The Eagles traded with the Denver Broncos to move up to the 13th overall spot to select Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham. Here is Tony Pauline's scouting report on Graham.
DE Brandon Graham, Michigan | |||||
Pos. Rank: 3 | Grade: 1st Round | Height: 6-1 1/2 | Weight: 268 | 40: 4.71 | Year: 4-Sr. |
The Good: Intense defender constantly flying around the action. Fires off the snap, plays with leverage and excellent pad level. Immediately alters his angle of attack, fast up the field and displays speed in pursuit. Can bend off the edge, fast getting to the flanks, and chases the action hard. Loses no momentum changing direction, easily redirects to ball handlers, and wraps up at the point of attack. Gives effort until the whistle blows and displays good recognition.
The Bad: Struggles against large tackles and engulfed at the point of attack. Displays marginal skill moving in reverse if asked to play in coverage.
The Verdict: Graham has displayed a terrific combination of quickness, explosion, and speed as well as hustle the past three seasons. He causes a lot of problems for opponents with the ability to quickly get up the field and disrupt the action. Graham is a high motor defender who goes hard and gives effort. Offering possibilities as a one-gap defensive end or outside linebacker in a 3-4, he shows a lot of Dwight Freeney in his game.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 9:01 p.m., April 22