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1st Round (#13) DE Brandon Graham, Michigan

Key Player(s) Passed On: DE Jason Pierre-Paul, DE Derrick Morgan, S Earl Thomas

Analysis: The Eagles' defense took a step back last season and putting more pressure on the quarterback was needed. Graham went higher than many expected, but he deserved it. The former Michigan star may be undersized for an NFL defensive end, but his combination of power, technique and quickness should serve him well. Graham is an intense player who will complement Trent Cole. Derrick Morgan also would have been a very solid choice. Graham is a much more fundamentally sound player than Pierre-Paul, at this point. He also is ready to contribute in 2010 and is not a project. The Eagles wisely went for the pass rusher over help at free safety. They figured help could be found at safety later in the draft and they were right.

2nd Round (#37) FS Nate Allen, South Florida

Key Player(s) Passed On: FS Taylor Mays

Analysis: Allen and Mays were very closely rated on our draft board. They are extremely different players. Allen is the superior ball hawk and will hold-up better in coverage. Mays is the more physical player who can bring some explosive hitting to a defense. The Eagles wanted to improve their pass defense and find another player who can take the ball away. Allen is the better fit for Philadelphia. The upgrades made to the Eagles' front seven should make them a more physical team. Nate Allen can be the opportunistic centerfielder who is ready to capitalize on a quarterback's mistakes.

3rd Round (#86) DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Washington

Key Player(s) Passed On: LB Navorro Bowman

Analysis: Te'o-Nesheim was a very productive four-year starter for the Huskies. He plays with excellent technique and never stops attacking. Washington's career leader in sacks (30.5) is undersized (6' 3" and 263 pounds) and his ability to hold-up in run support is a big question. Te'o-Nesheim looks like a 3rd down pass rush specialist. He could struggle against professional offensive tackles who play with sound technique and can engulf him. The Eagles passed on Navorro Bowman. The team traded for Ernie Sims, but linebacker was a big weakness last year. In addition, Sims is in the last year of his rookie contract. Bowman was a playmaker at Penn State and it never hurts to have quality depth. Bowman has the athletic tools and football instincts to develop into a fine starting weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

4th Round (#105) CB Trevard Lindley, Kentucky

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Walter Thurmond

Analysis: Lindley has solid ball skills, but has average speed and a small frame. Walter Thurmond is coming off of a serious knee injury, but was more productive than Lindley was. The success rate from knee injuries and subsequently playing well is high today. Philadelphia needed more depth at cornerback. Lindley was an ok choice, but Thurmond may provide more in the long-term. Thurmond was a legitimate 2nd or 3rd round talent prior to the knee injury.

4th Round (#121) LB Keenan Clayton, Oklahoma

Key Player(s) Passed On: OT Jason Fox, CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah

Analysis: Clayton is an undersized outside linebacker with good speed. He is a better athlete than football player. He will likely struggle defending the run. Clayton can provide depth and special teams help. This pick underscores why we would have liked Philadelphia to have selected Navorro Bowman earlier. Bowman is a better prospect than Clayton. Jason Fox is a smart and tough offensive tackle. He could have added to Philly's depth on the offensive line. Every team can always use another athletic corner with good size. Owusu-Ansah has potential and would have provided the team with another kick returner.

4th Round (#122) QB Mike Kafka, Northwestern

Key Player(s) Passed On: QB Dan LeFevour

Analysis: Kafka can make the Eagles as a 3rd string quarterback. He is a gunslinger who has to learn to check the ball down more often and avoid turnovers. Kafka has a decent arm and is a good athlete. LeFevour also would have fit into the Eagles' offense as a backup. LeFevour was higher rated on our board, but neither quarterback figures to be a starter in the NFL.

4th Round (#125) TE Clay Harbor, Missouri State

Key Player(s) Passed On: TE Andrew Quarless

Analysis: Harbor will provide depth behind Brent Celek and competition for Cornelius Ingram. Harbor runs well and can catch the ball, but provides little as a blocker. Quarless is a more well rounded tight end who played against much better competition. The Eagles passed on Quarless likely due to character concerns. Harbor is very similar to Ingram. Quarless has some baggage, but at least he could have provided the Eagles with a tight end who can block and catch the ball.

5th Round (#134) DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Perrish Cox

Analysis: PFDN evaluated Sapp to be a one-dimensional pass rusher who we did not like as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. Philadelphia will try the former Clemson standout as a strong-side linebacker. Sapp was a hybrid defensive end/linebacker in college. He is a project at linebacker in the 4-3, but in the 5th round this pick made a lot of sense. Sapp is a terrific athlete and the team has little invested in him. He also will be another year removed from knee surgery. Sapp has the athleticism to play linebacker in the NFL, but it remains to be seen if he has sufficient instincts for the position.

5th Round (#159) WR Riley Cooper, Florida

Key Player(s) Passed On: RB Anthony Dixon

Analysis: Cooper has some size and speed, but has erratic hands. He also cannot be counted on to be a precise route runner. The former Gator thinks he is better than he is. Cooper is not better than Jason Avant. He is faster than Hank Baskett. Cooper can be a reserve receiver at an inexpensive price. However, how about adding a thumper of a running back to compete with Mike Bell? The Eagles like to throw the ball, but they still need to find some help for LeSean McCoy. Dixon is a powerful back who could have pushed Bell.

6th Round (#200) RB Charles Scott, LSU

Key Player(s) Passed On: S Myron Rolle

Analysis: The Eagles needed a big back to push Mike Bell. Charles Scott made sense in the 6th round. Scott did not run hard in 2009 and then broke his collarbone. He has to run with determination and get in better shape to make the Eagles. Scott has some talent and was a decent selection in round 6. Myron Rolle could have provided some depth at strong safety. However, he has average instincts and a long NFL career may not be of interest to him.

7th Round (#220) LB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State

Key Player(s) Passed On: G Reggie Stephens

Analysis: Chaney was a bargain in the 7th round. He has experience playing inside and outside linebacker. Philly will likely try him at outside linebacker because he runs well and does not take on blockers with authority. Chaney can provide help on special teams and depth.

7th Round (#243) DT Jeff Owens, Georgia

Key Player(s) Passed On: WR Freddie Barnes

Analysis: Owens can provide some depth at defensive tackle. The former Bulldog is decent against the run, but lacks lateral quickness and intensity. Freddie Barnes was a player who PFDN thought should have been drafted. He has excellent hands and could have been the eventual replacement for Jason Avant.

7th Round (#244) S Kurt Coleman, Ohio State

Key Player(s) Passed On: CB Donovan Warren

Analysis: Coleman was a fine selection this late in the draft. He is undersized, but the former Buckeye likes to hit and finds the football. Coleman has a legitimate shot at making the Eagles because of his play on special teams.

Bottom Line: Philadelphia had more selections than any other team in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Eagles are one of the better-run organizations in the league and understand that football is a young man's game. The team loaded up on defense (9 picks, 3 linebackers). Brandon Graham and Nate Allen should help in the pass rush and coverage departments. Ricky Sapp, Jamar Chaney and Kurt Coleman were intriguing late selections.

Grade: B+

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