Home »

[bana2166]

Philadelphia Eagles Trade Up to Draft Haitian-American Max Jean-Gilles

by Andy Schwartz

ComcastSportsNet.com

Before the first hour of the draft?s second day had elapsed, the Eagles had made three trades and parted with defensive tackle Hollis Thomas and guard Artis Hicks.

In a deal with the Saints, the Eagles moved up nine spots in the fourth round and, with the 99th pick overall, selected guard Max Jean-Gilles out of Georgia. The Eagles sent their first fourth-round pick (108th overall) and Thomas to New Orleans.

Street and Smith?s rates the 6-4, 355-pound Gilles as the top-rated guard in the draft and calls him ?perhaps the most imposing player to come out in this year?s draft.?

Thomas had spent his entire pro career with the Eagles since signing as a rookie free agent in 1996 but became disgruntled last off-season after the team refused to redo his contract.

Shortly after selecting Gilles, they traded up yet again, and with the 109th pick drafted Michigan wide receiver Jason Avant.

In order to acquire the 109th pick, Andy Reid made a deal with his former offensive coordinator Brad Childress, now head coach of the Vikings. Reid sent Hicks and the 30th pick in the fourth round (127th overall) to Minnesota for a fourth-round (115th overall) and sixth-round pick (185th overall).

Then, the Eagles sent those two picks to Green Bay for the 109th overall pick, with which they drafted Avant.