USA today rookie ratings

MURP · December 18, 2005, 12:00:06 PM

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QuoteEAGLES Grade: A

A huge 11-player class didn't just bolster the depth chart, it produced a bounty. DT Mike Patterson (first round) and WR Reggie Brown (second) have garnered most of the attention, but DE Trent Cole (fifth) is an emerging pass rushing force and RB Ryan Moats (third), and T Todd Herremans (fourth) are getting a chance to make their marks down the stretch.

QuoteTOP 10 DRAFT SURPRISES

1. Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seahawks, 2nd round (45th overall). Tatupu has solidified Seattle's long-running weakness at middle linebacker and is helping the Seahawks make a run at home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

2. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Rams, 7th round (250). Fitzpatrick provided one of this season's highlights as he came off the bench to throw for 310 yards and two TDs in his first action, leading the Rams to a 24-point second-half comeback in a 30-27 overtime win against Houston on Nov. 27. The Rams have struggled in his two starts since.

3. Reynaldo Hill, CB, Titans, 7th round (218). Although Tennessee has been last in the league in passing TDs allowed for most of the season, the Titans think they found an unexpected long-term starter in Hill, despite some rookie struggles. Hill has started alongside first-round pick Adam Jones since Week 8.

4. Trent Cole, DE, Eagles, 5th round (146). Injuries to the defensive line promoted Cole to the starting lineup for the last four games; he already is one of the team's best pass rushers and has five sacks.

5. Rob Petitti, T, Cowboys, 6th round (209). Petitti has started all season at right tackle, although he has earned some criticism from coach Bill Parcells for his inconsistent play.

6. Nick Collins, S, Packers, 2nd round (51). A widely panned and largely unknown pick from Bethune-Cookman College, Collins has started every game this season and appears to be a potential long-term replacement for the departed Darren Sharper.

7. Chris Henry, WR, Bengals, 3rd round (83). Henry immediately stepped into the regular rotation and has 30 receptions for the AFC North-leading Bengals.

8. Cedric Houston, RB, Jets, 6th round (182). Expected to be the starter for the rest of the season after Curtis Martin had season-ending knee surgery, Houston's 74 rushing yards in his first start Sunday were better than Martin did in all but three games this year.

9. Ryan Moats, RB, Eagles, 3rd round (77). Given an opportunity to play after a foot injury to starter Brian Westbrook, Moats flashed his speed and explosiveness and scored twice Sunday against the Giants.

10. Michael Boley, LB, Falcons, 5th round (160). Forced into the starting lineup in the sixth game because of injuries, Boley has become more active in recent weeks but has not helped solve Atlanta's problems stopping the run.

MDS · December 18, 2005, 12:01:29 PM

Who is Trent Cole? I've never heard of him. Is he a linebacker or something?

QB Eagles · December 18, 2005, 12:03:56 PM

Those guys have looked fine. Unfortunately, a lot of the guys who have been here 2-4 years have looked like shtein.

Beermonkey · December 18, 2005, 07:21:08 PM

This all is obviously wrong, as a very respected local writer compiled an article contrary to this. Click here for da troof:

Eckels saying it like it is: 2005 Draft Class

Keep dreaming Lurie-lappers.

Rome · December 18, 2005, 07:30:19 PM

Eckel's hatred of the Eagles borders on the pathological.

It really is bizarre.

PhillyPhreak54 · December 18, 2005, 07:37:06 PM

Good research job, Eckel.

Who the hell is Michael Bergeron?

It's David Bergeron, dope.

And Chris Canty being the best day 2 pick? Please. Eckel talks about the Dallas draft, which was a good one, all the time on the radio. But he is going over the top to blast the Birds which doesn't shock me.

Which is more satisfying to Mark Eckel?

a. sex with a hot woman
b. the Eagles sucking so he can rip Reid and the Eagles?

Rome · December 18, 2005, 08:12:48 PM

Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on December 18, 2005, 07:37:06 PM
Good research job, Eckel.

Who the hell is Michael Bergeron?

It's David Bergeron, dope.

And Chris Canty being the best day 2 pick? Please. Eckel talks about the Dallas draft, which was a good one, all the time on the radio. But he is going over the top to blast the Birds which doesn't shock me.

Which is more satisfying to Mark Eckel?

a. sex with a ~~hot woman~~ primate
b. the Eagles sucking so he can rip Reid and the Eagles?

Fixed.

rjs246 · December 19, 2005, 12:50:13 AM

Not even a hot primate?

DutchBird · December 20, 2005, 08:08:25 AM

Mr Eckel might attempt to have sex with a primate. As I doubt the vast majority of primates would voluntarily submit to such an ordeal.

ice grillin you · December 20, 2005, 08:38:35 AM

im not overly thrilled with this draft but eckel trying to disparage the eagles because they traded a 4th round pick and the guy picked in that spot is starting for one of the worst teams of the last five years is pathetic

if thats the case then he should mention the feely trade that got them reggie brown

PoopyfaceMcGee · December 20, 2005, 08:58:17 AM

This was a good draft. We know we have 5-6 guys that can play at an NFL level, which is not too bad.

I wonder if they're learning a lesson about drafting white defensive players, though.

ice grillin you · December 20, 2005, 09:09:05 AM

We know we have 5-6 guys that can play at an NFL level, which is not too bad.

we dont know anything either way...because moats and herremans have gotten run and looked decent in meaningless late season games does not mean they can play at a real nfl level...now if they are starting/playing a lot in the season opener next year then you may have something

patterson- promising

brown- nfl player for sure...should be good #2 for a long time

moats- shown flashes but in meaningless spots...eckel makes a valid point in that they shouldnt have drafted a westbrook type player when they already had one

mccoy- yikes...but still imo could be a great special teamer

considine- many seem to be high on him...much higher than myself...hopefully turns into a real good special teamer and solid back up safety

herremans- has great potential

cole- great pick

the rest....eh

patterson and herremans are the keys here...if they turn into good starters then its a A+ draft...if they dont not so much

Zanshin · December 20, 2005, 09:10:14 AM

It was a solid draft, for sure. I'm not sure how Eckel is holding players on IR against the draft. If you already know in the rookie year that quite a number of guys can contribute, that's a pretty good job. And you have to figure the jury is still out on the other guys at this point. Patterson, Brown, Moats, Herremans, Cole have all contributed at least as much as one could reasonably expect this year, even based on their draft positions.

PoopyfaceMcGee · December 20, 2005, 09:13:53 AM

All I'm saying is that we already know it was a pretty good (B/B-) draft at the very least, and that's not so bad considering these guys aren't even all the way through their rookie season yet and playing for a surprisingly zesty team.

Zanshin · December 20, 2005, 09:20:34 AM

Hey, when they guys have had opportunities to contribute...they have. Moats has looked really good; it's not like opposing defenses are laying down for him. If he can pick up his pass protection, he could be a serious threat-- even with Westbrook in the backfield at the same time. That could be a nightmare formation for defenses, because Westbrook is such a threat to split wide.

And Herremans looks like a complete steal based on his draft spot, and there's not doubt about that. Shoot, he'd be a steal even if he turned out to be a solid backup at that spot. And Patterson and Brown are legit starters next year. Cole will be part of a starting rotation. We get other guys back-- even on ST-- and that's quite a bit from one draft.

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