Eagles take USF's Allen in draft's second round

TAMPA In Philadelphia, they called the Eagles' second-round pick in Friday's NFL draft "The Donovan McNabb Selection."

University of South Florida safety Nate Allen wasn't drafted to replace Philadelphia's former franchise quarterback, but rather to stop him when the Eagles face NFC East rival Washington next season.

Philadelphia used the 37th overall pick of the draft - the one it got from the Redskins in exchange for McNabb - to select Allen, a pillar in USF's secondary the past three seasons.

Allen's former teammate in the secondary at USF, cornerback Jerome Murphy, was taken by the St. Louis Rams with the first pick of the third round (No. 65 overall). Allen and Murphy led USF in interceptions last season with four each. They joined defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, taken by the Giants in the first round, to give USF three picks in a single draft for the third time in school history (2001 and 2003).

Allen watched the draft from his home in Cape Coral. On a conference call with reporters shortly after Philadelphia made him the third-highest draft pick in USF history, Allen was asked if he felt any added pressure from being the player selected with a pick acquired for McNabb.

"Not really," he said. "It's an honor to be even considered ... with the whole Donovan McNabb thing," Allen said. "I'm just so thrilled and excited, and I'm ready to get up there and start working hard."

For the record, Allen will not wear No. 5 - his USF jersey number and McNabb's number with the Eagles - but No. 29.

Allen's selection gave USF picks in the first and second rounds of the same draft for the first time in school history. Prior to Allen, USF's only second-round pick had been linebacker Kawika Mitchell, taken by the Bills in 2003.

As the second round opened, there were questions about whether the Eagles would pick Allen or USC safety Taylor Mays. Allen got the call from the Eagles shortly after the second round started.

The Eagles are in need of secondary help after four-time All-Pro safety Brian Dawkins signed with Denver after the 2008 season. Allen was drafted to challenge recently signed Marlin Jackson, a 2005 first-round pick of the Colts, and holdovers Quintin Demps and Macho Harris.

"We like Nate. Nate is a smart football player. He was a quarterback in high school. He has that ability to reverse what he saw as a quarterback and put it in play as a defensive back and make plays." Eagles coach Andy Reid said during ESPN2's draft coverage Friday night.

Allen worked out for several teams prior to the draft, including the Cowboys and Falcons. He was uncertain where he would go.

"I had no idea. I was just waiting," he said. "I'm just excited. I'm glad the Eagles are giving me a chance."

Meanwhile, Murphy climbed the draft charts with strong performances at the NFL combine and USF's Pro Day. Murphy played in a school-record 52 games at USF, including 25 starts.