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 | Written by Jim Sarruda on Friday, 25 April 2008
Category:Sheldon on Sports
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Usually by this time in April, I love to be reminded that I care about football. Every year I watch as the proverbial gates of criticism will open once again as the loyal, emotionally drained fans of the NFL’s worst teams pollute their local radio waves with the endless chatter surrounding the upcoming prospects. They know that Saturday might be their only chance at excitement, because they understand that Alex Smith, Mario Williams, and JeMarcus Russell carry with them a certain prestige that may never exceed this day. They know as well as I do, that on NFL Draft day 2008, a fourth name will be added to that list of first selections and his productivity could range anywhere from Tim Couch to Peyton Manning. Usually, I would welcome such a conversation inducing glimpse of the upcoming NFL season this spring.
But then I am also reminded that the last NFL Season was nothing short of a complete disaster. I remember how the Eagles finished last in the NFC East, and much worse, I can’t seem to forget the New York Giants won the Super Bowl. I remember praying for the New England Patriots to complete their perfect season, as I have been desperately pulling for the 1972 Dolphins to be silenced ever since Indianapolis made a run a few years ago. I remember how in the grand scheme of my experience watching sports, I could not even imagine a more horrific situation until Eli Manning hoisted the Lombardi trophy.
All of these nightmares flashed before my eyes when I noticed Jake Long surprisingly showing off a new Dolphins jersey this past Tuesday evening.
 5 year $60 mil
The Miami Dolphins were just so excited to ink the 6’7” 315 lb sasquatch, that they couldn’t last until Saturday?
I’m sorry, but I’ve never heard of a bigger case of premature infatuation.
I know that offensive lineman are pretty deep in this years draft, but seriously Parcells, you couldn’t wait until the weekend to sign the oversized inner tube? I don’t care what John Clayton says, Fatty is not going to hold out! For the love of God, promise him a Big Mac on Tuesday, and then wait until NFL Draft Day like the rest of the NFL Coaches to finish the deal!
Think about what happened. After reviewing a draft pool that contains one of the most dominant collegiate athletes in the last few years, the Miami Dolphins emptied their wallets five days early to ensure that an offensive lineman would be the cornerstone of a massive franchise rebuild.
Yes I know that Jake Long is a highly regarded prospect, but shouldn’t the Dolphins be a tad more undecided? How are they so positive they made the correct decision? They had four more days to work on a way to trade down in the draft. How are they so confident that they are willing to announce their decision five days early! What about Chris Long, the man that demands a double team every time he lines up? What about the human run stopper Glen Dorsey? What about Ryan Clady? What about Sedrick Ellis? Nevermind, everyone that ever went to USC is terrible.
I’m not even sure what shorts I am going to wear on Saturday, and I’m not choosing between possible Hall of Famers! I believe this signing to be completely impulsive and reckless, which I guess is similar to the way the Dolphins play football.
I sincerely hope that this fatso holds the crap out of Richard Seymour in his first NFL game.
 Faster then a speeding bullet
Let’s not beat around the bush. I guess that means it’s up to the Rams, Falcons, Raiders, or Chiefs to select Darren McFadden, all purpose athlete from the Arkansas Razorbacks. In my mind, McFadden is the best player in the draft. He played three seasons at Arkansas and has amassed 4,590 yards and 41 Touchdowns. He ran the forty in 4.3 seconds at the NFL combine. He has shown me that he has the speed, agility, strength, and intensity to match the physical skill of any current player in the NFL today. I watched Arkansas cast all strategy aside and blatantly snap him the ball against top ranked LSU at the end of the game. I watched McFadden run around and through LSU’s stingy defense en route to the end zone. The man can take over games. Although some think his questionable character will cause him to slip out of the top five, I believe D Mac the running back is the real deal. After dealing with the likes of Keyshawn Johnson and most recently Terrell Owens, I didn’t think the Tuna would be the least bit concerned about possible personality conflicts. I guess I was wrong.
 Drafting is subjective
So after the fireworks, Andy Reid will get out his scouting reports. Philadelphia, which prides itself in fat managers, will allow the man who puts the “raft” in “draft” to take center stage.
Although the top fifteen players should be selected by this point, Arizona, Kansas City, Houston, Philadelphia, and Tampa Bay will all have a shot to capitalize off any botched selections. To put this in perspective, think back five years to 2003 when the Pittsburg Steelers swiped pro bowler Troy Polamalu at #16 or the Kansas City Chiefs grabbed Larry Johnson at #27. The second tier of the draft can sometimes have a huge impact.
Since the Eagles recently declared Kevin Kolb would represent the “post McNabb era,” choosing a QB would be pretty much ridiculous. I would expect fat Andy to pass on Louisville slinger Brian Brohm. Since Brian Westbrook is still a beast and the Eagles offensive line looks formidable, I am inclined to continue to insist that the Eagles should look into a receiver.
However, when I first brought up possibly drafting a play making receiver, the year was 2004. They tried the Terrell Owens thing and we all know how that worked out. Since then, the Eagles have had zero wide receiving talent and as a direct result, the passing, rushing, and defense have struggled during what should have been the prime years of this Philadelphia Eagles team. The time when I believed the Eagles were a receiver away from the Super Bowl has passed after watching last season. Donavan McNabb is just not the same Quarterback we watched in the year 2000. He just can't escape pressure like he did in his younger days.
On that note, something needs to be said about the depth at the offensive line position in this year's draft. I expect Ryan Clady, Branden Albert, Jerod Mayo, and Jeff Otah to probably be gone by the time the Eagles draft, but you never know. Looking at the Eagles depth chart, Jon Runyan will need to be replaced in the next few years. Although there is a lot of young talent on the bench, a lineman steal at the nineteenth pick might not be such a bad idea. I'd be thrilled if the birds snatched up one of these names.
If not, then the Eagles should definitely go with a defensive player.
 Complete Garbage
Brian Dawkins, my favorite player in franchise history, is not getting any younger. The small rupture in the secondary has ripped down the seam quite a bit over the last year, revealing the less obvious questions. Who is next in line at strong safety? Who is staking claim to Nickel back? Suddenly, the future is looking toward QUINTIN MIKELL!
Therefore, it is my opinion that the Eagles should build on the secondary. There are quite a few great cornerbacks available in this year’s draft, and I believe the Eagles should have their pick of the lot in the middle of the first round.
Sarruda’s Big Five
 Leodis McKelvin
The Specialist - Leodis McKelvin is a kick return specialist from Troy. Since I don’t watch Sun Belt football, I can’t really comment too much. My gut feeling is that the Eagles do not need a kick return specialist from the draft. They need a solid hitting, speedy, intelligent nickel back, that can one day replace Lito Sheppard. I like guys that play physical defense at cornerback, not wuss ball like Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. I vote pass on McKelvin. (Like that pun?)
 My pick
The Height – Dominique Rogers-Cromartie is listed at 6’10 on ESPN’s website, but I think this is incorrect. I think he’s closer to 6’2. Either way he has the height, he has the ups, and he has a huge wing span. Dunking on the goal post should be no problem for him. Not to mention, he’s also one of the fastest corners in the draft.
I vote the Eagles go with DRC.
The Thug - Mike Jenkins is the cornerback from USF who got arrested last season. I would say he was one of the best lock down corners in the draft, but his character is a concern. I believe there is no room for that on the Eagles.
 Rock Chalk!
The Route Jumper - Agib Talib has good size and a great break on the ball. He played for a Kansas Jayhawks team that prided itself on defense. Not to mention, the JayHawk coach even looks like Andy Reid. I think Talib is a good project. He has the athleticism to make it in the NFL and good instincts. Honestly, I only like him because he’s a Jayhawk.
The Hitter - Brandon Flowers seems to be the best run supporter of the bunch. He doesn’t have the break away speed or the height, but he plays physical and he plays tough. I probably watched him play at Virginia Tech, but I honestly don’t remember him. However, reading about him he reminds me of Sheldon Brown. I would be willing to give him a shot as an Eagle. I love defense and I love big hitters!
The Receivers
Before I wrap it up, I have to do a quick run down of the receivers. After all, I am an Eagles fan.
Devin Thomas – Michigan State
 Career Year 1260 yards 8 TD
I automatically like him because he’s a Spartan, but I’m not sold on calling for the Eagles to draft him. I haven’t heard of him during all of last season and I watched the entire Michigan State/Penn State game. As soon as I read that he tends to round of his routes and he isn’t a good vertical runner, I immediately thought of Freddie Mitchell. No thank you.
Limas Sweed – Texas
 Career Year 800 yards 12 TD
I watched Texas dominate my favorite college football team (Arizona State) and I was not amused. However, I did not notice this guy Sweed in the game. I don’t think he played due to injury. Injury? Uh oh. Count him out. We need to make this draft pick count.
Malcolm Kelly – Oklahoma
 Career Year 993 yards 10 TD
Oklahoma was certainly a force in College football last year, with an impressive win over Missouri their last game of the season. Who could forget that? Maybe we all just can’t forget the beating they took at the hands of West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl. Malcolm was a big reason for Oklahoma’s success last year posting 800 yards and 9 touchdowns. He probably has the best hands in the draft, but he is injury prone as well.
If I had to pick from the three, I would vote the Eagles take Malcolm Kelly. He is 6’3, 224 lbs, and he is pretty fast. Having the best hands in the draft counts for a lot-- the Eagles can always work with him on the route running. I think he is a big, physical receiver, and if the Eagles wanted to risk drafting a receiver, it should be him.
* * *
In conclusion, I vote the Eagles pick Dominique Rogers-Cromartie. To reiterate, he has the best combination of size, strength, speed, and athleticism out of all the other choices for improving a secondary.
So that’s what I would like to see. Actually, as long as we don’t draft Mario Manningham, I’m all set.
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By:Jim Sarruda
Category:Sheldon on Sports
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