Andy Reid: Jim Washburn 'Is Like A Kid In A Candy Store' After The Eagles Draft
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Jim Washburn's wide-9 defensive scheme works best if you have personnel suited for it. After the draft the Eagles had, Washburn's got more than he could ask for.
"[Washburn's] like a kid in a candy store," Andy Reid told 94WIP's Anthony Gargano and Glen Macnow about the new players Washburn has at his disposal. "It was kind of fun to watch when we started picking. In his wildest dreams he wouldn't have guessed he'd have gotten both of those kids [Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry]. He'll wear 'em out. Once they get here he won't care. It doesn't matter who you are, he'll get after those guys. They all love him, and they respect him, and they play hard for him."
Reid said they didn't expect to have a chance to draft Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox. "Most of the people had them going at the sixth or seventh pick, so when he started sliding, we had our eye on him. Obviously we didn't think going into the day that we'd be able to get him. We had a little plan there if he did slide, and Howie did a good job of sliding in there and getting him," Reid said. "Listen I think he's a big kid who can run and has quickness and strength. I think you get him in the mix and get him in there and throw as many fastballs at the offense as you can. He gives you that opportunity to do that. So does Vinny Curry."
The Eagles selected defensive end Vinny Curry with one of their two second round picks. Curry, who attended Marshall, grew up as an Eagles fan, idolizing Ricky Watters, Hugh Douglas and Jeremiah Trotter. "He's the wildest Eagle fan you can imagine. He came in there, and he had tears in his eyes the whole day. You don't get a lot of opportunities like that as a coach or as an organization to get a kid who feels that way," Reid said of Curry. "He's good. He was defensive player of the year in that conference. They play good football at Marshall, and they always have."
With their other second round pick, the Eagles got Cal linebacker Mychal Kendricks. "He's right around 6 feet tall, 240 pounds, and runs like a deer. You get a little bit of linebacker and a little bit of safety rolled into one," Reid said. "He had a lot of success covering tight ends at the college level. He'll knock you into left field man. If you're sitting in the third row at Lincoln Financial you might get somebody in your lap. He's a jumper. When you put on the tape, they jump out at you. Those are the ones you like."
