The Eagles' prolific run in free agency last offseason overshadowed the fact that the foundation for the team's long-term success has been built in the past two NFL drafts.
Through aggressive maneuvering and clever moves, the Eagles have acquired eight starters in the past two drafts. None of the 2011 playoff teams in the NFC and only one playoff team in the entire league, the Denver Broncos, has drafted more starters in that timeframe.
Two of the Eagles' eight players were selected in the first round. Defensive end Brandon Graham, the team's first-round selection in 2010, started in six games and was an integral part of the defensive end rotation before a late-season knee injury. The former Michigan star netted 3.0 sacks in 2010 and was credited with 27 QB pressures by Pro Football Focus, who named Graham to their All-Rookie Team. Graham was limited this season as he continued to recover from the injury, but he will be expected to be a prominent part of the defensive line in 2012.
In 2011, the Eagles turned their attention to the protection of the franchise quarterback with their first-round pick in guard Danny Watkins. Despite the lockout-shortened offseason, the former All-Big-12 left tackle made the transition to right guard and started the final 12 games of the season for an offense that set franchise records in first downs and total net yardage.
Among the playoff teams this year, seven of them have first-round picks from the past two seasons that have yet to crack the starting lineup. The Eagles, overall, have drafted two starters on offense, five on defense and another on special teams in the past two years.
Not only have the Eagles found starters at the top of the draft, the Eagles have been the most efficient compared to all of the playoff teams. The average round that the Eagles found their starters in the last two drafts is 4.25, the highest average when weighed against the postseason competitors. No other team averaged finding a starter beyond the third round. Four of the starters netted by the Eagles in the past two drafts have come in the final two rounds - linebacker Jamar Chaney, safety Kurt Coleman, center Jason Kelce and linebacker Brian Rolle.
And despite the trades that allowed the Eagles to move up and down the draft board in the past two seasons, they are well-stocked for the 2012 NFL Draft. The Eagles have 10 total picks. Three of their picks are in the top 51 selections. It's another reason why the future remains bright for the Philadelphia Eagles.
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