Road to the Draft

The Eagles are scheduled to have a highly touted member of the year's draft class workout for them soon. Find out who they are looking at as a possible 2008 draft pick inside.

Brian Dawkins, Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and Jon Runyan all have something in common. They are all respected veterans who made it clear during the off-season that the Eagles need to add “playmakers” to their offense going into the 2008 campaign.

While the moves the team made in free agency so far mostly addressed the defensive side of the ball, it looks like getting a new offensive weapon could be a part of Philadelphia’s plans for the upcoming draft.

Vanderbilt wide receiver Earl Bennett is expected to work out for the Eagles by tomorrow at the team’s practice facility, and after declaring for the draft following his junior season, he could be valued as high as a first round pick.

Former Vanderbilt WR Earl Bennett (#10)
AP Photo

Bennett was a three-time All Southeastern Conference selection during his time with the Commodores and was the team’s leading receiver in each season he played. He is also the SEC’s career leader in receptions, with 236 in his career. As a true freshman in 2005, Bennett recorded 79 catches and nine touchdowns with Jay Cutler of the Denver Broncos as his quarterback. He set career highs in receptions (82) and yards (1,146) as a sophomore, and finished last season with 75 catches for 830 and 5 touchdowns.

At 6 feet and 209 pounds, Bennett has good size and is known for his sure hands, route running ability and work ethic. While he is not the most explosive receiver in the draft in terms of speed, he recently clocked in at 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the 2008 Scouting Combine, a respectable time for an NFL skill position.

Bennett would be a good fit for the Eagles because he also has experience as a kick and punt returner, a position of need for Andy Reid’s team.

Andrew Pluta can be reached at [e-mail]