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Eagles looking for instant impact

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Posted: Sunday April 18, 1999 08:59 PM

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- While the Philadelphia Eagles understand that No. 1 draft pick Donovan McNabb will not be rushed into the starting job as a rookie, they are looking for more instant impact from the remainder of their 1999 draft class.

The Eagles concluded their draft Sunday by selecting eight players. They hope the similar traits of production, toughness and high character translate into immediate help from the rookies.

"We think we drafted some players who are going to help us right now and some players who are going to be able to develop into fine players," said head coach Andy Reid. "We like the players we brought in here."

On day two, the Eagles picked up California offensive lineman John Welbourn, Ohio State strong safety Damon Moore and North Carolina wide receiver Na Brown in the fourth round. Moore was a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection, and Brown's 165 career receptions were a school record.

The Eagles traded their fifth-round pick to Detroit for a fourth-round draft choice next season, and then added Wisconsin fullback Cecil Martin and East Carolina wide receiver Roy Smith in the sixth round.

In the final round, the Eagles drafted Oregon tight end Jed Weaver and Alabama-Birmingham defensive tackle Pernell Davis.

"We wanted some toughness and some guys who were solid, solid players," Reid said. "We weren't looking for players who were great at times and not very good at other times. Players who did it week after week were the ones who caught our attention."

Given a 3-13 record last year, the Eagles knew they needed some help heading into the offseason with Reid taking over the head coaching job. Even though McNabb will be prepared slowly, there's a chance three draft picks -- middle linebacker Barry Gardner, taken in the second round, offensive guard Doug Brzezinski and Moore -- could emerge as starters by the end of the season.

"We're going to bring them in and let them compete and see what happens," Reid said. "They're here because we think they are good football players. We're looking to add more good football players."

 

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