New York's Bravest Cheer For Eagles' Pick
- Friday, April 29, 2011 10:41 AM
- Written By: NFL Blog Blitz
When Baylor guard Danny Watkins received his No. 1 Eagles jersey from Comissioner Roger Goodell, I noticed a dozen or so firefighters going crazy in the
mezzanine. I ran up there and learned that Watkins, a part-time firefighter in his hometown of West Kelowna, British Columbia, had paid to fly five of his buddies to New York City.
Watkins, a former rugby and hockey player, has only been playing football for four years. Captain Lionel Batteman said Watkins' strong work ethic and good heart allowed him to achieve the lofty status of an NFL first-round pick despite being such a newcomer to the sport.
In addition to his hometown crew of Batteman, Captain Patrick Harmata, Captain Todd Moore, Chief Wayne Schnitzler and firefighter Richard Bliss, Watkins also had some of New York's Bravest cheering for him at Radio City.
Earlier in the day, Watkins and his West Kelowna buddies visited Engine 5 in Greenwich Village, the oldest active firehouse in New York City, and instantly bonded with the local unit. Engine 5 was decimated in the attacks of Sept. 11th, and Danny and his colleagues got a first-hand account.
Having met Danny, I can't help to think the Eagles did real well with taking this solid, genuine young man with their 23rd pick overall.
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-- MATTHEW WEISS
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It's pretty clear that the Eagles will be looking to beef up the defense. With 10 picks, the Eagles brain trust can turn things around in a hurry--targeted positions, in no particular order, will likely be cornerback, linebacker, safety, right guard, and even defensive end. Brandon Graham didn't exactly show that he was the complimentary opposite for Trent Cole last season, but not many DEs can come into the league and leave their stamp in just one season. That said, Graham has never had the prototypical size of of DE, and that isn't going to change.
Last week, a story on
Now that the season is over and the fans are (hopefully) over the first-round loss to the Packers, it is time to start looking towards the offseason for the Eagles.
There’s an old adage that speaks to the cruel nature of sports. It reads “There is only one team who is happy at the end of the season: the one who wins the championship.”