Draft Analysis: Philadelphia Eagles
Posted: Sunday June 07, 1998 06:19 PM
The War Room takes a
look at the Philadelphia Eagles' 1998 draft picks. Tra Thomas
1st round, 11th overall
Tackle, Florida State
Comments: Eagles grab another "boom or bust" type of tackle
in the 1st round. Thomas has tons of potential, but doesn't bring it on
consistent basis. Has good feet, and will be penciled in as starter at left
tackle. Jeremiah
Trotter 3rd round, 72nd overall
Linebacker, Stephen
F. Austin
Comments: Eagles love this guy and were happy to
get him in Round 3 ... big, physical and can run ... will begin as MLB
backup, but could slip into starting role if he progresses fast enough
mentally ... will get a long look in camp. Allen
Rossum 3rd round, 85th overall
Cornerback, Notre
Dame
Comments: A lot of people thought this was a reach ...
don't expect Rossum to see much time at cornerback. Main role will be as
return specialist, where Eagles lost games last season due to sloppy return
units. Brandon
Whitting 4th round, 112th overall
Defensive tackle,
California
Comments: Somewhat of an overachiever ... great
college production, but lacks great physical skills ... fills an inside
need at defensive tackle for Eagles ... plays with a lot of pride and
intelligence ... looks like a decent backup. Clarence
Love 4th round, 116th overall
Cornerback, Toledo
Comments: Somewhat of a sleeper cornerback that many teams
like ... has a shot to be No. 3 safety and nickel corner while learning the
NFL style ... feisty and solid cover guy. Ike
Reese 5th round, 142nd overall
Linebacker, Michigan
State
Comments: He will be given a shot a backup outside
linebacker on both sides but will probably make his salary early as a
special-teams performer, which the Eagles think he should excel at ... good
toughness and intensity ... should add a little spark to defense and
special teams. Chris
Akins 7th round, 220th overall
Defensive tackle,
Texas
Comments: Was "All World" early in his Texas career,
but had poor senior season and fought knee injury. He is a big, wide-body
run stuffer who will be a steal if he returns to form. Has the potential to
contribute. Melvin
Thomas 7th round, 240th overall
Guard, Colorado
Comments: Has some injury problems and will probably wind
up on injured reserve in training camp ... developmental-type underachiever
in college that had high draft ability, but injuries and effort made him a
late pick ... if healthy, this could be nice late-round success story.
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