Eagles Notebook

Posted: April 17th, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 92 Comments »

The Eagles are meeting with CB Janoris Jenkins today.  My sources tell me the meeting is scheduled for 4:20.  Hmm…

I love Jenkins as a player, but his issues scare me and I’d rather the Eagles pass on him.  That said, I absolutely want the Eagles to meet with him.  Talk to the kid.  Feel him out.  You never know when you’re going to find a guy that is able to sell you that his troubled past is just that…the past.

Laveranues Coles was kicked out of Florida State (largely as a scapegoat).  He never had one problem in the NFL.  After 5 years, he was considered a team leader and high character player.  Winston Justice was a knucklehead at USC and got into trouble a couple of times.  He wasn’t a great pro on the field, but never had any issues off it and eventually became the team’s NFLPA rep.

Jenkins has more serious issues than those guys, but the point is the same.  You want the Eagles to check out the guys with flaws.  Just ignoring those players is lazy scouting.  Chances are you’ll pass on most of them, but why not spend some extra time and effort to make sure you aren’t passing on a player who can handle life in the NFL.

* * * * *

Let’s talk about the Eagles and player types.  I don’t think DT Michael Brockers makes much sense for the Eagles and the Wide-9.  That doesn’t mean that the Eagles agree.  Jim Washburn may see something I don’t.  I’m sure he sees hints of Albert Haynesworth.  The problem (to me) is that those hints are few and far between.

I remember having a talk with Matt Alkire back in 2008.  We knew the Eagles wanted a WR, but who?  Matt was a huge fan of DeSean Jackson’s.  I liked DeSean as well, but didn’t focus as much on him since he “clearly wasn’t” Eagles material.

2005:  Todd Pinkston (6-2, 175), TO (6-3, 220)

2006:  Donte Stallworth (6-0, 205), Reggie Brown (6-1, 197), Hank Baskett (6-3, 220)

2007:  Reggie Brown, Kevin Curtis (6-0, 186), Jason Avant (6-0, 212)

Those guys were all 6 feet tall.  Pinky was very skinny, but had a tall build.

How in the heck could the Eagles suddenly go for DeSean Jackson at 5-10, 170?  That made zero sense to me.  I respected DeSean as a big time talent, but didn’t think the Eagles would have serious interest.

DeSean was a trend-breaker.

We never know when a trend is going to be broken, but normally it is a player with special potential who does it.  I don’t see Brockers as being special in a way that would interest the Eagles.  I think he could be a good run stuffer in the NFL.  I do love his frame.  Big DT.  Can you teach him to rush the passer?

The one caveat here is possibly Wash could see Brockers as a guy who could collapse the pocket from the middle.  You saw flashes of that at LSU, but not enough to feel he could do it consistently.  Brockers will never be a guy that uses a wicked rip move to blow by a G and storm in for the sack.  He just doesn’t have that kind of agility and explosion.  Power is his game.  Right now he’s a man-child just learning how to use his strength.  If the light bulb ever fully goes on, he could be a good power player.  The Wide-9 is more about explosion and penetration, but maybe Wash is looking to put a twist on that.

* * * * *

Some random topics…

Should Eagles move back and load up on picks in 3rd/4th?

No.  I love the 2nd round here.  If Cox, Kuechly are gone and we can add a 2nd rounder to move back 10 or so spots, I’m all for that.  I might like an extra 3rd round pick, but loading up on 3rd/4th’s isn’t my preference.

What did you think of Kevin Kolb?   I was a big fan of Kevin’s.  I was also shocked the Eagles picked him.  I really wanted ILB David Harris from Michigan.  Was heart-broken when they passed on him.  Had nothing to do with Kolb.  Loved him, but just didn’t want a QB.

Here is the write-up:

Very experienced. 4 year starter. Threw for over 12,000 yds. Had 85 TD passes, but only 31 INTs. Ran for a surprising 21 TDs. Durable. Didn’t miss a start in 4 years. Has played in the same offensive system since HS. That is a bit of a concern. How easily will he adjust to a new offense? Good combo of size, skill, experience, and athleticism. Runs okay. Will scramble if he has open field. Had a 46 yd TD run in C-USA title game. Can make throws from all sorts of angles and positions. Can throw on the move. Can create plays. Was pressured vs Miami. Moved around in pocket and then flipped the ball to his RB, who ran for a medium gain. Has a good, but not great arm. Makes good decisions. Accurate. Houston’s offense is based on a lot of RAC yds. Kolb can hit guys on the move. Also throws a very catchable ball. Good touch and good pace on his short throws. Doesn’t force the ball. Solid mechanically. His offensive system featured a lot of shotgun and a lot of short, quick throws, so he will have to adjust to dropping back and making reads. Played in the Senior Bowl and looked pretty comfortable running an NFL offense down there. Adjusted better than Chris Leak or Troy Smith. Showed a good pocket presence. Made good reads. Also looked good at his Pro Day. Reminds me of Kellen Clemens from last year’s draft class.

SUMMARY I like Kevin a lot. I think he’s the #3 QB and a 2nd Rd player. I see him as a starting NFL QB.

What’s up with Asante?  A while back I said that I didn’t think Asante would want an extension, but rather just his current deal to be honored.  WRONG!  Asante is looking for a new deal from his new team.  And he’s driving them crazy.  He’s not being reasonable with his demands.  That’s what led to his Twitter rant about how great he is.  Asante doesn’t understand why teams aren’t giving him exactly what he wants.

Because he is still a very good CB and a lot of teams need help at corner, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that a deal gets done.

Is Fletcher Cox worth trading up for?  Yes.  It isn’t just that he is a good prospect.  I think he’s a great prospect for the Wide-9.  He had 5 sacks last year, which is okay but nothing special.  You have to understand that Cox is just scratching the surface.  He was moved all over the place at Miss State.  He wasn’t getting great coaching.  Cox would be the under tackle here.  Washburn would teach him everything in the world about rushing the passer.  Cox has tremendous natural gifts.  He could develop into a difference maker up front.  No guarantees, of course, but the potential is there.  I don’t sell the farm to get him, but yeah…he is worth moving up for if the price is right.

* * * * *

About the comments section…glad for all the positive responses from people after I brought it up.  I love the great insight and humor so many of you bring to the table.  I might lead the initial discussion, but many of you do an awesome job of taking it in different directions and/or expanding on a point I may have barely covered.

I think the comments section is every bit as important as what I write.

Keep up the good work.

* * * * *

NFL Gimpy has up his newest MAQB column.  Always must-read material.


92 Comments on “Eagles Notebook”

  1. 1 Skeptic_Eagle said at 12:17 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Really curious to see where Jenkins ends up. He’d be a nice nickel corner here, and if he’s available in the 3rd, I think the choice is pretty easy. Smoking a little weed is one thing, but he really seems to be deeply in love with Mary Jane. Quite a few issues point to problems with this guy’s decision making, and I’d hate to see the Eagles draft another Pac Man.

    Fletcher’s a great prospect, but it would be cool for the Eagles to select Fletcher Cox, if only for the amusingly sophomoric double entendres his name will produce. I’d love to hear Joe Buck telling us on Sundays “Eli let that one go early, because he was wondering where he’d find Cox”, or “Tony Romo drops back, and immediately gets Big Cox in his face!”, or “Griffin tried to scramble out of the pocket, but got slammed by Cox from behind”, or…OK, I’ll stop.

  2. 2 D3FB said at 12:40 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Well played sir.

    “NFC East QBs are all terribly frightened by the prospect of the massive Cox”

  3. 3 Mac said at 1:48 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    +1

  4. 4 A_T_G said at 6:39 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    “Boy, you can really see why Washburn and Reid are so excited about rookie Cox.”

  5. 5 the guy said at 10:30 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    “Cox penetrates the gap and now Eli Manning looks to be in serious pain!”

  6. 6 Furt said at 12:44 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    No pun intendend, but I love this blog

  7. 7 Gregory Post said at 1:40 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    There are too many CB needy teams that won’t let Jenkins drop past the 1st round. The Jets love drafting corners, and Cromartie has his own issues and is getting old, plus Kyle Wilson isn’t panning out the way they want him to. Lions could also decide to take a flyer on Jenkins.

  8. 8 Chris Tomlinson said at 12:18 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Using AC Viking’s Peter King link, there’s a 726% chance that we take Quinton Coples at 15 (in Peter King’s SI Mock). King also linked the Eagles to Weeden who he had the Browns taking at 27 after a trade up.

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1197390/index.htm?xid=sbnation

  9. 9 ACViking said at 12:23 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Chris:

    I’m wondering if you’ll show us how you came up with 726%. Pretty crazy number.

    Me . . . I’d go with something more like (i) the Eagles will take a DL, and (ii) if Coples is there, he’ll be the guy. I leave percentages to the bookies.

  10. 10 Chris Tomlinson said at 12:24 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Slammed my head on the keyboard and those were the numbers that came up. Seemed realistic.

  11. 11 TrentColeHamels said at 1:14 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Sorry Chris, I did the math and there is actually a 708% chance that we take Couples. You must’ve forgotten to carry a 1.

  12. 12 Chris Tomlinson said at 4:15 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    That’s what I get for using an abacus instead of a calculator… dumb dumb mistakes.

  13. 13 ACViking said at 3:39 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Nice. Love it.

  14. 14 Arby1 said at 1:40 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Peter King acknowledged on twitter the other day that he’s as confused as anyone which way the Eagles were leaning. With all the rumors of movement this year, should be an interesting 1st round.

  15. 15 ACViking said at 12:18 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    T-LAW:

    Three quick question on Jenkins.

    1. How’s he stack up as a slot corner?

    2. Given his “character issues,” he’ll fall in the draft. What round, and what part of the round, do you expect him to go?

    3. You’ve been given the power to make the Eagles picks . . . assuming you come away from today’s interview *enlightened* if not encouraged, in what round do you say to A.R.: Jenkins is worth the risk with this choice?

    As an aside, the Eagles expended their picks under Howie Roseman the past two years on high character guys — like Graham, Allen, T’eo and Watkins. Given the unpredictable results of playing NASCAR without the car, do you see AR and Roseman moving in the direction of taking a flyer on someone like Jenkins.

    Oh, and your 2007 break-down on Kolb was prescient . . . particularly the arm strength on the one side but the ability to hit receivers for YAC. But no way to predict injuries.

  16. 16 TommyLawlor said at 2:43 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    1. Jenkins could play slot and might be very good. Has the size, skill set to thrive inside. Will also tackle.

    2. I guess 2nd, won’t shock me to see 3rd.

    3. Problem goes beyond value. Whether you take him 1st, 2nd, or 3rd…if he continues to smoke and gets suspended he’s no good to you. Can he control his drug use so that it doesn’t interfere with football? If yes, take him 2nd or 3rd. If not, pass entirely. Not sure I’d put him on my board at all.

  17. 17 mark_in_jax said at 2:57 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I said it before about Jenkins and I’ll say it again: NO THANKS!!!

  18. 18 Kristopher Cebula said at 12:22 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    tommy, what are your thoughts on asante restructuring and staying? not asking whether you think it will happen(probably won’t) but what are your thoughts if that did happen? also, do you feel are defense is better right now with or without asante? do you think the defense is better with asante or DRC? what do you think the market for DRC would be?

  19. 19 JRO91 said at 12:45 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I am confused at to why everyone is so down on DRC and all about Asante (not an attack at you) DRC was put in an awkward position last year. He is not a slot corner, but a press outside corner. He looked bad yes, but that is because he was out of his element. The guy was a probowl corner on the outside. Asante has lost a step, he is due a ton of money and is quite a bit older than DRC. The Eagles have switched philosphies and they want big press corners now. You need that for the wide-9. They QBs get the ball out very fast with the pressure and when you jam, you throw the route off. I am sure the Eagles would keep Asante, if they could, but he just doesnt fit anymore. Give DRC a year on the outside and if he is still terrible, then you get rid of him next year. He showed at the end of the year when he was put back outside he is good. Asante has been a probowler and is a great corner, but this decision is about money and scheme.

  20. 20 miked718 said at 1:04 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Agree completely. If he stays in one spot and stays healthy I think he’s going to have a great year. Also I blame Jimmy Bama for Asante’s newfound confidence that he is owed a new deal worth a bajillion dollars.

  21. 21 Kristopher Cebula said at 1:58 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    i’m not necessarily down on DRC and understand the preference for a press corner. just thinking that we know what we’re getting with asante and he is already signed for the next few years. DRC has tremendous ability but hasn’t shown a track record of consistency. He could also be looking for a contract that may be close or equal to that of asante’s depending on his performance next season and how him and his agent view his value. if DRC’s demands are high, depending on how other teams value him, he could be an essential bargaining chip to move up and draft asante’s replacement this year or next. I’d just hate to get rid of asante and have DRC turn out to be a liability making cornerback a need postion in the draft next year

  22. 22 TommyLawlor said at 2:45 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I fully expect DRC to play at a high level this year.

  23. 23 TommyLawlor said at 2:44 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    The Eagles want to play press coverage. Asante can press, but doesn’t like to. He wants to play off so that he can read the receiver and QB and break on the ball.

    Also, keeping him, DRC, and Nnamdi makes zero sense. No natural slot between the trio.

    Gotta move Asante.

  24. 24 Davesbeard said at 11:19 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    Could Marsh or Hughes play the slot?

  25. 25 NoDecaf said at 12:29 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Can you feel the L-O-V-E?? 8D

  26. 26 JRO91 said at 12:32 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I think if Cox and Luke are gone and the Eagles trade back 10 spots or so and grab an extra 2nd, I would be all for adding Jenkins in the second if he fell that far. As it stands, I not giving up our 1st or two 2nds for him….Id be happy with any combination of the following picks in the first three rounds…. Cox/Luke/Coples/Fleener/David/Boykin/Sanu/Wagner I do agree with Tommy 100% that Bockers isnt for the wide-9, but man wouldn’t it be nice to have a DT of that size??!?!

  27. 27 bdbd20 said at 12:35 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I’d love Jenkins if we could get him in the late 2nd or 3rd rd.

    I’d be willing to take the chance with this young veteran team. The guys seem to have a genuine love for the team.

  28. 28 nopain23 said at 12:49 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I think the best thing about last season is that Wash proved he’s the best in the business and EARNED the respect and confidence of all iggles fans.So I’m willing to roll with whichever DT the iggles draft.’cause it comes with Washburn’s seal of approval.If he wants Brockers..then I say get him….no questions asked.Get him the player he wants and let Wash mold him.

  29. 29 TommyLawlor said at 2:46 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Agreed. I may not like the move initially, but I do trust Wash. If he wants a guy, I’m willing to trust him. Great track record.

  30. 30 Eagles1991 said at 6:51 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    In Wash we Trust

  31. 31 Jason said at 9:17 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Well he’s a great coach, but lets not confuse that with drafting good players. He drafts as much good as bad as I see his record. He hit early in his career with Haynesworth and Kearse, along with a couple of late rounders in Robaire Smith and Carlos Hall who were great value. Recently though?? His last 3 high picks were Derrick Morgan, SenDerrick Marks and Jason Jones. Morgan got injured but still only has 4 sacks in 19 games. Jones is OK but probably not worth a 2nd rounder, while Marks has been a massive failure. None of those 3 are good picks. Maybe give him some late rounders: from the last few years at the Titans Williams Hayes, Jacob Ford, Antonio Johnson all have played better than their draft status.

  32. 32 jayanglada said at 12:57 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Tommy —
    You’ve very persuasively explained Kuechly’s and Cox’ fit with our needs. You’ve just as effectively covered why Brockers and Barron aren’t good matches. Assuming that the mock consensus plays out and Cox and Kuechly, as well as Coples et al, are gone before 15 do you see any appealing needs/value possibilities at 15? Specifically, what about Kirkpatrick?

  33. 33 TommyLawlor said at 2:48 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Kirkpatrick is outstanding. One issue…he plays a lot like Asante. Dre likes to play off and then break on the ball.

    Now, he’s unlike Asante in a few ways. Much more physical. Big hitter and tackler. Dre isn’t as instinctive and not as much of a playmaker. Dre can jam receivers much better.

    Question is whether the Eagles think Dre can play the slot. If they don’t think so, then I think taking a corner at 15 is overkill. Team likes Curtis Marsh a lot. Don’t forget about him.

  34. 34 jayanglada said at 4:09 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Thanks, Tommy. To my broader question: Do you regard any of the likely options at 15 to be attractive in terms of value and of need filling, or would they all be less than optimum?

  35. 35 Brett Smith said at 1:11 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I am not sure why all the discussion about Jenkins. How does he fit in? He is to quote some of the talking heads “the best cover corner” in the draft… not the best “Slot Corner”

    When I think of a slot corner I want a quick twitch guy, plays well in traffic, solid tackler and football smart. I don’t think that is Jenkins. I think he is better suited to be a #2 outside corner and we already have one of those as well as 2 #1 outside corners.

    I think he would be a wasted pick.

  36. 36 miked718 said at 1:11 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Mudd and Wash are the MVCs in the league last year IMO. Give those guys coal and they make diamonds covered in platinum. They know the players they like and will fit in their system and nobody seems to question them because they’re almost always right (Kelce has to make-up for Watkins in 2011). I feel confident in their decisions in a way I never have before. And you know where football games are won, that’s right Madden, the trenches.

  37. 37 Eric Weaver said at 1:24 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    ” Power is his game. Right now he’s a man-child just learning how to use his strength.”

    That comment makes me think of how Amobi Okoye has never transitioned to a man in the NFL.

  38. 38 IowaEagle said at 2:18 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Tommy: Hypothetical- We move up to #7 and both Cox and Claiborne are still available… What would you do? / What do you think the Eagles would do?

  39. 39 TommyLawlor said at 2:49 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Tough. I’d probably go Claiborne. Exceptional CBs are hard to find. Good DTs are too, but not as much.

  40. 40 K.Y. said at 4:43 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    That is one consideration. The team has options at DT positions, probably richer than the CB positions. The influence of the respective positional coach may also be a factor for consideration.

  41. 41 Eagles1991 said at 6:55 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I still think Stephon Gilmore is a ripe pick at 15 if Cox and Kuechly are gone

  42. 42 Anders Jensen said at 2:06 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    I would love Claiborne, especially consider the depth at DT

  43. 43 Kmac318 said at 2:24 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Asante is scaring me. I thought he would be pretty easy to trade but his contract demands are leading me to think that we’ll have another awkward 3 corner dilemma this year as well. I wanted the eagles to hold off for a great deal, but at this point, I would almost rather us take whatever we can get in order to get this distraction (along with his huge contract) off the team. Keep your negative mojo away from us Asante. That being said, I still hope some team blows us away with a deal for him. Just don’t see it happening, especially now with his crazy rants about how awesome he is. I bet Asante wakes up, looks in the mirrow, and proceeds to list all the things that make him special. #1) I’m the best corner on the planet. #2) I’ve made the need to possess the skill of tackling a thing of the past. #3) Why press cover when I can pick off a pass on every single play? #4) I have the best hair in the NFL, hands down. Come at me Troy! Etc…

  44. 44 ChaosOnion said at 3:19 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I have no problem with the Eagles picking up a slot CB (Boykin, please) in the draft, starting NA, DRC and BB and planting El Presidente’s right next to Ronnie Brown’s spot on the bench from last year.

  45. 45 Kmac318 said at 3:33 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I fully agree with your desire to draft Boykin. His combination of slot and return skills fit perfectly with two areas the eagles could stand to improve on. I desperately want us to draft him. I think I would have a big problem with benching Asante though. He has always been a big talker, and could cause problems in the locker room if he was benched. I can easily see him loudly voicing his displeasure and causing rifts in the team (think TO but on a smaller scale). Also, his massive contract could restrict us from extending McCoy to the deal he deserves. Simply put, Asante is too pricey and too much of a loudmouth to bench for the entire year. Let’s trade him and get whatever small value we can for him.

  46. 46 bridgecoach said at 3:00 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Trade our 1st, 3rd and Asante Samuel to Buffalo for the 10th pick. Draft Luke Kuechly.

  47. 47 JJ_Cake said at 1:29 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    I wish. All the talk about DT and CB has got me down, sadly I doubt he’s in our sites.

  48. 48 Gregory Post said at 1:42 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    That’s a lot of compensation to move up 5 picks, especially for a player that could easily be there at 15.

  49. 49 bridgecoach said at 9:32 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    Any trade should be viewed thru two lenses. 1) Would the first team accept? 2) Would the second team offer?

    You seem to agree that Buffalo would accept. But feel that we are giving up too much to move up 5 spots.

    Are we? Is someone offering us a better deal than a 2012 4th round value for Asante? We trade a 3rd and a player we can’t get more than a 4th for to move up 5 spots and secure the player we need. Is that a lot for us to pay for insurance?

    We insure that we can land Kuechly. We insure that we have a top tier playcaller ready to step in at MLB should anything happen with Ryans. We insure that we have two 3 down LBs locking down our midfield defense – our biggest vulnerability.

  50. 50 JRO91 said at 3:01 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Coples looks like this years JPP…Boom or bust….I think Washburn has to think he can make this kid a beast. The talent and size is there, just needs motivated. Plus, like it was stated before, he could come in on run situations inplace of Babin to shore up the run defense on that side. Babin could come in on passing downs and be fresh to rush the QB. Coples could also play some nickle DT. Could you imagine in our nickle having Babin/Cole rushing on the outside and Graham and Coples as the DT rushing on the inside?!? if they do take Coples, I could see Tapp being cut/moved. I think Hunt has more upside.

  51. 51 Kristopher Cebula said at 3:39 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    i don’t think you pull cullen jenkins for graham or coples on passing downs

  52. 52 Eagles1991 said at 6:56 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Agreed sir.

  53. 53 mlopy said at 5:01 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    Except JPP didn’t have motor issues…

  54. 54 Thunder_lips said at 3:17 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Can we all adjust our expectations on what Asante will bring? Let’s just assume he’ll be cut shortly before training camp (think Corey Simon) and the extra cap room will be used to extend Shady. That way, if we manage to get a conditional 5th for him next year, we’ll all be pleasantly surprised.

  55. 55 DamonL86 said at 3:18 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    What picks would we have to give up to get to 7?

  56. 56 Jack Bauer said at 3:31 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    In theory, with no competition, if you believe the value chart, if knowing is half the battle: #15 and 46

  57. 57 DamonL86 said at 5:40 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Would you be willing to give up a number 2 this year to get him?

  58. 58 the guy said at 3:51 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    So if I’m understanding you correctly, Tommy, to you Fletcher Cox isn’t naturally one of the special players in the draft, but could become one in the right system. Specifically, the Wide-9 under Washburn.

    I don’t follow college football and I’m no scout, but my hopes for the draft are essentially coming down to three possibilities:

    1) Trade up for Cox (or one of the special players if it doesn’t cost too much)
    2) Stay put and hope Cox or Kuechley (or someone of equal/better quality) falls to them at 15
    3) Trade out for extra picks *next year*

    The Eagles do probably need to draft a QB sometime soon, so let’s give them as much ammo as possible to move up for next year’s draft. History has shown they’d need it, unless this year is an even worse disaster than last and they wind up with a top 10 pick.

  59. 59 Donald Kalinowski said at 4:10 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    “I don’t sell the farm to get him, but yeah…he is worth moving up for if the price is right.”
    What do you mean by that? Is a 2nd rounder too much to give up in your opinion?

  60. 60 Daniel Suraci said at 4:57 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Tommy, any chance of a post on Red Zone threats in the draft? What TEs, WRs or RBs would you like to see the Eagles take to improve their red zone numbers?

  61. 61 Donald Kalinowski said at 4:59 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    PLAXICO

  62. 62 ian_no_2 said at 5:37 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    btw all my criticisms of Fletcher Cox have been an elaborate decoy.. superstitious, but it’s my way of pitching in..

  63. 63 Jeppe Elmelund van Ee said at 6:04 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Tommy,

    You’ve previously stated, that you know for a fact that several teams in the top 10 have Cox rated as a top 10 player.

    Can ellaborate on how you know that? Does team sources let you in on their boards? If so, do you trust that info?

    If we miss out on Cox in the first, I really hope we trade back and pick three players in the 2nd round. My targets would be:

    DE Vinny Curry
    CB Brandon Boykin
    LB Lavonte David

  64. 64 Steve H said at 6:48 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Tommy could tell you, but then He’ have to drown you in a tub of pudding and PBR.

  65. 65 Anders Jensen said at 2:48 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    That would be a very good draft.

  66. 66 GeorgeFleep said at 7:06 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    If the eagles move up to the seventh spot in the draft what would they have to give up? It would be from 15 to 7 so obviously moving up 8 spots.

    One thing about this draft is there seems to be more than enough UT. The eagles should get a guy that could start in the rotation game one of the season.
    1- Fletcher Cox 2- Kendall Reyes 3- Derek Wolfe 4- Jerel Worthy 5- Akiem Hicks
    Some guys need more work than others.

    I am glad to hear that eagles have Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry high on their draft board.
    https://twitter.com/#!/RookieDraft/status/192347605492187136
    http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/7431/fletcher-cox

  67. 67 Thunder_lips said at 7:29 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Terrible schedule. We play 6 teams either coming off their Bye or with a long week to prepare.

    Week 4 – Giants after they play Panthers on Thurs
    Week 5 – at Pitt after their Bye
    Week 6 – Detroit after their Bye
    Week 8 – Atlanta after their Bye (and our Bye)
    Week 11 – at Wash after their Bye
    Week 13 – at Dallas after they play Skins on Thurs

  68. 68 Steve H said at 8:12 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    actually I thought the schedule wasn’t too bad so far as opponents go. If there was a year to play the Saints this would be it, and the Steelers look like a team thats declining a bit. Opening with a cupcake against the Browns is nice too, get things started on the right foot.

  69. 69 GeorgeFleep said at 8:16 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Saints are week nine they have everything all together by them. One would think

  70. 70 Steve H said at 8:58 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Maybe maybe not, they seem like an organization in a bit of turmoil, I’d rather play them this year than a year where they don’t have any distractions.

  71. 71 Thunder_lips said at 8:21 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I’m fine with the opponents (but we already knew who they would be). The way the games are scheduled is what I’m not liking.

    There are 18 Thursday/Wednesday games and each team gets a bye. On average, each team should play one team coming off of a bye, and they have roughly a 50-50 chance of playing a team with a long week to prepare.

    The Eagles play 4 teams coming off of a bye, and two teams with a long week to prepare. That’s four times the league average on both counts.

    Bullshit.

  72. 72 Steve H said at 9:00 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Yeah, I agree that sucks but at least we don’t face a murderer’s row of opponents. Though they’re super bowl champs I still don’t consider the Giants to be much better than we are in the regular season, and aside from them the only worrisome games are the Ravens, Steelers and Saints. The Steelers I think are headed for a bit of a downturn and the Saints like I said seem to be headed for a bit of an off year. The Ravens do worry me but they aren’t a buzzsaw like the Pats were last year.

  73. 73 the guy said at 10:12 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    I get your point, but the Eagles will play 8 of their 16 games against teams that made the playoffs last year. This is despite the fact that only 1 NFC East team made the playoffs.

    They have the 7th hardest strength of schedule.

    And as Jimmy Beast points out, they have 6 games in which they’ll have at least 1 day less rest than their opponent. Half of those are against playoff teams from last year.

    http://bloggingthebeast.com/2012/04/17/the-eagles-get-bent-over-prison-style-by-the-nfl-schedule-makers/

  74. 74 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 1:38 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    “I get your point, but the Eagles will play 8 of their 16 games against teams that made the playoffs last year. This is despite the fact that only 1 NFC East team made the playoffs.”

    Yeah, but the Skins, Dall and Gmen all play 7. Sure, I’d rather play 7 than 8, but the # of playoff teams they play is a non-factor relative to everyone else in the division, especially when you consider 2 of them are against the Gmen. I’d much rather play Zona & Det than SF and GB! At least the additional playoff game that the Eagles have over Dall & Wash is the home game against Det and not on the road.

    Where they get it the most is the short week @ Dall where Dall plays the Thanksgiving game the week prior giving them 9 days to prepare.

  75. 75 Jason said at 9:26 PM on April 17th, 2012:

    Just a note on Jenkins…our new DBs coach, Mr Todd Bowles, may have a say in the pick. He’s just had 4 years at the Dolphins coaching Vontae Davis, who if I recall, was a similar type to Jenkins in that he had character red flags going into the draft. In fact, I’m pretty sure he tested positive for weed at the Combine along with Percy Harvin.

    Haven’t really watched him closely, but from what I hear Davis has been at very least a reasonable pick for Miami. Maybe Bowles knows how to get CBs to stop smoking weed? If this is true, doesn’t Jenkins have the talent to belong at #15?

  76. 76 Baloophi said at 12:31 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    As I understand it, Jenkins’ issue isn’t just smoking the weed, it’s spreading the seed (copyright pending with a nod to Johnnie Cochran, RIP).

    Jenkins is 23 and has 4 kids with 3 mothers. I think we can all agree it’s difficult to focus on football when you’re well on your way to building a fundamentalist Mormon commune.

  77. 77 Steve H said at 2:32 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    It’s either a sign of immaturity or extreme ambition. Building a fundamentalist mormon commune while trying to be a pro bowl cornerback isn’t as easy as it sounds.

  78. 78 D3FB said at 2:46 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    Plus you have to factor in (Insert Andy Reid Utah Conspiracy here)

  79. 79 Mac said at 2:05 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    Maybe he can make the smooth transition to being a red headed head coach?

  80. 80 Jeffrey S said at 9:07 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    Speaking of a veteran back up running back….looks like Ryan Grant could be hitting the market. My question is two-fold Tommy. Would you be interested in Grant given his injury ridden past? Would Grant be interested in such a reduced roll as back-up RB in Philly?

  81. 81 wee2424 said at 9:19 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    If Jenkins fell to our second round pick, or if we moved up in the 2nd, depending on who we got in the first, I wouldn’t mind taking him. He is just to talented, a d it’s possible that we have the right coaching staff to mentor him. Namdi could help also.

  82. 82 Jeffrey S said at 9:26 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    Speaking of veteran back-up RB’s. It looks like Dorsey Levens, wait, no, I mean Ryan Grant may be available. My question for you Tommy is two-fold. Would we be interested in Grant given his injury riddled past? Would Grant be interested in such a reduced role as a back-up RB in Philly?

  83. 83 Donald Kalinowski said at 9:47 AM on April 18th, 2012:

    I am no Sir Thomas Lawlor, but I would sign him. As a backup with limited carries, I think he can be effective. He’s also accustomed to not being the premier back, so I don’t think his ego would get in the way. If a guy like Cyrus Gray or Lamar Miller were to fall in the draft, I wouldn’t pass on them. So I would sign Grant, but only after the draft to see what my options are.

  84. 84 Brett Smith said at 2:23 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    I am guessing here but I bet Ryan Grant is leaving GB because of lack of carries.

    How many carries does he get here?

  85. 85 Joe Taylor said at 3:27 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    If the Packers aren’t giving him carries due to Starks (who is an average RB with decent to good upside) then that’s saying something. What other team would give Grant a good amount of carries?

    I’ve always liked Ryan Grant but his style wouldn’t fit us.

    I still want us to sign Forsett. LaMichael James is someone I think we should target.

  86. 86 Baloophi said at 12:53 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    Eagles are bringing in WR/PR/RS T.Y. Hilton. He’s DeSean-sized and speeded (4.34) and could spell him in the return game. If he doesn’t make it in football, T.Y. Hilton would make a hell of a 19th century industrialist or old-timely gunslinger.

  87. 87 Anders Jensen said at 3:08 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    From the highlight vidoe I saw, it seems he catches alot of his balls over the middle. I do wonder if he could be a dynamic slot receiver?

    Also Tommy, would you have the time to break down potential WRs/TE for us and how they fit would?
    Like x would be an outside guy, letting Maclin slide inside to slot in some situations or y is perfect slot guy or red zone target.

  88. 88 T_S_O_P said at 2:46 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    Off Topic:

    Tommy the D’Quan Menzie link on ScNB doesn’t work, it takes you to Demario Davis

  89. 89 JC2K said at 4:26 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    I’m predicting and laying down some major Monopoly money that the Eagles trade down in this draft after all the players they’re valuing as worthy of a 15 pick have already been drafted. I’ll even mortgage some of the yellow properties 😉 I’m basing this on the future QB position. If Cox is there they’ll take him but I don’t think so…

  90. 90 Baloophi said at 6:59 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    UNPOPULAR THOUGHT (and personal backtrack)

    Kellen Moore

    I’m starting to rethink my previous position and wonder if I would use one of our 6th rounders on him. Of all things “Gruden’s QB Camp” got me re-considering…

    Moore went 50-3, losing the 3 games by a combined 5 points. He beat all 6 FBS schools he faced. He threw for over 14,500 yards with a 142/28 TD/INT ratio. He’s been described as a coach-on-the-field having run an offensive system that incorporated sets and philosophies from pretty much every type of scheme.

    BUT… he’s also 6’0″ and has an arm that relies on “touch” to put it mildly.

    I think, in a vacuum, he’s worth a 6th for a couple reasons:

    1) If you think of him as a career backup (and not as an eventual #1) then you’ve got a smart, accurate “operator” who, as a left-hander, you don’t have to make whatever slight adjustments you’d have to make if a right-hander came in for Vick in the middle of a game.

    2) He’s got a similar size and make-up to Koy Detmer who I think Andy Reid valued (though he didn’t draft him). Meaning he’s a coach’s son with solid intangibles that can perform effectively inside your system when called upon (contrast to Vince Young). I often thought of Detmer as that extra “coach on the field” during timeouts and I could see Moore – clipboard in hand – weighing-in with our #1 QB in a tight spot. That could be more valuable than the next Rashad Barksdale or Charles Scott.

    3) 50 wins, 14,500 yards, 70% accuracy. I’d be curious to see what he could do in Reid’s West Coast offense.

    I also have some reservations…

    1) The arm. If he really can’t throw a medium out with enough zip then I think you’ve got no chance in Reid’s West Coast offense or really any NFL offense.

    2) Do you really have room for him? As I said, you can’t really think of him as an eventual #1 so you can’t keep him around on speculation alone. I think Kafka would have to play lights out in the pre-season AND Edwards would have to stink it up or get injured before you’d even consider entering the season with Vick, Kafka, Moore. You could pick him just to see what happens as long as you’re comfortable knowing you’re likely “blowing” a 6th rounder. Is that a pick you’d rather use to trade up in the middle rounds or to select an athletic small-school guy, etc.? I mentioned Rashad Barksdale and Charles Scott up above, but previous 6th rounders have produced Brandon Gibson and Jason Kelce,

    3) If we draft Tannehill/Weeden/Cousins/Wilson then I don’t want to take another quarterback. I think they’re still not sure what Kafka is so – as above – if you bring in one of those guys then you’ve already got four guys.

    4) Colt Brennan. Similar yards (14,100), accuracy, and goofy college offense.

  91. 91 Thunder_lips said at 7:11 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    I really like Gruden’s QB camp, but I think he’s had about 10 QB’s on it this year, and he loves all of them and thinks they all have a long NFL career ahead of them.

  92. 92 Baloophi said at 7:25 PM on April 18th, 2012:

    Or he’ll have them on and then throw them under the bus later. He’s a likeable guy who seems to know his offense, but I think he’s kind of boxed-in on the show because he wants everyone to feel good.

    What you can take away is the prospect’s level of comfort… Russell Wilson seemed scared at points or oddly formal. It obviously has nothing to do with talent or coach-a-bility or anything, just kind of an overall impression you can take away.