Howie, Mayock Speak

Posted: May 1st, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 91 Comments »

Howie Roseman and Mike Mayock both spoke to the press on Thursday and had some interesting comments about the Eagles and the draft. Let’s start off with Howie.

I totally agree with this. In the past I have fallen into the trap of wanting lots of picks. I have now changed that thinking. I’m certainly not anti-trading back, but more and more I see the value in targeting certain players. Would you rather have a couple of solid players or one star?

Obviously there is risk in both strategies, but the payoff can be better when you focus on the more talented prospect.

There are 2 times to focus on trading back. The most obvious is when a new coach and/or GM takes over a team and the roster needs to be overhauled. Jimmy Johnson was the master of this.

The other time is when you get to your draft slot and there is no one on your draft board with a grade equal to that pick. Move back and add extra picks for later rounds or future drafts.

I fully expect the team to draft a WR, CB and OL. I don’t know that these picks will all be early. Howie and Chip will react to what is going on and how the board looks. The Eagles are looking more at OGs than OTs, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t take a player who can fill both roles.

I think the Eagles would like to add a Safety, but they won’t force this position. That’s the good side to having Jenkins, Allen and Wolff…Safety isn’t a need. The Eagles can take the player they want, if he is on the board.

Some of you have asked me about Terrance Brooks from FSU. He doesn’t do much for me. I see a talented player, but he’s not compelling in any way. Some draft analysts do like him quite a bit. I have no idea if the Eagles do like him, but I do think he is the type of player the Eagles would want. He has some size, but isn’t a pure box Safety. Brooks can hit, tackle and cover.

Keep selling that idea, Howie. Please. Get teams to take a couple of QBs pre-22 and then get someone to trade up for another QB.

Some of you have asked about smokescreens and whether this is a bit of a fan/media myth. Not at all. Smokescreens are real. Tom Heckert admitted when he was the GM here that the team brought in some players they had no interest in at all just to confuse the other teams. We know for a fact that other coaches/GMs have used the media to spread bogus ideas.

This is very real.

You can debate whether the stuff works. That’s a whole other debate. The trick is to figure out what is noise and what is legit info. That’s not easy to do.

I keep wondering if Brandon Graham is in his final week as an Eagle. He’s not a fit for the 3-4, based on last year. He’s not the kind of lengthy, athletic OLB that Kelly prefers. If he’s not part of the long term plans, deal him and find a player you think can fit.

I hate the idea of not getting much for a player who has shown NFL ability, but if he doesn’t fit, he doesn’t fit. Either tweak the scheme and find a way to use him or deal him. Treading water by having him sit on the bench for most of the season does no one any good.

PE.com has more of the comments, especially on WR and OLB.

* * * * *

I agree with Barr. I’m not so sure on Clinton-Dix. I’m not sure he’s a player I move up to get.

Jimmy can barely contain his excitement. Joyner is the DB he covets. If the Eagles draft Joyner, Jimmy will buy a Joyner jersey and sleep in it for a year.

I love Joyner as well, but the fact he’s only 184 pounds does make me nervous. Still, he’s an explosive hitter and he’s a playmaker. I’m willing to take a chance on players like that.
_

91 Comments on “Howie, Mayock Speak”

  1. 1 Charlie Kelly said at 12:19 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    just get me a couple WRs and trent murphy..

  2. 2 tball_man said at 7:54 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    So conflicted with Murphy. Ideal size. Was an outstanding college football player, tested so well in short shuttle and three cone and vert. But yet the knock on him his athleticism. He and barwin interchanging right and left sides would provide excellent variability for the D.

  3. 3 Charlie Kelly said at 11:32 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    i think trent in our consditioning program would help him a lot, i read that he doesnt have a very toned body, so he can still get in great shape and get more athletic. Plus he has the size and pass rush moves to really have an impact.

  4. 4 R Mitchell said at 6:59 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I like Murphy as well. I don’t see why many teams aren’t high on him. Like Mike Mayock said, “You don’t get 15 sacks by accident.” He seems like a technician who uses his hands well to beat blockers instead of speed moves.

    I think he would be a perfect guy to come in, get conditioned, spell Barwin and Cole on some downs, and learn the speed of the NFL. Like every other prospect he has the potential to be successful depending on where his heart is and how well he is coached up. That said he’d probably benefit the most going to San Fran with their awesome LB core or Green Bay with Clay Matthews and Co.

  5. 5 Kristopher Cebula said at 12:31 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    so joyner=bob sanders? kind of what it sounds like. Don’t know how i feel about that. Sanders was a great player for the colts……for like 11 or 12 games per season and sometimes in the playoffs. We need a guy who can hold up throughout the year

  6. 6 TommyLawlor said at 7:14 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Sanders was 205 pounds. He was thick, but short. That’s what makes Joyner such an anomaly. He’s 5-8, 184. But still explosive.

  7. 7 Mike Roman said at 9:07 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I’m 5-8, 202. I think I can safely say that I’m a cross between Joyner and Sanders. Minus the athletic ability. Plus the beer belly.

  8. 8 Sb2bowl said at 11:31 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    How’s your 40 time? (oz, not dash)

  9. 9 Mike Roman said at 12:50 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    My Pro Day is on Monday so I can give you an official time then.

  10. 10 Mark F said at 11:25 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    5-8 is enough to scare me off…

  11. 11 Weapon Y said at 12:56 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Wouldn’t be surprised if Chip is trolling us and will do something out of left field on draft day like draft Johnny Manziel and trade Nick Foles, or take a running back like Tre Mason or Carlos Hyde in the second round, or trade up to get tight end Eric Ebron in the first. Think of all the things we thought about Chip that were wrong (he has to have a running quarterback to succeed, he’s going to use two tight ends all of the time-ok that one actually started to happen by the end of the season-, he’s going to run the 4-3 Under). Just when we think we’ve figured him out, we haven’t. I’m not saying I like all of those outcomes by the way. Those were just the weirdest examples I could come up with barely inside the realm of reality.

  12. 12 Ben Hert said at 10:35 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    True, but those notions were conceived when we had nary a clue about what Chip was going to do in the NFL. We’ve had a full year and a draft to study what he wants and what he does. I’m not saying we have him all figured out, but I don’t think we’re in for too many surprises.

    I think Chip knows just as much as the next NFL head coach that continuity is key, and you can’t build a winning program by throwing in wildcards all the time.

  13. 13 Stacks209 said at 11:52 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Would be TOTALLY gud with trading up for Ebron. I really hope they do!
    Ertz + Ebron= UNSTOPPABLE

  14. 14 nickross23 said at 1:12 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    There’s a difference in being small and playing small, these guys can’t help it if their short, skinny, or not the ideal build. If they haven’t shown during their college careers that there lack of size has effected the way they play and the production is there I’d be comfortable taking a chance on a smaller sized guy. Joyner looks and kinda plays like a slower version of Darrel Green IMO. Wouldn’t mind him in the 2nd rd.

  15. 15 James Adair said at 4:41 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Kurt Coleman, not saying that they are the same player, just an example of a productive college safety that is too small to be an NFL starter.

  16. 16 mfm said at 1:16 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    RE: Brandon Graham – Robert Mays had a great article on Grantland today about how defenses are fitting together unusual parts that don’t fit the normal positional profiles to great advantage in confusing offenses that want to run the spread and move fast citing the Seahawks D-Line and the Cards use of Calais Campbell.

    Made me think about B Graham – dude doesn’t have Chips desired measurable but he can get to the QB. Using the same philosophy as the Seahawks, I can imagine his value lining up next to Fletcher, Joe Kruger, Etc. Clubs that can’t flex their talent to disguise scheme and make the offense stop to think are doomed to failure (SEE: Wide 9 – Washburn, Jim)

    I just would hate to see us ditch this guy for a random 5th round pick when smart D’s are laying the blueprint for how to flex to talent.

  17. 17 Cafone said at 1:56 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I agree that he can be useful, but he’s only got a year left. It’s doubtful that he would want to stay with the Eagles if he can find a chance at a starting role in a 4-3 somewhere else. If they can get a pick for him and there’s a player they want, then it would makes sense trading him.

  18. 18 Anders said at 3:52 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Maybe we are just overrating Graham?

    Davis flexed Cole a lot last year, both having him play 5 tech, OLB, 9 tech etc. Same with Cox, he was used all over the DL.

  19. 19 Media Mike said at 5:21 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    His pressure per pass rush stats are not overrating Graham at all. He gets home on the rush. He simply isn’t a coverage OLB and he’s not tall enough to be a 3-4 DE.

  20. 20 Anders said at 5:57 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    yea those famous PFF “signature stats” with zero context.

  21. 21 nickross23 said at 1:22 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Spot on with T.Brooks, he’s very solid in alot of areas but not special at anything. He was surrounded by a lot of talent on that D which also makes it hard to stand out when there’s 10 draftable players on one side of the ball. I will say this though, I hope we slove the problem at safety but if we’re still looking two yrs from now then FSU Jalen Ramsey is a good one hope he stays healthy and out of trouble. Watch #8 this yr.. Special talent

  22. 22 Media Mike said at 5:23 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I’d imagine we’ll be picking 30th in the 2015 draft, and 32nd in 2016-18. That isn’t going to get us a special talent in the first round.

  23. 23 baxter322 said at 1:29 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I could see us taking Jimmie Ward at 54 if he fell that far, which he won’t. He’s probably the most well rounded and versatile safety in this draft.

  24. 24 GEAGLE said at 7:55 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Safety wish list for the eagles:
    1) Dix
    2) Buchanon
    3) Dontae johnson
    4) Exum
    5) Jonathon Dowling
    6) Vinnie sunseri
    7) brock Vereen
    …
    Only other safeties I could see us liking are reynolds and ward..

  25. 25 Tom W said at 9:19 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I think vereen is 5 and they may like huff from Wyoming late as well. But yea I don’t think Pryor or ward or Joyner is on their board.

  26. 26 GEAGLE said at 12:13 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I think having 3 outside CB and 3 safeties we are comfortable putting on the field is an opportunity to add the few missing pieces to a BEASTLY young front 7..because i think we will spend early round picks on ROLB and ILB, i have a feeling the Eagles will try to get out of round 4(ideally 5) with either exum or Dontae..a DB that can play multiple positions in your secondary..,thinking we could add WR/ILB/ROLB in first 3 rounds, than try and land Dontae or Exum and figure out where to play him in our secondary later…vetsatility will play a big role in our defensive draft picks:
    …
    1) our ROLB will be someone that can rush standing up as a OLB, and with his hand in the dirt as a 4-3DE, This player will also project to be able to set the edge and play the run by the beginning of his 2nd season so we can dump Coles contract at the end of the year…
    ..
    2) thinking we target a versatile KVN/C jones as mecos eventual replacement. have a feeling meco has more left in the tank than we think and chip loves him so we will restructure him at the end of the year and bring him back in a lessor, cheaper role…I also think this is the direction we may go, because we pretended that Casey mathews could backup barwin and meco last year, so im thinking we go draft a player who can really be that so we can stop pretending…chip talks about LB depth, well you arent building Depth if you are replacing Meco..have a feeling meco is here for two more years and a guy like KVN can move around to get snaps while Meco is still here…
    …
    3) Logans backup probably isnt coming til the later rounds. Doubt we spend a pick on the traditional 350lb NT….thinking our backup NT will be a late round prospect who some teams view as a DE/DT…one of those NT/DE prospects like Deandre Coleman,justin eliism shamar Stephans..
    …
    4) Dontae Johnson or antone Exum…figure out whether to use them at CB or Safety later

  27. 27 Joe from Easton said at 9:51 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    GEAGLE!!!!!!

  28. 28 D3FB said at 11:41 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I think the Eagles are probably big Ward fans. Covers slot receivers, not afraid to be physical, great range as a deep safety, playmaker. He could be in play as early as 22. I agree that he doesn’t make it to 54. People have this notion that Jimmy is small. Jimmy was 5’10.5″ at his pro day and weighed in at 197 (up 14lbs since January, his pro day was also on March 7). For some perspective: TJ Ward: 5’10 200, Jairuis Byrd: 5’10 203, Earl Thomas 5’10 202.

  29. 29 Cafone said at 1:58 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    He’s short, but he seems pretty solid for his height so I wouldn’t call him light.

  30. 30 Anders said at 3:55 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Still he is 186, no matter how you slice it, would you want him to tackle Marshawn Lynch?

  31. 31 Insomniac said at 5:48 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Yes. A nutritionist, 2 smoothies a day and time in the weight room will get him up to at least 195.

  32. 32 GermanEagle said at 6:17 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I am sure he could bulk up to close to 200?!! What was London Fletcher’s weight again…?

  33. 33 Anders said at 6:40 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Really doubt a 5’8 guy can be expected to add 14 pounds to an already bulky frame.

    Also Fletcher was 242 lbs

  34. 34 Mike Roman said at 9:09 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I’m 5-8, 202. I put on 20 pounds rather quickly with a healthy diet of wings and beer.

  35. 35 Cafone said at 2:49 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    After watching highlights, yes. He is a vicious hitter.

  36. 36 JJ_Cake said at 4:27 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Would it be worth trading our 1st and 2nd pick to trade up and get WR Mike Evans?

  37. 37 Media Mike said at 5:24 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    If our D didn’t lack enough good players, I’d agree. Evans would instantly upgrade this team.

  38. 38 Insomniac said at 5:44 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Nope.

  39. 39 GermanEagle said at 6:15 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Tommy,
    I asked you this question in another thread. And though it may look like a joke at first sight, I would like to hear your thoughts about Johnny F to the Eagles at #22.
    Would this tick you off – similar to the Eagles possibly passing on Barr?! Given Chip’s obvious (and maybe literal) love for The kid Manziel, will you be nervous if he sits there with the Eagles being on the clock???

  40. 40 Anders said at 7:13 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I think what you think of the Eagles picking Manziel really depends on your thought on him.

    If you think he is a bad QB, one will hate it, if you like him, you will love it.

  41. 41 GermanEagle said at 8:15 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    But even if you like him, how can you love that pick as an Eagles fan when you have Foles already in place?!

  42. 42 Anders said at 8:16 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Im not saying I believe this, but there is still quite a big part of the fanbase who think Kelly needs a mobile QB.

  43. 43 Ark87 said at 9:09 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I’ll call it open wonder. We talk about BG and you can even think of DJacc. Just because you’re talented, and Chip has proven he can use you effectively…and get you a career year, it doesn’t mean you “fit”, long term or in some cases short term. I’d be surprised if Chip isn’t comfortable with Nick and his performance in this system, but I’m not ruling out the idea that Nick isn’t involved in that ideal team which Chip is building towards.

  44. 44 GEAGLE said at 11:25 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    A week ago, radio host Phil from Mt Airy, was telling people Foles days are numbered and he wont be our QB much longer because he cant run half of chips playbook..SMH…

  45. 45 Richaud Jeaffreson said at 11:43 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Phil from Mt. Airy is absolute GARBAGE. He knows as much about football as my girlfriend.

  46. 46 GEAGLE said at 11:54 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    He is really really really horrible…like if don’t get how anyone allows him to speak publicly about the Eagles…Our Beloved Tom LAwlor is a guest on his
    show from time to time

  47. 47 TommyLawlor said at 7:17 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I don’t want Johnny. Big risk. I only take him if I need a QB and the risk is worth it. The Eagles already have Foles.

    Johnny is mega-talented, but scares the hell out of me.

  48. 48 austinfan said at 12:47 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Just how talented is JFF, really?

    Yes, he has a good feel for pressure and can run around and make plays on the college level, but 4.62 speed with limited leg explosion is not elite athleticism, he won’t be able to get away with extending plays in the NFL (ask RGIII, a much better athlete, about that).

    He has limited pocket experience, he’s short, and will have to show he won’t force things at the pro level. He has a good but not exceptional arm and accuracy in the pocket is a real question. When he breaks the pocket, he’ll find that NFL DEs and LBs close much faster and you have to make faster decisions, and can’t just chuck it up for Evans.

    Overall, he’s not as physically talented as Russell Wilson, nor did he spend a year showing he could run a pro style offense at a high level. The 1 1/2″ he has over Wilson isn’t enough to compensate, and the comparisons with Brees are silly, Brees showed himself to be a “real” QB in college, all Manziel has shown is that he’s a great schoolyard QB.

  49. 49 Mike Roman said at 9:12 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Based on the way Chip won’t praise Foles, won’t talk about DeSean, but openly professes his love for Manziel, tells me that he’s blowing smoke. Perhaps he loved him as recruit and a college player but doesn’t necessarily want him for the NFL.

  50. 50 Ben Hert said at 12:13 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Think he’s more of just echoing TLAW’s sentiment below. The kid is a phenomenal talent, and Chip’s mind must run wild with what he can do with him. At the same time he realizes the risk it poses going all in on Manziel when we have a guy who can do everything he wants behind C already.

  51. 51 GEAGLE said at 7:51 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Dont get how anyone can say BG doesnt fit? I understand thats the popular consensus…but the guys started to make some plays late in the season and i think you can end up making big mistakes, reaching the conclusion that a player cant do something, without giving him time to make the transition and get accustomed to the new way of playing football
    …
    We also used 4-3DEs way more than we used 3-4OLB in 3rd down pass rushing situations last year. I always here how he doesnt fit at OLB and how he needs to go to a 4-3 team, yet we were usually in a 4man line with our OLBs hand in the dirt last year during oass rush situations…. So he would actually be the perfect fit for us as a situational pass rusher(if his contract wasnt expiring)
    …
    I would be happy to see the Eagles trade BG, because I doubt he would sign with us at the end of the year, so we might as well get something for losing him..but I wouldnt be surprised if he performed at a higher level than he did last year, given some continuity. I dont believe we have seen the best our defenders have to offer yet, so im indifferent about BG situation…
    …
    Id be ok trading him, and id be ok keeping him, but i see no scenario where he is an eagle past this season…i think his contract is the bad fit for us, not his style in this scheme…Think BG and the team need to go their seperate ways and graham benefitting from a,change of scenery….but this line of thinking of him not fitting stylistically is bogus…

  52. 52 Anders said at 7:54 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    As I said, maybe BG isnt as good as we as fans want him to be?

  53. 53 GEAGLE said at 9:29 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Think you may be right….i also get the impression chip doeant like BG…
    …
    Reporter: “chip, what do you think about BG sayng that he wants an opportunity to start?”
    …
    Chip: “Everyday BG has an opportunity tp win the starting job”

  54. 54 Sb2bowl said at 11:35 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Yea, saw that– there was also a different quote similar to this line, “every player gets the opportunity in practice to earn more playing time during games”………. saying simply, BG hasn’t earned playing time in games because of what he does/doesn’t do in practice during the week.

  55. 55 eagleyankfan said at 9:10 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Just wondering if we used more 4-3DE’s because the Eagles don’t the personnel to stay 3-4 all the time. I think we knew going into last season we had some square pegs in round holes. Soon though, the plan will be revealed …

  56. 56 GEAGLE said at 9:28 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Dont think so….if the plan wasnt to be a multifront defense that WANTS to use plenty of 4 man lines, than we wouldnt have drafted bennie logan, 15 spots ahead of Jon Jenkins, the traditional 350lb space eating NT…we chose Bennie over Jenkins which tells me we want Our 3-4NT to be able to switch to a 4-3DT on the fly….
    .

  57. 57 eagleyankfan said at 9:54 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Good point. Was Logan the BPA at that spot? You’d have to wonder — if Jenkins was better and a traditional NT, wouldn’t it be easy for him to still line up in a 4-3. Does Bennie still line up in the 4-3DT(I don’t remember). It is curious why they chose Bennie. Pure flexibility?

  58. 58 GEAGLE said at 10:23 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Eagles are very excited about Logan, but the saints are also very excited about jenkins. Logan was good enough to jettison Soap, bunkley was still playing ahead of jenkins…
    …
    I think Bennie was chose, because we saw the direction in which the league is trending and we are building a versatile defense to counter the new trends in the league..and provide the most disguise possible.
    …
    The Reason we play a 34 but dont have the 350lb immobile space eating NT fans have been clamoring for since the saints loss is because one pf the major new trends in this new NFL is we are seeing more and more tempo packages…a major part of the tempo package is not allowing the defense to substitute and catch them in an unfavorable situation..,..we are bulding our defense to b versatile enough to protect against offenses using tempo to dictate to our defense..
    …
    Sure we can add a 350lb immobile Mamoutth, but lets say he shuts a RB down for no gain, on 2nd and 8, but the opponent speeds up the tempo and dosnt let us sub him off the field. So we are basically stuck playing 10 vs 11 on 3rd and 8….
    …

  59. 59 GEAGLE said at 10:32 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    This is exactly why we looked for a certain type of safety…. Say you speed up the tempo on us and you dont let us get our NT off the field and get Boykin in the game..NO Problem, our safety,Jenkins will line up as the slot CB and our NT will rush the passer as a 4-3DT
    …
    We are trying to be versatile enough to handle anything you throw at us..
    .,,
    If we played this sunday, id assume our backup DTs in our nickle 4-2-5(cox/curry 1st string) would be Kruger and logan…. I thought Bennie provided significantly more pass rush than Thornton did(who admitted he has alot of work to do as pass rusher)…

  60. 60 anon said at 9:30 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Coles been a 4-3 rusher for 10 years and he becomes a starting 34 OLB in 1 year, BG a younger guy (1) doesn’t make the transition and (2) isn’t super effective on the field. I think FO would have loved to give him more playing time if he was more efficient. At this point he’s good depth on a 43, why waste a roster spot on that when we don’t have a 34 guy on the roster.

  61. 61 GEAGLE said at 9:39 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    See Anders post…
    …
    Wantng to see players in year to is a general philosophy…i dont believe its possible to see the best a player has to offer, without giving him time and continuity…..
    …
    My point is, that BG isnt the square peg in the round hole that people make him out to be, He hasnt been given enough time yet to see what he can be in our base yet, but on 3rd down, we play to his strengths. People say he could be a beast as a 4-3DE, but why isnt he beasting for us on 3rd down out of our 4-2-5???

  62. 62 anon said at 9:48 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Yeah think Andres has a point. I think you have a point too — i think we’d give players more time to develop — especially if they are cheap.

  63. 63 GEAGLE said at 9:56 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Think its clear that he wont be an Eagle in 2015.
    …
    How do people think we should handle the BG situation?
    …
    My best guess is…I would try and negotiate a trade for BG this week(assuming we cant get more than a 6th or 7)…make sure we go into the draft with a deal in place for BG, and if we can land Barr,Attaucho or Marcus, pull the trigger on the deal and take the extra late round pick….If we cant get one of those pass rushers, i would rip up the offer.keep BG as a stop gap for the year, let him walk in free Agency and take the compensatory pick

  64. 64 eagleyankfan said at 9:58 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    If it’s clear he won’t be here — shouldn’t we take Chips word for it that he doesn’t fit and doesn’t see BG as a player that won’t mature into the roll over time?

  65. 65 GEAGLE said at 11:22 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Im fine with trading him…a change of scenary could
    Be great for him, and we need to turn the page. Its been a giant mess, with Earl, JPP, musical chairs with coaches and schemes, microfractur surgery
    …
    This draft is weak at pass rusher..if we can land one of the few(Barr,Attaucho or Marcus) passrushers early, id turn around and dump him for the best offer (6th or 7th)…..but if we miss out on barr/Att/marcus, id secure KVN or C Jones at ILBnd keep BG as a stop gap for a year and let him walk in free agency,.,
    …
    The ONLY thing that would PISS ME OFF is cutting BG like we dId with Desean! That cant happen! If for some strange reason you cant get a 7th for BG, suck it up and keep him for a year…we put up with the mess of a BG era, and we need to be compensated for our troubles…keep him for a year, let him walk as a free agent and get a compenstory pick(since we wont be purchasing 40million dollar free agents)

  66. 66 Ark87 said at 9:54 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    The funny thing about Graham and Cole, while looking really awkward when asked to do anything but rush the passer/play the run, they were never exposed like everyone feared they might be. How could we play the likes of Drew Brees and not be humiliated every time one of our square pegs drops into coverage….still a fear, just one that hasn’t manifested in reality yet.

  67. 67 CrackSammich said at 9:06 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Brent Cohen outlined a third scenario for trading back sometime before last year’s draft (meaning, I’m not going to be finding that link). If you are left with a choice of similarly rated players, you should trade back to the lowest spot you can still get one of those players to maximize value of your pick. So if we have 4 players rated the same at 22, trade back to 25 and scoop up whatever one is left, regardless of position.

  68. 68 anon said at 9:25 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    makes sense (assuming you can get people to trade up for 2-3 spots)

  69. 69 CrackSammich said at 9:41 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    It would seem to me that trading up a couple of spots is the easiest type to find trade partners for. The team a few spots down from you sees a guy they had rated higher than you fall to where they can afford to trade up. Cox, Graham, Barkley, all good examples of this.

  70. 70 Maggie said at 2:46 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Yup. We need more quarterbacks all right.

  71. 71 CrackSammich said at 3:01 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Okay.

  72. 72 eagleyankfan said at 9:26 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Leading up to the draft — I really don’t care what any Eagle brass has to say. They will never give away their targets and they’ll always reply with the same general statements. Give me educated and conspiracy guess I’m a happy camper. More entertaining. BPA — I couldn’t even give a guess as to who will be there at 22. Couldn’t even guess as to who the Eagles have rated as BPA. If the pick is a need pick(and just a guess) Eagles go WR with their first pick. We can praise Mac Attack all we want but he’s still coming off injury. Cooper is solid and he’ll ask to play the number 2 roll again. Without that deep threat – how much coverage will roll Coopers way? Avant is gone. Maybe Ertz plays more of a roll — that a “solid” WR is missing from this team. My guess as a position taken with the first pick — WR.

  73. 73 austinfan said at 10:29 AM on May 2nd, 2014:

    THere are plenty of clues on the roster, just have to look:

    S – Jenkins is Mr. Versatility, could play all 5 DB slots, which explains 6’0 200, Maragos is ST guy also great cone drill, agility to cover slot WRs (similar to Mikell but faster), other three S are interchangeable 210 lb, 4.44 to 4.50, 4.1 SS, under 7.00 cone, 10′ VT – note that almost none of the safeties in this draft test as well as the three big safeties on the roster.

    Eagles would love Joyner in the 4th rd, but he’s not a NFL starter at that size, he’d be a perfect subpackage guy, nickel CB, 3rd S. But the first two days are for drafting potential starters, not role players.

    Eagles bring in Benn, what WR in this draft is closest to Benn in terms of skill package – Latimer.

    Davis had Campbell in Arizona, tall DE who took a couple years to fill out and develop, they draft Kruger late and stash him, now 290 lbs, and have looked at tall, athletic DEs. Most QBs are right handed, tall “5” DE takes away throwing lanes to the QBs’ preferred side.

  74. 74 GermanEagle said at 12:13 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    My top 5 at #22 for the Eagles:
    1. Anthony Barr
    2. Brandon Cooks
    3. ODB
    4. Kyle Fuller
    5. CJ Mosley
    I left out guys like Ha-Ha Dixon or Evans as I am not expecting them to still be there at No. 22.
    What’s your top 5, guys?!

  75. 75 GEAGLE said at 12:22 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    1) Barr
    2) Trade back
    3) Trade back
    4) Trade back
    5) trade back
    ….
    The only way I would want to keep that pick is if someone falls like:
    Barr
    Ebron
    Aaron Donald
    HaHa Dix
    Evans
    Justin Gilbert
    Taylor lewan (thinking he can get me Dion Jordan 🙂
    …
    If I can’t get any of those players, I’ll keep lowering my price til someone agrees to a trade back.
    …
    RIGHT NOW, GMs are all working out trades the week before the draft, teams will go into the draft having worked out and agreed to all kinds of trades, and are just waiting to see how the draft unfolds to pull the trigger or not…I would make sure I have a FAll back trade in place in case none of the guys I want fall and I would trade back and use my first pick on Attauchp,Marcus Smith,Allen Robinson,Cody Latimer or Donte moncrief

  76. 76 Anders said at 12:26 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    1. Barr
    2. Fuller
    3. ODB
    4. Mosley
    5. Ward

  77. 77 D3FB said at 12:42 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    1. Barr
    2. Mosley
    3 Fuller
    4. Ward
    5. Smith

  78. 78 eagleyankfan said at 12:49 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    1. Denard
    2. Lee
    3. Barr
    4. Latimer
    5. Ward

  79. 79 James Adair said at 9:47 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    ODB
    Mosely
    Barr
    Cooks
    Fuller

  80. 80 Pennguino said at 12:39 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Don’t know why but I am liking Jonathan Dowling (FS/CB) as a late pick or targeted UDFA. Great size and speed. Had some issue where he left Florida. He got a one game suspension for a hit that caused him to get ejected.
    He definitely needs a work but you can’t teach size and speed. The one video clip where he ran down a WR to strip the ball just before he reached the end zone shows he has hussle. Not sure if Chip could get him to mature up a little and bea team guy but he has the talent.

  81. 81 GEAGLE said at 12:58 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Been drooling over dowling for months now….you don’t know why you are liking him? Lol how many other 6’3 33inch arms safeties running a 4.5 are available in rounds 7 or as Undrafted FA? Lol stylistically he is the type of safety that should appeal to us. I always talk about that kid but you are the first person I have encountered who likes him..normally I see a bunch of negative comments when I talk about him…pros to you! 🙂 kid can play
    …
    Kid has 9 INTs and 8 FF the past two years, and made some huge plays at crucial times…returning INTs for TD, ST TDs…Love that kid
    …
    My ideal scenario has been to adress front 7 and WR early, and take Exum and Dowling in rounds 5 and 6… Think Dowling is an opportunity to get a heckuva talent with plenty of size and range late in the draft…Love that kid, not sure what Chip will think of his big neck tattoo lol…I really really really want Dpwling In midnight green, but I’m worried. Character seems to really matter to us, and you have to practically be convicted of War crimes against Humanity to get kicked off of an urban Myer team…no idea what he did to get kicked out of Florida BUT HE BEEN LAYING THE SMACKDOWN since he got to western Kentucky….he has all kinds of character red flags, I just don’t know what they are. Are they the kind Chip can overlook?

  82. 82 Pennguino said at 7:05 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    He is rough and needs to be in a structured environment. He still needs to develop. He has the potential to be an all pro based on measureables. He has been productive but what level of competition did he have?
    I would hope they take a flyer on him. The talent is there. Just need to become more mature. Love to see him tatooing some WR’s. He can match up with pretty much any TE.

  83. 83 GEAGLE said at 11:49 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I think the world of him…think he has one of the highest ceilings out of anyone you could possibly find in the late rounds…stylistically he is also the type of safety we use…he is so talented and such a perfect fit for use that I think it will all come down to character, We know he had serious red flags, buy no one seems to know what they are…ideally it’s something stupid like smoke too much weed or something that millions of dumb college kids do…if Chip sees a young man he can help improve as a person and the rd flags not manifesting themselves in the pros, than I’m sure we would try to land this kid…
    ,..
    But getting thrown out of Florida by urban Meyer does not sound like a good sign. Think this is one of those all of nothing situations. Basically I think, he will either be really high on our late round big board or he will be removed from our board completely…
    ..
    Kid is a playmaker….what round do you view him in? Feell Like he has the talent to go 5th, but character,concerns wiill push him to round 6-7, possibly Undrafted…what round you think he comes off the board?
    …
    My ideal wish list is trading back to the beginning of round 2, getting extra picks and that we can use to move around and come out of the first 3 rounds with:
    1) Allen Rob/Latimer or Moncrief
    ..
    2) Attaucho or Marcus Smith
    …
    3) KVN
    ..,
    4) someone like:
    A) Brandon Thomas, fringe round 1 G/T prospect that needs to be IR for year
    B) Jarvis Landry WR
    …
    C) Brandon Coleam WR
    ..
    D) Fiedorowicz TE
    …
    E) Taylor Hart or Brent urban
    .
    F) Kirksey…a ,weapon in I coverage we c,an move around and matchup against all types of weapons…
    …
    Expect to find a way to get a 6th rounder and ATleast 1 more extra late round pick. Ideally we come out of rounds 5-7 with:
    Jeff Janis WR
    Deandre Coleman NT
    Jonathon Dowling Safety
    Antone Exum Cb/S

  84. 84 GEAGLE said at 12:48 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    The week before the draft(NOW) GMs are all talking and they are working out trades so if the draft falls a certain way, they pull the trigger on the deal they already worked out…deals are being worked out for picks and players because there isn’t enough time when you are on the clock between picks…..
    …
    Question for Everyone, and Tom I would love to know your best guess if you have time: What trades do you think the Eagles will work out predraft, and choose to activate or not on Draft night?
    ..
    My guess:
    ..
    1) we go into the draft with a deal in place to trade BG for a 7th and if we land a,highly touted ROLB like barr, Attaucho or Marcus Smith, we will pull the trigger on the trade.
    ..
    2) We will go into the draft with a deal in place for Bryce Brown, in case Tre Mason is sitting at the top of our board and we can’t resist him
    …
    3) Be shocked if we don’t have a trade back deal worked out in case we don’t like anyone at 22..,yes you need a dance partner to make a trade, and it’s not a lock that someone agrees to a trade up…but you can lower the compensation you are asking for in return until someone agrees to it.
    …
    LONG SHOT: remember when Miami said they wouldn’t trade Dion for a 2nd rounder? It’s a long shot, but we can’t rule out Howie begrudgingly agreeing to the framework for a deal that swaps Dion Jordan for the #22 pick a few months back…but wanting to see who Falls to 22 or what teams offer moving up to 22 before he agrees to the Dion trade…
    …
    Miami is either down to trade Dion or they aren’t…if a 2nd round pick ick wasn’t enough, then it means they want to trade him(not saying it’s true)..If I’m Howie and Miami gives me a counteroffer saying Dion can be had but it will cost #22..why complete that deal months ago? Why not wait to see what other offers are available before giving up #22?

  85. 85 Jason said at 12:55 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Barr somehow slipping to #22 would help avoid the current second round dilemma of having to choose between the most appealing edge rushers Attaochu/M. Smith or big WR Lattimer/Matthews/Robinson. While not all will make it to #54, it’s pretty safe to assume none will last to Round 3.

  86. 86 eagleyankfan said at 12:58 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    just a gut feeling — Barr will by gone by pick 15.

  87. 87 Jason said at 1:14 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    I think you are right.

  88. 88 GEAGLE said at 1:27 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Doubt the cowboys would pass on him…like Miami did with Dion, they will take the OLB and play him at DE lol

  89. 89 GEAGLE said at 1:25 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Man, I’m worried about Latimer,A-Rob, Maaaaaarcus darling and Attaucho all getting plucked before 54..22 is too high, 54 may be too late…
    Ideal.scenario:
    1) Eagles trade #22 to the Niners for #30 and #77
    2) Eagles trade #30 to Vikings for #40 and #72 (they have two 3rds and will want to trade back into round 1 for a QB)
    …
    Our first pick wont come til 40, but we will still find Cody,Robinson,Marcus or Attaucho on the board, and we would have picks 54, 72, 77, 86, 122, 162, 237…so that 7 more opportunities to find someone who will give us more picks to move up…
    …
    If we spend 40 or 54 on Attaucho or Marcus, we could trade BG for a 7th or 6th
    …
    If we take Tre Mason with the 72 or 77th pick we can trade Bryce for a 6th

  90. 90 R Mitchell said at 6:55 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Tommy I have to agree with you about the draft philosophy. Like you and many others, I was foaming at the mouth thinking of what “sexy” picks the Eagles might make but now I’m thinking that it might not be so awe inspiring as you say. For years before I read this article I always saw the draft as water in the desert, the magical wishing well where we will find our solutions.
    But it doesn’t work that way. And when teams start thinking that way,
    they get burned (Jags, Raiders, Rams, Browns). Those teams have constantly been drafting in the top 10 for the past 10 years because they can’t seem it get it right.

    With the organization leaning towards high character guys, smart players, and players who are versatile it really narrows your choices and keys you in to a specific group of guys. That said, they will build the kind of team that will be the foundation for a great football club for years to come by adding players like that. So I’m preparing myself for another uninspiring draft but will develop into a solid team this year. I just really hope they address the defensive side and get some depth at the CB and LB position to give those guys a breather, they were on the field so often I could see how they’d be worn down as the season went on, regardless of sport science.

  91. 91 Richaud Jeaffreson said at 11:20 PM on May 2nd, 2014:

    Would anyone’s head explode if the Eagles picked an OL with their first pick? What is Xavier Su’a-Filo is sitting there at 22, and Barr is off the board?