With 116th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft the Eagles selected LB Casey Matthews from Oregon. Obviously, the story with Matthews is famous bloodlines. His brother, father, uncle and grandfather all played in the NFL. His brother is of course Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers.
Matthews is an inside linebacker that's likely going to compete with Stewart Bradley (if indeed Stew is re-signed) or potentially push him out to SAM. At the very least, a high motor guy like Matthews should be a special teams contributor early on.
Here's what Mocking The Draft had to say about Matthews
Matthews is a good looking prospect that will make plays in the NFL. He has really good instincts and the tenacity necessary to contribute. Matthews is always round the football and looking to create a turnover. He possesses enough athletic ability to cover sideline to sideline. His 2nd gear and short area burst allow him to close on the ball carrier. He doesn't have his brothers pass rushing ability but he knows how to create pressure. Matthews is a good blitzer with excellent timing and savvy.
Current Eagles Linebacker Jamar Chaney tweeted "Good pick Casey Matthews. #Eagles!"
The Eagles are known for moving around quite a bit and acquiring future picks on the final day of the draft and today is no different. The Eagles traded their 4th round pick (#104) to Tampa Bay for the Bucs 4th this year (#116) and their 2012 4th round pick. So the Eagles dropped back 12 spots and got an extra fourth round pick out of it.
By the way, that was the fourth the Redskins sent the Eagles from McNabb. As JimmyK pointed out, that means the haul for McNabb is now Nate Allen, Casey Matthews and whoever they take in the fourth round next year, assuming they don't turn that into multiple picks.
Highlights after the jump.