Eagles Pick Another Undersized DE
By Lance Epstein
Finally after three hours of waiting for the Eagles to make a selection, Andy Reid finally made a choice and it was not the corner back who every fan was screaming for.
The Eagles decided to add another defensive end to the roster in Washington's Daniel Te'o-Nesheim. Te'o-Nesheim (6-3, 263) was a very productive four-year starter at Washington. However, Te'o-Nesheim is an undersized defensive that has a relentless motor, great toughness and solid technique.
Of course, he lacks great quickness, burst and agility to be a every down affective pass rusher on the NFL level. Nevertheless, the Te'o-Nesheim can be the type of player that becomes a nice speedball off the bench of the Eagles.
Before the draft, Te'o-Nesheim came in for a visit with the Philadelphia Eagles. Additionally, many scouts and teams around the league gave him a high third-round grade. It is unknown whether the Eagles are planning to moving him to a SAM linebacker or have him play with his hand down.
Still, this is not a position of need for the Eagles. Also, it is hard to believe he was a higher ranked player than offensive tackle Bruce Campbell or defensive end Everson Griffin. In fact, this might become the worst picks for the Eagles in this draft. This has Bryan Smith written all over it, who was a 2008 third-round pick by Reid.
This pick will be question by fans considering the Eagles still have not even tried to upgrade the cornerback position, which is razor thin right now. Currently, the Eagles have Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, Joselio Hanson and Macho Harris. Hobbs is coming off a major neck injury and was not that great of a starter in 2008 when he gave up the most touchdown passes of any cornerback.
Also corners such as Brandon Ghee, Akwasi Owusu-Anash, Alterraun Verner and Perrish Cox were still on the board as the Eagles took the defensive end.
Regardless, the bigger question is what are the Eagles going to do at defensive end? With Victor Abiamiri, Brandon Graham, Juqua Parker, Trent Cole, Darry Tapp and Te'o-Nesheim on the roster, someone might be on the move.
Do not be surprised if the Eagles unload or get rid of Abiamiri or perhaps the 32-year old Parker. Although, Parker is coming off an eight sack season, so he probably comes back.
In the end, this is a very interesting pick because the Eagles needed secondary help, but instead chose another undersized defensive end.
Tomorrow the Eagles have four fourth-round selections (105, 121, 122, 125), two fifth-rounders, a six-rounder and two sevenths.
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