04/26/04
This weekend the Eagles traded-up to the 16th position overall in the NFL Draft by swapping their 1st Rd (28th) and 2 Rd (58th) picks for the 49ers' 1st Rd. The Eagles surprised many who assumed this maneuvering was to obtain top-rated running back Steven Jackson. Instead, the Eagles drafted Offensive Lineman Shawn Andrews 6-4 345.
This is controversial for a couple of reasons. The first reason is draft value. Moving from the 28th to a 16th pick is worth the traded 2nd Rd pick. But the question is whether Shawn Andrews is worth both of the Eagles' 1st and 2nd Rd picks. If you are willing to pay this price, the OL that is drafted will need to be a rock-solid stud. Shawn Andrews' pass blocking has been questioned.
The other problem has been Shawn Andrews' conditioning. He has at times ballooned above 400 lbs. He will not be able to just lean on Defensive Lineman in the NFL and be effective. If his conditioning is a problem in the future, Shawn Andrews could be the worst bust since Kevin Allen.
The Eagles' Scouting is well aware of Shawn Andrews' weight problem and they have considered it well. But this sort of a risk should not be present in the 16th overall draft pick that was so costly to obtain. The only logical conclusion is that the Eagles panicked when faced with a disgruntled John Welbourn G and felt the need to augment their Offensive Line.
John Welbourn G was traded to the Chiefs on the secon day of the NFL draft for the Chiefs' 5th draft pick in 2004 and their 4th pick (conditionally a 3rd) in 2005.
There can be no excuse for the obvious mismanagement that was displayed in the John Welbourn situation. First, lets start by saying that Welbourn's position was childish. He was unhappy with his contract and wanted to be paid more. He can only blame himself and his agent, Ed Cunningham, for negotiating a contact that was unfavorable. The fact that he is playing better today than he was when he signed the contract does not entitle him to a new contract! Not only is John Welbourn's word no good but neither are his contracts!
Secondly, let us assume that the Eagles handled John Welbourn's initial contact with them regarding this grievance with respect and professionalism. What they should have done was to respectfully say no and made John Welbourn honor his contract. He could have come to understand that going to the press and bad-mouthing the Eagles was detrimental to his teammates and to his career.
This would also serve as an example to future antagonists that wanted to exercise the Welbourn Option in their contracts that says you can rip it up at anytime and get a better one. Instead the Eagles caved in to Welbourn and accommodated his desire for a new contact or a trade and, at the same time, established a precedent for other players to follow.
All those Eagles who think that they can get a better contract, step up to the microphone! The line starts here.