After analyzing the draft needs of all 32 teams, PFT will review how well each team addressed those needs. Up next: The Philadelphia Eagles.
What they needed: Offensive tackle, quarterback, outside linebacker, cornerback, wide receiver.
Who they got:
Round 1: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma.
Round 2: Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford.
Round 3: Bennie Logan, DT, LSU.
Round 4: Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California.
Round 5: Earl Wolff, S, North Carolina State.
Round 7: Joe Kruger, DE, Utah.
Round 7: Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State.
Round 7: David King, DE, Oklahoma.
Where they hit: The Eagles simply had too big of a need at offensive tackle to pass on Johnson, who has exceptional athleticism for the position. If nothing else, the value of the position Johnson plays made him worth the No. 4 overall pick.
The Eagles made another logical decision in trading up for Barkley. If Barkley pans out, he will be well worth the pick. If he doesn’t, the Eagles surrendered just a seventh-round choice to move up to take the former Southern Cal star. What’s the risk?
Where they missed: The Eagles didn’t add an outside linebacker in the draft. Instead, they added more players along the defensive line (three) than at any position group. All things considered, this seems a reasonable move. The Eagles should be able to get enough out of Connor Barwin, Trent Cole, Brandon Graham and Phillip Hunt at outside linebacker in 2013. Barwin has plenty of experience in a 3-4, while Cole has long been a tough, productive player.
Impact rookies: Johnson could begin at right tackle and eventually replace Jason Peters on the left side. Ertz seems a good bet to contribute in 2013, too, as does Logan, who bolsters the depth at nose tackle. The wild card is Barkley, whose chances of playing early would be enhanced if Philadelphia moves Nick Foles.
Long-term prospects: This was a good foundation draft class for the Eagles, one very clearly marked by Kelly’s vision for his new team. Johnson has considerable upside and could be a long-time starter if he continues to develop. Now, let’s see who emerges at quarterback in Kelly’s system. Does Michael Vick recapture his best form, or will Barkley or Foles challenge for time right off the bat?