By Kevin Durso, Sports Talk Philly editor 
The Eagles selection at 14 may not have been the most exciting or filled the greatest need the team is facing. However, it was apparent that the Eagles got their guy.
As Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas met the media following the selection of Derek Barnett with the 14th overall pick, it was clear, this was the target for the Eagles all along.
"Guys who have an incredibly high motor and tremendous character,” Roseman said. “This is the first pick with Joe here, and to get a guy who — when we talk about those guys — is our example when we talk to the scouts, and when Joe talks to the scouts and says, 'This is what I'm talking about here in Derek Barnett.' I think it's a great example for the room here as we go forward over the next couple of days. This is what fits. This is what we're looking for, and this is how we want to build."
So while it may not have been flashy or may not have been the cornerback that so many were praying for, it was a player that fit a need and helps bolster the group.
It’s difficult to see that in the moment, but if upside is the key and players with work ethic and character are key, then the Eagles found the guy that fit those qualities best at that time.
For Roseman, it’s about what the player brings to the table for the rest of the team to help build that cohesive unit that competes and wins. For Douglas, who learned and was involved with drafts for the Baltimore Ravens for years, it’s character, work ethic, drive and determination that make the player. And that’s everything that Derek Barnett is.
"I think there is a higher ceiling with Derek," Douglas said. "I think he is going to get better. I think [defensive line coach Chris Wilson and assistant defensive line coach Phillip Daniels] are going to do a great job with him and improve some of his hand technique. He even said it in his interview after he was drafted, how he's just scratching the surface of his talent level. So I expect him to definitely reach his full potential because of his make-up."
The Eagles said Joe Douglas would be instrumental in the draft and preparing the draft board. This was his guy.
In that sense, if the Eagles are looking for competitors, that is the way to build a successful football team. But at the same time, Roseman needs to have one eye on the prize as much as on the process that is the construction and development.
Roseman will still be putting his head out there when it comes to these picks this weekend, and the first didn’t make the greater first impression with Eagles fans, even if he has similarities to Terrell Suggs or broke a record set by Eagles great Reggie White.
Early in the night, Roseman looked like a hero without making a pick. The price to trade up for a quarterback in a Draft that didn’t feature much in quality made the timing of the trade to get Carson Wentz a smart and sensible move. The emphasis on offensive players early — two running backs, three wide receivers and three quarterbacks in the first 12 picks — showed the Eagles were in position to take a top defensive prospect.
There was no way Roseman and company could screw this up…unless Barnett doesn’t pan out.
Barnett may need time, a la Brandon Graham, or may be an instant success. He sounds ready for the task and ready to compete, all good things for a young team like the Eagles are.
That’s the ceiling for Barnett, and the upside certainly makes the pick understandable. But to justify it, at least for Roseman and Douglas, Barnett may have to crash through the ceiling.
