And There Was Much Rejoicing
Posted: April 9th, 2012 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 81 Comments »I was going to start by talking about slot DBs, but the Eagles went and re-signed DT Derek Landri. Can’t bury the lead…
Hooray, he has returned. Landri is back on a 1-year deal. That’s fine. He deserves better, but having him in “prove it” mode bodes well for him kicking some serious butt on the gridiron. He plays with an edge on good days. He’ll have a chip on his shoulder all year long.
This doesn’t significantly affect draft plans. It does give the Eagles freedom. They could go into the year without adding a DT and be okay. Now they can play the board a bit more loosely. I still think they will target Fletcher Cox because he’s so good. I’m sure Washburn will be pushing for an under tackle to be added. Cox is the best in the draft. You guys know I also love Derek Wolfe. Kendall Reyes is possible there. Jared Crick as well.
The Eagles will plan to still draft a DT so they can go to Lehigh with 6 quality players at that spot. Then you choose the best 5 and head on to the regular season.
Getting Landri back in the fold was a great way to start the week. I would credit the Eagles, but I’m pretty sure that me wearing my lucky underwear had just as much to do with it as anything else.
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Joselio “MmmBop” Hanson was a good slot corner from 2008-2010. He was solid last year, but age seemed to catch up with him a bit. Wes Welker abused him in the NE game. Wes is the best slot guy in the league so I didn’t expect MmmBop to win the matchup, but Welker was getting serious separation (a couple of yards) and that was troubling to see.
I think the Eagles need help at slot corner. Let’s talk about the position for a minute. The slot corner is the guy who covers the slot receiver. Slot receivers can be small, athletic types like Welker or guys like our own Jason Avant. He’s got good size. He just lacks the speed to play on the outside. Whether big or small, slot receivers use quickness to get open. They run good routes. They are comfortable playing in traffic.
The slot corner needs to have a specific skill set. They must be able to cover a certain way. As we saw last year when DRC went inside, you can’t just plug any corner in the slot and expect success. The Eagles hoped DRC would adapt, but he’s simply not made for the slot. DRC’s top asset is speed. The least useful asset in the slot is … speed. Slot corners must be able to cover with quickness, body control, and good positioning. DRC could use his recovery speed to make up ground outside. In the slot the receiver is catching mostly short passes. The DB doesn’t have time to recover. He must stay right on the receiver the whole time.
Slot corners also must be good run defenders. In most defenses the slot should be a good blitzer, although the Eagles don’t do a whole lot of that anymore. It isn’t as critical for our scheme. The slot is tight to the formation and will be playing a lot in traffic. Running plays will come near him often enough that he must be a legitimate tackler. No Asantes need apply.
There are some good slot corner prospects in the draft.
Brandon Boykin – UGA – 5-9, 183 – One of the reasons I like Boykin so much is that he played mostly slot at UGA in 2011. That experience is invaluable. Knowing how to play inside is half the battle. Hanson said it took him about a full season to learn and adjust. Boykin also has value as a RS and should be a 2nd Rd pick.
Jayron Hosley – Va Tech – 5-10, 178 – Good cover guy, tackler, and playmaker. Also has PR ability. Good enough to start on the outside, but could also thrive in the slot. Probably a 2nd round pick.
Dwight Bentley – LA-Lafayette – 5-10, 182 – Played in the slot and outside at ULL. Good cover guy. Inconsistent tackler, but never due to lack of effort. Not afraid to mix it up. Strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Could go in the 3rd round.
De’Quan Menzie – Alabama – 5-11, 202 – Unlike the above trio, Menzie doesn’t have the speed to play outside. He’s either a slot guy or Safety. Played in the slot for Bama in some sets and was very good. Can blitz, tackle and cover. Good size. Has the build of a slot. Does have good quickness and COD ability even though he lacks speed. Limited role means he probably goes in the 4th. Might sneak into the 3rd for a team that really loves him.
There are some other guys to consider.
Ron Brooks played in 52 games for LSU, but only started a handful. He was the #3 CB. Problem is that they moved Honey Badger inside a lot. Other times they move Claiborne in there. Brooks played slot on occasion, but I saw most of his reps on the outside. Talented player who could be a good backup CB. Still figuring out if he’s ideal slot material for the NFL.
Jamell Fleming was an outstanding CB for Oklahoma. Should be picked in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. Thick build at 5-11, 206. Didn’t play the slot at OU, but showed all the skills. Could be a slot target. Also talented enough to start as a pure CB. Will play the run.
I mentioned Montana CB Trumaine Johnson as a possible slot guy. Still trying to figure out if he could play inside in the NFL.
The Eagles have good choices. It is a matter of figuring out which player they want and at what value. Boykin is still my preference, but a lot of that is also based on his RS skills.
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Posted some draft notes over at ScoutsNotebook.
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I got some good questions in yesterday’s post. Will address them later tonight. Landri took precedent in this post.
The messiah returns (only one day late).
Maybe when the Eagles play the Jets in pre-season, Derek will sack Tebow. This will, prophetically, lead to our Super Bowl victory. Then he’ll be the messiah. Especially if the sack on Tim is on a hail mary.
You just made my brain explode.
And then he celebrates the sack with a Carlton dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS1cLOIxsQ8
there can only be one?
Generally speaking this is true. There can only be one. But every now and then, depending on the circumstances, there might be two. There can never, ever, be three.
I got the text from PE.com and scrambled to check my phone thinking it was Asante…but when i saw it was Landri, I imediately logged on here, thinking, man Tommy must be pounding on those keys trying to get his Landri post out!! What a great day.
My first thought upon getting the text, honest to God, was “And there was much rejoicing in the Lawlor household.”
I was quite amused to sign on and find that was Tommy’s headline.
Re: Asante, it seems like, from the perfect pre-draft offseason checklist, he’s all that’s left. 1. MLB, 2. DeSean, 3. Mathis, 4. Dunlap/OL depth, 5. Landri.
I think this gives us the ultimate flexibility heading into draft weekend, and I’m excited to see what they do.
with Landri back and Dixon returning from injury, do we have a bit of a logjam at NT? we now have patterson, dixon and landri at NT and only Jenkins at UT. do you think one of these 3 could also move over to UT to backup Jenkins?
i would think that if we DO draft someone like cox or someone else to backup at UT, we’d then have a lot of DTs on the roster. do you think one of the guys would end up getting cut in the offseason?
Don’t forget about Thorton…He would probably be an UT. I know he can’t be counted on just yet, but the Eagles are high on him. I am sure they bring in a high pick and let the pick and Thorton compete for the job behind Jenkins.
I will write up a longer update on the DT situation. Time constraint led to just a quick note.
We would almost certainly have to cut or trade someone. That would be a good problem to have. Watch the guys play and keep the best 5.
Wouldn’t somebody already need to have his foot on a banana peel if the Birds go after a DT round one?
The only thing I know about Patterson’s condition is what I know from “Six Feet Under” (the central character also had an AVM), while it’s not supposed affect you -unless it kills you – Patterson did have brain surgery this offseason. Would it be safe to say that the Eagles, knowing this, aren’t relying on him to be a starter.
At this point, I hope the go for Luke at 15. I know Cox is a special talent, but we have currently have no depth at LB. Chaney is a ???? They could target Reyes (if he makes it) with their first 2nd. And a CB with their second 2nd. What are your feelings on Cam Johnson with our 3rd? I know he has the sickle cell trait, but being part of a D Line rotation would seem to negate that. He seems to be perfect for a wide-9.
Agreed 100%
I also prefer Kuechly at this point. Makes sense as a short-term and long-term move.
I’ve come around on Tannehill (although I’ve always thought this was the year to get a QB since they’re up higher than usual and I prefer to have them ready when needed rather than being a rookie), and that’s probably my second choice. I realize the top DTs in this draft are highly regarded, but it seems like the 2nd and 3rd-round guys are too.
It’s looking increasingly unlikely that Cox will fall to 15
But don’t discount the fact that he could probably get reps at DE, or that having amazing DL depth and training camp battles is a good thing IMO. Also Dixon and Patt both have health concerns (neither of which are super serious) and Dixon is still a bit of a ? in Washburn’s scheme. I am totally rooting for the guy esp. in light of his backstory, but he is a slow learner. He may be up to speed this offseason or he may need more time to get the techniques down.
Tommy, what’s your opinion about Coples as UT behind Cujo?
It’s gonna be a great draft day, we don’t have a must fill hole, so everything is possible. I can see a move up for Tannehill, maybe Cox, we can stay put and select who falls to us (Cox, Kuechly, Coples), or we can trade back to the late 1. round and take Fleener, Crick, or anybody. The good part is, that neither of the mentioned above would piss me off, because we can have our sexy picks in the 2.-3. round too (Wagner, David, Boykin, Reyes, Wolfe).
Coples played DT in 2010. Not sure if he would embrace that spot in the NFL. If he would, then Coples would be a good pick at 15. Haven’t heard anyone ask him if he’s willing to play DT.
Read an interview with him after his Pro Day where he worked out at LB and said he takes pride in being versatile and considers versatility one of his strengths, essentially saying he feels he could play anywhere. From that it didn’t seem like the idea of playing DT bothered him, I would imagine even less so in our system, since he’d be asked to attack, not eat space.
Yea but I also think that he realizes that as a DT you just don’t see the $$$ on your second contract like edge rushers do.
“Immaturity and selfishness apparent when asked to move back inside to defensive tackle in the middle of his senior season; he refused for fear it would hurt his draft stock.”
-Rob Rang
Granted, that doesn’t mean he’d have an aversion to playing DT once being selected high and paid well… but it does bring up some red flags about only having contract figures in mind.
Good work, Kammich.
Win…
Told ya the Bucs wouldn’t get him ; )
Thanks for the positive vibes.
That’s why i stick around!
Interesting update from Reuben Frank on Twitter:
“Derek Landri said he had long-term deal worked out with Eagles but fell through after Jason Peters injury changed Eagles’ financial plans.”
If they were willing to commit to him, that does make you wonder a bit more about the DT situation.
Thats a crazy domino effect. I’m glad they got Landri back. A long term deal would have been awesome but at least they have him for one more year.
I wonder if signing him to a long-term deal would have telegraphed their draft plans though?
I saw that but wasn’t really sure what to make of it. I don’t really understand how Peters’ injury would have affected Landri’s deal. I was under the impression that they are doing reasonably well salary cap wise, especially considering that the only remaining things the Eagles will likely do is extend McCoy, sign draft picks, and possibly sign a few inexpensive FAs (Bell). On top of that, trading/releasing Asante will open up a decent amount of space as well. I guess I just don’t understand what changed.
If they need to keep Bell next year, that is a significant chunk of change and they might rather be flexible and have that money so they can address a critical need somewhere else as opposed to committing to Landri beyond this year.
That’s true. At the same time though, Rueben Frank posted Bell’s numbers
Reuben Frank @RoobCSN
There is no signing bonus, so cap numbers are $3.25m in 2012, $9.6m in 2013, $6.1m in 2014, $7.1m in 2015 and $8.45m in 2016.
and at 9.6m in 2013, I can’t see any way they consider actually paying that next year. Barring a spectacular season from Bell AND a complete disaster in Peters’ recovery, there is no way you can pay that to a backup, and frankly, you would need both of those things to happen to even consider this more than a 1 year deal.
if bell plays really good but not spectacular, and peters is not ready or has a setback or whatever, i could see them keeping bell at that cap #.
LT is so important that i dont see them just getting rid of him unless peters is ready or bell plays bad
They would be likely to look at a restructure with a signing bonus that could be prorated as well. That would lower that 2013 number…
That’s what I see it as. He’s not going to get the $9.6, as the number is outlandish enough to make both sides revisit it and make a decision one way or the other.
If a desperate team needs to trade for him, maybe some other team pays the $9.6m.
Surprised no signing bonus at all. It’s basically a 1-year, $3.5m deal with options for next year.
But what does long term mean? 3 years? 5 years? Is there phony money there after 2 years?
It probably means a deal where they would not cut him after one year.
Tommy is rejoicing because his mancrush is back. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
Don’t tell Landri, but I think Evan Mathis and his Twitter account have swooped in and stolen Tommy’s attention.
(It’s becoming more and more like a plot-line from “Downton Abbey.”)
There’s a lot of overlap in the skill sets of slot CB and safety, perhaps even more so playing behind the wide 9. Could the Eagles move one of their current safeties down there? What about these safety prospects they keep looking at this month?
Janzen Jackson could be slot CB material.
Jarrett isn’t slot material. Maybe Nate. Better to go get a slot CB in the draft. Lots of good prospects.
Does Trumaine Johnson have the wrong body type to play the slot? It seems like he has the toughness to deal with playing in traffic and handling run support. I also think he could handle covering tight ends on passing downs.
Trumaine is big at 6-2, 204. Playing inside wouldn’t bother him from that standpoint. Question is whether he’s got the quickness and agility for slot. 3-cone time was just 7.20. Not good for CB. Tells you he’s a bit stiff. If Trumaine could jam guys and maul them, might be able to cover.
Thanks for the insight; better to be quick than fast in that position, and Trumaine is neither. He’s looking more like a safety prospect at this point, I guess.
If Fletcher Cox is gone by pick 15, I’d love to trade on of our 2nd round pick for Glenn Dorsey. It could happen if KC drafts Brockers.
The contract Dorsey signed back in 2008 was for 5 years, 51 million and 23 million guaranteed. I’m not sure if the Eagles can afford that contract right now and that might be too much for a rotational DT. Talent wise I don’t think they can get better than Dorsey in the 2nd round. Dorsey is still young (26) but not young and cheap enough that you can use him sparingly.
Dorsey isn’t worth a 2nd Rd pick now. He’ll be a UFA after the season. Mid-round pick value. Depending on who KC takes, you do wonder if they would shop Dorsey. Hard franchise to read so I can’t make a worthwhile prediction.
Assuming the Eagles do pick up a DT at some point in the draft, it will be very interesting to see not only who gets cut but who looses playing time. I know the Eagles like Thornton, but if they draft someone early, I have a hard time seeing him making the team. On top of that, unless the Eagles plan on letting the guy we draft take time to develop, most likely, Dixon or Landri will only see a limited number of snaps.
As the resident LSU fan on Iggles Blitz I feel obliged to comment on Ron Brooks.
Brooks is a guy I think could wind up a better NFL player than he was in college and most of it regarding his opportunity. At LSU, his competition was outrageous. Consider, he played during an era when LSU had Patrick Peterson (top 10 pick), Morris Claiborne (top 10 pick), Mathieu, all around stud and Tharold Simon (a 6’4 corner with freakish wingspan and athleticism). Tough lineup to crack.
As for his ability, I remember Brooks playing quite a bit of slot for us, but I’d have to rewatch tape to totally verify. He’s got really good ball skills. He’s a good tackler. Solid blitzer off the edge. One thing Tommy didn’t mention is that he’s also got return ability. Brooks isn’t a Dante Hall/DeSean Jackson “break your ankles” type of returner, but he’s got exceptional speed and if there is a seam to be had, he will have it. He’s sure handed as well, but off the top of my head I can only remember him handling KR duties, not PR.
Anywho, just my 2 cents.
Cool thanks for the info.
Quote Landri:
“From what my wife reads to me and my family sending me stuff, I guess I have a pretty big fan base out there, too, and that kind of draws you back a little bit.”
A little bit because of you Tommy. How fitting 🙂
🙂
haha thats pretty awesome. hope he reads things around here!
I’ve long been certain athletes read blogs and the papers more than they say they do, but Asante retweeting Kempski and Landri getting word of his “fanbase” simply confirms it.
Would be kind of cool if one of them posted. Evan Mathis seems like a guy who would create a fake sign-on and join the discussion.
Sweet… thanks for sharing!
With the signing of The Great One, we can start the clock on our official all-out Super Bowl run.
I think if the draft went Cox/Kuechly then Boykin/Curry/Wolfe/Reyes with 2 of the those four going to the Eagles, then I’ll be very happy after the first two rounds.
That sounds fairly close to ideal. Although I’d be happy with Tannehill and two Round 2 players as well. If we sell those 2s to get up to Tannehill-land, I don’t think I’d be as pleased. I really want to get three of the first 51 players off the board.
sign dawkins to be the slot corner.
If Tebow praying for Dawk to get healthy couldn’t fix him I unfortunately don’t think anything can.
This is completely off topic but I saw this on deadspin.
http://deadspin.com/5900201/mr-mcfeely-terrorizes-children-with-a-purple-panda?popular=true
File this under what the @#%! were they thinking?
We all like Brandon Boykin because he can fill two roles slot CB/RS. This could also be the case with a slot WR also being a redzone WR. Could Tommy Streeter or Stephen Hill be a slot WR? Or maybe eagles would get Coby Fleener or Ladarius Green as a slot WR/TE/redzone WR. How about a 3rdRB/RS/slotWR. Eagle had RB Chris Rainey in for a Special/Private Workouts. And of course there is the slot WR/RS in TJ Graham.
Is 6 CBS realistic again with Asante likely to be traded? I think Curtis Marsh could be a slot CB. I know the typical the typical style of a slot to be shorter but wouldnt it make sense for him to be able to cover a TE. That would be easier with a guy over 6’1. And again the speed is not as important but the tackling is. So outside of the draft there is always Brandon Hughes, Curtis Marsh, Trevard Lindley, Joselio Hanson, and DJ Johnson.
I see Cedric Thornton starting the season on the Practice Squad. With drafting a UT. Hopefully either Akiem Hicks, Flectcher Cox, or Derek Wolfe. With now the addition of Landri 5 DE and 2 UT and 3 NT. With me thinking about players be utilized in more than one role, is there any NTs that could play UT. When would Dixon be used rather than Landri. Would Landri be more of a pass rusher?
The big problem with Marsh is that one of the big negatives against him was that he was a taller, high waisted kid. That means he is a little stiff and doesn’t have super quickness. Similar to DRC in the regard that he is fast enough that he can get away w/ it on the outside due to good speed and coverage ability, but do you really want him lined up in the slot over a Welker type who is going to use 4 different stutter steps and two head fakes before he even makes his actual break?
True he is high waisted with being tall but what does that really mean when you are a tremendous athlete? He was originally a RB in college and I am pretty sure he played slot there. Someone correct me if i am wrong.
What would be super quickness? I think super quickness plus height, plus solid tackler is what is needed.
Marsh’s 3-cone time was 6.87 (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=70779&draftyear=2011&genpos=CB). What is a good 3-cone drill time i do not know. I am just comparing. Dwight Bentley(mentioned above) 3-cone drill was 6.99. Here is a list from this year(http://m.nfl.com/combine/events/3-cone-drill/all/).
I am hoping eagles draft RB Chris Rainey he is on top of that list. So I am thinking slot corner Curtis Marsh and ST BEAST/3rd B Chris Rainey. No need for Boykin. Rainey blocked 6 kicks. (http://walterfootball.com/draft2012RB.php) He is a chad hall esque with RB/WR combo but instead of primarily WR he is primarily RB.
some of links were bad
list of all 3-cone drill: http://m.nfl.com/combine/events/3-cone-drill/all/
Chirs rainey walter football: http://walterfootball.com/draft2012RB.php
Check this vid out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCwn7Xlwf6M
he roomed with namdi asaoumugha during training camp. Interesting.
I’ve been trumpeting Boykin for awhile on here(along with many others), and would still love to add him in the 2nd… but Jayron Hosley is growing on me. In spite of his size, he plays with a real chip on his shoulder and plays with that typical Hokies Boundary Corner toughness and grit. He actually seems to relish getting his nose into the run game and blowing up guys who are much bigger than him. I think Castillo and Bowles would both love a guy like that.
The (evil) Jones ‘Boys draft at No. 14 — one spot ahead of our beloved Eagles.
A quick look at the age of the Cowboys’ starting D-line points to the selection of a DE or NT. The age of Last year’s starters were 32 (Coleman), 30 (Ratliff), 29 (Hatcher) — with backup Marcus Spears at 28.
So who’s the best fit for the ‘Boys at DE or NT?
Seems like the choices may come down to Dontari Poe and Fletcher Cox?
T-LAW can speak to whether Fletch would fit the Cowboys’ 3-4 style.
It sounds, though, that at least on 3rd down, Fletch would be nice addition as the DE opposite DeMarcus Ware.
It’d break my heart to see the Cowboys get Fletch. Or even Poe . . . on the off chance he turns into a combination of Haynesworth and JPP without the head problems.
It’d break my heart to see the Cowboys draft anyone who’s any good, frankly.
I hope they reach for Barron or Poe.
I just watched some video on Fletch, Poe, and Coples.
FLETCH is the man. Relentless.
Poe did get his share of double teams. But he just wasn’t quick off the ball, it seemed to me. And I didn’t see him anchor too terribly well.
So — DK — yes, let’s see the ‘Boys take Poe.
_________
Poe may very well be the 2012 version of Jon Harris.
I doubt they take Cox over Poe. I think Cox will go #9 overall to Carolina. I think the Eagles might trade down and take Poe. Andy doesn’t mind reaching for players from the Conference USA.
Tommy
Alot of draft prospects has duo roles and a few has versatility roles. Has it comes down to most colleges implementing duo roles for their players to achieve a better chance to fill in an NFL spot, alot easier?
For instance, a prospect is titled as CB, but because of his attributes, he could be labeled as a Safety in the NFL. From what I’m seeing, a whole lot of players are coming in the NFL as a duo or versatility role players, than ever before. I can remember Deion Sanders playing on both side of the LOS as WR and CB. In college, Tannehill as a WR turned QB, won’t be playing duo role once he lands in the NFL. I think colleges are trying use their players to build more coverages to find their best potentials and cement a solid position for players to excel within their units. I’d love to see top receivers do some exceptional solid blocking, this helps keep them challenging for the ball without fear.
BTW, Welcome Back Landri, glad u’re back into the fold 🙂
A lot of times, what seems to happen is that a guy will come in as an uber-recruit and his head coach will get stars in his eyes and try to find every possible way to get the kid on the field. Michigan had Charles Woodson at CB, WR, PR… same goes for Champ Bailey at Georgia, Devin Hester at Miami.
More often than not, this supremely talented “athlete/slash” player matures into an elite prospect at a singular position, which was pretty much the case for Woodson and Bailey by the end of the collegiate careers. They both become top-10 picks and could be argued as future Hall of Famers.
On the flip side, Hester never grew at any one position. That lead to him falling to the 2nd round, and his NFL career has been that of a niche player who is so dynamic on returns that you have to keep him. He just never became that standard-bearer at either WR or CB, which happens very often with these hybrid uber-athletes.
Hell Yeah!
I’m thinking more and more that the Eagles could be in play for Tannehill. They won’t be drafting this high anytime soon (if history is any precedent) and LaCanfora was on the radio this morning calling the Eagles interested in him.
Have you heard anything along these lines?
I also think it’s a mistake to underestimate the need for a RS in the top 3 rounds. Not a pure RS play but a RB or CB who can and does excel in the return game. If you look at many of the players they have visited with, it’s a recurrant trait.
Further do you know a small college DB named Ryan Steed?
We are holding a private workout with Tannehill. Considering the limitations on personal visits, you’d have to think we have legitimate interest. Its also doubtful that Tannehill would accept a private workout with a team if he didn’t think they had real, tangible interest in drafting him.
Tommy will know much more about Steed than I do, but I watched tape of Furman against Appalachian State to see Steed cover Brian Quick. Some people have Brian Quick going as high as the 2nd round, but Steed really kept him in check. An impressive feat, considering how much size Steed was giving up to him.
what are the chances we get one of each of these players (at each of those positions mentioned) with the 1st 4 picks?
DT Cox/Worthy/Reyes/Wolfe
DE Mercilius/Perry/Jones
LB The Walker/Lavonte David/Demario Davis
CB Boykin/Janoris Jenkins/Stephon Gilmore/Jayron Hosley
Lol @ The Walker.
I would be happy with this, but this is going very heavy on defense. If we’re drafting for depth and not starters, period, I wouldn’t be surprised to see an offensive guy sneak in there at some point.
Moving up to grab Tannehill would be completely myopic. Maybe Tommy could delve into this but this is premise:
Next years draft will have quite a bit of quarterbacks that could potentially have first round grades with a good season. But by the same token, some may drop to the 2nd round or later with an average or sub par season. So in theory, waiting til next year to grab a QB would yield better value in comparison to reaching for a QB who’s stock is inflated primarily due to the current need of quarterbacks coupled with the weakness of this years draft at the QB position. Although I do recognize the potential Tannehill has, I just don’t think he would be a good choice for the Eagles at this moment.
Instead, here are some quarterbacks I feel could carry first round grades with a good season next year:
Matt Barkley
Tyler Bray
Aaron Murray
Tyler Wilson
Logan Thomas
James Franklin
Landry Jones
Aside from Matt Barkley, I can see the stock of each of these prospects fluctuating between first round/2nd round picks depending on the season they have. If QB starts to become a need for us due to Michael Vick’s fragility or just as a long term decision, I can see at least a couple of these names being there in the mid-late first round. The aforementioned quarterbacks would also come in with more experience than Tannehill and wouldn’t need to go over the basics that Tannehill may need. Also another additive to this is we wouldn’t need to trade up for a Quarterback unless there was one we deemed worth the move. Tannehill could be that player this year for the Eagles, and in that case, moving up to grab him would be justified by the fact they feel he could be a franchise QB. However, I rather take BPA this year at 15 or trade back, and focus on QB next year as the class would be much deeper. No need to waste a pick(s) when next year could offer more.
We’ve definitely had the Tannehill discussion and covered some of the exact things you raise here in a previous post. I think in this one, which I’ll link below, and maybe in the one afterward entitled To Plax or Not To Plax. Not sure though.
http://igglesblitz.com/philadelphia-eagles-2/monday-night-qa/
The general consensus is either 1) Hell no, we don’t need Tannehill 2) Only draft a QB high if he can play right away or 3) — and this is what I favor — Grab Tannehill if he falls, given that it will cost a lot more to get up from No. 32 next year to pick a QBOTF than it will from 15 this year.
Tannehill is likely gone at 8, so you have to get to 7 to get him. I’d give up the 15 plus Houston’s third, Asante or whatever it takes to get up there to get him, but if it costs us one of our second rounders, well shoot, I’d rather just have the three players we can draft at 15, 46 and 51.
That said, there are rumors that Miami likes Weeden, and that makes a bit of sense since he’s a play-right-away prospect, and Miami more than anyone needs a plug-n-play QB. So if Cleveland takes Trent at 4, and the Jags at 7 and Dolphins at 8 are asking too much for someone to come up and get Tannehill, there’s a slight chance he could fall.
If he falls to 15 and Kuech and Cox are gone, I am all for it.
CCN/SI’s Peter King — whom, I know, a number of readers think is a complete jack-rabbit and whose judgment T-LAW has at one time questioned — noted in today’s MMQB that he sees the Eagles using a 2nd-RD pick to snag a developmental QB.
I’ve posted before that, in each of the past 4 or 5 seasons, King — for reasons unknown–has, in predicting the Eagles 1st-round choice, correctly identified either the actual 1st round choice or the Eagles’ 2nd round choice.
Hell, last year, sometime n February, he started talking about how the Eagles would take Watkins in the 1st round.
He’s also called McCoy, D-Jax, and Justice. And someone else whom I can’t remember.
Anyway, while King’s not always right on the 1st round pick, he’s called out positions and players whom the Eagles ultimately focused on.
Just saying . . .
Just wondering who we like as a FIRST round CB. Imagine a scenario where Kuechly, Cox, Tannehill – all the players we like are gone. In that case, would we not be trading down if possible? I’m wondering who the best CBs would be for the 20-30 slot in the draft. Considering Marsh and DRC seem to be outside guys, obviously we’d need someone who can slip inside to the slot when required. Would I be right in saying Gilmore and Jenkins are better suited to the slot than Fitzpatrick? With Samuel going, and DRC/Asomugha still w
ith some questions to answer, I wouldn’t be upset with a 1st round corner.