With the draft complete and in the past, the Eagles are likely finished making significant acquisitions for the 2012 season. While the team did well to address the middle linebacker position with the DeMeco Ryans trade, and the defensive line by drafting Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry, a number of questions still remain about the roster for the upcoming year.

Will the Eagles add another safety?

The Eagles spent a pair of second round picks on Nate Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett in the last two years, and seem content to sink or swim with these two players even though neither has shown much. Kurt Coleman will be the third safety, and Colt Anderson will be kept around for special teams.

This is still a very young group of safeties that could benefit from a veteran presence. Yeremiah Bell, who played for new secondary coach Todd Bowles in Miami, would be a good fit, but the Eagles don’t seem to be interested in bringing in another veteran at this time.

Are the Eagles good enough at running back?

As long as LeSean McCoy can avoid any kind of devastating injury, yes. But if the Pro-Bowler goes down? Dion Lewis showed some flashes of explosiveness in the preseason last year, but I wonder if he’s got enough size to be anything more than a change-of-pace, situational player.

The Eagles spent a seventh round pick on Bryce Brown, a player with a great talent, but little production in his college years, and also had commitment issues when he wasn’t given a starting job at both Tennessee and Kansas State.

Among the undrafted rookies, Chris Polk may have the best chance of making the team. Many expected him to be drafted.

Right now, I don’t believe the Eagles have enough quality behind McCoy.

Who will be the fullback?

Owen Schmitt hasn’t been resigned, leaving a very open competition at the position. Last year’s seventh round pick Stanley Havili is the current favorite to win the job, but he didn’t show much in training camp last year and could easily be beaten out. Jeremy Stewart and Emil Igwenagu are the other fullbacks currently on the roster.

Will the Eagles even carry a traditional fullback if none of the above proves themselves worthy of a roster spot. It may be possible that the team will opt not to keep any of them, and use a tight end like Clay Harbor as a blocker. A year ago, Schmitt was rarely given more than 10 snaps in any given game, so the Eagles may not have enough value for the position to justify keeping one around.

Which defensive veterans are on their way out?

The additions of DeMeco Ryans, Fletcher Cox, Mychal Kendricks, and Vinny Curry mean that a handful of veterans from last year’s team are going to need to have strong training camps in order to stick around for the regular season.

On the defensive line Brandon Graham, Darryl Tapp, and Phillip Hunt are battling for two roster spots. Graham likely will stick around because to give up on a first round pick after just two years would look horrendous for Howie Roseman and the front office, but I don’t think its necessarily a lock that he makes it. Drafting Vinny Curry in the second round wasn’t exactly a vote of confidence for Graham. He’ll have to show that he’s capable of some level of success.

Tapp is likely the odd man out. He’s proven to be nothing more than a fringe player in two seasons with the team, and he’s also been injury prone.

At linebacker, Ryans, Kendricks, Jamar Chaney, and Brian Rolle are the only players I see as locks to make the team. Casey Matthews, Moises Fokou, Keenan Clayton, and Akeem Jordan will be fighting for one or two roster spots. Matthews seems to be well-liked by the coaching staff, so I’d give him the inside track to one of those spots. Fokou has shown that he isn’t anything special, and is likely gone. Clayton and Jordan will fight it out on special teams for the final position.

Under Peter Laviolette, the Flyers have been a team that has been known for their resiliency.

When the former Carolina coach took over for John Stevens in 2009, he got an underachieving team to turn around a season to make the playoffs after beginning the year in the bottom of the standings.

In those same playoffs, the Flyers completed their infamous historic comeback against the Boston Bruins after being down 3-0 in the series (and 3-0 in Game 7) to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, and eventually the Stanley Cup Finals.

In this year’s playoff run, the Flyers bounced back from a 3-0 hole in Game 1, and a 2-0 hole in Game 2 to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins in some of the most wild, exciting games in recent memory.

The Flyers under Laviolette have had a reputation for being a team that could take a punch, recover, and find ways to succeed. However, in this series against the Devils, those traits were completely non-existant. The team looked as though they had completely lost their way. Throughout the series, they allowed New Jersey to dictate the flow of each game, and every time the Devils threw a punch, the Flyers had no counter.

Perhaps part of the problem lies in the team’s youth. After Game 5, Claude Giroux admitted the team didn’t take the Devils as seriously as they should have. “I think we were thinking we were going to walk over New Jersey. I guess we have to learn from it.”

The Flyers seem to embrace the role of the underdog much better than they do than the role of the favorite. The Penguins were thought to be one of the best teams in hockey, and the Flyers played that series with a great attitude, as though they had something to prove.

When they went on to face New Jersey, most experts favored them to win in five or six games. The team rarely displayed any urgency in the series, never made adjustments to what the Devils were doing defensively, and now find themselves sent home for the season. Hopefully Giroux and the other young stars have learned some valuable lessons from this post season that will carry over into future years.

The Philadelphia hockey season ended tonight with a bitter 3-1 loss at the Wells Fargo Center to the New Jersey Devils. A team that looked like they were poised to make a deep playoff run ultimately fell flat on their faces after grabbing an early lead in the series, leaving their fans to wonder what went wrong.

What went wrong for the Flyers in this second round series was that they had a lot of invisible men on the ice for the final four games. Claude Giroux and Danny Briere were the only forwards that managed to have a significant positive impact against the Devils. The team didn’t get any kind of significant contributions from guys like Jaromir Jagr, Scott Hartnell, James Van Riemsdyk, Wayne Simmonds, and Jakub Voracek.

These wingers, the supporting cast for Giroux and Briere, collectively did very little. With all five of these top two-line caliber forwards ineffective and off of their games, it made it much easier for New Jersey to work to limit the damage of Giroux and Briere.

The Flyers struggled to sustain any kind of offensive pressure throughout the series, and much of that can be attributed to the failures of their wings. With New Jersey spending the majority of the game in the offensive zone, they quickly wore down an injury-riddled Flyers defensive unit, and found little difficulty generating quality scoring chances on Ilya Bryzgalov. Combine that with a number of mental and physical errors, and you have the perfect recipe for a quick end to a disappointing series.

It will be up to Paul Holmgren to find a way to upgrade the talent around Giroux and Briere next season.

On the second day of the NFL Draft, the Eagles selected three players, linebacker Mychal Kendricks, defensive end Vinny Curry, and quarterback Nick Foles.

Kendricks is a little on the short side (listed at 5-11), but he’s regarded as one of the more productive linebackers in college football, and has a reputation for being an instinctive, physical defender. He has great speed that the Eagles covet, and was an effective blitzer during his time at California. With a lack of talent surrounding middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, Kendricks will have an opportunity to start right away at one of the outside positions.

Curry was a highly regarded defensive end prospect that was projected to go much higher in the second round. He’s a pass rusher with a high motor, and he should step in immediately to the defensive end rotation. The selection of Curry officially puts veteran Darryl Tapp and former first-round pick Brandon Graham on notice. The Eagles are trying to build a deep, effective defensive end rotation, and won’t save a roster spot for a couple of guys that have been injury prone and unproductive.

The Eagles made their first surprising pick of the draft, selecting quarterback Nick Foles in the third round. He’s got decent arm strength, but isn’t very mobile, and struggles with intermediate throws. He’ll likely spend the season as the third-string quarterback, leaving either Mike Kafka or veteran Trent Edwards as the primary backup to Michael Vick.

Foles is the only selection the Eagles have made so far that I don’t like. A third-round pick should be a player that you can expect to contribute in some form right away, but the Eagles will only get production out of this pick in a doomsday scenario. I believe the pick does show that they don’t feel good about how Kafka has developed in the last two seasons.

Winners/Best Picks

Dallas, Morris Claiborne 6th overall: The Cowboys desperately needed to improve their secondary, and they got themselves an instant starter that should help them right away.

Philadelphia, Fletcher Cox 12th overall: The Eagles waited just long enough, and were able to get the defensive line prospect they coveted most.

San Diego, Melvin Ingram 18th overall: Viewed by some as a top-10 pick, the Chargers got the pass rushing help they desperately needed by having Ingram fall into their laps at 18.

New England, Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower 21st and 25th overall: The Patriots were very aggressive in this draft, trading up twice to get a pair of excellent defensive talents that figure to step in right away to impact a defense that has been stuck in mediocrity for years.

Losers/Worst Picks

Seattle, Bruce Irvin 16th overall: Irvin, a one dimensional player from a small program, likely wasn’t on any other team’s radar in the entire first round. The Oakland Raiders weren’t present for the opening round of this year’s draft, so Pete Carrol and the Seattle Seahawks made the most ridiculous pick of the draft this year. This absurdity of this pick is on par with the Miami Dolphins taking Tedd Ginn with the eighth overall pick in 2007, and the Raiders selecting Darius Heyward-Bay with the seventh overall pick in 2009.

Kansas City, Dontari Poe 11th overall: The Chiefs fell into the trap of the workout warrior. Poe won’t be a difference maker worthy of the 11th overall pick.

Arizona, Michael Floyd 14th overall: While Floyd may turn out to be a fine player, the Cardinals made this pick for the wrong reasons. It was a move to keep Larry Fitzgerald happy. Kevin Kolb and John Skelton are still without an offensive line to give them time to get these receivers the ball.

Cleveland, Brandon Weeden 22nd overall: Weeden looks good on film, but what other team was looking to draft the 28-year old quarterback in the first round? He should have been a second round pick at best, he’s a poor value at 22. You draft quarterbacks in the first round because you hope to develop them to be your franchise player for the next decade. Whether Weeden succeeds or not, the Browns will be drafting another quarterback with a high pick in two to three years.

San Francisco, A.J. Jenkins 30th overall: Jenkins isn’t overly impressive, and doesn’t strike me as a true first-round talent.

After selecting Fletcher Cox with the 12th pick in the draft, Andy Reid stated that he believed Cox was going to be taken in the top six picks of the draft, likely going to the Jacksonville Jaguars or St. Louis Rams, both teams in need of pass rushing help.

So what were the chain of events that allowed the defensive tackle to fall out of the top 10?

Cox’s descent to the 12th pick began when the Jacksonville Jaguars made a trade with Tampa Bay for the fifth overall pick, which they used to select electric wide receiver Justin Blackmon.

With Blackmon off of the board, the Rams accepted a trade from the Dallas Cowboys to move down to the 14th pick, allowing Dallas to select highly coveted corner Morris Claiborne. The Rams did indeed have a need for an upgrade at defensive tackle, but obviously didn’t regard Cox highly enough that they would refuse the offer from the Cowboys.

The next team with a defensive tackle need to pick was the Carolina Panthers in ninth position. Instead of going for help on their line, Ron Rivera opted to take the stud linebacker prospect Luke Kuechly. Rivera wants a guy who can not only upgrade the defense, but become a leader on the team. That’s a role that can’t be filled by a defensive tackle, but can be done by a middle linebacker.

The Chiefs needed to improve their defensive tackle situation, but they too chose to pass on Cox in favor of workout warrior Dontari Poe.

The was all the Eagles needed to see to make their move. The guy they fell in love with was there to be had, and with a relatively low cost (fourth and sixth-round picks) to move up three positions, they pulled the trigger on the trade to make sure they got him.

The Eagles have made their first selection in the NFL draft, choosing Fletcher Cox with the 12th overall pick.

Cox is a quick, powerful defensive tackle, ideal for Jim Washburn’s Wide-Nine scheme. The Eagles were in love with Cox’s ability, and moved up three spots (giving up fourth and sixth-round picks) to select the Mississippi State product.

Cox gives the Eagles a deep defensive tackle rotation, the rookie joins with the likes of Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, Antonio Dixon, and Derek Landri. He’s the third defensive tackle taken in the first round in the Andy Reid era (the others being Corey Simon in 2000, and Brodrick Bunkley in 2006).

Hopefully he’ll have a much more impactful Philadelphia career than Bunkley.

1. Indianapolis: Andrew Luck

Over a decade ago, the Colts chose between two star quarterback prospects and made the right call. Will they be as fortunate this time around?

2. Washington: Robert Griffin III

Washington certainly hopes they made the right call after investing three first-round picks in the potential of RGIII.

3. Minnesota: Matt Kalil

It doesn’t matter who the Vikings play at quarterback, they won’t succeed unless the team significantly upgrades their pass protection, and creates some stability on the offensive line.

4. Cleveland: Trent Richardson

The Browns desperately need to some explosive playmakers on offense, and they have needs at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. Ryan Tannehill is too much of a reach to take this high (and won’t have an immediate impact). Justin Blackmon could be the guy, but he needs a quarterback to deliver him the ball. Trent Richardson has the best chance to significantly upgrade the Cleveland offense.

5. Tampa Bay: Morris Claiborne

With Ronde Barber taking reps at safety, and Aquib Talib dealing with constant legal issues, the Bucs take one of the best corner prospects to come out in years.

6. St. Louis: Justin Blackmon

Sam Bradford has been throwing to Brandon Gibson and Danny Amendola for his entire career. He desperately needs an elite talent at that position.

7. Jacksonville: Melvin Ingram

The Jags attempt to find an answer for their pass rushing woes.

8. Miami: Ryan Tannehill

It’s time for the Dolphins to attempt to answer their quarterback problems with a top draft pick. They’ve tried too many times over the last decade to fill the role with veterans (A.J. Feeley, Duante Culpepper, Chad Pennington).

9. Carolina: Fletcher Cox

Ron Rivera upgrades the middle of his defense with the best defensive tackle in the draft.

10. Buffalo: Riley Reiff

Buffalo tries to buy Ryan Fitzpatrick a little more time in the pocket to justify his big contract.

11. Kansas City: Luke Kuechly

The Chiefs acquire one of the best talents, and a leader on defense for the next decade.

12. Seattle: Quintin Coples

After just missing out on Kuechly, the Seahawks go for the next best thing, and address their pass rushing woes.

13. Arizona: Stephon Gilmore

The Cardinals pick up a corner to play opposite of Patrick Peterson.

14. Dallas: Mark Barron

Dallas acquires the safety they desperately need. Barron is a hard-hitting safety, but has some coverage issues. Roy Williams 2.0?

15. Philadelphia: Michael Brockers

The Eagles will probably try to trade up for Fletcher Cox, but the cost will be too high. They’ll stay at 15, and take the LSU product as a consolation prize.

16. New York: Courtney Upshaw

Rex Ryan picks up a versatile linebacker to add to his defensive arsenal.

17. Cincinnati: David DeCastro

Bengals pick up one of the soundest offensive line prospects.

18. San Diego: Mike Adams

With Marcus McNeil gone, the Chargers have a need at tackle.

19. Chicago: Michael Floyd

Chicago won’t be able to resist adding another big target to go with Brandon Marshall.

20. Tennessee: Dre Kirkpatrick

The loss of Cortland Finnegan gets addressed with the 20th pick.

21. Cincinnati: Whitney Mercilus

The Bengals have lost a couple of defensive lineman to free agency, and will attempt to make up for those losses with this pick.

22. Cleveland: Kendall Wright

The Browns once again look to upgrade their offensive firepower, this time at the wide receiver position.

23. Detroit: Cordy Glenn

The Lions look improve their offense by increasing their strength on the line.

24. Pittsburgh: Kevin Zeitler

The Steelers continue to try to rebuild the interior of their offensive line.

25. Denver: Jerel Worthy

Worthy becomes the replacement for Brodrick Bunkley, who departed via free agency.

26. Houston: Ruben Randall

The Texans pick up another big receiver, giving teams matchup nightmares between Randall and Andre Johnson.

27. New England: Dontari Poe

The Patriots take a chance on the workout warrior.

28. Green Bay: Shea McClellin

The Packers try to get some pass rushing support for Clay Matthews.

29. Baltimore: Donta Hightower

Baltimore drafts the replacement for Ray Lewis.

30. San Francisco: Janoris Jenkins

The 49ers add a talented (though troubled) corner.

31. New England: Chandler Jones

The Patriots try to stock up on defensive lineman.

32. New York: Colby Fleener

The Super Bowl Champs add another threat at tight end to Eli’s arsenal.

Just how desperate were the Eagles to rid themselves of Asante Samuel and his massive contract? Desperate enough that they accepted a pick in the bottom of this week’s draft as compensation for the Pro-Bowl corner.

The Eagles and Falcons completed a trade today that will send a seventh-round pick to Philadelphia in exchange for Samuel.

With such low compensation, on the surface it would seem as though the Eagles would have been better off simply keeping Samuel. However, the Eagles couldn’t let their secondary go through another season like 2011. Having the trio of Samuel, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie just wasn’t a good fit. Samuel’s style of play didn’t mesh well with Asomugha’s, and Rodgers-Cromartie isn’t suited to play the slot.

When Samuel missed the final games of the season, the secondary looked much stronger with Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie starting.

Clearing Samuel’s money off of the books also gives the team a little more flexibility to make another move to bring in a veteran before training camp, or extend a player already on the team, such as LeSean McCoy.

Though a seventh-round pick seems like a lousy haul for such a talented player like Asante Samuel, it was a move the team had to make.

- Danny Briere may go through goal scoring droughts in the regular season, but there are few players in the NHL as dynamic as him in the playoffs. He always seems to make an impact in the postseason, and Wednesday’s game was no different. His two goal effort proved to be the spark that the team needed to rally from a 3-0 hole and steal the first game of the series.

- The Flyers showed that they can absorb some tough blows and keep on fighting. Not every team is going to respond positively to a 3-0 deficit.

- Brayden Schenn had an excellent game in his playoff debut. The rookie played a very physical game, and was involved on three of the four Flyer goals. He scored the tying goal in the third period, and earned assists on the others.

- Ilya Bryzgalov encountered some bears in the woods in the first period, putting the team in a 3-0 hole after the first 20 minutes. He seemed shaky and unfocused, allowing the third goal to trickle into the net behind him with less than a minute remaining in the opening frame.

- However, Bryzgalov emerged from the woods after the first intermission, and came up with some critical saves in the rest of the game. It was encouraging to see the netminder find his way, and respond positively to a situation in which the team needed him to completely shut the door for the remainder of the game. They couldn’t afford to let up another goal if they were to complete their come up, and the former Coyote was up to the challenge.

- This is an absolutely crushing loss for the Penguins. To blow a 3-0 lead in the first game of the playoffs in front of their home crowd to a team that they’ve struggled against all season has got to fill their heads with even more doubts. Such a defeat won’t be easy to rebound from.They’ve given up home ice advantage in the series, and will be under great pressure to come through with a victory in Game 2.

- The Flyers did a pretty good job staying out of the penalty box. They only gave the Penguins two power play opportunities, and killed both of them off.