2010 NFL Draft: Giants Take Linval Joseph with 46th Pick

With the 46th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected East Carolina defensive tackle Linval Joseph.

The Giants entered this year's draft knowing one of their top priorities was to improve the defensive line. After spending their first-round pick on defensive end Jason-Pierre Paul, New York adds another player who has great speed for his size and knows how to pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Last season, the Giants lost their reputation as one of the top defenses in the NFL and allowed their opponents to average 26.7 points per game—ranking them 30th among teams. The 6'4", 328-pound Joseph should help turn all of that around during his rookie campaign with New York.

2010 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles Take South Florida Safety Nate Allen At No. 37

With the 37th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected South Florida safety Nate Allen. The pick was acquired from the Washington Redskins as part of the deal for quarterback Donovan McNabb.

After trading up to the 13th pick in the first round, many expected the Eagles to take Earl Thomas to fill in the hole left by Brian Dawkins at safety. When they spent the pick on Brandon Graham, it was clear Philadelphia needed to use one of their second round picks on a safety for Sean McDermott’s defense.

After the way last season ended, it was obvious the Eagles were in desperate need of help at the safety position. Allen will have high expectations during his rookie season–especially in a very competitive NFC East division.

The 6′2″ senior started all 13 games during his final year with the Bulls. Allen finished the season with 85 total tackles and four interceptions.

2010 NFL Draft: Eagles Fans, Don’t Fall Out of Love With Brandon Graham

When the Philadelphia Eagles officially traded up for the 13th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, there was one thought running through the minds of fans watching; Texas safety Earl Thomas was going to be wearing midnight green for the Birds next season.

At the time, it seemed to be the most logical idea. The Eagles had been rumored to try and trade up one of their 10 draft picks for Tennessee safety Eric Berry. When he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the fifth pick, the dream of Philadelphia moving up to snag a top safety appeared to be nothing but a simple thought of what could have been.

That was until the 13th pick rolled around.

After swapping a first and third round picks with the Denver Broncos, the Eagles found themselves in a position to select Thomas and finally find their first true candidate to fill in the gap left by Brian Dawkins at safety.

Then, the Eagles pulled an act that sent a shock wave through the Philadelphia fan base and analysts across the country—which seems to be a common trend this offseason—by passing on Thomas and selecting Michigan OLB Brandon Graham instead.

Shocking, yes.

Bad move by the Eagles?

Absolutely not.

Graham is arguably one of the top defensive ends in this year’s draft class and has the potential to make an immediate impact on Philadelphia’s defense as an effective pass-rusher. Not only did he lead the nation his senior year with 26 tackles for a loss, but was also ranked 14th with 10.5 sacks.

If anything, fans should consider themselves lucky for the Eagles gaining an opportunity to move up 11 picks to acquire Graham. While Thomas may have been a great fit in Sean McDermott’s defense, Philadelphia still has a solid shot at drafting a safety early in the second round with the 37th pick acquired from Washington in the McNabb trade.

Taylor Mays anyone?

2010 NFL Draft: Washington Redskins Take Trent Williams at No. 4

With the fourth pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins selected Oklahoma OT Trent Williams.

After acquiring quarterback Donovan McNabb from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Redskins knew their top priority in this year's draft was to focus on protecting him. Washington struggled with their offensive line in 2009 and will need improvement if they want to compete in the NFC East next season.

The Redskins' running game averaged just 94.4 yards per game last season and allowed 46 sacks--ranking them 29th among NFL teams.

For months, the main question in D.C. was whether the team would select Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen. After selecting Williams, Washington hopes the former Oklahoma standout can have an immediate impact on the Redskins' offensive line.

Why A Donovan McNabb-Terrell Owens Redskins Reunion Is Not As Crazy As It Seems

After the Washington Redskins acquired quarterback Donovan McNabb from the Philadelphia Eagles, rumors began to swirl about the possibility of wide receiver Terrell Owens ending up in D.C.

The 37-year old Owens is still on the free-agent market and will most likely not sign with a team until after the draft. One of the main reasons he has yet to sign with a team is because of his age and high asking price.

The thought of McNabb and Owens ever playing together again on the same team seemed as likely as Conan O'Brien returning to NBC. With a number of factors in mind, the once-crazy idea seems more likely than before.

McNabb and Owens Have Rekindled Their Friendship

In 2004, McNabb and Owens seemed to have the potential to become one of the greatest quarterback-wide receiver duos in NFL history. In their first season together, they connected for 14 touchdowns and led the Eagles to their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

What happened after that? Well, there's no need to go into detail, since just about everyone reading this article knows the story. All that matters is the former teammates have patched things up from the past and made the decision to be friends again.

Earlier last month, the announcement was made that McNabb and Owens would pair up together on the basketball court during an episode of Spike TV's "Pros vs. Joes."

If they can manage to play together on the court, there's every reason to believe they could do the same on the football field.

A Chance In Washington Means A Chance To Take NFC East Title From Eagles

Before any Dallas or New York fan jumps to conclusion about the above statement, let the record show the Cowboys and Giants have a strong chance of winning the division title in 2010.

But for the sake of the article, let's imagine the acquisition of McNabb plays a key factor in the Redskins winning their first NFC East title since 1999.

As soon as the trade for McNabb was finalized, some analysts picked Washington as the favorites to win the division assuming they fill areas of improvement—such as the offensive line—in the upcoming draft.

For so long, the Redskins have been in need of an elite quarterback and may have found their answer with No. 5.

If Washington does manage to come through next season and win the NFC East with McNabb as their quarterback, expect some hostility from the Philadelphia fan base.

If the Skins manage to win with not only McNabb, but Owens as their top wideout, there's no telling how the fans would react.

Daniel Snyder Has A History of Overpaying Older Free Agents

The main reason why Owens has yet to sign with a team is because of his high demand of a contract. Numerous reports have indicated he's seeking to be paid at least $5 million in 2010 after making $6.5 million last season with the Buffalo Bills.

If any owner is willing to pay the type of money Owens and his agent Drew Rosenhaus are asking for, Daniel Snyder seems to be the type of owner willing to do so. He has a history of overpaying players—with the most recent being Albert Haynesworth's $100 million contract.

With this in mind, there still seems to be the slightest chance Owens could end up playing for his third NFC East team if he signs with the Redskins.

Both Owens and McNabb Are Looking For Their First Super Bowl

The last—and only—time both players reached the Super Bowl was in 2005 with the Eagles when they lost to the New England Patriots 24-21.

With both players already in their 30's, the time clock to finally win football's ultimate prize is close to running low.

Both Owens and McNabb realize how a Super Bowl win would not only add to their outstanding individual careers, but most likely would make them a lock for Canton. The opportunity is there; it's just a matter of whether these two players will reunite to accomplish the goal they never reached when they were teammates with the Eagles.