Out Of the Brew...

Perhaps it's just as well
That I still look like hell
At least the world can tell us apart

Is it true? Yes it's true enough I guess
Come join the chorus of the unimpressed
Is it true, yes it's true enough I guess
Sometimes it's better to be second best

Winston Justice: 6-6, 300 OT, USC.

NFL Draft Countdown Preview:

Strengths:
Has great size and long arms...Still has room to bulk up his large frame...A tremendous natural athlete...Very strong and powerful...An outstanding run blocker...Great pass blocker who protected the blindside of lefty quarterback Matt Leinart...Mobile and quick with good feet...Has only begun to scratch the surface of his potential and still has a ton of upside...Has 3 years of starting experience.

Weaknesses:
Is still very raw and needs to be developed in terms of his technique...Had arthroscopic surgery to repair a dislocated right shoulder after his freshman season...Immature and character is a question after a series of off-the-field incidents which led to his being suspended for the entire 2004 season.

Notes:
Played right tackle for the Trojans but might be able to play left as well...Didn't play football until his sophomore year in high school...Was a part of the famed 2002 Long Beach Poly high school class that also included Marcedes Lewis (U.C.L.A.), Darnell Bing (USC), Hershel Dennis (USC), and Manuel Wright (Miami Dolphins)...Has the ability and talent to be a premier NFL offensive tackle.

Okay, right man, wrong round! While Justice covered Matt Leinart's blind side playing right OT in college, he should have the size and skills to be groomed for Tra Thomas' eventual replacement. His immediate impact should be seen in competition with Todd Herremans for the back-up spots on the line.

Were Winston's off-field problems not fully addressed, Reid would have skipped over him; the Eagles thought enough of himto move up andselect this titanic Trojan. The yardage Reggie Bush and LenDale White speaks for itself in terms of USC's OL, and Justice was a key cog in that outstanding play.

With Jon Runyan and Tra Thomas both able to tutor him, Justice should quickly improve his footwork and blocking technique, and become a solid addition to the Eagles OL for many years to come. He still has room to fill out his lanky frame, and we all know how well the NovaCare Mothership accomplishes that task.

It's looking like the Eagles may possibly focus on the running game more to ease the need for McNabb to carry the offense this season, which should provide a huge boost to his confidence both on the field and in the locker room.

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• #1 Comment from vince4628 
  4/30/06 8:13 PM | Permalink

  w.j would have been my first pick eagles flipped flopped i'll take it 2-1 1-2  dt-ot