Here is the pick that I was most interested in. I have been waiting the entire off-season for this pick. This is the most important pick the Eagles have made over the last 6 seasons. The reason I say this is because they have whiffed 3 times now on a RB. If you don’t recall please let me elaborate on all of the possible Westbrook replacements:
2005 Draft 3rd round (Many considered the replacement because Westbrook was in contract disputes with the Eagles that off-season…..Same off-season as the T.O. fiasco.)
Ryan Moats…….Road the pine……..eventually cut
2007 Draft 3rd round (Never understood this pick, but Andy later commented that he originally wanted Lorenzo Booker which was taken earlier by Miami)
Tony Hunt……..Road the pine……….eventually cut
2007 Draft (Very good hands but couldn’t pickup a block)
Nate Illaoa………Cut
2008 Draft 3rd round (This is the guy that Andy wanted originally in 2007 and traded for him)
Lorenzo Booker……word is still out.
Enough with the brief history lesson and on with who we drafted. According to Andy this is the pick that he wanted. (of course he will say this) I feel that they originally wanted Moreno, but they were able to get there 2nd choice. I also feel that this is another added value pick and will have tremendous upside. He has all of the natural talent that the Eagles are looking for in a back, which is speed and can catch the ball. Hard to say, but this could finally be Westbrook’s predecessor. Here is what other analysts feel about McCoy.
Gary Cobb:
“The Eagles have for long searched for a Brian Westbrook clone. …. I think McCoy is far better than both of the Moats / Hunt fake Westbrook’s.”
“I think the Eagles made a great move grabbing Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy with their second round pick. I was told by a source that the Birds liked McCoy as much they did Moreno. The source who is close to the Birds said they have been in love with McCoy but didn’t think they would have to use a first round pick to get him. This kid fits the Eagles offense and he will be an outstanding backup for BWest. The Birds ask their running backs to do a lot of things. He catches the ball out of the backfield quite a bit so the back must have good pass receiving skills. McCoy makes people miss and he’s a great feel for finding the holes in the defense. He’s got great patience and vision when he runs with the football. “
Walterfootball: Ranked him 4th overall
Shawn Zobel: Ranked 3rd overall
Stats:
Ht: 5’ 10”
Wt: 200
40 Time: 4.5
Pros: Fast enough to get the corner and owns a second and third gear in the secondary. Excellent inside quickness, hitting the hole in a hurry when in the one-back set. Gets to top speed as quickly as any back in the country.
Cons: Doesn’t have great size or the compact strength of elite backs. Must prove he can get the tough yard and not dance to try and break a big play when it’s not there.
Overall I am extremely happy with this pick. I didn’t think he was going to be there at 53rd in the 2nd, but when we picked him I was very happy. I feel that he will be able to contribute right away and give Westbrook rest. With the addition of Leonard Weaver and a revamped Offensive Line; we will finally have the 3 headed monster running game that I have desired for years. Having this type of running game will also open of the passing game because teams must cheat the safety up to stop the run. All in all this is a great day for Eagles fans.
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