Out Of the Brew...

His leather jacket had
chains that would jingle
They both met movie stars,
partied and mingled
Their a&r man said
"I don’t hear a single."
The future was wide open
Into the great wide open,
Under them skies of blue
Out in the great wide open,
A rebel without a clue
The sky was the limit


The Eagles clearly finished off their 2006 Draft with two picks that can be viewed as reaches, even by the staunchest of Eagles fans. With their prior six picks, the Eagles have made their mark on the Draft, and have successfully addressed several weakness of the team. These two picks could be the icing on the cake for the Eagles scouting staff, yet could very well be an exercise in futility.

Pick No. 168: Omar Gaither OLB – Tennessee. 6-1, 234.

Sports Illustrated 2006 NFL Draft Preview:

BIO:
Two-year starter awarded All-Conference honors since his junior campaign. Senior totals were 78/7.5/4 after 92/12.5/2 the prior year. All-Academic selection in the past.

POSITIVES:
High-motor defender who elevated his game the past two years. Diagnoses the action, fast to the flanks or collapses from the outside defending the run. Disciplined in coverage, fast off the edge and displays solid range. Stands out in pursuit.

NEGATIVES:
Not strong and slow shedding blocks. Does not possess a sustained burst of speed.

ANALYSIS:
A serviceable linebacker, Gaither is a backup on the weak side. Shows potential on special teams.

Pick No. 204: LaJuan Ramsey, DT – USC. 6-2, 294

NFL Draft Countdown Scouting Report:

Strengths:
Good penetrator and pass rusher...Athletic with good timed speed...Very quick and explosive...Uses his hands well...Really emerged as a senior when finally given a chance...Showed flashes of brilliance in 2005 and still has a lot of upside.

Weaknesses:
Does not have elite size or bulk...Only started one year in college...Needs to hit the weight room and get stronger...Not stout at the point or against the run...Has some durability concerns and dealt with minor injuries throughout his career.

Notes:
Was stuck behind two top pro prospects in Mike Patterson and Shaun Cody on the Trojan depth chart for most of his career...An interesting one-gap or three-technique prospect with some physical tools who hasn't reached his full potential.

It seems to me both these picks can, at best, be practice squad players, and would not be surprised to see them competing in NFL – Europe in the next off-season. Of interest about DeJuan Ramsey is the fact he was the back-up to Mike Patterson for three seasons. If he's got anything matching Patterson's motor while playing, he may very well be a diamond in the rough the Eagles have been adept at finding during the Reid regime.

Overall, I am tickled at the Eagles approach to this draft, and the manner that they graded, and addressed what they saw as the weaknesses this team possessed. None of the players has a reputation of taking plays off, all are coachable, and most have non-stop motors.

The Eagles have clearly improved the team with these selections.

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