Countdown to Kuechly
Posted: April 26th, 2012 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 123 Comments »Or Cox, but that sounded awkward so I went with Kuechly.
My lengthy Eagles Draft Preview is here.
That post was getting bulky so I decided to open up a new one since tonight will be crazy.
There are no official updates. The rumor mill is chugging along at full strength. A few national reporters have said that the Eagles are one of several teams trying to move up. I don’t doubt that at all. I’m sure the team loves Fletcher Cox and would like to move up for him. The price has to be right. There are some really good 2nd round prospects this year so you don’t want to give up both 2’s for him.
I’m still sticking with my prediction of Luke Kuechly. Some think him falling to 15 is crazy. And you might be right. But…
Go back to 2006. The Eagles coveted Brodrick Bunkley. Problem was that a few teams liked him. Conventional wisdom had Buffalo taking him at 8. Then on draft morning we heard from Mike Mayock that the Bills were going to pull a shocker and take SS Donte Whitner. Suddenly there was a chance Bunkley would fall.
Andy Reid wanted to trade up. Tom Heckert, the master of knowing who was going where and when, told Andy to be patient, that Bunk had a good chance to slide down to pick 14, where the Eagles were. Sure enough, Bunkley made it to 14 and was an Eagle.
Kuechly feels like a similar situation. He could go off the board at 7 to JAX (they are always a wildcard in the draft) or to a couple of other teams, but it isn’t crazy to have him slide. LBs that don’t rush the passer aren’t coveted by most teams.
* * * * *
Misc rumor time
* JAX covets WR Justin Blackmon
* CLE may take Blackmon at 4 and pass on Richardson
* MIA will take Tannehill
* CAR could be hot for Quinton Coples
* Mark Barron is mentioned to about every team from 7-14
As for trade-up scenarios
* NE has reportedly talked to SEA about moving up to 12. I think this would be for Coples. Belichick loves UNC players and DL with some size. Coples might remind him of a lesser Richard Seymour. If Coples falls, Reid could get on the phone with his buddy and work out a deal.
* DET would live to move up for Stephon Gilmore. If he slides, I’d trade them 15. Problem is that the Lions have no 2nd. I’d move back to 23 if they would give us their 1st next year. That’s a steep price and not real likely, but DET can be an aggressive organization.
* * * * *
Worth noting…
eagles nut (worth a follow on Twitter) found an interesting note in a Dontari Poe article.
Former UofM defensive line coach Mike DuBose said he has told every pro scout who has called that Poe played in a scheme that called for him to control gaps in the line and allow his linebackers and safeties to make tackles.
“Jim Washburn, who coached the defensive line for the Titans for a long time and is now with Philadelphia, said he saw Dontari on film and thought he was better than Albert Haynesworth at this stage of his career,” DuBose said. “If Dontari had been in our system at Alabama (where DuBose was once the head coach), he’d be a top three or top five pick.”
Don’t get too fired up. This could just be PR, where Washburn said something positive to the coach or agent to be a nice guy. Or, he could legitimately mean it. Really hard to say.
I’m sure Wash is really intrigued by Poe and his po (tential), but spending pick 15 on him seems a bit like a reach for us.
* * * * *
For PE.com, I did a final mock draft for the Eagles. It features a lot of the same names that you would expect.
If you read Dave’s column, he makes you think we’re targeting a CB. Could we be moving up for Morris Claiborne? Would we move up for Stephon Gilmore? Could he slide to 15?
I like Claiborne a lot, but I don’t want to break the bank to get to pick 3, 4, or 5.
* * * * *
I finally got around to watching Ryan Tannehill on Jon Gruden’s QB Camp this morning. Made me like Tannehill even more. He understands the verbiage and technicality of an NFL offense. Mike Sherman exposed him to a lot of pro concepts. Tannehill still has plenty to learn, but I don’t think he’s nearly as raw as people believe.
He was a QB in high school. He moved to WR at Texas A&M to get on the field, not because he lacked talent or skills. He was so talented they didn’t want to have him just sit on the bench. While playing WR, Ryan actually went to QB meetings, not WR meetings. He had 4 years of instructions from good coaches.
Tannehill is more NFL ready than Mark Sanchez.
I don’t think he reaches pick 15, but I would be comfortable if the guy did slide and the Eagles grabbed him.
* * * * *
What do we want to happen?
We need Blackmon, Floyd to go before us.
We need DeCastro and/or Reiff to go before us.
We need Coples to go before us.
It would help if Tannehill would go before us.
It would help if Gilmore went before us.
I phrase that carefully. If those guys fell, teams in the 20’s could look to move up to 15 to get them.
Some wildcard players that could go early and surprise:
* ILB Donta Hightower to KC
* OL Cordy Glenn to BUF
* DL Dontari Poe to KC, SEA, or DAL
* DE/LB Courtney Upshaw to SEA
One team I really can’t get a read on is the Cardinals. They have no 2nd rounder and really need OL help. Will they go for Reiff or will they go for talent and take a WR/CB/DL/whatever?
I really want to see Kuechly on the board at 15. Please, draft gods…please. The Eagles haven’t taken my favorite guy since Derrick Burgess in 2001. Throw me a friggin’ bone. I beseech you.
Getting close…
Tommy,
Can you give a mention about that guy that set up the draft chat thing. Might work better than constantly refreshing this comment section.
Found it (from nicolajNN):
A real-time chat has been set up for the draft
– To access it go to http://chat.mibbit.com/
– Next to “Connect:” chose Mibbit [webirc]
– “Nick:” Write the name you want to use for the chat
– And for “Channel:” write #Iggles_Draft
– Press connect and you should be sent into the chat.
Hopefully people will make good use of it 🙂
Can we please awaken from the LB dream. The move across the NFL is towards the “big nickel” which is 2LB, 5DBs. No way it’s going to be Kuelchy. To quote Dean Wormer, Zero point zero percent chance.
I work in Entertainment spend about 5% of the time that Tommy does on this, and I’m still 100% sure. Kuelchy makes no sense given the Eagles history, the trend of the league and the coaching schemes.
I think it’s a move for Cox, Poe or it’s backwards.
Tommy, I would love your draft posted at PE.com, it gives everything we need and some of the players should challenge current players such as Hughes, Cooper, Avant, Coleman/JarJar and the whole LB corps outside of Ryans
Hey Anders,
Are you going to stay awake all night? It’s the same time in Denmark and France so we’ll be on the clock prob between 3 and 4am CET.
I’m working early tomorrow morning so I’m gonna record it on ESPN America.
It’s hard being a fan in Europe!!
Yea, Im up watching both the stanley cup play offs and the draft. Luckily im off tomorrow
“It’s hard being a fan in Europe!!”
So true, I’ve had many tired days after late games etc.
Fortunately I have nothing to do tomorrow (today!) so I’l be up. (Like Anders, I’m from Denmark)
Well I’ll be nervous all day tomorrow trying to avoid looking at any football websites until 4pm!!
Wow you lucky people with a clear Friday to catch up on sleep! I’m in work at 8am – although being in the UK, it should all be over a little earlier for me 🙂
Luckily I managed to get tomorrow off work so it will be an all-nighter for me.
I just hope they don’t trade out of the 1st completely!
That’s happened to me and probably most of the other European posters on here I reckon.
I’m from Denmark as well, and is having a few friends over. It’s a big event here! Can’t wait…
And cheers to Eagles Europe. I raise a glass of absinthe to you and your pristine credit-rated homelands.
I had a Swedish exchange student in high school but could never get him interested in “real” football. I look forward to nicolajNN and Anders’ thoughts on the Swedes…
crazy people, they dont know shit 😛
I’ll give them Ikea, Volvo, and the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but that’s it.
Yeah Tommy’s PE.com mock would be a great haul.
In particular I like the Dwayne Allen selection. Perhaps it was through Auburn-colored lasik-repaired retinae, but I seem to recall that guy catching every 3rd and 9 pass.
Self-Repost from previous entry… Hats off already to the following first rounders:
Mac
Cliff
Thunder_lips
aerochrome2
NoDecaf
Anders Jensen
$$$ IGGLES BLITZ CHALLENGE $$$
NEED 15 BRAVE SOLDIERS…
Friends,
As we careen towards the NFL draft and the real beginning of the 2012 season I’d like to remind everyone of all the hard work Tommy and Sam do to bring us the most entertaining and most educational forum for Eagles-based discussion on the Internet. It takes a lot of hard work and time to generate fresh content, respond to comments, and maintain this space so I’d like to ask everyone to take a little of your own time and consider making a donation in any amount to Iggles Blitz.
For me, reading and participating on this site is worth at least $1 a day (the price of a stale bag of Funyuns), so I’m issuing a challenge: If we can get just 15 donations before the end of the draft I will happily donate $366 to Iggles Blitz (thanks a lot, leap year). That’s money that can be used for precious resources like acquiring and maintaining a tape library, any licensing and legal fees, and of course, refilling the water cooler with life-sustaining PBR.
Please give any amount you feel comfortable with:
– $12 is $1 per month and can buy approximately 400 boxes of pudding
– $25 is roughly $.50 a week, and can furnish the library with the complete set of 1980’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editions
– $50 is roughly $.14 a day, enough to enroll the entire secondary in tackling class
While your pledge won’t get you a handsome “Iggles Blitz” tote bag, an emergency radio, or season 2 of Downton Abbey on Blu-Ray, it will earn you the respect of every reader here and the self-satisfaction of sustaining this amazing website.
Where else on the web can you read a detailed analysis after every game including the final pre-season game? Where else can you get “on the ground” reports from the Senior Bowl? Where else can you pretend you’re an NFL GM and demand a scouting report on Miles Burris for three days and then actually get one free of charge?
On the right hand side of the page is a “DONATE” button. Please consider giving a few dollars to a resource I know you all enjoy as much as I do. No need to post how much you gave, and if you’re unable please steer others to this challenge.
NOTE: Tommy and Sam have not solicited this challenge in any way, shape or form and will undoubtedly shy away from it. Besides, they should be busy preparing for the apocalypse when we trade up in the first round to select Vontaze Burfict.
I’m in for $25. I’m not sure what that works out as in a currency that still has some value, but I’m assuming it’s affordable :p
Yeah! Don’t think you bums are off the hook just because T-Law started a new thread!
j/k
Tommy, when have the Eagles let you down? They drafted Brian Rolle AND Chris Gocong. They always listen to you when it comes to LBs 😛
I think I’m actually looking more forward to day 2 than today, there seem to be some interesting players and there is not a lot of the guys around #15 that excites me. This is of course said with no other draft knowledge that what I read from a few places. But it always end up being fun regardless
“Tannehill is more NFL ready than Mark Sanchez.”
Do you mean when Sanchez came out, or Sanchez now? :p
Tannehill – remember he is going to be 24 when training camp starts.
Poe – I called him Haynesworth 2.0 a month ago.
Tommy…your favorite guy always tends to go to one of our rivals…shit that means the cowboys are probably going to get him…BAH
No, it means Luke will fall to the Giants at 32 and I’ll be in utter misery.
Does anybody know if I have to pay at nfl.com to watch the draft?
Please help me find the link to watch it…
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/121100/1/watch-nfl-draft-2012.html
Thank you so much!!! Life-saver!
Just a thought: You might be able to find the NFL Network version elsewhere on that site, if you prefer.
NFLN link:
http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/49037/1/watch-nfl-network.html
Thanks guys!!!
I’m pretty sure NFL shows their coverage for free on NFL.com too, just so you know.
Not this year 🙁
They offer coverage on NFL.com live, but it’s not the same as what you’d see on NFL Network.
You get Bucky Brooks instead of Mike Mayock. Yikes.
That’s just wrong of them.
I could have that wrong. They *were* different, but right now it’s the same. They might cut in and out.
Here’s my question: ESPN or NFL Network?
Nfl network has Mayock…..I value his opinion more
NFLN.
Dude, I have to commend you for ignoring the obvious pun thus far. Save it for the endgame, and keep it subtle.
Now, I’m ready to get this ish started!@
Calling all Jedi…we need the power of the force…(Jedi mind control)..what say you Tommy???!!!!
We do need the Jedi to help Luke Kuechwalker find his way to Degobah, errr Philly.
Report of TB/JAX trade. Jags want Justin Blackmon.
Could be bad news. Tampa might take Luke Kuechly. Kudos to Eagles Nut for predicting the trade on Twitter.
Tommy,
If Kuelchy is there, what do you honestly think the chances the Eagles take him? How about if he and Poe are there? If he and Cox? He and Jones?
I think Eagles like Kuechly, but he may not last that long.
That’s not my question. Do you think they like him more than Jones, Cox or Poe?
chandler jones or shea mcClellin? i would rather have mcclellin. its all about tackles for loss
As a second round pick? Not sure either is worth #15…
And if we’re looking DE in the second, then surely Vinny Curry has to be the guy…
I think Cowboys will pick Claiborne…
God damn it…
Jax moving up means Cox will fall a little…
‘boys trade very good if they draft Claiborne
very bad to give up a 2nd just to draft Barron
STL getting a lot of quality picks. Could be building something.
Really hope the cowboys just made a big mistake and took the bait for Barron.. Huge price tag to jump 8spots
Damn!!
If Tampa passes on Fletcher Cox at 7, I wonder if we’ll be on the phone with Miami. CAR will have to take him at 9.
Bucs to take Barron, I bet.
Dodged a bullet with Dallas taking Claiborne.
If there’s one guy who knows what to do with Claiborne, it’s this guy…
http://thepenaltyflagblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Rob-ryan.jpg
pissed that the cowgirls got claiborne. damn. what did they give up…i don’t have live coverage at work???
Gave up a 2nd. Claiborne is really good.
Let’s just hope Claiborne turns out to be as bad as those test results (can’t remember what they’re called)…
Wonderlic.
Wow. Barron in the top 10? We might get a good pick after all.
My thoughts exactly!
Can’t get nfln online. nfl.com sucks! Bucky Sucky!!
Lots of DL talent dropping. Eagles have to be stoked.
It is going to break my heart when the Panthers take Fletcher Cox here…
and now we get into the Cox/Luke danger zone…
yes, 9 thru 12… hold yer breath.
CAR has to take Cox, right? Fingers crossed that they go for Coples or some other surprise pick.
Surprise for sure…
Let’s pray the Bills reach for tackle help or go for Gilmore…
Could also trade back with us…
BUF goes WR or CB or Ingram.
good call!
Kuechly gone. Looking really good for Eagles at DL. Buff won’t take one. Will Arizona? Doubtful.
Damn… howd you find out so fast,.. you nfl network or espn?
Gilmore next to Buff. Looking great for Eagles.
again… where you getting these? lol.
nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
This is what it sounds like when Lawlors cry.
Sorry Tommy. Like I said on Twitter, it’s clearly a revenge move by Sean McDermott taking your boy.
McD will pay. I’ll get revenge.
snif snif
We have to move up for Cox right? Very good now, extremely high cealing and speak of a perfect fit.
So McD shall be Kuechly’s Yoda…
LUKE IS GONE..NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I’m already sending Luke hate mail. He betrayed us by making the Panthers take him. Selfish jerk.
Well there’s one big target gone, lets just hope cox will still be sitting there.. I smell a trade down coming if he’s gone
2013 picks and we get a QB next year!!!
I’d say Cox, Chandler Jones or Poe, then a trade down.
Poe goes to Chiefs. WRs falling. Will Cox or Jones fall to Eagles?
Likely destination for cox will be at 14 to STL right before us
Agreed. If that happens, I’m getting on the phone to the Pats asking if they want to move up for Coples
Agreed 1000%…not a typo…
I really thought Kuechly would fall lower than that. Now I’m hoping for Cox or Poe.
How about an old-fashioned guard for the Chiefies…?
Morton is happy kuechly is gone
still no DL picked. Good if you are targeting DL
Trade up
What was that about Pioli being risk-averse?
Eagles GETTING COX! Whoooo! Trading with Seattle!
Eaglestradedup
are you f’ng kidding me?! Eagles to get cox!
this is for Cox I gather
This better be Cox. A guy with his talent falling this far you got to take advantage.
We want Cox! We want Cox!
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Trade!! Welcome to Philly Mr. Cox now sick em.. Keep both 2nd rounders too.. Hell of a move
TRADE!!!
Dontari Poe’s haircut alone would take him off my big board..
Earl Thomas!!
Isn’t that almost exactly the trade Dan Graziano had them making in the ESPN blogger mock? Awesome pick. Really hopeful this guy becomes a force for good. And by good, I mean the Eagles.
Cox with #12 ?!?!?!
Have up 4th and 5th to move up?
Here we go we have a trade!! Welcome to philly Mr.Cox… Now go and get em lol. You keep both 2nd rounders too!! Hell of a trade
New post is up.
Fletcher Cox is an Eagle!!! Great night.
Well, Tommy, you win some, you lose some.
This’ll do, Andy, this’ll do.
4th and a 6th. Didn’t overpay. Have gone over this: Cox has performance and measurables and is a good guy to give to Washburn. Not completely sure about him.
I am stunned!
Any word on whether Cox just laid out RG3 in the green room?
Not much given up either! Pick114=66 + Pick 194=13.8 — total is less than 80, basically a mid-high fourth rounder.
Happy that we traded up and got Big Cox.
But I wonder, did Dallas get a steal, giving up #14 + a mid 2nd for for Claiborne?
I think so.