With the draft approaching, we ignore projections and identify the dream scenario for each team in a series we call The Perfect Draft.The Eagles' perfect draft dream scenario actually played out last week: after opting not to re-sign 34-year-old Tra Thomas, the organization swung a deal for Jason Peters, one of the league's best young left tackles (or, if you're Andy Reid and into hyperbole, the best left tackle.) It cost Philadelphia the 28th pick, but given Peters' track record (even after an uneven 2008 season) -- as well as the uncertainty that comes with drafting a player to step into a starting role -- it was worth it.
Not only that, the Eagles still hold the 21st selection, and depending on how the draft shakes out in front of them, they can go in any number of directions, although there's a good chance the organization adds another offensive weapon, which should make Donovan McNabb very happy. At least until the fans turn on him sometime around Week 8, anyway.
The Ideal Pick
Knowshon Moreno. Beanie Wells is also an option here, but word on the street has the Saints taking him 14th overall. Plus, Moreno may be a better fit for the Eagles' offense. Relative to Brian Westbrook, he's more complement than substitute, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
The Eagles' version of the West Coast Offense doesn't have much need for a bruising back, and Westbrook has had plenty of success as both a runner and pass catcher. The only problem: at 5-10, 200 pounds, he can't take a season's worth of pounding. Having a player like Moreno to share the burden makes a lot of sense. Philly just has to hope he's on the board when they go on the clock.
Other Needs
The Eagles franchised L.J. Smith last offseason and, as it turned out, that $4.5 million could have been better used. Smith is now with the Ravens, and Philly likes Brent Celek, but there's also the possibility they could be interested in the draft's top-rated tight end, Brandon Pettigrew, should Moreno not last till the 21st pick.
The only knock against Pettigrew is his pedestrian 40-times -- he mustered 4.8-somethings during the combine -- but he excels in every other phase of the game. A willing and sometimes dominant blocker, he also has some of the best hands in the draft. And while concerns about his deep speed are justified, he has an ability, in Mike Mayock's words, "to put his foot in the ground," and beat a defender to get open. The same could be said for Smith, except that Pettigrew will actually catch the pass.
