Avant was drafted in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles traded a sixth round draft pick and tackle Artis Hicks to the Minnesota Vikings for the pick used to take Avant. In a post-draft interview, Eagles head coach Andy Reid said Avant "has great hands, toughness, leadership; he's very intelligent and a good route runner." Scouting reports projected him as a consistent possession receiver who lacked the speed to be a deep threat.