Eagles QB Update
Posted: April 22nd, 2012 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 67 Comments »On Friday Sam and I had a short discussion in relation to a Reuben Frank column on whether the Eagles should draft a QB. Roobs argues that spending a pick on a QB outside the 1st round (and usually early in that round) is a waste. You just don’t find many starting QBs coming from the middle of the draft. You are better off taking one late. Roobs and I are against the Eagles taking a QB.
Sam comes at things from a different perspective. He wants the Eagles to take a QB. His point is that the guy doesn’t have to be a future starter. Sam wants the player to be ready to take over for Mike Kafka in the future. There is definite logic to Sam’s way of thinking (after all you don’t almost make community college honor roll by accident).
My problem is that I don’t like the QB class. I think spending a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round pick on these particular QBs is a bad idea. Could one of them develop into a good backup? Sure. I just don’t believe in this group of players.
Once we get to rounds 5-7, I’m fine with taking a QB. I’m not spending a premium pick. If all we want is a backup, you can find guys in that range. Heck, you might even find a future starter in that range.
My big problem with the Eagles QB situation and drafting one is that I’m not sure exactly what I’m looking for.
Mike Vick – current starter. Should be the starter of the next 3 or so years.
Mike Kafka – mystery man. Could prove to be a good #2. Could develop into a future starter. Might prove to simply be a #3 QB and fringe player.
Trent Edwards – mystery man, pt. 2. Could beat out Kafka for the backup job. Could prove to be #3 material. Could completely flop and get cut.
The only thing we know for a fact is that Mike Vick is the starter. After that, we have to see what Kafka and Edwards do. I think the Eagles like Kafka as the backup this year. They didn’t go after Jason Campbell or other guys with more of a proven track record. Personally, I think that was wise. You give Kafka a chance and put pressure on him.
Part of my point in not wanting to spend a high pick on a rookie is that I don’t expect that player to push for the #2 job this year. The guy would take the #3 spot from Edwards. Would the player be ready to be the primary backup next year? Maybe. Maybe not. So what do you gain from taking the player this year (in a weak QB class)? You have a young #3 QB in place for 2012 and someone who can challenge for the backup job in 2013.
I would much rather spend a late pick on a player for that role.
I’d love to add a really talented QB to the roster, but aside from the first 3 QBs I’m not real sold on this group. Brandon Weeden would be fine if we could get him in the 3rd. He’ll be long gone by then. Kirk Cousins? I think he is a 3rd or 4th round type prospect that will get drafted in the Top 50. I only think you take him that high if you’re desperate. We’re not.
I know Russell Wilson has a lot of fans. He’s short and struggles in the pocket. That makes me nervous. I do love his athleticism and intangibles. I could live with him as a backup. Ryan Lindley has an NFL arm and pocket passer skills, but is coming off a mediocre year. He also struggled at the Senior Bowl.
I’d rather wait til the 5th or 6th round and see if we could get one of these guys:
BJ Coleman – Tennessee-Chattanooga – Had a very strong showing at the Shrine Game. Strong arm.
Aaron Corp – Richmond – USC transfer. Has some athletic ability.
Austin Davis – Southern Miss – Broke Favre’s records. So-so arm. Solid athlete.
Kellen Moore – Boise St. – Short and only a mediocre arm, but super-smart and very accurate. 50-3 as a starter.
Case Keenum – Houston – Set several NCAA passing records. Physically limited, but smart and accurate.
Chandler Harnish – Northern Illinois – Great run/pass guy. Ran for 2900 yds, threw for 8900 yds.
GJ Kinne – Tulsa – Can run/pass. Good combo of size, athleticism. Very productive. Intriguing prospect.
The players aren’t in any kind of order. They just came out of my head that way. There are legit concerns with each guy. There are also concerns with the targets in rounds 2-4.
The good news is that the 2013 QB class has the potential to be very strong. We’ll talk about that in July when things are slow and we can peak ahead. That will be the group to go see about a future starter.
It will be interesting to see what we do in the draft. Do we pick a QB? When? Who?
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Someone asked the other day about competition at SS. If the Eagles sign Yeremiah Bell, does he compete with Jaiquawn Jarrett? How does Kurt Coleman factor in? I’m not real sure.
My guess is that Kurt would line up as the backup FS most of the time. Kurt started most of last year at SS. The team has a good idea of what he can do. Jarrett needs every rep possible. So would the new guy (Bell or whoever). If JaiJar plays well, he gets the job. If the vet is better, he gets the job. If neither live up to what Kurt did last year, Kurt keeps the job. Or, if Kurt is freakin’ lights out in camp, he might get shifted back to his old spot.
Having 3 guys battle for a job isn’t ideal.
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For SB Nation Philly, I wrote about the Eagles going talent over need in the upcoming draft.
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From Sam (via Twitter), here is a good Boston Globe article on draft success. One key point made here that I’ve touched on in the past. The best teams aren’t always going to have roster holes for picks to step into as starters. The focus of the article is the Pats, but the Eagles and other good teams are mentioned as well.
I hope all of you on Twitter are following Sam. He offers good opinions, as you would expect, but also shares some good links. He is a great source of information.
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Fletcher Cox update.
A reader says that talk in Seattle is hot and heavy that they may move up for him. A Miami writer today said that the Dolphins could take Cox if Tannehill is gone. Greg Cosell thinks the Rams could take him at pick 6.
A few people have asked about Luke Kuechly. I do think he is still an Eagles target at 15. And I think there is a very realistic chance he gets that far. Luke is a MLB to most teams. Those guys rarely go in the Top 15. We just saw a slew of free agent MLBs have to sit and wait as teams refused to pay them what they wanted. We’ll see if Luke slides on Thursday night.
Given that perspective it makes sense to wait until next year, I’d rather the Eagles go for a guy that could be the starter when they move on from Vick. Kafka and Edwards as the number 2 and 3 guy would be fine, and if not you could probably find a vet for depth some where.
I’m fine with the Eagles taking a QB every year. Just don’t reach. Go for value.
I see where both of you are coming from. But given the choice why not draft someone like Moore, and let him compete with Edwards for a roster spot. Then draft a QB next year to groom as Vick’s replacement. That just seems to make the most sense. I think it’s too early to start thinking about replacing Kafka, let’s see his progress this year before we start talking about replacing him.
Say Cox slides to 7, at the Jags’ spot. Do you think we make an offer?
Can you really call Cox at 7 a slide? I’d actually call him the 7th best guy in the draft, so he’s probably BPA from 7 onwards, but it’s not like he was ever in the top 5 to have slid out, is it? :p
I just mean if he gets by the Rams, who really need an impact DT (among other things). If someone trades up for him that’s gonna be the spot. Dolphins looking QB(probably) and Panthers will snatch him if he get to them.
Agreed. I think the Rams have got bigger needs than the DT, so I’d expect them to look elsewhere, but he’s definitely an option.
I think the Eagles will strongly consider moving up, but only…ONLY… if the price is right. They won’t overpay for someone.
I know you aren’t particularly high on Coples, but he has been successful shifting inside to DT in the past. If our LK/Cox are gone who would you expect to be our top defensive target?
Coples played DT in 2010 full time. He shifted to DE in 2011.
I don’t think Coples will be a target. He isn’t a motor guy, something that is critical for Washburn. If Jim does take him, it is because of his versatility.
I’m in the mindset that Andy is one of the best QB coaches in the league. Likewise for Mudd and the OL/Wash and the DL. I’d like to see late round picks thrown to those coaches every year. Especially at QB. If you can find a starter, fantastic. But a good backup QB has as much value as just about any other starting position. If Andy sees something in a kid, I’ll never have a problem with utilizing a pick, especially when you get into day 3-4 of the draft.
The Edwards signing has me scratching my head. Can’t figure out if it was done to motivate Kafka, or because Kafka sucks. Either way, not good for Mike, and to me, is a clear indictment. Clearly, if Kafka isn’t ready in year 3 to be the unquestioned backup, then he’s just not an NFL QB.
Lot of angles there, but again, I don’t see how signing Edwards can in any way be viewed as a positive for Mike. Of course, the VY signing made no sense either.
Edwards could just be here as the number three QB. I think Kafka does have to prove himself, but to write him off now would be unfair.
Due respect, but in a league that is always desperate for capable QBs, Trent spent the year on the street. Doing anything BUT writing him off isn’t smart, IMO.
My point is not to write off Kafka yet, I would have no problem with cutting Edwards so long as there is another #3 in place. Which is why Tommy’s take seems to make a lot of sense.
Positive for Mike? It is in the sense that they didn’t bring in a true #2. Edwards is here to push for the job, but isn’t a guy that you automatically project to win the job.
Edwards isn’t some 34-year old bust. He will turn 29 this year. Edwards is 2 weeks older than Brandon Weeden. Trent did sit out all of 2011, but has been a successful starter in the past. That talent isn’t gone. His confidence and his “mojo” are what went away. Can Andy/Marty get that back for him?
Edwards has never played with this level of talent. He’s never had this kind of OL stability. He’s never had this level of offensive coaching. If (and I do know that is a huge if) his career can be turned around, this is the kind of situation to make it happen.
If Trent continues to struggle (which is a distinct possibility), you cut him and go to the next plan. Low risk, decent potential reward.
I know Trent sat for a whole year and that looks really bad, but the NFL has a herd mentality. Think about how Jason Babin and Evan Mathis careers turned around in the last 2 years. QB Tommy Maddox was out of the game for several years before he came back and got another chance to start.
Trent might suck, but to act as if he has zero chance of doing anything I think is being overly dismissive. The guy played well the opening 2 weeks of 2009. Things went downhill and he’s been on the outs ever since. I’m curious to see if he can bounce back or if he is too far gone.
I don’t see the mystery around Kafka and Edwards. Edwards has plenty of NFL experience, and he should be a solid backup that performs at a level at or above what he did at Buffalo. The team improved themselves with Ryan Fitzpatrick which tells you he’s not a top starter.
Kafka is a very smart guy with a popgun arm. That’s written all over every tape of every play. He can come in and throw some dink and dunk but eventually the defenses will be keying on the short pass and will pick off his long arcs and even some attempts at intermediate passes.
They can upgrade here if Weeden falls.to the second round, unlikely. I like Wilson in the late rounds. B.J. Coleman is a developmental guy if he falls to the 5th round.
Vick had a year between his first year starting here and the Atlanta days, Young regressed. It would appear the Eagles miss James Urban at QB coach, who went to Cinci.
I think you’re 100% right about the QB. People forget there will be a draft next year. And the next. I’d rather spend 3 draft picks on Matt Barkley than Tannehill.
Will Weeden be gone by the mid-3d? I wonder.
I think it is also a good strategy to draft a project QB in the 4th or 5th round as you propose. That way you can get the talent but not pay for it. You just have to develop it. If you pick 3 guys like that in a 5 year period, and 1 pays off, bingo.
Weeden is almost certainly gone by pick 45. We have 46 and 51. There is some thought that CLE could take Weeded at #22.
Without advocating it, if Weedon makes the 2nd round, with a day between the 1st and the 2nd and with ammunition a plenty, we could trade up for him in the 2nd. That may not be popular, but we like QBs and it seems we are not afraid of age. We could trade 46 and a ? for 34 ish, couldn’t we?
Wow.most recent mocks have the iggles going with coples at 15 with Luke and Cox long gone.he’s being compared to jpp..freakish athlete type..but I just don’t see it.Maybe Tommy can educate us on the comparison.I much rather trade back..and go with Brockers for example.better value..and insurance in case Mike is not fully recovered from avm surgery.I know he’s not a pass rusher but he eats up blocks and excels against the run.wet have a plethora of pass rushers..but we need run stuffers too…no?….plus a big body to keep OL off our LBs can’t be a bad thing…
Eagles’ Wide-9 scheme under Washburn is predicated on quick, penetrating D-lineman — not 2-gap types, who can tie up O-lineman.
I think Brokers is more the 2-gap type in a 4-3 or DE in a 3-4.
What do you think of Jacory Harris as a potential late round/UFA project?
Pass. Talented, but he just seems like a kid to me. That’s not bad for life in general, but it isn’t good for playing QB in the NFL.
Tommy I love your opinions but on this i cannot disagree more. I cannot stand how internet and TV pundits latch onto DT as if it is our clandestined birth right to draft Cox. While we do need a pass rusher in the wide 9 from the inside, a legit DE to take over for Babin once his resurgence has come back to reality and someone to push Graham are really much higher priorities. We may have led the league in sacks but we also had a stop gap player opposite Cole. Cox would fill that need yes but I feel Coples would be straight from heaven. say what you want about his character, i dont care.
Contrary to popular belief QB is our next big need. who among us is happy with Vick? Is he exciting…does he win…answer to both of this is a YES followed by a but when healthy caveat. I agree with you on one premise, and that is the QB class is scattered. it is not weak…Kellen Moore flat out won at Boise, so did Cousins at MSU, Keenum posted huge numbers, Foles blossomed at Arizona and reinvigorated the program. Same can be said for Weeden. as for that top tier of players…aside from Tannehill i see that drop off being huge from Griffin to Tannehill to Cousins.
I agree on some level that after those players it is looks ugly. But, almost all of these guys won and elevated their programs. the only player i am down on from the tier 3-4 group is Osweiler. I think he looks great and has a gun but i hate the way he throws the ball.
I think you are heavily sleeping on guys like Harnish, Cousins, Foles and Moore. In fact I question your review of said players. Your comments wreak of lack of film study and game tape with regards to lower tier players. Take that as you will for calling you out, but i stand by those remarks.
Can i sit here and say unequivocally that most of these guys will be late round gems? the only thing i see with this QB class for certain is that it feels like the Tom Brady draft. if only one Brady comes from this group, then it was a success, numbers and statistics be damned.
Ian no. 1: I liked your food review: “Burger King Once Again Snubbed by Michelin. Everything Here is Great.” The Eagles could just move to the NCAA and load up with QB sleepers. The problem is they have to play against NFL defenses. You and Randy Moss would be funny together reviewing restaurants.
I feel strongly Coples will not be an Eagles target. If you like him, that’s fine.
I’m sleeping on ” guys like Harnish, Cousins, Foles and Moore. In fact I question your review of said players. Your comments wreak of lack of film study and game tape with regards to lower tier players. Take that as you will for calling you out, but i stand by those remarks.”
I don’t really understand your criticism. I’m undervaluing them? If that is what you mean, okay. Cousins will likely go top 50. I don’t think he is close to worth that.
I do not have a good feel for where Foles and Harnish will go. They could go as early as the middle of the draft, but it won’t shock me if they go undrafted.
Kellen Moore is great in a few ways, but you cannot overlook the fact he’s 5-11 and doesn’t have a strong arm. Those are major obstacles to success in the NFL. I hope he does succeed, but I can’t see him going before the late rounds. I’ll be pulling for Kellen, as long as he’s not in the NFC-E.
@tyler how do you not see Couples flash? he reminds me a ton of Jevon Kearse, not JPP.
Coples and Jevon Kearse could not be less alike. Kearse was a LB/DE at Florida. He even played some Safety. Coples is 30-40 pounds heavier and is a DE/DT.
Kearse was called The Freak due to his athleticism.
Coples is only so-so as an athlete.
Are you Coples agent? This comparison is crazy. Kearse was all about speed off the edge when that diminished he was not for long in the NFL Coples is not that. Also I am not sold on a guy that is lde all the way at pick 15 but that is me. As for his flash give me a link against another NFL prospect rt or lt in the ACC.
My whole beef with taking a QB is the weak draft class. Why would we do it? To look for a starter? Not really, and even Tannehill who is the only available startertalent, is gone by 15. In case Vick goes down? There are only two QBs in the draft capable of starting right away, and we haven’t got a top 2 pick. To look for a project? In a class where there arent really any good NFL projects, why reach for one.
I wouldn’t touch Tannehill with a first round pick.
Weeden may have second round talent, but the age thing and a backup role doesn’t really mix. He can maybe start, but lets not forget he doesn’t exactly come from a pro style offense. For us, i wouldn’t take him before the bottom second.
Im not sure i would take Osweiler at all, but i most certainly wouldn’t take him in the third.
Kirk Cousin, Lindley, Kellen Moore, Russell Wilson, Foles etc. all seem like late round picks. Maybe i can understand taking them in the fourth since Andy loves his developmental QBs.
Tommy, you’ve mentioned a couple times that, should Tannehill drop to 15, the Eagles will take him. While I’d be pretty psyched to get him there, and agree that he’d be good value, I wonder whether the smart play in such a situation wouldn’t be to trade back. All indications seem to point to the Browns taking Richardson at 4, and then going after Weeden (or one of the other QBs) later on. If Tannehill were somehow to drop to 15 however, I have to think you call up your old pals in Cleveland and throw something together. It’d just make too much sense for both teams.
If the offer was strong enough, I’d definitely make the trade. We would like Tannehill, but don’t need him. CLE does need QB help.
I remember how many draft guys had Jimmy Clausen going no later than the top 15, many thinking that he would be a top ten pick. If Tannehill has a Clausen-esque slide and ends up being available at our second round pick, do we take him?
ummm…yes
QB…interesting question. Here’s my take. 1) if you need a new QB it has to be from rd 1, 2) if you are willing to take a gamble on a guy who might be a starter/might not go rounds 2-3, 3) for backups it’s rds 4+.
So for the Eagles and QB1, will they need a new starting QB in 2-3 years? Possibly, yes, especially given Vick’s durability. But then again, Vick is only 32 and getting paid a lot. Drafting a guy in rd 1 doesn’t seem quite right when thinking of that. I think for that reason, I’m with Tommy. If Tannehill is at #15, I guess I’d be OK with him being taken, but reaching any higher seems a bit desperate for a kid like him. I don’t think Eagles should be desperate for a QB1. Give Vick another year I say. If he stinks this year, then Eagles will probably be picking just as high next year…
Then QB2 Kafka comes into focus. Has he done enough to be a career QB2? We may not know yet, so I think drafting another young guy in the late rounds this year to be a QB2 is kinda contradictory, since we don’t know whether the late rounder we drafted a couple of years ago is good enough yet… Of course if the coaching staff thinks Kafka will only ever be a clipboard holding QB3 at best, then yeah, maybe pull the trigger on the late round QB. But it would be a bit of a risk, because of Vick’s durability. The QB2 and 3 might play a lot, and if the staff have little faith in Kafka, then it might be foolish to draft another developmental QB and leave ZERO proven QBs behind Vick.
So then we come to QB3…given Vick’s injury history and Kafka still in development, then I think ideally you’d be looking at a CAPABLE veteran. I don’t know whether Edwards is more capable than Vince Young, but I think he’d want to be. Who else is out there anyway? Dennis Dixon, Billy Volek, Matt Leinart, Jake Delhomme, AJ Feeley?, Donovan McNabb??? Maybe Edwards is the best QB3 to be found…
I’d love to see the Eagles give Russell Wilson a go, but I can’t really find a good reason to draft him given the current QB picture. Kafka is the developmental backup, and Wilson would give us very little experience on the bench, which I think the Eagles need.
Random topic switch, but Dave DeDastro…possibility at #15? He’d probably be the BPA if he gets to 15.. Question is where he’d fit. I think Kelce is the weak point of the line, and has the lowest ceiling of anyone on it, so one of the guards would have to shuffle into center. I know Mathis originally started at Alabama competing for center, but that was 10 years ago. DeCastro has been telling everyone he’s happy to play center, but I’m not you draft a guy at 15 to play center. Perhaps Watkins could play center? I know he took some center snaps at the Senior Bowl last year and did pretty well from reports. I just think those 3 all deserve to play ahead of Kelce who would be a decent backup. I don’t want Kelce starting for the next 5 years.
And if that could happen…that probably leaves the door open for an OT as well, since Herremans could shift back inside to OG and Mathis/Watkins go to center. Doesn’t leave the door open very far I’ll admit, but if the BPA is an OT I guess that’s a possibility.
First of all it’s DeCastro. Kelce was a better C last year than Watkins was G. Kelce beat out a healthy Jamaal Jackson. Watkins struggled to beat out a limited athlete G in Kyle DeVan. Kelce has a bright future. He needs to add 10 more pounds and he’ll be fine. Even last year he held his own vs Jay Ratliff…At least in the 1st game.
If we drafted DeCastro, the only one that would get benched to be the back-up is Watkins.
Well fair enough, you see way more in Kelce than I do, but it’s not really important what I think – its Mudd, Reid and Roseman. I guess my point is that I don’t see why Kelce/Watkins (whoever you/they like least) should stop us drafting DeCastro if we truly are going after BPA as Roseman says.
And if Mark Barron is there at #14, Cowboys won’t necessarily take DeCastro. They threw some money at Livings and Bernadeau at the OG spot a month ago.
I’m not so sure that Kelce truly beat out Jackson. I don’t think there was ever a competition. He fit Mudd’s scheme and Mudd hand-picked him to center it.
I don’t see a way that the Cowboys pass on DeCastro if he’s still there at 14…
Reading Matt’s latest piece on Scouts Notebook, in particular about Martin, Rieff and Adams, I can’t see DeCastro being on the board at #15. I fully expect him to be the 2nd OL taken after Kalil. All of KC, Seattle and Arizona would be strong candidates for his services. Glenn maybe the 3rd OL of the board before any of the tackle threesome noted.
If Tannehill drops to 15, or even close, I think you have to go get him if you believe he is #1 QB potential. You just don’t get that many opportunities to get a #1 type QB drafting where the Eagles usually do. Plus, he’s a great fit in terms of the Eagles because they can afford to sit him for 2 or 3 years if necessary while he learns. For a team that needs a starter right away, he seems a lot riskier. But, I doubt he will be there.
My question is about Kuechly, because I don’t think the Eagles would draft him at 15 as much as I would like them to. But, if he gets past the Eagles, what are the chances he drops into the mid to late 20’s, and if he does, then what are the chances the Eagles would trade back into the 1st round to get him?
It would seem to take something like a 2nd and 3rd to get back into the late 1st, based on the recent value chart. To me, getting a stud DL and Kuechly would be the perfect scenario.
I don’t think Kuechly falls far past 15, if he does make it that far. If he somehow did slide to 25, I’m sure plenty of teams would be calling about moving up for him.
T-LAW:
Quick question regarding trade-ups and trade-downs.
You wrote the Eagles will move up “ONLY . . . if the price is right[, but] [t]hey won’t overpay for someone.”
On a trade-up in the Rd 1, does the price a team is willing to pay depends not just on where the draft pick be acquired is, but also the player to be acquired?
For example (and just by way of example), assume (i) Doug Pedersen came back to Philly from College Station raving about Tannehill rating him a Top-3 talent, and (ii) he’s still on the board at pick 9, and (iii) the Eagles want him, but so do the Seahawks.
Do the Eagles over-pay because it’s a QB whom they’ve rated just below a *Macallan 25-year old Sherry Oak Scotch Single Scotch* — i.e., Luck/Griffin?
What if the player’s not a QB?
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Watched some tape on Ryan Lindley. Quick release. Big guy. Big arm. Needs work.
QUESTION: how much did losing Brady Hoke hurt his performance — and hence his stock — this year?
Eagles will have a price in mind for several players. Cox. Tannehill. Claiborne. They’ll call around to see who costs what. Obviously they’ll focus on just one, most likely Cox.
Lindley was hurt big time by losing Hoke, as well as a pair of Senior WRs (from 2010). That’s a lot for a guy to deal with. He wasn’t awful this year, but didn’t play nearly as well as last season.
Seeing that we’re not a team with much “holes”, it still wouldn’t hurt, even if they pick up 2 or 3 QB’s in the late round, and have a ton of high competitions with all those talents. And depending on the outcome of the season, it may herald a pick for the QOTF, in next year’s draft. All I’m saying, is we have all 9 picks to choose from however we please, but our first 3 draft picks must have value to be able to start playing their first year as NFL players, whether it be spot starters, rotational or upgrade. While 2 or 3 players in the later rounds may have some chances to actually see the field, this season.
This year’s draft has the flexibility to take exceptional value, down to the last pick. I think this is also why Howie said “We’re going BPA”, flexibility gives the FO the power to pick “Value” over anything else. There’s stragety to apply concerning Eagles recent years in the Draft , especially within the first 3 “Picks”. I believe that aggression will be the key player in this year’s draft options. There will be some surprises. There are multiple positions of qualifying players with some exceptional value in this coming draft.
We’re just days away, so make a check list of things to have, for 3 days of clamoring excitement. I’m avoiding any form of a party, of course, who would want to clean up the mess of spilt liquids and flying chips or dropped greasy burgers squash from a mad hatter’s feet. Let alone be the only Eagles, getting slapped on the back (more like wipe) from hands with grease, chip dips, bbq ribs……urgh, I’m too old for this _hit! No, this time I want to concentrate on what’s going on, with a peace of mind, with my feet up, with a bowl of chips and clam dip, and taking notes of all teams first 3 picks. I want to see how teams fare in those picks this season, and wonder if those that don’t panned out for their respective teams, could be available for trade, next season…..just an after thought.
And Tommy,
You mention Kellen Moore as short, with a mediocre arm. My question to you is how he compares to Drew Brees–not the Brees of 2011, but Brees coming out of Purdue. He clearly was rated higher than Moore based on where he was drafted, but physically, aren’t they similar? And, Moore’s college production has to be comparable as well. Just curious where the big difference is.
Drew was half an inch taller, 15 pounds heavier, looked more physically mature, and had a much better arm.
Kellen was a better college QB, but Drew was a much better NFL prospect. You could watch him play and tell he would be a starter. If Drew was 6-2, he’d have been a Top 20 pick.
If Kellen was 6-2, he’d still go in the mid-rounds.
He’s also a direct descendant of Jesus himself. The Breesus is a god amongst men…but I may be slightly biased.
I can’t imagine any Eagles player named Trent not being wonderful.
Well played sir.
You think VT CB Jayron Hosley could be a realistic 2nd round target for the Eagles?
I’m a bit biased, but he seems like a good (playmaking) CB who could take the starting slot CB job and also handle returns. I keep reading he’s a bit small but also that he’s tough/physical and plays better as the game goes on (picks up on things).
You’ve written generally good things about him, but nothing specific in regards to the Eagles. Could the ghost of Macho Harris scare them off?
If the Birds are considering a developmental prospect QB, GJ Kinne is fascinating on a few different levels and seems to be, on the surface, the type of QB that Reid likes.
If the Eagles have serious interest in Tannehill, I wouldn’t overpay or give up #15. I’ve heard Ryan Mallett could be had for a 2nd. Mallett was considered a better pro prospect and has a year in the NFL. Don’t overpay at the auction. Your neighbor has something better and cheaper. Also, after a year in NE, I bet he could play corner in a pinch.
Re: Kuechly – Buffalo may get Kuechly as they are going 4-3. MIKE is an important component in making the switch. They already have a DT in Marcell Dareus.
Yeah, only reason Mallett went when he did was because of his off the field concerns. But certainly was the most gifted arm QB coming out last year IMO.
The Bills do need a MLB but is that more of a concern than T or WR? If they have their mind set on a T then they should trade to the 20’s and pick up another 2nd. If they don’t trade out, I think they might end up drafting Floyd if available.
The Bills front four should be very good with Mario-Dareus-Williams-Anderson. Since they have a good front four, they should dominate the OL and more times than not, allow their LBs to get in and have opportunities for clean tackles. With that said, I doubt they will go for Kuechly if available. I think they would settle with what they have or a later round draft pick.
Besides Nick Barnett would play MIKE for them I’m assuming. He’s in the early 30’s but he’s played in a 4-3 before, so that helps.
I think if the Chiefs pass on Kuechly, then he’ll slide to us.
Also, after a year in NE, I bet he could play corner in a pinch.
Excellent.
It figures, it took a musician to get another musician’s joke! Great minds think a like perhaps 😉 LOL
BTW – Love Philly music.
Tommy, PFT had a story up today about Fleener being overrated. Do you think this opinion in legit or pre-draft silly talk? How much have you watched him, the report notes him being an awful blocker and poor athlete. Thoughts?
Fleener’s good but I do think he is hyped up a little bit too much. The combine definitely helped him because of his good performance.
Hey Tommy,
why go for a guy like Bell and leave Dawkins on the street? My guess is he will sign with the Eagles this year. I´m just not sure, if it is a one year deal or a one day deal. But I would say “Thanks but no thanks” to Bell. Don´t want to play this game of one year rentals anymore at positions of need. Saying this Dawkins won´t be the perfect solution, but he will know his role and will bring great experience.
Dawkins had a serious neck injury last year…retirement is a serious consideration for him. Why sign someone because of their name that wont sniff the field, taking up a roster spot? Bell would be insurance, against any of our young safeties struggling. He is a tackling machine and is a savy vet. We are very young at Safety and have an open roster spot with Colt Andersons knee injury. Plus he know Bowles and Bowles knows him. It makes too much sense not to sign him. Dawkins is done….I know Philly fans love him, as do I, but he’s done. He can’t cover anymore, and with this neck injury, he can’t tackle like he used to.
Dawk actually played pretty well last year before his neck injury. he wasn’t the force he used to be but he was a starter for a decent defense in denver. i don’t know how his neck injury will effect his level or style of play but to say he can’t play anymore may be a stretch
I think we all have a bit of a soft spot for Dawkins. I do too – I understand it. But I think we have to let him go. I hope he retires an Eagle – but I think he’s done playing in the NFL. Even if he can still play, from some of his tweets it sounds like he’s thinking long and hard about his future and his health – he has two little girls to think about. He got that final contract he wanted. I think he retires.
Seems I spoke too soon………
Everything I have read said Dawkins really doesn’t want to uproot his family to stay in the league and would either return to the Broncos or retire.
I trust your value and you have seen way more tape of Cousins than I have, but there is just something I like about the kid. If he ends up somewhere with good coaching, I have a feeling he will be a solid NFL player. Cosell cited that he struggles if he does not have functional space to throw the ball and tends to drift away from pressure. Is that hard to coach up?
Not saying the Eagles should go after this guy, but I would not be sad if they did…as long as it is not in lieu of a 2nd round pick for Lavonte David who is rapidly becoming one of my favorite prospects for the Eagles.
Nick Foles anyone?