Laws; Jackson Highlight an Unpredictable Day One For The Eagles

Once again, the draft was an unusual one for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles turned heads with their 19th overall pick when they traded it to the Carolina Panthers for a second and first round selection, as well as Carolina's first round pick in 2009.

When the team's next pick finally came at 43rd overall, head coach Andy Reid and company traded the pick for a 2nd and 4th round pick from the Vikings. At long last, the Eagles used the 49th overall pick to select defensive tackle Trevor Laws from Notre Dame.

The Eagles biggest headline maker came with the 49th overall pick when the team drafted Cal's receiver and return specialist DeSean Jackson.

"I feel like I have a lot to prove," Jackson said in press conference Sunday. "[E]veryone will get to see what the real DeSean Jackson is like."

There is little to debate about Jackson's ability. While at Cal, Jackson set a Pac-10 record with six punt return touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Trevor Laws figures to fill in to the defensive line rotation created by defensive coordinator Jim Johnson. Laws is expected to contribute as a solid reserve player to back up Mike Patterson and Brodrick Bunkley.

"I'm ready to get back to finally play football again." said in an interview."I'm sick of running all these little sprints and drills. That's not football. I'm excited to get out there and put the helmet on and go to work."

About the Eagles: Sheppard Visits The Buccaneers, Trade Expected By Saturday

The long-awaited trade of Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Lito Sheppard will almost certainly go down in the next few days.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Thursday that Sheppard, the Eagles' top corner, visited with the Buccaneers Wednesday. It is believed that a second-round pick and a player should be enough to pry him from Philadelphia's anxious grasp.

The Eagles have made no secret of their desire to trade Sheppard. After signing top free agent Asante Samuel in February, Sheppard has become largely expendable. Sheppard wants a new contract despite having signed a deal paying him more than $12 million over the next three years.

The Buccaneers' second round choice is the 52nd overall in Saturday's draft. The Eagles covet bringing players in via the draft, and having two second round picks would bring the team's grand total for the weekend to 12.

Sheppard is the only player in NFL history to record two interception returns for touchdowns of over 100 yards. Both plays came against the Cowboys.

Involved in the package for Sheppard would also be a player from the Buccaneers. The questions is, who?

Most fans will want a wide receiver. If the Eagles are unable to snag an elite playmaker draft weekend, either Joey Galloway or Michael Clayton would be a solid consolation prize.

Galloway, had 1,014 yards for 6 touchdowns in 2007 with Jeff Garcia and Luke McCown at the helm. However, at 34, there are serious questions about Galloway's longevity.

Clayton has been largely unimpressive in Tampa Bay. Since being drafted in 2002 by the Bucs, Clayton only has 8 touchdowns - 7 coming his rookie year.

Sheppard is not without his downside. The two-time Pro Bowler missed 14 games in the last three seasons with a series of nagging injuries.

About the Eagles: Eagles to Target Veteran Receivers On Draft Week

Could one of these receivers be an Eagle in 2008?

The Philadelphia Eagles are making a push to add a veteran playmaker to their offense.

After the highly publicized pursuit of Larry Fitzgerald and Randy Moss, the Eagles still find themselves without an elite receiver. According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, the Eagles will actively pursue Cincinnati's Chad Johnson, Detriot's Roy Williams, or Arizona's Anquan Boldin.

Trading for one of these three receivers won't be easy. All three organizations have publicly stated that their respective players are not available for trade.

In Cincinnati, the volitile and explosive Chad Johnson has been publicly asking for a trade since March. The Bengals are not listening, and have repeatedly stated that their disgruntled star is not available.

The Redskins reportedly offered the Bengals up to two first round draft picks: one this year, and a third round pick next year that can escalate if Johnson hit performance escalators. Cincinnati allegedly refused the offer, and head coach Marvin Lewis denied the offer took place.

The Eagles, who rely heavily on the draft, are unlikely to make a similar offer to the Bengals.

Next on the Eagles' radar is Lions receiver Roy Williams. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and has said that he will not return to the Lions in 2009. Still, the Lions are hesitant to trade him. Head Coach Rod Marinelli said, “...[h]e’s not going anywhere. No. There’s no way. Like I’ve said, I want to see [WRs Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson, the Lions' first round pick last year] playing together."

Still, the Eagles have a rare bargaining chip: a Pro-Bowl cornerback in Lito Sheppard, who was demoted after the signing of free agent Asante Samuel.

Sheppard is an elite corner when healthy, although he has only played one full season since being drafted by the Eagles 26th overall in 2002.

Detroit ranked 31st in the league against the pass in 2007, and Sheppard could greatly improve the Lions' secondary.

The most intriguing situation is that of Arizona's Anquan Boldin. Boldin is reportedly unhappy with his situation in Arizona, and asked head coach Ken Wizenhunt for a trade Tuesday.

Boldin's teammate Larry Fitzgerald was rewarded with a 4-year, $40 million dollar contract this offseason, considerably less than the $8.25 million Boldin is slated to earn over the next three seasons.

The Cardinals ranked 28th against the pass in 2007, and are another team who could use Sheppard's services.

Interestingly, starting Arizona cornerback Rod Hood played for the Eagles as a nickle corner until the 2007 season when he signed with Arizona as a free agent.

Arizona has publicly stated that Boldin, like Fitzgerald earlier in the offseason, is not available for trade. Arizona general manager Rod Graves said Tuesday that he views Boldin as a core player for the Cardinals, and does not want to trade him.

The Eagles are not the only team interested in acquiring a new offensive playmaker. Both Washington and Dallas - NFC rivals of the Eagles - are interested in upgrading at the position as well. Washington has made inquiries for both Johnson and Boldin, and were denied on both occasions.

If the Eagles are going to obtain one of these receivers, it is most likely to occur Saturday during the NFL Draft. The Eagles own 11 picks in the draft, and may be willing to package Sheppard with picks for a receiver.

Around the NFL: Jake Long Inks Five-Year Deal With Dolphins; Will Be No. 1 Overall Pick

With the first pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Jake Long, Tackle from Michigan.

After a week of speculation, Miami ended the suspense Tuesday by announcing that Long and the Dolphins had reached an agreement on a five-year deal worth $57 million and $30 million in guaranteed money.

"Jake was our guy from the beginning," general manager Jeff Ireland said in a press conference Tuesday. "Jake Long was on the top of our board for a long time. There wasn't a whole lot of debate. We thought it was a very good fit with the Miami Dolphins."

Long is coming to a team which ranked 23rd in the league in rushing yards in 2007. Still, the 6'7, 315-pound tackle is excited.

"It's such a great honor to be the No. 1 pick," Long said Tuesday. "I don't think it has sunk in yet. It's something every kid dreams about. I'm just real excited that it happened. Now I'm coming to a great place."

Long had an outstanding career at Michigan. He was named the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year in 2006 and 2007, and started 40 games. He was also only penalized twice, and once as a red-shirt Freshman.

The signing of Long removes the pressure from Miami and places it on the St. Louis Rams, who own the second overall pick in this year's draft.

It was widely speculated that the Rams were targeting Long. With his signing, the Rams may look to Virginia defensive end Chris Long. The Rams ranked 21st in sacks in 2007, and Long (or Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston) may be their answer Saturday.