With the 88th overall pick, the Philadelphia Eagles have selected Arizona quarterback Nick Foles.
Foles is the first quarterback selected by the Eagles in the third round since Bobby Hoying in 1996.
Foles stands 6’5 and weighs 242 pounds. He runs between a 4.96 and a 5.14 in the 40-yard dash, depending on which source you believe. He is slow but very strong, and extremely tough.
In other words, he is the complete opposite of current Eagles quarterback Michael Vick, who stands just 6’0 (and is probably actually 5’11), weighs 215, is as fast as any quarterback in the National Football League, and is frequently injured.
Foles also has good arm strength and throws well on the move. He isn’t the best at reading defenses (not a good thing) but he reportedly spends a tremendous amount of time watching film and attempting to improve his game. He plays with heart and has been known to play through injuries.
Eagles’ offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said the following about Foles: “Many excellent qualities. Great size. Excellent arm. Good instincts.”
He originally opted to attend Arizona State but chose Michigan State instead. He was stuck on the depth chart behind Kirk Cousins (who many expected the Eagles to select ahead of Foles), so he transferred to Arizona, where he broke all of the school’s passing records.
He is expected to challenge for the team’s backup quarterback position in 2012 with Mike Kafka, a 2010 fourth round draft pick, and veteran Trent Edwards, who was signed following the 2011 season.
I also wonder if the pick means the Eagles are not confident on Mike Kafka, who has tremendous football knowledge but not a great arm. But I don’t think so.
My prediction heading into 2012 is that Vick is the starter, Kafka is the backup, and Foles is the third quarterback.
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