21 through the years

IN ATLANTIC CITY, having 21 is usually a good thing. In the NFL draft, picking 21 is far less certain. Since that's where the Eagles are slated to select in the first round on Saturday here's a look at the last five players drafted 21st overall:

2008 - Sam Baker, tackle, Atlanta: Missed eight midseason games with a back injury, but played well when he was healthy. While injured, he was replaced by Todd Weiner. But Weiner's subsequent retirement hands the job back to the youngster. Grade: B

2007 - Reggie Nelson, safety, Jacksonville: Regressed in 2008 after a good rookie year in which he had five interceptions. The Jaguars went for Nelson ahead of Brandon Meriweather, who New England grabbed three picks later and who filled in well last year as a starter. Cleveland quarterback Brady Quinn and promising Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe were selected between Nelson and Meriweather. Grade: C+

2006 - Laurence Maroney, running back, New England: Not a bad player, but he can't stay out of the trainer's room. Played 14 games as a rookie, 13 in 2007 and just three last year. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina) and Joseph Addai (Indy) were the two RBs taken after Maroney. Grade: D

2005 - Matt Jones, wide receiver, Jacksonville: Has shown flashes of skill, but can't stay out of trouble. Arrested again last month and is currently a free agent. Grade: F

2004 - Vince Wilfork, nose tackle, New England: An excellent anchor in the middle of the Pats' line. Should be getting a big pay raise sometime soon. Grade: B+

See you in September

 

You know how you can tell it's April?

When the Pirates swept the Marlins yesterday afternoon, they moved to within a half game of the wild card. *

- Ed Barkowitz

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