DeMeco Ryans is an Eagle

Posted: March 20th, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 110 Comments »

The Eagles traded a 4th round pick to the Texans for DeMeco frickin’ Ryans.  How’s that taste, boys and girls?  Pretty awesome to me.

Quick story on Ryans…I was watching a preseason game in 2009 I think and it was the Texans.  Ryans flew up and just floored a RB.  Strong, hard, physical tackle.  I remember thinking to myself, “Must be nice to have LBs like that”.  Well…yes it is nice.  And he’s ours, assuming he passes his physical.

So why were the Texans willing to give up on a good ILB for a mid-round pick?  Houston moved to a 3-4 last year.  They have one star ILB in Brian Cushing.  There is no need to pay a pair of star ILBs.  Better off to draft a guy there to add to the mix.  Or maybe they really like Darryl Sharpton.

Ryans also wasn’t as much of an impact player in the 3-4 as in the 4-3.  This wasn’t about a lack of talent.  All about fit and timing and that’s lucky for us.

Ryans is 6’1, 247.  Smart, veteran LB.  Good tackler.  Physical player.  He is exactly what we need in the middle of the defense.

Enough of my yakkin’.  I’ll have a lot more to say about this move in the next few days (and months).


110 Comments on “DeMeco Ryans is an Eagle”

  1. 1 SportiVore said at 7:52 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Just what I said below, this is the perfect pick-up for our defense.

    Veteran? Check.
    Physical? Check.
    Can tackle? Check.

    I think it compares very favorably to when the Saints acquired Jonathan Vilma from the Jets after they transitioned to a 3-4 and many thought he was “washed up.” Nope, Vilma is just a 4-3 MLB and has played extremely well for them.

  2. 2 Kammich said at 8:12 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Great comparison. Vilma was a stud early in his Jets career, and then was quickly cast off when they switched to the 3-4. Neither play(Vilma nor Ryans) had a dominant NT in front of them to swallow blocks and allow them to flow to the ball with their instincts. Ryans should be able to do that behind the wide-9.

  3. 3 immynimmy said at 7:55 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    What about the Achilles injury? And why would the Texans just give up a 2X pro bowler for a 4th rounder and 3rd round pick swaps….cautiously optimistic, but low risk high reward. Still think Kuechly is an option? Would not be upset with Fletcher or Brockers at 15 anymore.

  4. 4 nopain23 said at 8:59 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Skeptical as well.Tulloch resigns wit Detroit and the FO makes this trade…I say they panicked.At 5.9mil..Lofton must be asking for crazy cash…still think you go LK40 at 15….another thing..why are we always getting guys who tear stuff up.off It’s not an ACL its an Achilles….break out rthe M.A.S.H unit..why don’t ya.how about we draft a LB who’s never been injured..with great instincts ..who is a tackling machine and can cover

  5. 5 the guy said at 9:43 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    So much wrong with this.

    * Panicked? You think they contacted the Texans and set up a (seemingly great) trade for a 2x Pro Bowler in hours? It’s possible, but if so that only makes me more impressed with the front office, not less.

    * It’s not a small amount of money, but almost none is guaranteed, they have the cap space, and he’s an accomplished player.

    * Who knows if Luke will even be available at #15? Or that the Eagles even want him? Or that he’ll be a good NFL player? … Or are you suggesting they move up to be sure to get a good MLB? Maybe throw in a late 3rd, early 4th round pick to do so?

    * He’s had 1 major injury in his entire NFL career. If you only want the Eagles to sign veterans who have never had surgery, you might be expecting a bit much.

    I realize we’re Eagles fans, but at least enjoy hope for today. Maybe even the rest of the week. You’ve got half a year to be a Negadelphian.

  6. 6 nopain23 said at 10:05 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    No i’m saying this trade was set up some time ago as a plan B of some sort and when Tulloch signed they pulled the trigger.buy hey..we signed Cjenkins last year and he played the whole year and he had an injury history..so i’m going to roll with this move.i think the draft just got really interesting for the Iggles….BPA at 15…i’m guessing cox

  7. 7 Patrick Clausen said at 10:37 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    There is no way in hell, absolutely no way, that Fletcher Cox is available at pick number 15.

  8. 8 wee2424 said at 2:08 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    It will be this October two years ago that he injured his achillies. From what I k ow he never re-aggravated it. Like others have said here, it takes about two years to fully come back from that. Add into the fact that he was playing in a new system, and we can understand why his production dipped. You are making it seem as though he keeps getting injured, or he keeps re-aggravating it, which is not true.

    Also he started to regain back to his old form as the season went on.

    Yes you should slightly be concerned about the Achilles, but you are blowing it out of proportion. Tonight is a happy night, be happy.

  9. 9 Dewey said at 11:49 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Was that English?

  10. 10 D3FB said at 7:57 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    So Washington got 1 bad year from McNabb

    We got:
    Nate Allen
    Casey Matthews
    DeMeco Ryans

    BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
    Lolskins indeed

  11. 11 Dewey said at 8:02 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    How do you figure this? Not trying to be difficult, but I thought the Redskins trade was for a pair of 2nd rounders?

  12. 12 D3FB said at 8:06 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    We got their second in 2010. That was NATE ALLEN.
    We also got their 4th in 2011. We then traded that to Tampa Bay for to move back 12 spots where we selected Casey Matthews.
    In addition we also got Tampas 2012 fourth rounder which was just traded in addition to swapping 3rds for DEMECO RYAN.

  13. 13 Dewey said at 8:12 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Got it. Thanks for the clarification.

  14. 14 D3FB said at 8:32 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    No problem

  15. 15 wee2424 said at 7:57 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Ahhhhh

  16. 16 Eagles1991 said at 7:59 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    T’Master:

    Do you think Kuechly is still the pick in rd 1? Is Ryans a 2 down LB? He’s due 5.9mil this yr. Quite a bit for a 2 down LB…your thoughts sir

  17. 17 D3FB said at 7:59 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Apparently we are also swapping 3rds. I’m okay with moving down like 10-12 spots in the third plus a fourth. Apparently Ed Wade left some of his magic in Houston when he left.

  18. 18 wee2424 said at 7:59 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    AwsOme pickup. A little worried about the Achilles flailing up though, but what the hell, lol this is awsome.

    Tommy, who do you think the eagles go for in the first round now?

  19. 19 D3Keith said at 9:26 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Anybody they want.

    That’s what I love here too. We’re no longer desperate for starters. We will probably still make moves between now and the draft, and by we I mean me and Howie, but everything we do is to round out the rough edges. Or a possible bonus.

  20. 20 the guy said at 8:00 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I’ve watched this like 5 times. The fact that it’s from last year and against Jeremy Shockey just makes it sweeter.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2LETOgRg78

  21. 21 Virgile - Bubqr said at 8:08 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Guys, food for thought:

    “He was a two-down player last year, and might have lost the starting job to Darryl Sharpton had he not hurt himself. He hasn’t been the same since the achilles injury. I love DeMeco and all, but given where the Texans are at cap-wise, I can see this making some sense for them. He was not the same player he was in 2009.”

    http://www.footballoutsiders.com/extra-points/2012/texans-trade-demeco-ryans-eagles

  22. 22 Davesbeard said at 8:29 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Spadaro and Caplan were talking about Achilles injuries on Eagles Live before Mathis’ press conference on tuesday, they said that it’s an injury that nearly always takes two years to come back from. So a not fully recovered ryans playing in a new system that he was not suited to does not a great season make. Lets hope he can put it together again with us!

  23. 23 D3Keith said at 11:13 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Is that one of the hints Tommy always swears Spadaro is giving us?

  24. 24 Cvd52 said at 8:41 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    2009 was his last full year as an LB in a 43. I’m not 100% sold but def think it has a ton of potential

  25. 25 JRO91 said at 8:03 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Best part is it opens up BPA at 15!! Fletcher Cox, Michael Floyd, trade back for Zack Brown. All kinds of scenarios. Eagles still have 4th too. I feel like I’m dreaming. Now we can address SAM in the 3rd and take a Bobby Wagner or Keenan Robinson and have them
    Compete with Jamar.

  26. 26 Mac said at 8:04 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Man that Howie Roseman sure looks like a fool now!!!

  27. 27 Joe Malone said at 8:05 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I’m one of those guys who’s a big fan of IDPs (individual defensive players) in fantasy football (if you play, I suggest you all should really use them…adds a whole new dimension to fantasy). Anyways, Demeco has been one of the top 5 IDPs in the league for years. Always gets tackles, FF, FR etc. I think 2006 he had a monster year. Just an interesting aspect of this guy and I’m really excited to have him on our roster. I don’t think any eagles fan can complain now; our offseasn has been flawless.

  28. 28 DarthBanner said at 8:05 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Don’t forget we’ll get at least a 4th for Asante, so we’ll end up recouping that pick.

  29. 29 Trevor Turner said at 8:08 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    This move reminds me a lot of when the Jets traded Jonathan Vilma to New Orleans a year after they moved to a 3-4. Even the compensation was the same: a 4th round pick..

    Run-stuffing tackle LBs often don’t always work as ILBs in a 3-4, but they’re prototypical 4-3 MLBs.

  30. 30 Kammich said at 8:11 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Cap’n Meco!

    Really beneficial for us that Houston favors their 3-4 so much. DeMeco, when healthy, was an absolute stud in the 4-3 defense. Downhill, physical football player. If he returns to the form of his first 3 or 4 seasons, this is a steal.

    Kind of sad that this virtually eliminates Luke Kuechwalker for us, but I will now turn my attention to the multitude of disruptive DLs or beastly WRs we might be able to obtain at pick #15.

  31. 31 D3Keith said at 10:05 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Lol at Kuechwalker.

    On the bright side, we have 6 weeks to kill before the draft and a multitude of ways this could go.

  32. 32 Blogging the bEast said at 8:21 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Uh, Tommy? You failed to mention that before my mustache… no Ryans. Post mustache… Ryans

  33. 33 D3FB said at 10:10 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Mutton Chops = Lombardi?

  34. 34 Kammich said at 10:11 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    If growing an awesome Burt Reynolds mustache is “wrong,” then I don’t want to be “right.”

  35. 35 Davesbeard said at 8:24 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!

  36. 36 wee2424 said at 8:24 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Guys do remember there is no perfect lb. every player has flaws. Hawthorne is a 2 down lb, which a lot of us wanted. And there is no garuntee that kuechly would have turned into a great nfl player. Yes we should be a little worried about the Achilles, but this is not a time to look
    At every negative. This is definitely an upgrade on our d. Nobody said we still can’t draft kuechly. Tommy did say he is capable of playing Sam. We got a proven probowl lb that is still young. That’s great. And we can still trade asante.

  37. 37 dirty dickcheney said at 8:24 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Hope this isn’t Ernie Sims II

  38. 38 wee2424 said at 9:01 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I don’t think Ernie sims was ever a probowl linebacker

  39. 39 Anders Jensen said at 9:31 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    He wasnt. Every thing I read about Ryans is that he is the anti Sims

  40. 40 Matthew Verhoog said at 9:28 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    There can only be one Ernie Sims

  41. 41 Kammich said at 10:12 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    He’s the Highlander of over-pursuit.

  42. 42 TommyLawlor said at 10:19 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Awesome.

  43. 43 Tom McAllister said at 7:11 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    There are really no similarities at all between the two players.

  44. 44 Eagles1991 said at 8:30 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I’m positive by nature, but a wounded 2 down LB that were paying $5.9mil a year….tell me were still eyeing a LB in the draft. Trust me I hope demeco earns every penny but I’m skeptical at best

  45. 45 Ben Hert said at 9:14 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    He’s far from a two-down LB. Hell, he had the transmitter in his helmet in Houston when he was in the 4-3. You don’t give that to a 2-down LB. Plenty of players have come back from Achilles injuries, and it’ll be two years this October, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.

  46. 46 Eagles1991 said at 9:18 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Ben, I so hope you’re right my friend. #bleed green

  47. 47 Davesbeard said at 5:34 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    He played only 60% of snaps last year in the 3-4 but I remember seeing a stat that he was well towards the high 90s in previous years in the 4-3

  48. 48 D3Keith said at 10:59 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I wonder what you sound like when you’re positive.

  49. 49 nopain23 said at 8:43 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I would feel better about this if it were a straight up trade for Asante.Also..the injury history is disconcerting.We’ve had a problem with players with an injury history.5.9mil is a lot ..makes me wonder if we could have had Tulloch at that price..less injury risk and knows the wide 9.Wish we would have signed Hawthorne on the cheap and gone for LK40 in the Draft.we’ve gone the veteran LB route before..Ernie Sims…..DISAster!!.but we’ve never drafted a 1st round caliber LB.Would have liked to see the FO.try something different this time around.Hope he passes the physical…I’m very wary that Houston gave this guy up for fourth

  50. 50 wee2424 said at 8:57 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Why would you feel better if it were a straight up trade for Asante? Just so we can get rid of his cap space? We can still trade him, and most definitely will.

  51. 51 D3Keith said at 11:15 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    That made no sense to me either. We gave up a 4 and swapped a third, we kept a trade chip that could get us one of those picks back, plus we can dump 7/9ths of Asante’s salary at any time anyway … although as of now we can afford him (!)

  52. 52 D3FB said at 8:58 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    He played all of last year. And according to one of Houstons beat guys played extremely well down the stretch.

  53. 53 wee2424 said at 9:06 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Ernie Simms couldn’t hold Ryan’s jockstrap. Those two moves are similar in the fact that it was a trade, but in no way are the players comparable.

  54. 54 Thunder_lips said at 8:51 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    So what if he’s “smart” or a “good tackler” or “physical.” Get to the important issue: what are his family dinner conversations like????

  55. 55 Flyin said at 8:52 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Two of his teammates spoke to Sirius XM NFL Radio.

    Antonio Smith: “It’s a big surprise to me. I don’t know what is going on at this moment but DeMeco is a great player, a leader. He’s going to be an asset to each and every team he plays for…Our defense is going to miss him. That’s all I can say about it. I’m not in agreeance with it.”

    J.J. Watt: “DeMeco by far and away [is] the most respected guy on the defense, our leader. He’s a guy that everybody turns to especially when things are going tough. It’s tough to see him go, but at the end of the day what can we do? He’s obviously going to go play great football for the Eagles. Now it’s time for the rest of us as a defense to step up and find a new leader and go out there and play football. We can’t do anything about that so it’s time for us to go out there and do it on our own.”

    http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/post/_/id/35422/ryans-trade-actually-costs-texans-money

  56. 56 Nick said at 8:56 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I am in complete agreeance with those quotes.

  57. 57 Donald Kalinowski said at 9:00 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Tommy,

    Are you little disappointed that this takes Kuechly off the table? You spent so much time talking about him

  58. 58 austinfan said at 9:03 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Value of the trade is around #87, later third round pick, not bad but not cheap for a $6M a year salary, but no dead money.

    DeMeco did not have a great year, how much was the 3-4, how much was the injury, he did start 18 games and play his best ball in December and the playoffs, so that’s a good sign.

    I’m skeptical about the 247 lbs, he was 236 lbs at the combine and isn’t that big, I would expect him to play at around 241 lbs or so, needs to be lighter in the 4-3 anyway. I figure if he’s 90% recovered from the achilles he’s still a heck of a MLB.

    He also played SLB for two years at Alabama. Just sayin’ if Luke’s there at #15 . . .

  59. 59 Donald Kalinowski said at 9:11 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    When was the last time the Eagles acquired a veteran player and then drafted another player of the same position with a high pick?

  60. 60 D3FB said at 10:14 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Curtis Marsh was top 100 last year.

  61. 61 wee2424 said at 9:04 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Lol I don’t get it. We got something we needed so bad. A freaking probowl lb, and people are complaining. We got an established probowl linebacker. And to the person that said I hope this isn’t an Ernie Simms 2, really!?

  62. 62 Alex Karklins said at 9:35 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    There’s just no pleasing some people:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U74s8nFE7No

  63. 63 wee2424 said at 9:55 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Lmfao. Classic

  64. 64 JRO91 said at 10:25 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    People just need something to cry about. Dude is 10xs better than anything on our current roster, 2006 rookie def player of the year I think 2 time pro bowler and they cry. Yes he was hurt 2 YEARS AGO!! We could get Patrick Willis for a 7th rounder and people would complain.

  65. 65 Eagles1991 said at 9:15 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Howie…. If the Kuechmeister is there at 15…..snag him.

  66. 66 Jeff Rendell said at 9:17 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Not to be that guy – I’m cautiously optimistic. Emphasis on cautiously – read this from the Ernine Sims trade (read the comments too).

  67. 67 wee2424 said at 9:29 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I understand where you are going with that. But the fact of the matter is, Ryan’s has always been a better lb. that article failed to explain that Simms lacked a brain.

  68. 68 Anders Jensen said at 9:32 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Also Lions fans and player didnt mourn about the lose.

  69. 69 Jeff Rendell said at 9:40 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I am not trying to be negative, I just want us to remember the past that’s all. I think this will work out better, but the reactions are very similar to that trade. Ultimately, it will be answered on the football field.

  70. 70 SuPaFrO said at 9:27 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Hopefully with this trade we can get fletcher at 15. Or POe but then again we mite get LUKE if available n move him to sam for this year if deMeco isnt 100% we can cut him n move luke back to mike?

  71. 71 Toby_yboT said at 9:34 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I’m a little skeptical, only because the Eagles record of trading FOR other players hasn’t been that good (other than Jason Peters).

    On the other hand, I can’t see how this hurts us. At the worst, it won’t turn out as well as hoped. I’m almost certain it will help. If Ryans is indeed a 2-down backer, I was fairly happy with Mathews play in the nickle late last season.

  72. 72 Dave_King said at 9:56 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Since Peters, the only big-name guy we’ve traded for has been DRC. The jury is still out, but I think he has a chance to excel as the #2 CB on the outside this year. And Peters… well, we all know how that went. So if you’re looking at precedent, it’s looking fairly good.

  73. 73 the guy said at 9:34 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Tommy-

    One of the many articles (forget which) about the trade said it would allow Jamar Chaney to move back to SAM, a position he’s more suited for. I’m sure you’ve covered this before, but do you agree? Do you see that happening (draft aside)?

  74. 74 wee2424 said at 9:36 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    If we do draft kuechly in this draft, it will show an obvious pattern
    Of rosemans. If he feels a position failed the previous year, he seriously attacks it the next offseason. Cb’s last year, possibly lb core this year. Just interesting thought. You can also use the guards as an example. Mathis and a first round pick on watkins. He is more then willing to do a complete overhaul.

    I’m not saying im a fan of his, opposite acctually, but I do have to give him credit for that.

    To be honest, the only reason I’m down
    On him is due to his drafts. I liked the crazy free agency we had last year, as well as almost all of us did. We can’t say he isn’t trying.

  75. 75 wee2424 said at 9:49 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    How would you guys rate him towards Tulluch, Hawthorne, and lofton?

  76. 76 Ben Hert said at 9:49 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Its driving me nuts. The only real issue is his injury, and that was almost two years ago. There was always some gaping flaw in the FA LBers we have been looking at this year, and here we get a young-ish 2x probowler with no gaping hole in his game, and people still complain.

  77. 77 wee2424 said at 9:51 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Agree with you 100% bro.

  78. 78 D3Keith said at 11:20 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    As do I.

    If it was anyone perfect, that player would not be available by trade. Certainly not for a fourth and a third-round swap.

  79. 79 Ben Hert said at 9:50 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Reply fail.

  80. 80 Ferg said at 10:00 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Kind of blows my mind how this sort of thing seems to come out of thin air. I’m stoked. I’m fine/good with taking LK at 15…after all of our LB woes, having that kind of “insurance” would be OK with me. However, this really allows us to just take the best player available at 15. My gut tells me they go DT or trade down/out in the first.

  81. 81 Eric Weaver said at 10:14 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    It’s very interesting to me that the last two major trades (Ryans and DRC) were trades that I first read about from fan comments months before the trades even occurred. It wasn’t from ESPN or NFLN speculation. It was pure fan speculation. It makes you wonder if Howie bases his trades off fan chatter, right? haha just kidding, obviously.

    I actually vaguely remember hearing about a possible Peters trade from fan talk too.

  82. 82 hallcr3 said at 10:38 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    We’re the smartest – well, maybe “smart” isn’t the right word – group of fans. We get lucky with our hypothesizing sometimes. 🙂

    Love the trade. Swapping 3rds (in addition to the 4th) doesn’t bother me because that’s usually our “project pick” round.

  83. 83 D3Keith said at 11:30 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I think we could all figure out the available possibilities if we knew all 32 teams and their situations half as well as we knew the Eagles. It would be awesome to have a job, like in a front office, where all you do is know everyone else’s personnel and cap situations inside out.

    When you think of it that way, it’s not really surprising that the front office can come up with a list of 15 options, prioritize them, and pursue the best ones.

    Any fan that had the time could probably do roughly the same thing, at least in terms of figuring out what the options might be. Respect for the ones who do, (or just make a lucky guess and post it months beforehand)

  84. 84 Arby1 said at 10:32 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Great deal. Ryans is one of about 10 linebackers I’ve wanted us to draft in the last 5 years. But for all those who now want Cox at 15, read Matt Akire’s piece on Fletcher at Scoutsnotebook. He’s ranked as high as 7 on some teams boards. We have a better chance of Luke falling to us than Cox.

  85. 85 Kammich said at 10:35 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I’m starting to feel like the team is going to freely entertain trading back in the 1st round. There is a lack of “elite” talent in this draft, but it is solid in depth. Especially at some positions of minor need like DT, DE, WR, OG and CB. If Tannehill makes it to #15 we could probably cash in on a team looking to trade up to grab him.

  86. 86 D3Keith said at 11:31 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    I think that’s what makes it so great for the team, and intriguing for us as fans. The possibilties on the table now are virtually endless, and we’re probably going to end up very pleased with whatever our haul is.

  87. 87 DTrainExpress said at 10:39 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    THIS is the Eagles I love. Last year was fun, but the whole time it felt like the way the Redskins (or, to be more generous with the comparison, the Phillies) do business: big, splashy moves for big names designed to generate excitement.

    The offseason strategy here has been so smart. Signing our own guys to cap friendly deals, establishing continuity while freeing up space, then going out and snagging a perfect player for your need position.

    I’ve been a fan of this guy since he was a rookie. I think that we’re going to end up loving him here, and it fills our biggest hole. Cannot wait for the draft.

  88. 88 Jason_E said at 10:46 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    Woo Hoo! I’m stoked. I wonder where we go in the first round now. Just about any position is open. I’m loving this offseason more and more.

  89. 89 wee2424 said at 11:31 PM on March 20th, 2012:

    It’s really hard to say now. Not saying before this they were really planing on getting kuechly, but that’s what it looked like. They still very may well plan
    On drafting him and seriously change up the lb corps. I feel as though dt or they move back in the first or out of first completely. There are now no glaring holes on this team. Are there any corners that would be fit for the 15th spot?

    Hell, with 2 second round picks is it possible roseman moves down in draft and selects Vicks replacement?

  90. 90 Brett Smith said at 12:04 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    So do we now start to think of Howie as the pro player personnel killer? This move to me is better than the Jenkins signing last year.

    Howie – get a really good VP of college player evaluation and you will be fine.

    So far I really think that Howie has killed the pro personnel moves… his real Achilles heal (pun intended) is the college player scouting… maybe it was ok to let Grigson walk.

    Since we now have no holes to fill can we please return to drafting the best player available. Anyone remember drafting Lito, Sheldon (miss him), and Lewis in the same draft?

    Howie.. message. Fletcher Cox I would like you to now be an Eagle.

  91. 91 Brett Smith said at 12:27 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    One last comment then bed.

    I wanted to trade for Jonathan “boba fett like hitman” Vilma really bad and we didn’t. I was livid we didn’t even try to get him.

    After the despair that set in when Disco Stew was not the answer (oh I thought he was with my front row seat on that bandwagon… I blame Tommy and drinking while watching tape).

    Getting DeMeco “The PRO BOWLER” Ryans is he coup de grace after sucking at MLB for all the AT “after Trotter” years.

    Yes I blacked out Trotter letting Joe Jurevicius run for 71 yds….

    Just realized I miss Cunningham to Burnett….

  92. 92 babapsu said at 1:29 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Barnett??

  93. 93 47_Ronin said at 10:51 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Brett your memory is a little off, the Eagles removed the franchise tag from Trotter right before the season and he signed with the Redskins. The guy who let Joe Jurevicious run for 71 yds was Barry Gardner.

    Also trading for J. Vilma would not have been a good move. Vilma is looking at multi-game suspension when the punishments for “bounty-gate” are meted out.

  94. 94 Brett Smith said at 11:44 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Sorry had one too many last night…. thanks for reminding me.

    Here are the fixes

    Sorry I meant Fred Barnett.

    And I never forgave Barry Gardner or the FO for drafting him or that Matt kid…

    I wanted Vilma before we knew he was a criminal… that is why I am not in the FO for the Eagles.

  95. 95 metaReign said at 1:24 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    I’m guessing Bowles will be looking into “Cap’n D-Mec’s” films to get a much accurate understanding where his weakness and strengths are, to work around with the current roster.

    I’m glad we have covered the needed area, still think that Ryans isn’t the only answer, when our defense works in rotational set-ups, adding LK40 could just solidify an integral 3 men rotation spotters, depending on opposition offenses (RB/TE/WR and QB).

    Although, our front defensive line would shut-down offensive schemes, most of the time. Even with the draft going BPA, and LK40 is there, I believe that it’s a choice 1st rounder to consider, the value is there, with the least of a learning curve. And because it’s a 1st rounder, is able to start training and taking competitions, for coaches to evaluate and start graphing their playbook notes.

    The fact Ryans is a 2 down LB, isn’t a bad thing, he can contribute when he’s on the field. We just need to keep our D-unit secondary, playing very sharp on every down. The ball may not always go in the air, but they must always be attentive to be able to move reflectively. I’m pretty sure that they will come together as a whole unit and help coaches understand and makes some tweaks, every offenses are different in timing and execution, and u would want to disrupt them to a 3 down and out.

    I’m leaning on that the FO isn’t done pulling a rabbit out of the hat, just yet. Remember, we still have Asante Samuel, and who’s going to replace him?

  96. 96 GermanEagle said at 6:05 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    “The fact Ryans is a 2 down LB”.

    This is wrong, dude. In FACT, Ryans as a MIKE is an every down backer, who stayed 99.8% of the snaps on the field for the Texans D in 2009, when he made the Pro Bowl.

  97. 97 metaReign said at 6:48 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Glad I can be wrong, thanks. Will see if the coaches going to keep him on the field, but we definitely don’t to be stuck, should anything happens to him. There’s a reason for backups and strength in rotation.

    Thing is I don’t want to look at his past injury, that might limit his performance, as something that keeps him partially on the field. But rather that his presence will contribute in the rotation and allow him to heal with time.

    In time, I’m sure the coaches will see to giving him full field time, once they have talents to his backup. I’m glad the most needed spot in our defense is now covered. That’s an A+ for the Eagles off season.

  98. 98 GermanEagle said at 7:22 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    As far as I know Ryans’ knee is fully healed, since he has NOT missed any single game last season for the Texans.

  99. 99 Patrick Clausen said at 4:09 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    A lot of people need to upgrade their knowledge about injuriesNowadays, clean tears(ACL, MCL, Achilles tendon), aren’t the problem it used to be. The medical field have evolved and getting healthy from those isn’t a big deal(Im ACL rehabbed). The problem is, when theres something on top of the tear, like Brandon Grahams microfracture or Weavers nerve damage. Those things are different, but repaired ACL/MCLs might actually be stronger than before. Any instability is due to mental issues(Like Disco Stew) or repeating tears(in which case its the WHOLE knee thats messed up)

  100. 100 T_S_O_P said at 4:17 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Tommy, you must be happy that #59 will at last be worn by someone worthy.

  101. 101 GermanEagle said at 6:03 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    I’m still stunned by this great deal coming out of the blue, though I’ve always hoped we could land Ryans somehow!

    If he can stay healthy, he will anchor the middle of our D for years to come. And boy could we need such a leader as well!

    Without any glaring holes actually ANYTHING is now possible for the draft and our 15th OVR pick. Though my favourite pick remains to be Fletcher Cox, I wouldn’t be sad with LK at 15 at all. Just imagine a starting LB Trio of Rolle – Ryans – Kuechly. Doesn’t sound bad, does it?! 🙂

  102. 102 metaReign said at 7:08 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Those 3……to each their own unique ways, that’s some talented strength to the rotation.

  103. 103 rage114 said at 7:44 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Could not be happier. I tried to post last night but found out I can’t post here from my iphone. Oh well.

    I don’t know how anyone can be anything but estatic over this move. I am not concerned with the achillies or whether his play “dropped off last year”. He was only one year removed from an injury and he was playing in a defense that did not suit him personally.

    Here, he will be two years removed and back into a 4-3 defense.

    Question for you though Tommy: Obviously, his best position is MIKE. But from what I understand, playing the “athletic” ILB position in a 3-4 is similar to a WILL in a 4-3. Is it possible that the Eagles play Ryan at WILL and draft Kuechley to play MIKE?

  104. 104 GermanEagle said at 8:06 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    I’m not Tommy but the possible scenario of Ryans at MIKE and LK at SAM is much more likely.

  105. 105 rage114 said at 8:43 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Hmmm….I thought Tommy described Kuechley as a “tackling machine” and not really a guy you want working in space. I didn’t think his strength of coverage?

    Would he be playing out of position at SAM?

    Either way, now that I think about it, I don’t think I would want Ryans at WILL even if he could play it. He is a great MIKE. Leave him there.

    So, if Kuechely can play SAM, then great. Let him play SAM with the option of moving him over to MIKE if need be.

    But if he really isn’t suited for that position, then go DT, and draft a better SAM option later.

  106. 106 Eric Weaver said at 8:49 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    You need to create a disqus account and link whatever accounts are relevant.

  107. 107 Todd Blake said at 8:52 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    ? I have a disqus account. Not sure how to link it though. Here, from my desk top, I am prompted to enter my disqus info everytime I post. It didn’t give me the option on the iphone.

  108. 108 Cvd52 said at 9:07 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Seems like eagles were in on tulloch. Tulloch said something like “if the lions don’t step up I know there is someone that will” I guess that could mean anything, but as soon as tulloch signs we made the trade for DR.

    Also this is the second season in a row people were like, eagles aren’t doing anything, no visits, they r just sitting around. Please try to remember this. They don’t announce everything the are doing to the world. At the end of FA and the eagles did nothing, then complain

  109. 109 Christopher Miller said at 9:19 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    Thrilled with the move…best part to me is all of the teammates from Houston that credit him with their development. With LB being our weakest link in positional coaches, adding a guy like that could be a real boon to the position. I would not mind them still pursuing Hawthorne to upgrade SAM and then grabbing someone like Lavonte in the draft.

  110. 110 Cliff said at 9:27 AM on March 21st, 2012:

    This, if anything, is a lesson in patience with the Eagles front office.