades that will net them two additional fourth round picks in the 2006 Draft.
Coming of their three point loss to New England in Super Bowl XXXIX, the Eagles first pick was not until the 31st selection. Unlike recent years, the Eagles did not trade up in the first round.
We will look at the Eagles picks and give a capsule biography of the top four picks where we project them to fit into the Eagles in 2005 and beyond.
Round 1, Pick 31
Mike Patterson, Defensive Tackle, 5-11", 292lbs., University of Southern California
Patterson is nicknamed "Baby Sapp" for the similarity of his style of play to NFL Pro-Bowler Warren Sapp. He was named a first-team All-American in his senior year at USC. During his college career he played both nose guard and nose tackle. He finished his college career with 146 tackles (96 solo), 21.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
With the contract status of Corey Simon and Hollis Thomas both up in the air following the 2005 season, Patterson is clearly targeted to assume one of those two starting jobs. You can expect to see a lot of Patterson in 2005 in the Eagles defensive rotation.
Round 2, Pick 35
Reggie Brown, Wide Receiver, 6'1", 197lbs., University of Georgia
Playing for the University of Georgia where the passing game is secondary to the running attack, Brown was able to finish his college career with over 2,000 yards receiving, only the fifth Georgia Bulldog to make that accomplishment. In the fourth game of the 2001 season, Brown tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and missed the remainder of the season. He was arrested for driving with a suspended license after the 2003 season.
Not known for his down-the-field speed, Brown is likely to assume a backup position to slot receiver Todd Pinkston. He could easily move into the third receiver role should Freddie Mitchell be traded. With Terrell Owens' future as an Eagle clouded by his demands for a renegotiated contract, Brown is a valuable insurance policy at a position that could be lacking two of its top three receivers from 2004 during this year's training camp.
Round 2, Pick 63
Matt McCoy, Outside Linebacker, 6'0", 234lbs., San Diego State University
McCoy was a high school standout at Tustin High School. A redshirted freshman at San Diego State he moved into the starting lineup in the fifth game of his sophomore season and started 28 of the next 30 games, During the next two years he led the team in tackles and placed second last year. He decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and turn pro.
With the Eagles, McCoy is projected to develop into the team's starting outside linebacker eventually replacing Mark Simoneau at that position.
Round 3, Pick 77
Ryan Moats, Running Back, 5'8", 210lbs., Louisiana Tech University
After flirting with trading for Buffalo Bills' running back Travis Henry, the Eagles instead drafted Moats, the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He led the WAC and ranked seventh in the nation in rushing with 288 carries for 1,774 yards and 18 touchdowns. His 1,890 all-purpose yards set another school record.
Moats fills a role that was sorely missed in 2004 with the departure of Duce Staley and the season-long injury to Correll Buckhalter. He also is an excellent insurance policy in the event that Brian Westbrook departs the team in free agency at the end of the 2005 season.
Round 4, Pick 102
Sean Considine, Free Safety, 6'0". 206lbs., Iowa State University
Round 4, Pick 126
Todd Herremans, Offensive Tackle, 6'6", 321lbs., Saginaw Valley State University
Round 5, Pick 146
Trent Cole, Outside Linebacker, 6'2", 257lbs., University of Cincinnati
Round 5, Pick 172
Scott Young, Guard, 6'4", 312lbs., Brigham Young University
Round 6, Pick 211
Calvin Armstrong, Offensive Tackle, 6'7", 325lbs., Washington State Univeristy
Round 7, Pick 247
Keyonta Marshall, Defensive Tackle, 6'1", 290lbs., Grand Valley State University
Round 7, Pick 252
David Bergeron, Inside Linebacker, 6'4", 245lbs., Stanford University