Wow, what a draft! I think Andy Reid is allergic to the first pick, maybe he’s realized if he stays away from the inevitable as first round bust as much as possible during his tenure as GM he will receive actual tenure. He traded the Eagles first round pick (19^th overall) to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for their second round (43^rd overall), their fourth round (109^th overall), and also, my favorite, their first rounder in 2009. Then we all received a sneak peak into Andy Reid’s mind when he traded a fourth rounder (114^th overall) to the Miami Dolphins for running back Lorenzo Booker. Then, just when we thought they were done Reid traded the 43^rd pick from Carolina and a fifth-rounder (152^nd overall) to Minnesota for their second-rounder (47^th overall) and a fourth-rounder (117^th overall). When asked about his trade from Miami Booker said, he was surprised but seemed genuinely happy to be heading to the Eagles. Here’s a pick by pick analysis of the top players headed to the nest.

At 47^th overall, Notre Dame defensive tackle, Trevor Laws. At 6’ 1” and 304 lbs, Laws is considered undersized by most experts, but the one thing they all agree on is this kid has a non-stop motor. He goes all out until the final whistle. He lacks the ability to consistently get to the quarterback, but is strong for his size. After being switched from tackle to defensive-end last year he posted a career-high 112 tackles and 4 sacks; those 112 tackles also was the team high.

At 49^th overall, California receiver/kick returner, DeSean Jackson. Physically he looks a little undersized to play in the NFL (5’ 9” and 169lbs), but don’t judge him just yet. This kid is fast and if you won’t take my word for it his 40-yard dash time was 4.35 seconds (the fastest among receivers in this years draft class). With his speed this kid can take a route underneath and turn it into a long gain; a definite homerun threat whenever he touches the ball. He will face problems getting off of the line as teams have already learned to press the Eagles other receivers and will definitely try it with him. He put up pretty good numbers as a receiver but his real worth will come in his return ability. Jackson returned 6 punts for touchdowns in his college career. Andy Reid is trying to avoid the embarrassment of last year’s season-opener when the Birds lost essentially because of their lack of a kick returner which some say affected the teams play causing early struggles; he did a great job getting Jackson in the second round since he was a projected first-round pick.

At 80^th overall, McNeese State defensive end, Bryan Smith. Weighing in at 6’ 2” and 228 lbs Smith should definitely not be a defensive end in the NFL, he’s just too small! He most likely should be converted to linebacker or used as a situational pass-rusher bringing speed off of the end in Jim Johnson’s blitzes to open gaps for linebackers.

At 109^th overall, Pittsburgh left tackle, Michael Mcglynn. I like this kid a lot!! This guy has the drive and tenacity to be a starting tackle for any team. This guy has heart and no injury concerns as he made 42 straight starts and even played the 2006 season with a right hand injury and a torn labrum! When asked about the injury the coaches claimed they knew nothing of it, in other words this kid plays through the pain with no complaints! He drew attention when he played guard at the senior bowl, and with his endurance should be the heir apparent to William “Tra” Thomas or John Runyan.