Full Report: Eagles eyeing Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams in draft
I'm currently working on an in-depth article looking into the Eagles draft that I hope to have done in a few days, so stay tuned for that. It will be a good read for those who can't get enough reading material on the Eagles draft. I'm currently looking at mock drafts that go through the 2nd through 4th rounds to see where various players will be drafted.Bleeding Green Nation came out with a report based on this source, indicating that the Eagles are eyeing Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams in the first round. Apparently, spies at the Senior Bowl saw the Eagles taking a deep look at defensive backs (both cornerbacks and safeties), but indicated Andy Reid's favorite player was Vanderbilt OT Chris Williams. That confirms what I've seen on WalterFootball.com's mock draft for the last couple of weeks. On a side note, if Aqib Talib or Kenny Phillips slip to the Eagles at 19, I think they have to take a long look at those players, but they should be gone in the top 15.
I'm going to say that you can bank on the Eagles drafting an OT or DB (or possibly a WR or DE) in the first round of the draft. The Eagles recently expressed satisfaction with DE Victor Abiamiri, who they drafted in the second round last year, so it is unlikely they'll use such a high pick on a DE again. To fulfill their need at WR, there's the possibility that the Eagles could pick up Roy Williams, Javon Walker, or even Chad Johnson in a trade. Other options include Donte Stallworth if the Patriots let him go for cap reasons and other less stellar free agents like Bernard Berrian and D.J. Hackett are available. If the Eagles seriously think they can make a trade for Roy Williams or Javon Walker, then you can cross WR off the list.
So who is this Chris Williams character and why does Andy Reid like him so much? (I'm sorry, but OTs just don't get YouTube videos like the ones I provided for Sweed and Bowman.)
Here is what the NJ.com article had to say:
Williams, 6-foot-6, 318 pounds, is considered a very intelligent, very athletic player who may be able to step in and play right away. The only knock on him is that he might need to spend some more time in the weightroom. Most early draft speculation has Williams going either just before, or just after, the Eagles pick at No. 19.
Scout.com has him listed at the #2 offensive tackle behind Chris Long. I was expecting Ryan Clady and Jeff Otah to be ranked ahead of him, but that's certainly a good sign should the Eagles decide to draft him. NFL Draft Scout has him listed as the 3rd best OT. If the Eagles do pass on Williams, don't be surprised to see him going to the Steelers with the No. 23 pick.
Here is what NFL Draft Countdown had to say about his strengths and weaknesses:
Strengths:
An outstanding athlete...Quick and agile...Has nimble feet...Great size with a large frame and room to get bigger..Does a fantastic job in pass protection...Mobile and can get to the second level...Very smart with good awareness...Versatile and has played both guard and tackle...Team leader...Durable and has a lot of experience.
Weaknesses:
Questionable intensity and motor...Must get stronger...Needs to be more physical and aggressive...Doesn't get a great push...Technique needs polishing...May lack a killer instinct...Not a finished product and will need development...Not dominant.
Notes:
Alumnus of the same Louisiana high school as Warrick Dunn and former Texas QB Major Applewhite...Really had a tremendous senior campaign and still has a ton of potential..He has all the physical tools to be a starting left tackle at the next level.
So there is more Chris Williams information than you'll probably ever need. What does WalterFootball have to say about the rest of the Eagles draft?
19. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
An image Eagles fans will always have in their minds is Winston Justice looking helpless as Osi Umenyiora beat him for a Giants record six sacks. This is the future of Philadelphia's offensive line. With William Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan nearing retirement, the Eagles will need a new left tackle to protect Kevin Kolb's blind side for the next decade. Philadelphia has plenty of other needs, including receiver, safety and tight end, but protecting its young quarterback is a priority. Andy Reid loves massive linemen, and Chris Williams certainly fits the bill. The only concern here is that Reid may be threatened by the 320-pound Williams.
49. Fred Davis, TE, USC
L.J. "Hands of Stone" Smith is garbage and Brent Celek is unproven, although he looked solid against Dallas. Regardless of whether or not the Eagles franchise the former, which would be completely foolish, they need a legitimate tight end in their offense.
80. Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame
Sean Considine is one of the worst starting strong safeties in the NFL. Drafting a dynamic player like Tom Zbikowski would really help Philadelphia's secondary.
111. Justin King, CB, Penn State
The Eagles need depth at cornerback and an electrifying return specialist. Enter Justin King, one of the fastest players in this draft.
I like what I'm seeing. I'm really hoping Aqib Talib falls into the Eagles hands at 19, but he may be a lock to go in the top 15. If he's not available, then I would hope the Eagles take a look at DeSean Jackson or Limus Sweed, but if the Eagles draft an OT, I think it's a wise move considering Runyan and Thomas aren't going to be around forever. I'm really glad they have the Eagles going for Zbikowski in the 3rd round. If he's available in the 3rd round and they didn't take a safety in the first two rounds, this one is a no-brainer to me.
