The 63rd annual Senior Bowl kicks off this weekend in Mobile, Alabama and at this point should be required viewing for Eagles fans. As Les Bowen pointed out, the Eagles appear to put quite a bit of stock into what they see there.
Two years ago, Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham was named the Senior Bowl's most valuable player after dominating with five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. The Eagles traded up to take Graham with the 13th pick.
And 4 years ago, Notre Dame defensive tackle Trevor Laws was named the game's most outstanding lineman with five solo tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. The Eagles used their top pick that year to take Laws in the second round.
While Danny Watkins didn't win any awards last season, he was considered one of the standout performers by most scouts in attendance, especially in the week of practices leading up to the game.
The Vikings' staff will be coaching the North roster and the Redskins will run things for the South. The Eagles will have almost their entire scouting/front office team down there with one possible exception, Andy Reid. Bowen says that Reid was undecided as to whether he would attend. Juan Castillo by the way, will be there. Obviously that means he's not being fired, but you would have to assume that as the media gets access to the Eagles contingent down there the first questions will be about him. So we should know officially whether he'll be the defensive coordinator next year or not this week.