With the 24th pick in the 2010 BGN Draft, Joe_D selects...
Sean Weatherspoon - OLB, Mizzou
I got the hardest job in BGNs mock since EVERYONE has done their homework and knows who they want the Eagles to take in the first. Personally, I think we trade up and take a top flight corner so this pick is entirely under our guideline.
First, I don’t like what I see from USC’s Taylor Mays. I see a great athlete, but not necessarily first round talent as I don’t think his coverage skills are all there.
Secondly, I really like the idea of drafting Maurkice Pouncey since he’s a sure fire bet to have an immediate impact at either center OR guard. BUT, there’s a good chance he could drop to our first 2nd round pick and I don’t think the Birds would spend a first on a center.
I think our biggest NEED is at the CB position with Brown playing for Cleveland but I don’t think a CB is the best player on the board at this point so here it is…
With the 24th pick in the draft GM Joe_D selects OLB Sean Weatherspoon
Eagles never take LBs high, but with the atrocious LB play we saw last season this might be the draft that ends the trend. In a nut shell Weatherspoon is a tad undersized, but great speed, athleticism, and had a very productive college career. Does that not sound like your typical Eagles line backer?
More after the jump...
Weatherspoon has good football instincts and reacts quickly. He can play well laterally and run down hill and chase a ball carrier down. He plays well in zone coverage and quick enough to cover his area and good amount of ground. He has the speed to run with well with receivers and the natural ability to break up passes or make the interception. He also possesses good blitzing ability which would give McDermott another option when he dials up blitzes. Moreover, Weatherspoon is known to practice hard and be an emotional leader on the field. Many teams have been impressed with his positive attitude which goes a long way with so many pro athletes and their character concerns.
Game tape reveals he does bite on play action, run around OL instead of take them on, and is prone to over pursuing the ball in the backfield. Physical WRs can give him trouble in the run game, and the bigger TEs may match up well against Weatherspoon in the NFL. Many scouts believe because of all of this he will have a hard time becoming an elite OLB in the league.
Weatherspoon also can be considered a "combine hero" with a super high vertical, 35 reps on the bench, and a sub 4.6 40 time. And let us not forget, Weatherspoon led a very productive college career and led Mizzou’s defense in 2009.
Next on the clock will be andyreidswaistline with the Baltimore Ravens.
Previous picks: #1 Ndamukong Suh, #2 Russell Okung, #3 Gerald McCoy, #4 Sam Bradford, #5 Eric Berry, #6 Trent Williams, #7 Jimmy Clausen, #8 Bruce Campbell, #9 Bryan Bulaga, #10 Derrick Morgan, #11 Rolando McClain, #12 Sergio Kindle, #13 Joe Haden, #14 C.J. Spiller, #15 Mike Iupati, #16 Jason Pierre-Paul, #17 Anthony Davis, #18 Kyle Wilson, #19 Brandon Graham, #20 Dan Williams, #21 Dez Bryant, #22 Tim Tebow, #23 Charles Brown