It's conventional wisdom that it takes about three years before you know whether a draft was good, bad or something in-between. By that logic, I thought I'd take a stab at looking back at the '06 draft class. Plus this is germane because of the upcoming '09 draft. I'm by no means a draftnik or scout guru so take this all with a grain of salt. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how we did back then.

[Note by JasonB, 04/17/09 12:51 PM EDT ] Really interesting pick by pick analysis from ajay after the jump.

2006 Philadelphia Eagles Draft

Round 1(14): Brodrick Bunkley, DT

STATS

Here's what they said at the time:

SI: "Ever-improving the past two seasons, Bunkley is a terrific one-gap lineman who can be used in different schemes. Elevated his draft stock significantly at the Senior Bowl and is now a first-round pick."

Analysis: This was probably the last early pick the Eagles made where you completely expected it. A lot of mock drafts at the time had Bunkley coming to Philadelphia. He held out during training camp and probably doomed any chance he had of contributing his first year (just imagine if he could've stopped Deuce McAllister on that 3rd and 5...) Bunkley has gotten better every year he's been in the league. Fantastic run stopper. Interestingly enough, his nickname in college was "Baby Sapp" because of his perceived ability to get to the QB. That hasn't happened yet in the NFL but I think he'll get there. Jim Johnson went on the record saying that Bunkley should've made the 2008 Pro Bowl (take that for what it's worth).

Round 2(39): Winston Justice, OT

Here's what they said at the time:

SI: "Combining size, strength and athleticism, Justice offers terrific upside potential for the next level. If he keeps his focus on the football field, he should only get better as he physically matures through the years."

Analysis: The Eagles traded up to get Winston, whom they considered taking with their first pick (see - it could've been worse...). Hard not to feel like this pick was a major mistake. In his only significant NFL action, Justice got annihilated by Umenyiora (although he got no help and who wasn't annihilated by Osi that year?). The Eagles probably expected that he would already be the entrenched starter at LT by now. Recent rumors had Justice on the trading block. Seems to have all the talent in the world but lacks toughness and just might not be an NFL player. This year is probably his last chance to make it in Philadelphia.

Round 3(71): Chris Gocong, DE/LB

STATS

Here's what they said at the time:

SI: "A team player who leads by example, Gocong has potential as a situational pass rusher or linebacker in the 34 defense at the next level. Tenacity and passion for the game should make him a special-teams demon."

Analysis: Small-school tweener? Check. Gocong has developed into a starter and seems to have also improved every year. Solid against the run, still struggles in coverage. Only has three sacks in the NFL but not sure how many opportunities. Still a ton of upside. You certainly expect bumps when you convert a DE into a LB. I wonder how high the Eagles are on Gocong. He signed a four-year deal so if they draft another LB early next weekend, keep this in mind...

Round 4(99): Max Jean-Gilles, OG

Here's what they said at the time:

SI: "A dominant blocker with the versatility to be used at several spots, Jean-Gilles has immediate starting potential at the next level. Could reach All-Pro status if he consistently plays to his capabilities."

Analysis: I was a little surprised when I read the "All-Pro" remark. He was projected as a 2nd-round pick. Looked "absolutely dominant" in the Saints game in '07. There were some high hopes that he could push Herremans for the starting LG job but one of Jean-Gilles' big problems is his ability to control his weight. Played well before breaking his fibula in '08 while replacing Shawn Andrews but then again so did Nick Cole. I'm not sure how healed he will be by the start of the season, but still has a ton of upside and now has some starting experience.

Round 4(109): Jason Avant, WR

STATS

Here's what they said at the time:

SI: "Consistent the past three seasons, Avant is a clutch receiver with a passion for the game. Known as a player with a good work ethic, he is a good football player with potential as a second receiver in the NFL."

Analysis: If you ignore that part about being a "second receiver" then we're all good. Avant is a favorite of mine. He works hard, found a niche on this team and has become pretty irreplaceable. Think about it - if you take him off the team who else has the guts to consistently go across the middle? He has improved his numbers every year. You pretty much know what to expect from Jason at this point - 20-30 receptions, 300-400 yards, several clutch first downs and 2-3 TDs. Can he do better? Not sure what his ceiling is. Andy Reid called him "virtually unstoppable" in the slot. Not sure about that, but several clutch grabs in the postseason certainly demonstrate that he's mighty tough to stop in the slot.

Round 5(147): Jeremy Bloom, WR

Here's what they said at the time:

SI: "A solid athlete, Bloom's recent headlines are a result of what he's done off the field more than anything else. A late round choice brought into an organization as return specialist."

Analysis: This was a gamble, and it didn't work out. Bloom was on the practice squad for the Steelers in '07 and '08. Probably has a better career as a male model.

Round 5(168): Omar Gaither, LB

STATS

Here's what they said at the time:

SI: "A serviceable linebacker, Gaither is a backup on the weak side. Shows potential on special teams."

Analysis: The last two lines of the SI analysis, "backup...potential on special teams" was prescient. If you had asked me before the '08 season, I'd say that Gaither was an absolute steal. Became a starter as a rookie but lost his job to Akeem Jordan in the second half of the '08 season. One of the reasons given was because he was consistently unable to shed blocks in the run game. Not sure what happens with Omar - he could fight back and win his job or he could become an Ike Reese type of Special Teams dynamo (he eventually embraced that role in the latter part of the season). The Eagles once offered him a contract extension which he turned down, but now you have to think his days with the club are numbered if he doesn't win back his starting job - because he won't stay here to be a special teams captain if he can be a starter elsewhere. For a worst-case scenario right now, a top-flight backup.

Round 6(204): LaJuan Ramsey

Here's what they said at the time:

SI: (Nothing)

Analysis: Got some playing time his rookie season and played more in '07 but was eventually cut. Bounced around to a few teams after playing with us. Not sure what happened here - the coaches were high on him in '06 but he was unable to build on that early success.

OVERALL:

Buddy Ryan once said that if you can get three starters in a draft you've done a good job. We got two definites in Bunkley and Gocong, one starter that was injured (Jean-Gilles) and one that lost his job but could re-win it in the future (Gaither). Throw in a solid slot receiver in Avant and I'd say this is a B draft. 

Now, your thoughts...