The Eagles are getting their guy, without giving up the farm.
Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox had been coveted by the Eagles all along, and somehow slid all the way to Pick #12.
The Eagles knew they had to strike and did it quickly, trading up to Seattle's #12 in exchange for Pick #15, a 4th rounder and a 6th rounder.
Fletcher Cox is easily the best DT in the NFL Draft, and will make an immediate impact.
In 2011, the Junior had 56 tackles and 5 sacks.
Cox is 6-4, 298 lbs. but has a motor that makes some Linebackers jealous. Cox is a Nose Tackle, yet ran a 4.79 40 time. His 40 time showed how elusive Fletcher Cox can be, and is able to finesse his way around Offensive Linemen.
The Mississippi State product is a great run stuffer. Opposing Offenses will have to think twice before trying to run it up the middle.
More importantly, Fletcher Cox will be able to take some pressure off of Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins was easily worn down at the end of the season because he was seeing plenty of double teams. Now, O-Linemen will be forced to keep an eye on both men.
Most scouts believe Cox is just scratching the surface of his potential. Then there is no better person to coach him than the Eagles Jim Washburn. Washburn has resurrected many careers, and has been responsible for grooming many rookies.
Andy Reid has said "Jim Washburn is very excited." to work with his new DT, and he should be. Washburn will be able to command the best out of Cox, and will help him mature very quickly. The Wide 9 scheme fits Cox perfectly, because he can play outside as well as his natural position inside.
Cox seemed like a surefire Top 10 pick, and his fall to Pick #12 was shocking. GMs will lose sleep over passing up a talent like Fletcher Cox.
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