The 06 Draft Class, A look back

by JasonB on Mar 28, 2007 10:34 AM EDT in Philadelphia Eagles News

Last year on my old Eagles blog I wrote a fairly simple post titled "What I want from this year's draft class." I gave what I thought were reasonable expectations for the next 3 years for every single draft pick from the Eagles 06 draft. I figured that since we are less than a month from this year's draft, we should look back and see how last year's draft haul met my expectations for last year and how likely are they to meet what I expected from this year...

Remember, this is what I expected from each guy to be considered a "successful pick."

Since it's lengthy, click Read More for the full player by player review..

However, my overall review is this...

Not encouraging, but too early to call this draft a failure. 5 of our 7 picks gave us absolutely nothing at all. There were mitigating circumstances that make it a little more acceptable considering 2 were on IR(Gocong, Bloom), one we knew wouldn't play(Justice), and one was unlikely to win a job(Jean-Gilles). Bunkley is no doubt a disappointment so far, but Omar Gaither is certainly a pleasant surprise. So of the two guys we got a good look at, one exceeded expectations.

I'll be looking back at this draft class somewhere around the midpoint of this coming season and before the draft next year. Hopefully as Bleeding Green Nation continues to exist and grow we'll be able to keep looking back on this draft class and future ones.

Broderick Bunkley

What I wanted

Bunkley needs to win a starting job. If not in training camp, at least at some point in his first season. He's a high enough first pick that it's more than reasonable to expect him to start.

What we got

Almost nothing. It was more than reasonable to expect the #15 pick in the draft to start and he didn't. At this point there's no other way to look at Bunkley's first year than as a disappointment. He missed the first 29 practices of training camp, he barely played, and wasn't even on the active roster for several games.

A look ahead to year 2

In year 2 Bunkley needs to be a full time starter from day one.

That one remains to be seen. The Eagles have criticized his attitude that he hasn't taken his move to the pro level seriously enough. They've also told him that he needs to improve his technique and not try to rely so heavily on brute strength to take on blockers.

He needs to take a big step this year to get himself on track. He's saying the right things and has seemed to acknowledge his rookie mistakes... we'll see.

Winston Justice

What I wanted

I've heard rumblings that maybe Winston Justice could line up to be an extra blocker from the TE position, especially on the goalline. That would be interesting, but overall it doesn't matter to me if he doesn't play alot. Normally you'd want a 2nd round pick to get significant time, but this is a special situation where he is here as the heir apparent to a pro bowler in the left tackle formerly known as Tra Thomas

What we got

Nothing. He didn't play at all. Like I predicted, that wasn't all that unexpected.

A look ahead to year 2

In year 2, Justice needs to be starting. William(Tra) Thomas' contract is up this year and it almost a given that he will be gone for the 07/08 season. Justice was drafted specifically to be the Left Tackle of this team ideally for the rest of his career starting next year and he needs to do that to be a successful pick.

Apparently I was misinformed back then and Thomas has another year on his deal. Unless he's traded on draft day, it appears as though he'll be back to start at LT. William Thomas had a great year last year and frankly I'm fine with seeing him keep that job. If he does, I don't think it necessarily reflects bad on Justice... Still, Winston should be trying to step up and take that job from Thomas.

Chris Gocong.

What I wanted

Gocong needs to get himself on the field at least situationally, it's okay if he doesn't start right away. He's learning a new position and he's from a lower division in college... That said, this guy has a natural knack for getting at the QB and he should be able to step on the field and go after the QB from the SAM spot in certain situations right away.

What we got

Nothing. He spent the year on IR. Reports were that he had trouble making the transition from college DE to pro LB.

A look ahead to year 2

Chris Gocong should be starting at the point. A full year should be plenty for him to learn the position and get into the lineup, plus Dhani Jones in all likelihood should be out of town by then. Nothing will be standing in Gocong's way and unless he's a flat out disappointment he should be able to beat out whatever training camp body the team brings in to challenge him for the SAM spot.

Well, they brought in more than just a "training camp body" in Takeo Spikes... Although it's unclear where Spikes will play, chances are it's going to be whatever side a young LB doesn't step up and take. If Gocong steps up and wins this job he's right back on track.

Max Jean-Gilles

What I wanted

Max Jean Gilles should at least make a strong challenge to start at LG, but if he doesn't this year it's okay. Herremens seems to have the inside track on that position, but MJG should at least put up a good training camp battle and hopefully get in some games on the goal line.

What we got

Nothing. I'm not sure how strong of a push he made to win the LG job, but he didn't. Like I said though, that's okay.

A look ahead to year 2

I'd like Gilles to start(however if Herremens is good I won't mind if he doesn't)

I suppose I feel the same way. For the success of the team I want the best guy at that spot. For the success of the draft pick, Max should be challenging for a starting job.

Jason Avant

What I wanted

If Jason Avant can just get on the field some times I'll be happy, I'm not expecting him to be a huge contributor in his rookie year.

What we got

Basically just what I wanted. He got on the field at times, did some things. Not much though. He was right on target for where I expected him to be last year.

A look ahead to year 2

Avant should at least be a #3 and be catching 30 or so balls, which good for a decent #3 WR

We'll see. It looks like it will be between Avant, Baskett, & Lewis for that #3 spot. He has just as good a chance to win that job as anyone else. Since he's the highest draft pick(the only guy drafted) of those three he should have the talent to win that job.

Jeremy Bloom

What I wanted

Bloom needs to win the PR or KR job. I don't care if he ever gets a snap at WR in year one, but he should at the very least be returning kicks for this team full time.

What we got

Nothing. He spent the year on IR. Officially it was because of a hamstring injury, unofficially it was because he needed a year to get his body into football shape. Normally I would say that not being to beat out Reno Mahe last year makes this a disaster of a pick, but there were mitigating circumstances.

A look ahead to year 2

Bloom should be returning everything and maybe be used as a toy occasionally on offense

He could very easily get himself back on track. His only real competition in camp is Bethel Johnson with kickoff returns. Assuming he can stay healthy, he should have every chance to win both return jobs.

Omar Gaither

I'd like to hear Gaither's name a few times on special teams this year, no one is expecting him to start but based on how the Eagles have praised his special teams abilities so far he should be able to at least contribute there very early on.

What we got

Gaither is the first guy in this draft to not only meet, but exceed expectations. Gaither found himself starting in the second half of last year and made the most of it. He still has alot of work to do, but Omar showed good instinct and some play making flair.

A look ahead to year 2

Gaither should be a legit solid special teamer.

Obviously I wasn't expecting much out of Gaither in year two... Suffice to say the expectations for him have changed. He comes into camp with the opportunity to win a starting job at either WILL or MIKE. At the very least, he'll likely be spelling Trotter in the middle on passing downs.

LaJaun Ramsey

Make the team

What we got

I'd say he exceeded expectations somewhat. He not only made the team but was playing the first 6 or so games of the year. He ended up inactive alot later in the year, but overall I'd say we should be happy with what we saw from the 7th rounder.

A look ahead to year 2

I suppose I'd like to see 7th pick LaJaun Ramsey at least make the roster, not that a 7th round pick could ever really be considered a bust...

It certainly looks like he's going to make the team this year. With Walker traded, all the DTs on the roster could theoretically make the team. I'd imagine Andy will draft another one in the late rounds though. Still, Ramsey should only have Sam Rayburn and maybe a rookie to beat out to get on the roster this year. That's more than reasonable to expect.

Final Review

Not encouraging, but too early to call this draft a failure. 5 of our 7 picks game us absolutely nothing at all. There were mitigating circumstances that make it a little more acceptable considering 2 were on IR(Gocong, Bloom), one we knew wouldn't play(Justice), and one was unlikely to win a job(Jean-Gilles). Bunkley is no doubt a disappointment so far, but Omar Gaither is certainly a pleasant surprise. So of the two guy we got a good look at, one exceeded expectations.

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Comments

Distressing

The draft track record in the Reid era leaves a little to be desired.

Too early to write this draft off as a failure, but so far Gaither's the only real bright spot, although Avant seems to be on track to get some time. I think Bunkley's progress will ultimately impact how we view this one. I'm not worried if Justice doesn't play much, but I can't imagine MJG is pushing too hard, since Herremens just got an extension.

You had another post on your old blog where you looked at the drafts over the Reid era:

http://webleedgreen.blogspot.com/2006/03/nfl-draft-where-team-is-really-built.html

2001 -- Terrible. Buckhalter is the only contributor from this draft. AJ Feeley's back on the team and also did get us Reggie Brown.

2002 -- Great draft. Sheppard, Brown, Mike Lewis, Westbrook.

2003 - McDougle has been a complete bust, but is still on the team, at least for now. LJ Smith's the only solid contributor from this draft.

2004 -- Andrews and Taphe, everyone else taken is no longer with the team. Andrews' success alone makes this draft "ok" and now that Taphe is contributing, I think this one looks better in hindsight. JR Reed was certainly on track to be a solid player, but had a non-football related injury. I consider this one "ok" but unspectacular.

2005 -- Patterson is a solid, if unspectacular starter, Brown a very solid starter, Cole a great DE as part of a rotation. Herremans starts (for now) and has been extended. Moats keeps getting buried further and further down the bench. Who knows about McCoy? He's gone from being labled a bust, to being what looked like a good starter, to being a completely worn-down "DoorMatt", to probably being our nickle LB. Overall, though, a pretty good to very good draft.

I can't help but wonder how much the lack of contribution of the '03 and '04 draft classes hurt this team.

The Spikes move is interesting because it buys (or costs -- depending on how we look at it) one or more of our young LBs another year.

by BrianS on Mar 28, 2007 11:16 AM EDT reply actions

sources of success

In my view, the Andy Reid era has been a huge success (and easily the most successful era in team history). Yet the team does not seem to draft well (the backbone of a good organization) and generally does poorly in free agency. In addition, not only do I think that the game day coaching leaves a lot to be desired (on which I'm sure I'm not alone), but I am lukewarm on the team's gameplanning during the Andy Reid era.

Given all that, how do you explain the tremendous success? I'll suggest a few sources here but would love to hear other opinions.

The football system.

Salary cap management.

Donovan McNabb.

Player development.

Any thoughts?

by dave in san mateo on Mar 28, 2007 1:06 PM EDT reply actions

Success

I generally agree with you. While I don't always agree with the gameday or in-game decisions of Reid and his staff (punting on 4th and 15 in the playoff loss exemplefies this for me), I think the overall philosophy and organization is very good.

Salary cap management, and the ability to lock-up good young players and have flexibility to make moves is a positive. The overall cap management philosophy is ideal for the sustained success experience they've experience, but I like that they've had flexibility to make the occasional "Superbowl or bust"/win-now move, such as Kearse, TO, and perhaps even Takeo Spikes. I, as a fan, would easily choose for the Eagles to go all-out and win 1 superbowl even if it meant a prolonged downward spiral, afterwards. But since so much luck is involved, I think the front office's strategy of "get close as often as you can" strategy is sound.

Donovan McNabb -- It's hard to say about McNabb. I'm a huge McNabb fan and I think his return to health is key to the Eagles winning a superbowl. But they've been able to win without him. In 2002, I think they won because their defense was special. In 2006, because Westbrook. I'd say #36 is a huge reason for the Eagles' success. I'm sure he's more than exceeded the expectations they had for him.

I'm not sure what you mean by player development, because there's been a lot of disappointing development of relatively high draft picks. But I think they've done a good job of identifying talent from undrafted free-agents and getting the most out of relatively low-profile free agents from other teams.

I've got really high hopes for 2007. Barring unforseen injuries to key players I think if Donovan returns close to 100 percent, Spikes is healthy, and Bunkley shows us why he was a first-rounder, this team can win the NFC. I think the AFC champ would likely be a better team, but any given sunday...

by BrianS on Mar 28, 2007 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Eagles Draft and Free Agency

"In my view, the Andy Reid era has been a huge success (and easily the most successful era in team history). Yet the team does not seem to draft well (the backbone of a good organization) and generally does poorly in free agency."

If what you say is really true, then the Eagles would suck and could not be a success.

Please keep in mind that Andy Reid has sent more players to more Pro-Bowls than any other coach since 1999 (and none of them were pre-1999 Pro-Bowlers).

The Andy Reid Eagles retain more of their own players than any other team, pay them more money, and require fewer Free Agents. They also win more games.

If the drafts were truly bad (in comparison to what?) then none of that could possibly be true, because the Eagles players would be terrible.

Lets look at reality.

You've got 8 draft picks per year on average, and a 53 man roster. If you give every player two years to develop into at least an average NFL player (all you really want from a draft pick) or get cut, and players who develop last an average of 10 years, then right there, you've already filled 32 roster spots by just averaging two good picks per year. If you throw in typically undrafted positions like kicker, punter, and long snapper, you are up to 35 spots. Signing just two free agents (unrestricted, undrafted, or street) or claiming a player off waivers or via a trade per year on average then fills the rest of the roster. A team that could get four good draft picks per year every year, and resign them for 4-6 year extensions would never need a free agent! Are there any teams like that? NO!

More tellingly, the Eagles have had 41 picks from 2001 to 2005, and just 8 of these players are not on an NFL roster somewhere (FredX, Quinton Caver, Freddie Milons, Tyreo Harrison, Norm Lejeune, Andy Hall, Dominic Fuiro, David Bergeron). You simply cannot retain every player you draft. 18 players remaining out of 41 drafted is a pretty good record for a 5 year stretch.

Also, when evaluating the draft, undrafted free agents should also be included. Sure the 2003 and 2004 drafts look bad with only LJ Smith and Shawn Andrews doing anything remarkable, but only because so many of the players drafted were beat out by a great crop of undrafted free agents who are still in the league and mostly with the team (Rod Hood, Jamaal Jackson, Greg Lewis, Quintin Mikell, and Sam Rayburn). Should the Eagles be castigated because Greg Lewis outplayed Freddie Milons (and FredX and Billy McMullen)??? Is it terrible that Rod Hood outplayed Matt Ware and Dexter Wynn?

Someone like Bruce Perry should feel worse that he was unable to outplay Reno Mahe for 3 years than the Eagles should for drafting Bruce Perry.

by Andrew @ Bleeding Green Nation on Mar 28, 2007 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions