Draft shouldn't be in Reid's hands

By Tim McManus

There has been a lot of speculation regarding the effect that Andy Reid's absence is going to have on the 2007 Eagles, and most of it's bogus.

Will he be too out of the loop after a month off? Will the team miss out on potential free agents/coaches? With most head coaches working 365, can an NFL team thrive with a temporary absence at that position?

Any such concern is ultimately unwarranted. This is not a first-year coach without a blueprint here, but rather a very meticulous, systematic intellectual that has created one of the most successful and full-proof infrastructures in the league.

Be assured, someone will answer the phone at the NovaCare Complex even if the boss isn't in.

There is, however, an element that will most definitely be affected by the big man's absence -- Draft Day.

Right now, the brain trusts of all 32 teams -- including 31 head coaches -- are in Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine. As we speak, hundreds of the most influential men in the league are gathered around the talent, equipped with a stop watch, a yard stick and a trained eye.

Just as importantly, they're engaging in interviews with the future of their franchises, deciding whether they're closer in character to Warrick Dunn or Pacman Jones; deciphering if said player will vibe with their team or not.

After several days of gathering information -- followed by endless hours analyzing all of the data -- Tom Heckert and the rest of the Eagles brass will package and hand deliver it all to Reid.

So yes, Big Red will have all the vitals in hand, and more than enough time prior to Draft Day to sift thoroughly through all of it. But what he won't be armed with is the same kind of first-hand experience. He can see the definition of a player's body on tape, but not necessarily the glint in his eye.

Couple that with the fact that he will be several weeks behind in his work, and Reid is going to have to yield some of his power come April 28.

That could present a slight philosophical shift. While "Reid-type" players will still be targeted, it will be others besides Reid deciding who those players are. Even if that means selecting a linebacker or bruising back in the high rounds, you ask? Well, let's just say the chances are marginally better.

Like other areas surrounding the Eagles and Reid's absence, this isn't a major concern. Again, he has built a fluid network that is able to survive and thrive even in the moments he isn't steering the ship.

He must trust that network when the Eagles go on the clock.

Tim appears on this page every Thursday. You can contact him at tmcmanus@phanaticmag.com