Looking Back At The Philadelphia Eagles 2008 Draft

The draft class of 2008 is now in the midst of its third NFL season, which is typically the point at which these guys put it all together or they don't. So after being inspired by the look at the awful 2008 draft of the Jaguars, I decided it would be worth taking a look at how the Eagles class from that year has fared up to this point.

First round

Remember that the Eagles had no first round pick this year after trading back twice. First with the Panthers who elected oft injured OT Jeff Otah. Otah was an immediate starter at RT for the Panthers and is decent in the run game but struggles mightily in pass protection. He hasn't played yet this season due to a knee injury. He's never played a full season. The Eagles then traded back again with the Minnesota Vikings, who took Tyrell Johnson. Johnson seemed promising his first couple years but lost his starting job this season and has been mostly inactive.

Second Round

#47 Trevor Laws, DT - Finally showing some signs of life this season after doing almost nothing his first two seasons. If he keeps playing the way he has before the bye, this is a very solid pick.

#49 DeSean Jackson, WR - Has made himself into the one of the most feared playmakers in the NFL. Deadly with the ball in his hands, but could stand to cut down on the drops. Still, a home run pick and arguably the best WR of his class.

Third Round

#80 Bryan Smith - Swing and a miss. Never actually played a down for the Eagles in the regular season. In fact, his entire NFL career consists of 6 games with the Jaguars last season.

Fourth Round

#109 Mike McGlynn, OL - The book is still out on McGlynn. He's still on the team which is a plus and he's starting this season, albeit due to injury. He's been good and bad at time this season at center so he's a guy we really have to suspend judgment on for now.

#117 Quintin Demps, FS - Oddly enough, he probably played more than anyone from this class outside of DeSean Jackson before this season. Yet here we are in year three and he's not on the team. As of now, I don't believe anyone has picked him up either.

#131 Jack Ikegwuonu, CB - I believe he actually did appear in one game in his career with the Eagles, which he spent mostly injured. Of course, he was injured even before he was drafted... 

Fifth Round

No picks

Sixth Round

#184 Mike Gibson, G - Lasted one season, never appearing in a game for the Eagles. He is still in the league though with Seattle and has played in all six of their games so far. Only one as a starter.

#200 Joe Mays, LB - A guy that everyone liked and was rooting for, but ultimately just didn't have what it took. He was released this season and picked up by traded to the Broncos where he's played in every game. Hasn't done much, but he's been on the active roster.

#203 Andy Studebaker, LB - Small school "tweener" guy that the Eagles took a flyer on, but he basically got lost in a numbers game on the 53 man roster. He was added to the practice squad, but the Chiefs signed him off the squad and he's been there ever since. Actually had a few interceptions last season and has gotten himself a sack this year. Mostly a special teamer, but as 6th round picks go he has to be considered a success. Too bad it's somewhere else.

Seventh Round

#230 King Dunlap, T - Well... he's still on the team. He played one good game. If you were being optimistic you might say that the book is still out on him. More likely, he probably won't last beyond this season.

Overall they had one home run pick (DeSean), one pick that's looking better (Laws), one decent looking pick (McGlynn) and not too much else. I suppose you could give them partial credit for Studebaker being a somewhat useful pro? I guess you could also say they got a backup in the 7th round...

Laws and McGlynn are really what will make this draft. If Trevor Laws continues to develop, then the top of this draft is good. If McGlynn cements himself as a starter, then may find themselves with three starters out of the draft with one of them a pro bowler. Three starters out of a draft isn't a home run per se, but it's decent.

Best pick - DeSean Jackson

Worst pick - Bryan Smith