Marcus Smith Sounds Smart
Posted: February 9th, 2015 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 238 Comments »No matter what you think of Marcus Smith’s future, we all agree that his rookie season was a complete disappointment. He never came close to pushing for time at OLB. He got moved to ILB due to injuries and failed to impress there (although that isn’t a big deal since he wasn’t trained to be an ILB). Worst of all, Smith couldn’t earn a regular role on the STs.
One reason I’m not as down on Smith as others is that he lost out to really good players. The OLBs ahead of him were Trent Cole, Connor Barwin and Brandon Graham. Two of those guys had career best years. The guys that Smith failed to beat out on STs were guys like James Casey, Bryan Braman and Trey Burton, who happen to be 3 of the Eagles best STers.
As a point of comparison, it is more concerning to me that Jaylen Watkins failed to more seriously challenge for playing time in a very bad secondary.
Back to Smith. He became a hot topic when Tra Thomas recently criticized him for having a high school type of body. I was curious to see how Smith would respond to this. We got out answer the other day when he was interviewed on 97.5.
“What I’ll say is … Tra was right,” Smith said. “My body type has to change. I can’t look like a quarterback forever. That’s what I used to play. I’m still, during the season trying to look like that type. Right now I’m 265 [pounds], I’m really eating well, trying to maintain that weight … I’m running with that weight and I’m feeling really good right now.
“Everything that Tra has said, he’s already told me before. When he says that,It’s just the truth. I just have to get bigger and stronger and be productive at that weight so the coaches can be impressed.”
Smith is taking the right approach to this situation (his poor rookie season and Tra’s comments). He could moan and groan about how the coaches weren’t fair to him. He could rip Tra. Instead, Smith is trying to take ownership of the situation.
Saying the right thing is important, but only if it is truly followed by actions. Smith says he is 265. That’s possible. It has been 5 weeks since the season was over. He could have added 10 pounds in that time frame. The key is making sure he has the right 10 pounds (combination of muscle/bulk).
I was really impressed to read that Marcus is working with Chuck Smith, a pass rushing guru, down in Atlanta. Check out this video to see some of Smith’s clients and training.
ESPN FEATURE on pass rush/chuck smith http://t.co/UNLtK2Ygre
— Chuck Smith NFL (@chucksmithnfl) February 8, 2015
Marcus is a talented prospect. People obsessed on whether he should have been a 1st rounder, but even if the Eagles passed on him, Smith wasn’t going to last much longer. Daniel Jeremiah reported 2 weeks before the draft that he was hearing Smith and other pass rushers could go earlier than some expected. QBs go quickly in the draft. So do pass rushers.
Smith is a gifted athlete. He needs to get bigger and stronger. He also needs to develop his pass rushing skills. So far this offseason, Smith is doing both. A year ago he was doing Combine training. This time around he is developing his body and his game for a specific role with a specific team. That kind of focus can make a big difference.
I can’t guarantee you anything about the results, but this is certainly encouraging news.
The players who succeed in the NFL are the ones who learn from their failures and work hard in the offseason to fix the wholes in their game. Smith must become a more polished pass rusher if he’s going to thrive as an OLB so it is good to hear that he’s being realistic about what needs to be done and then putting actions behind those words.
_
Play of the night
https://vine.co/v/OUDpOZh39MY
I think its early but we are finally starting to see the light for our 6ers.
To me they’ve been more fun to watch than they have been in years.
A bunch of pogo sticks on D, that run the court and rain 3s.
Never a dull moment.
I agree. I’ve seen exactly what I wanted from the team this year and I’m really excited where they are headed.
If you think about it, Hinkie acquired 5 first round talents in this past draft. obviously the jury is still out on Embiid staying healthy and Saric’s game translating over to the NBA plus KJ, Grant and Covington. You could easily get a first round pick for any of those 3 before the deadline if you wanted. That is why he covets 2nd round picks.
There D is really starting to come around. When Embiid and Saric get into the Frey this team could be dangerous.
Shame nobody hard fouled that crybaby Igoudala. That would have been the play of the century if that false prophet was on the floor spitting out teeth and had a broken limb or two.
Well I am definitely pulling for the kid. It’s not his fault that he was probably selected a round too early, and it would be great for him to silence his numerous detractors who have already tagged him as a bust.
Exactly. I would have preferred Smith II AND another draft pick for trading down again, but I always wanted him on the team.
Bust status averted with 6 to 8 sacks this year and 12+ next year.
Hey Tommy, when you have the opportunity could you write a peice on backup QB, including the ones available and who you think might be best option. I think backup QB is important as ever to this team considering Foles injury history, and Barkley more then likely not ready. I think alot of young QBs that failed their first time around would be interested in playing for Kelly after the one year Foles had, and considering Sanchez just played his best ever. I know it was lightly touched on with Locker, but i think an in depth peice from you would be interesting. Thank you, and i really appreciate your work.
sanchez in year two of Chips offense is by far the best backup option on the market. rather have sanchez in year two of this offense, than have any other available QB in year 1… think Sanchez is easily the best backup option for us on the market and there probably isnt a close second….. IM not a sanchez fan so it pains me to say this..
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hopefully Sanchz isnt ready to go start for some horrible franchise yet and we can hold on to him if we promise him an open competition with Foles, not that it matters since you cant find a QB who i think will be able to beat out Nick this summer…
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if we cant keep Sanchez, our QB situation as a whole will be downgraded from last year
I agree, however the tricky part is how much will he want, will he want a shot to start somewhere, and how much is the FO willing to fork out for backup QB?
Very true
Or Marcus Smart sounds Smith? I’m confused
I dont get it.
Me neither!
Well….as long as we are on the same page, even though i dont know what that page is.
Jarred Paige?
Yes……possibly.
Me II.
There is a basketball player named Marcus Smart
ahhhhhh
I’m on the Marcus Smith II bandwagon!
But perhaps we will learn more about the coaching staff’s opinion of Smith’s 2015 prospects by what they do in free agency.
Yeah, i think FA may very well be a telling sign of what they think of him.
I guess first we have to find out if BG is returning.
I dnt think you can ever have too many LBs in the 3-4. I would love to get 1-2 more in the draft. We still aren’t where we need to be in terms of LB talent and depth.
But a signing + a draft pick at that spot would be smart if we’re looking at needing two guys.
We could lose Graham, sign a better guy for a 3-4 to a 3-4 year deal, draft another pass rusher high, then cut Cole.
Deacon Jones is one scary mofo…………
Yeah, i just finished watching that video and he is awesome.
The end was pretty funny with that Strahan “im not going to go there” line and then Deacon Jones goes there.
I feel like it has been a while since people watched Marcus Smith the player not Marcus Smith the reach. So attached is the bowl game v. Miami.
Things we see based on film:
-He does a great job holding the POA, he’s ragdolling Clive Walford the second best TE in the 2015 draft class.
– You can see the fluidity and comfort in coverage
– Both his sacks are on plays he is unblocked, but they demonstrate his closing ability, he’s on the QB so quick on the first sack that the RB trips.
– You also see some glimpses of the pass rush. You see the burst. He rips and runs the hoop on a guard, you see him post and run against LT Flowers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBlqEAylNPk
I think you have to be pretty ignorant to think a guy like this would go any lower than the second round. In this game alone you see him make 4 big plays, a PD, sack/fumble, sack and a knock down. Couple that with his upside, fit in our scheme, the fact we traded down and there wasn’t any better options at 26.
He was a qb going into Louisville and you can see he lacks pass rush moves but people need time to perfect their craft. Guess what Smith is doing now? Practicing his craft. You need 3 pass rush moves right? I don’t remember watching all his tape last year but he has the making of a good rip. I’m sure he is developing his bull rush, gaining weight will help. Maybe he’ll get the spin, the hump? Idk about a pure speed rush.
The one that really annoyed me was claims that Attachou was more physical. Miami was a common opponent. The best you see of Attachou is stalemates, and he gets moved alot.
MSII had a rough spin move, it was effective but he was spinning too high, he needed to sink his base more as he spun to increase the velocity and violence. He also had a club counter but it also needed refinement. He has a good getoff and can run the hoop. He didn’t have much of a bull rush, but once he develops some counters to throw to keep OL honest, that’s when the “setting up your pass rush like a pitcher” comes into play. Use your speed rush to get the OT to start bailing quickly, then hit them with some counters, now you’re in his head and he’s thinking, and when they start guessing they get tall in their pass set. Then you run them over.
That’s why I wasn’t thrilled with the move to ILB, it stunted his development as a pass rusher. Hopefully in the long run some of the overall knowledge of the scheme and mental side of the game that would have been worked on at ILB helps offset the time lost.
That’s right! I remember us talking about the spin move and seeing it a couple times. At least he was trying stuff even then.
Lower than the 2nd round = ignorant.
In the 2nd round = prudent.
Go read the comment section of Tommy’s predraft article on MSII. I think you’ll get a kick out of yourself.
Good for me downtalking Van Noy (who got hurt), postulating the Eagles might reach at 22, refusing to trade a first rounder for Dion Jordan, and wishing ill on teams who took guys ahead of us at 22 that I wanted.
At no time was Dion Jordan available for a trade. Pure fantasy.
Is it that much of a difference between a mid-high second and a late first that you traded down to get? There was not many more compelling choices.
basically…….. ignorance at its finest
we’re talking about an unranked opponent?
We’re talking about:
TE Clive Walford: Will be a Top 50 pick
RT Seantrel Henderson: started all 16 games at RT for Bills
RG Brandon Linder: picked 93rd, played excellent for Jax
LT: Ereck Flowers: Will be a Top 50 pick
Don’t think you’re going to find much better degree of competition.
We’re talking about THE U!
Walford is the second best all around TE in the draft. Flowers/Henderson all have high ceilings. Linder is a tough mauling OG. Miami had good players scattered throughout the past drafts.
yeah i’m just saying that he’s not beasting on top 5 picks, doesn’t mean those guys aren’t good, just means the competition that he’s facing now is much better.
even d3fb mentioned at the time that while he has moves he gets stopped by better teams – i think you’re seeing the natural extension of that.
People are too down on Marcus.
Had they taken the guy at 30something rather than 26 it wouldn’t be the case. And Chip being flippant about draft rounds and not understanding the concept of opportunity cost didn’t help things.
I’m a huge Smith II fan, but I still wish we had him and one more player from an additional trade down from 26.
It’s not even that. Chip obviously doesn’t trust rookies too much after they commit mistakes and doesn’t produce as expected.
He started Johnson for 16 games in his rookie year and played Logan a ton from the start
They produced. Marcus didn’t.
Huff got opportunities after some rookie mistakes. I don’t understand your argument, are you claiming that it is better to play a rookie who isn’t performing as well as a veteran because he was a high draft pick and you are hoping the experience will make them better? If so that is completely contrary to chips philosophy of earning playing time. You can’t make exceptions to the structure you develope in an organization or you undermine the trust you built with the people you are leading.
It’s harder to play LB in the 3-4 instead of being the 4th WR. Chip knows what he has with Huff despite his stupid mistakes.
Marcus flashed at times in preseason but that doesn’t cut it here. You need to know your assignments on this defense or you’re not getting playing time. He’s still relatively new to defense so I don’t really blame him.
no choice, no better options
Dam where ya been his whole debate bra?? Game, set, match!!
To add to your point; Smith was a guy several of us were really hopeful the Eagles would draft last year. There wasn’t a draft simulation I ran where I didn’t try to get him. The problem people are having is that the “Smith is a bust” conversation is wholly stupid vs. the “Smith was taken a round too early” or “Smith needs to show some improvement this year” that could be of better use.
In either case, I’m looking forward to Smith II toasting Will Beaty a few times to end Eli’s career this season.
Disciple of Lebeau, Davis can probably recollect better than I, just how many successful Steeler OLBs did jack shite their first year in town, though I am not sure about other defensive positions.
While we’re at LeBeau – why did we let him go to the Titans? If he would have gone to the Cards and his old pal Arians I’d say: can’t do anything about it.
But assistant with the Titans? Of course, we don’t know his preferences, but working in the same state with a former student – it would at least make sense to me that he would have prefered that.
And we’re not talking firing Billy D. But if you have a chance to get one of the greatest defensive minds in the history of the game into your building, in a defensive scheme that copies some elements of his scheme – you have to try that, imho. Now, if we tried and he didn’t want to – fine. But I sure hope we tried.
He’s boys with Wiz, so I’m not burned we didn’t get him.
Now what exactly Fangio has to do with Chicago and why that wasn’t a possible upgrade here……………
He has ties to Wisenhunt just like he does to Arians.
It’s also close to Cinncinatti where his wife lives year round. He’s 77 and has been a player or coach his entire life. He probably wants to be with her as much as he can in these final years.
All makes sense. Like I said, if the Eagles tried I’m happy. Can’t force an active HoF Coach to do anything if he doesn’t want to. And he probably won’t work just for the money, he should have enough on the bank to work where he wants.
If LeBeau would have wanted, though, I’d be disappointed if Chip didn’t want to hire him.
So, I was having a discussion about Tyron Smiths contract extension with Dallas last summer at OverTheCap. http://overthecap.com/close-look-tyron-smith-contract-extension/
A few days ago, a troll came to the thread and I was having a little fun with him. It’s incredible how deep his head is in Jerrys a**.
Do you think Jerry pays for something like that? Maybe not directly, but via a PR company? Or do you think he just had ten bottles of Kool Aid and then some more?
Now, sadly, Dallas was way better than we all (including myself, of course) anticipated last season. But the way he defends every move from Jerry – that’s PR or just stupid.
A friendly reminder. We’re a week away from the combine.
REALLY? why the hell did i think the combine was after free agency? this is excellent news! thank you
‘Sounding smart’ [in public] doesn’t necessarily translate into good results on the field, see Billy Davis.. *cough *cough
I give him the benefit of doubt though. Maybe he’ll turn into a nice surprise similar to a Brandon Graham, whom most of us had labelled as a bust the first couple of years before cashing in big time this year.
I hear what you’re saying with that, but there are a few key differences.
Graham was a clear #1 draft pick, the top DE in that draft, but was severely limited by terrible coaching from that piece of human trash McDermott playing him at DT and in pass coverage far too often. Graham was not turned loose at DE as a rookie and that stunted his growth. Graham also had his knee severely weakened by a cheap shot from Tyson Clabo (who can die screaming of a terminal illness that hopefully robs him of his mind so the whole world can see him drooling and soling himself prior to his death) that ultimately resulted in blowing that knee out a few weeks later.
Smith is a guy who really is a 2nd round pick that, if taken in the 2nd round, would be a guy we expect to come along slowly in a system that asks a lot of the OLBs.
Agreed.
Can I also add that I really hate McDermott and Clabo?
I don’t think that can get said enough times!
I was sending that in your previous comment. It was subtle, but there was a sense of disapproval.
No, hatred is such a strong word. Despising him is fine though.
“Smith is a guy who really is a 2nd round pick that, if taken in the 2nd round, would be a guy we expect to come along slowly in a system that asks a lot of the OLBs.”
I don’t think that is really relevant any more. It is time to forget when he was picked and what expectation that set up for his first season. That will continue to be relevant when discussing the organization and talent evaluation, but not for Smith. The pick is gone. All that matters going forward is how good he will be and when.
Agreed for Smith and agreed for evaluating how Chip drafts.
Also here is Tommy’s take on MSII from 2 weeks before the draft.
http://igglesblitz.com/2014/04/case-marcus-smith/
Crazy how much Tommy nailed that pick
Not arguing with you, but it’s not crazy, because Tommy is pretty darn close every year. I remember him talking up Fletcher Cox big time before anyone else following the Eagles did. It’s one of the reasons this is one of the first things I read every morning – clearly, Tommy does the work to actually know what he is talking about. And more than a few of the commenters here fall into that category, as well.
It was even more the circmstance on how he predicted it. He even figured that a trade back would be involved.
Also hitting perfect on pick 22 (26) in the draft for a team where he only has 1 prior season to work from is insane.
We all knew either Cox or Keuchly would be the pick and it was pretty much between Jordan and Johnson at in 2013
Johnson was fairly obvious, yes. But I remember Tommy pumping Fletcher (had to be careful, here, or else ATG would have had a field day) before anyone else even mentioned him as a possible target. After Tommy laid out the case (very well) everyone agreed that it was possible, and that a move up wasn’t out of the question. So I put his call on Cox up there with his call on Smith II.
My theory is that Tommy isn’t nailing the picks, he’s actually making them. Well, the good ones anyway. And the ones where Chip doesn’t force an Oregon player. Howie has him on speed dial. Now that Howie has been dethroned let’s hope that the voice behind the throne hasn’t been totally silenced.
He also nailed the Jordan Matthews pick even when Cody lattimer was the hot name
maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarcus Daaaaaaaaaaarling! lol
Wow. I forgot GEAGLE wasn’t always a dick.
And as Anders said, Tommy nailed it, like he did the year before with Lane Johnson and the year before with Fletcher Cox. I’m glad I have his assistance for my yearly draft game.
Have you…….. Ben Hert by him before? *Sorry I had to!*
I’m having flashbacks of punny elementary school teachers at the beginning of each school year.
I know. I’m sorry Ben.
blow me
It’s the “forest through the trees” that I think is an issue with this pick. As D3FB said below “RG Brandon Linder: picked 93rd, played excellent for Jax”. People can look at that pick and say wouldn’t that have been a better value pick. (BEFORE ANYBODY JUMPS DOWN MY THROAT — THIS IS NOT MY OPINION—IT’S JUST A THEORY ON WHY PEOPLE MAY STRUGGLE WITH THE PICK)
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From another angle(theory) — there were reports of the Eagle brass room not agreeing on who they should pick 1st. That can lend to the thinking the Eagles settled on this pick.
Interesting article on BR, and I’d like to get your thoughts Tommy.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2358248-nick-foles-not-the-answer-for-eagles-offense-chip-kelly-must-find-qb-in-2015
I remember seeing that chart for Russel Wilson that season, and over 65% of his completions went to the right half of the field.
It’s interesting data, and useful in context, but making too much out of it leads to some absurd analysis.
In his goal to get bigger and stronger, lets hope Smith doesn’t test positive for PED’s.
if he does… it wouldnt be the end of the world… he would be real strong see Clay Matthews… and maybe it would be the edge he would need to get over the hump…Lane did it and hes a beast… Clay… many many others…
cough…legion of boom… end transmission.
So many in football use, there is no doubt in my mind. At least at some point in their career to get to that upper level, maybe not continually. Shoot now theres a bunch of theories that Tiger did it for Golf, now his slide and body are paying for it. Thats a bit much though, back issues and golf can be a really bad combo.
I think Smith has a chance to really surprise people. Too many people were calling the kid a bust mere months into his professional career. He was always going to be a bit of a project that wasn’t game ready right from the start and he lacks the kind of off the charts physical skills that get pass rushers drafted in the top 10 and allow them to succeed right out of the gate.
That being said the kid has a great frame, if he adds functional weight and strength he certainly looks the part at 6’3″ 260 llbs with long arms. He’s got well above average speed and lower body explosion with a 35 in vertical. And, he was pretty darn productive in college despite moving to defense halfway through. If he’s as smart and dedicated as he seems he should be much improved in years 2 and 3. I have a feeling, with expectations already really low, that he’ll pleasently surprise most fans.
yup yup… good stuff as always Jernst
I really hope to does the wr fa combine. he’s probably better than most of the seniors coming out.
I am a huge Eagles fan, who also hopes that Marcus Smith III, really makes a big step forward, next year. But, I do have some significant concerns. #1 – Yes, Smith had some ” good ” players in front of him ( Cole and Graham. ) But, during his press conferences, Kelly NEVER said anything ” positive ” about Smith, when asked about him. The only thing of substance that Kelly ever said about Smith was, ” When he ( Smith ) begins to play better than someone else, in ( practice ) then he will have a chance, to crack the starting line up. ” There were many opportunities to tell the reporters, that Smith was ( improving, looking good, doing – this or that really well, etc. ), but he never took those opportunities. That was very telling. # 2 – ( and most concerning ) is the fact that several, well respected, NFL / Eagles reporters, have reported that they received information that, Smith is NOT fond of physical contact. This is EXTREMELY concerning, if true. Outside linebacker is a very physical position, and it requires a very physical individual, not a finesse player. Unfortunately, that is exactly what I think Smith is, a finesse player. Going back and watching his college highlight videos, you will very quickly notice that Smith was ” basically ” a ( outside ) pass rusher. His move, 90 % of the time, was to use his speed to run around, the less athletic offensive tackles, and rush the quarterbacks. Many, many times, he never even experienced any ( or very minimal ) contact with a tackle, or blocking running back. His whole game was SPEED. That, WILL NOT work in the NFL, and I’m very sure he learned that, in a BIG way. Smith has every single ” physical ” attribute, to be a really good starting outside linebacker in the NFL. This year, will be his biggest opportunity to show that he belongs. The only questions that remain, going forward are, does he have the desire, and the HEART ?
Good post and constructive critique, respectively.
Thanks. Wasn’t trying to critique, though. I was only trying to ADD to the discussion, rather than detract from the article. Lessons learned.
Personally I don’t have any issues with critizising the Eagles when it’s sound and fair.
Sounds like the slogan for FOX news ….. ” Fair and balanced. ” Which they are NOT. I like it when people call them ” Faux news. ” I’m trying to get pumped up, into the positive mode, for free agency and the draft. The last time that I was totally happy, with the Eagles off season / free agency, was the year they went ” all in ” and got T.O. and Javon Kearse. That was unreal. Let’s hope for a repeat, this year.
Yes that was some great times. If Kearse just could have stayed injury free we’d probably have won it all that year….
Yes, that and the not often mentioned injury to TE Chad Lewis. He was hurt in the final minutes, of the NFC Championship game. Lewis was injured ( out for Super Bowl ) with 3 : 21 left on the clock, with the Eagles already up 20 to 10. Chad wasn’t a major weapon, by any means, but he and Donovan had a good connection, and would have been a big help for the Eagles offense in the Super Bowl. I will always wonder what would have happened if T.O. and Lewis, were both healthy for that game?
To be fair he isn’t going to get in and wrestle with dudes 50 pounds heavier than he is with his frame on a regular basis. He needs to bulk up and get his confidence up. Physicality is a mind set and I think MSII is going to need a confidence rebound to get there. Basically he isn’t technically sound or particularly powerful, so the first round pick is trying to shine the only way he knows how, using his athleticism going around the edge, which doesn’t work on any tackle using proper technique if the QB can step up in the pocket.
Definitely valid points, and they definitely point to more challenges for him to overcome, but at least they can be overcome. We’ve seen too many young defenders fail that had all the X factors but failed because they lacked the things that can’t be obtained. I can see a scenario where he polishes up a variety of moves, gets confident in his power, like set a tackle up by having him scramble out and turning it back in inside or power move on an off-balance tackle, and the confidence to do so (he has the ability), it can click into place very nice and could be one of those situations where the light goes on. But it’s an up-hill battle.
I agree with you, his biggest issue right now is confidence. I can tell you from experience, that hitting the weights can really impact your confidence level. Determination and confidence, are more important than ANYTHING else. In the NFL, or life in general.
Heart and desire? Didn’t T-Law say he’s at a camp trying to get better?
My point was that ( heart and desire ) are not taught. Those things are entirely, up to him. You can – lift weights, go to training camp, train with pass rush specialists ( which I think is great ), but the PROOF of heart and desire, can only be displayed on GAME DAY. We’ll see, soon enough.
“That was very telling. # 2 – ( and most concerning ) is the fact that several, well respected, NFL / Eagles reporters, have reported that they received information that, Smith is NOT fond of physical contact. ”
Would love to see the link for this, because if that is true, he is going down the path of Danny Watkins.
It would surprise me if its true, because Smith had no problems setting the edge against tackles in the NFL
Billy D mentioned it in a PC during the season.
Okay, I believe you, it was just the way he worded it, it made it sound like it was “sources” say kind of crap
Is / was that a joke ? Why wasn’t he playing then ? He wasn’t even used as a ” situational ” pass rusher. He didn’t even play on special teams. Who drafts a OLB # 1 , who can’t play special teams. You have to be TOUGH to play special teams. He is not PHYSICAL enough.
Maaaaaarcus Daaaaaaarling!!!!
When Clay Matthews was drafted in 2009 by the Green Bay Packers, he weighed 240 lbs. at 6′ 3 “. Marcus Smith was 250 lbs. at 6′ 3″, when drafted by the Eagles last year. Matthews first year in the NFL, he had 36 solo tackles, and 10 quarterback sacks. One big difference between them, was that Matthews had about 6 % body fat when drafted, and Marcus Smith was probably carrying about 15 % body fat when drafted. Matthews current playing weight is approx. 255 lbs. of solid muscle. Remember, Terrell Owens didn’t become ” T.O.” , until he hired a nutritionist / personal trainer, and became one of the best physical specimens in the NFL. PS – Clay Matthews was drafted with the 26th pick in the 2009 draft, and Marcus Smith, was also drafted with the 26th pick in the 2014 draft. Somebody should send him this article, maybe it would motivate him.
Bodybuilding.com article – http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/clay-matthews-the-predator.html
he got a PED suspension too.. get Marcus on that diet..
I would be cool with a 4 game suspension, if he starts playing like Clay Matthews. Now days, it’s very hard in the NFL to swole up, quickly, without a very, very good ( chemist ) …… I mean nutritionist.
I think you mean “Sports Science Coordinator”.
him and Cushing were roided up.
No doubt. Jacked up. I had a trainer ” nutritionist ” hint – hint, tell me back in the late 90’s / early 2000’s, that any college football player that could afford it, was ” supplementing. ” He also told me that ( until recently ) HGH was widespread in the NFL. HGH doesn’t make you huge, but it is outstanding for recovering from ( workouts – games – injuries ), and also building quality muscle. It also keeps off the body fat, that’s one of the reasons that so many players have like 4 – 5 % body fat.
Time to put him on a super secret special “smoothie” diet.
He’s already TOO smooth. ( i.e. – no muscle definition. )
while this article shouldnt be much of a surprise to anyone, it unfortunately needs to be written due to the stupidity the rest of the media brainwashed our fans about this topic.,…responsible as always Tom, Tip my hat to being responsible with the Intel you pass off to your readers.
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we needed to draft Marcus last year, knowing he needed a year to get stronger because we needed him to be ready for this year in case we lost Trent and Brandon…. I have no doubts Marcus will shut this city up sooner or later, then everyone will jump on his nuts like they did with BG after ripping the kid and crapping on him since his sophmore NFL season.
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even if you are like me, and you have few doubts about Marcus proving to be a worthy pick, having two OLBs is NOT enough, and no matter what they decide on Trent, he will need to be replaced in the not so distant future.
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personally, i think it will be a very long time before we see a free agent market with as many quality edge rushers, Might as well take advantage of a deep market of edge rushers, save 8mil letting Cole walk, let BG walk..
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I assume that the Money we would be spending to bring Cole and BG next year can easily be enough to pay for a Quality OLB like Pernell McPhee… Need atleast 3 OLBs.. I would sign a free agent like McPhee, with Marcus and Barwin… and at some point this year or next year draft another young OLB… having a 2 man rotation at both OLB spots is what we need to strive for these nxt two years…
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I like Cole and BG, but for that money we can pretty much sign any OLB we want with the exception of Justin HOuston who will be super paid.Cole still has some left in the Tank but his price tag is absurd for this year. rather have a top young OLB for that price
I have to agree with the OLB rotation, however I will say that when #26 rolled around I do think Howie/Chip did reach just a little (based on need, because at that time no one had any idea that BG would be beyond serviceable in a 3-4 in limited time)…. Bucannon (started almost all year for Arizona) was sitting there and I think we could have just traded out of the 1st round entirely.
…let me re-iterate. I WAS OK WITH THE MARCUS SMITH PICK. NO ISSUES WITH IT.
Tell me, why didn’t you like the pick?
no… they didnt reach., they turned down a second trade back offer because they knew if they traded back 6 spots they would have lost Marcus… Its NOT A REACH when atleast 3 franchises were interested in him from the 25-35 range. we turned down an extrra 3rd round pick from the Vikings because Marcus WASNT A REACH,
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a reach as from what I read Arizona, NE, and WAS were all targeting him with their picks, but I think sometimes trying to read the board and force a player/position because of supply and demand is counterproductive. You have to think over the long-term and not just the next season and almost always the best bet is to go with the higher graded players. That said, I have no way of knowing how Smith graded compared to other players available.
Who cares at this point. We got lucky and didn’t need production from Smith. He got a year to practice and learn and hopefully get stronger.
He looks good on tape, but it’s like he’s moving from JV to varsity and just needed more time to get big enough to edge rush.
The issue is / will be whether he doesn’t like contact. This is something that Billy D mentioned and if so then it’s pretty bad for an OLB (especially in the predator role). Hopefully his time this summer is well spent.
that’s a new way of looking at it.
well done.
we were lucky
That’s the definition of not a reach. That’s where u needed to draft the player if u wanted him. Picking at the end of round 1 you are usually choosing between similarly graded prospects, not uncommon to go with one of the 3 premier positions as a tie breaker(QB, tackle, edge rusher)
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And to the people that didn’t want to draft Marcus, who teally cares what tall think when I guarentee that atleast 90% of u would have drafted Justin Gilbert if he fell to us. And not only was Jordan Poyer playing ahead of a top 10 pick, but unlike Marcus, Gilbert is a charecter concern and a “nuisance” which Marcus isn’t…
like i said A LITTLE reach. the difference between the Grand Canyon and a crack in the sidewalk is pretty obvious lol.
sorry, i wont concede that it was even a microscopic reach…Eagles drafted Marcus EXACTLY where atleast two other franchises drafted him…. that means the eagles DRAFTED HIM WHERE THEY NEEDED TO DRAFT HIM if they didnt want to lose him…. in no way shape or form can that be considered a reach… its only a reach going by kipers moronic expectations that were very different from the reality of the situation
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but we can disagree
With all due respect, Marcus Smith was a reach at # 26. As far as those ( 3 other teams wanted Smith ) rumors, they are completely unsubstantiated, and are not relevant, anyway. Smith is / was a complete ” project ” pick, when the Eagles desperately NEED impact players on defense. Maybe instead of listening to ( trade down ) offers, they should have ( moved up ) and gotten a better chance at a impact player. The Packers, in 2009 traded a 2nd and ( two ) 3rd rounders, to move back up into the 1st round and draft Clay Matthews. Worked out pretty good for them. I would have gladly gave up their second round pick ( Matthews ) and used it to move up and draft a player like – C.J. Mosley or Zack Martin. Last year was a great WR draft, and they could have got a really good one in the 3rd round. Just a few ideas, to ponder.
With all do respect….NO!!!!
Nothing can be “substantiated” really. Teams don’t announce after the draft who they would have taken if a player hadn’t been selected already. Arizona, NE, and WAS were all reported to be targeting Smith. The Arizona and NE info is a little more sketchy, but one of the Washington Post’s main beat writers, John Keim, tweeted this:
John Keim
@john_keim
May 9
If the #Redskins go defense, not sure really who they’ll take at 34. Guy they would have wanted, Marcus Smith, went in the 1st.
Marcus Smith himself said that he heard the Cardinals wanted him at 27 but that could have just been his agent propping him up. I can’t find anything right now directly linking Smith and Patriots although I distinctly remember seeing it during the draft. I also found where a CBS Sports radio guy said that the Falcons were targeting Smith at 37 overall.
If there was just one item saying a team in the late 20s/early 30s had interest I’d discount it, but there’s enough evidence to say that his draft stock was right around where the Eagles took him. That doesn’t necessarily mean that he wasn’t a slight value reach. Some positions get drafted earlier than others. If you want a good offensive tackle, you have to take them a little higher than their overall talent may suggest. Same with QBs. Same with pass-rushers. RBs on the other hand drop and you can get a quality one later on in the draft. Interior offensive linemen tend to drop. Same with 2-down ILBs. An argument could be made either way regarding how much teams should factor in supply and demand when drafting, but when you’re defining what a “reach” is then supply/demand is definitely an element in that definition.
if a team valued Anthony Barr, they most likely viewed Marcus Smith as the next best thing… the fact that i knew we like Dion and Barr is what told me we would be high on Marcus… really wasnt as much of a shocker as this city thought… thank Kiper for brainwashing our city into believing nonsense
This bit of information, IS A FACT. EVERY team in the NFL has people in their ( advanced scouting department – or whatever their team calls it ) that scours the other 31 teams ( sports pages, official websites, team reporters – articles , twitter , etc. ) to get ” inside ” information on each teams ( positional needs – rumors about free agent targets ) also, who they spoke to at the ( East – West Shrine game – Senior Bowl – Combine – Pro days – private visits, etc. ) But, given all that, it is still only a ” educated guess “, as to what position, and who the other teams targets are. I DO NOT condone the Eagles ” reaching ” for a project player like Marcus Smith, in the FIRST round. Especially IF it was because, they thought that some other teams, might jump on him first. You only make moves like that, for players that you feel are, sure fire, impact players, that can help from day one. Marcus Smith, didn’t even come close to meeting that criteria. Also, if anything people like Dave Spadaro, would be in on ” the game ” that teams play, to put out ” misinformation ” to confuse and misinform the other teams, that are tracking their moves – so to speak. It’s all about, he said, she said, who’s lying, etc. I’ve even heard about teams bringing in players that they were NEVER going to draft, just to throw off the smell, of who they really were targeting. The Giants had a HUGE hard on for Odell Beckham, and he was their # 1 target ( no questions asked ) but they ( specifically ) avoided contact with him to not ” tip their hand ” , that they wanted him big time. Got him, well played.
Bucannon is more of a box safety. I don’t think he would fit what they like to do with their safeties.
Buchanon played the roll Nolan Carrol played in dime. I agree with what you’re saying though.
Yes, there’d be a role for Bucannon here but I don’t necessarily think you use a 1st on a guy that you don’t think can grow to be a full-time player.
Totally agree, I don’t think we’d have run the Nolan Carroll package as much w/out injuries either.
The argument that Smith was a reach is premature. If he turns into a nothing special OLB, the reach cry will be louder, but here’s the thing. If the Eagles were solid at every position, a championship-caliber team, but they wanted the best edge rusher they could get at their position for insurance, the future for depth, whatever…very few people would be throwing out the reach complaint. I think those claiming that Smith was a reach were miffed that the Eagles did not “reach” for the position or player they coveted. We can all argue over who the best player overall is, but Smith does fit that category IMO in last year’s draft.
thats the fans problem, if fans arent going to look at things the way our front office does, than fuck what the fans have to say… truth is our front office doesnt view the draft as a tool t build NEXT YEARS TEAM. next years team is forged through draft and free agency. the eagles dont draft kids assuming they will solve your problems as a rookie, if the fans are going to have false expectations, they arent going to be happy, and they will be caught off guard when the eagles make their decision…
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so much of what I write is rarely about WHAT I WOULD DO.,., what i would do is irrelevant. Im only interested in speaking in most accurate realistic terms about what the eagles will do, and often my personal opinion doesnt agree, but who cares if I dont agree with the eagles?
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i would break the bank open for justin Houston in a heartbeat, but if i know that the eagles wont, whats the point in me talking about it?
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think im happy that i think our outside corners next year will be Cary, Nolan and Davon House? think those are my DREAM CORNERS? fuck NO! but thats where i think the eagles are headed in september, so whats the point in me talking about my dream corners?
Funny how Miami is about to hand $105million dollars to Tannahill and this dumb fanbase craps all over the rainmmaker and then they tell u we are an intelligent fa base smh. Keep telling yourselfs that lol
just gotta take a ride on the FOLES TRAIN!!! everyone will hop on once the draft is over..
It’s never going to happen as long as this city is dumb enough to think that how fast a QB runs matters in our QB selection
Sheesh man saw that.. Dolphins going balls deep with Tannehill.. Ah well it is what it is they either gonna win with him or not
I don’t hate the move. It depends on his work ethic. He isn’t a finished product, like Foles he still has a few more years of development. So his work ethic and growth rate determines if he should be getting this deal or not… Foles work ethic, leadership, mental and physical fortitude is where my Goles confidence comes from. I don’t know what Tannahill growth rate and mental fortitude looks like
yeah i don’t totally get it, why pay him this year?
If his work ethic and growth rTe are good enough then I don’t have a problem with it. Heck I would love for Eagles to announce q long term extension for Foles today
I’m sure Foles would like it too. Isn’t Tanny a first rounder? Can’t they tack on a 5th year on the rookie salary. To me he’s gotta get better before he sees that 13-14m range.
yes he is a first rounder, I assume this extension would void his 5th year option, but im really not sure
he was pretty good last year. Lazor was a great get by them. really helped Tannehill.
Miami should just keep trading their first round picks for future picks until Belichick leaves New England.
Geagle, you are part of the fanbase my friend.
But he isn’t one of the pessimistic a**holes that flood the boards.
he was talking about being dumb not pessimistic….
and I do know what you mean, but this board is not nearly as pessimistic as say 24/7 is…
although it might be considered pessimistic to continuously tell everyone they are dumb…
or at least it’s boring
I wasn’t attacking you on that comment, I just reread it and noticed it can look like I am directing it at you. But yea my boy Geags does like to tell people they’re dumb, but I like his passion and confidence. Yea I do agree with you that this site isn’t full of the pessimists like other, I was just speaking in generality about a lot of the boards.
I agree, I like his passion and confidence and usually his optimism during the season.
its hard to be an eagles fan AND be optimistic…
Yes sir seeing a team raise the Lombardi trophy year in and year out and it not being the Eagles it is hard to be optimistic, but me personally I stay very optimistic about this team every year. I guess that is just my love and obsession for this team but man do I want that super bowl.
im not an optimist,… i think plenty of eagles suck, im just a realist that understands young player development process who doesnt allow the media to make me dumber, is all… personally I would cut alot of the eagles, youd be surprised at some of the names i would cut, i just dont believe the eagles view it that way so no point in me dwelling on it
I wish I could be an optimist but I never think they are going to pull out a game or even win any of them, I am always just happy when they do.
even in our best years I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop every game. I kind of hate it. very stressful to be an eagles fan.
i swear i used to be like that under andy… this is new to me having decision makers WHOS DECISIONS make sense to me, who i trust to not automatically assume the game is over when we are down 14 points at halftime..
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i fin the chip kelly era to be way more rational than the andy era… how the hell can you accuirately predict an andy draft? your best bet is to think of who you would NEVER rationally draft, and thats your best bet figuring out what andy will do
im a realist…. dont be dumb if you dont want to be called dumb. i eat enough insults every day from people whos posts i dont even read, its a little rich bitching at me when i treat people the way they treat me over a football opinion… to each his own, fire away bitches, Geagle thism, geagle that, Geagle stay with a gat, no publicity is bad publicity… i dont have to post on 24/7, yet a year later you can find someone copy and paste my opinion on that site every single day LOL, dont the fools realize its flattering me? love me r hate me, i will write a 3000 word post and you will read every single word of it and remember my opinion 3 months later, can those people say that their opiunion registered in my brain?> lol doubt it…. keep flattering me, i love the hate
Preach on bruh Preach on!!!…I dont get why peoples try to attack you just for saying whats on your mind. Fuel to your fire though keep it going. You are def not lying about the clowns over at 24/7, they still ride your dick and talk about you even though you don’t post.
LOl DAILY someone always cuts and paste my opinion being posted on that site and email it to me, so i usually hear about it, flattering, I dont get why i should be upset? i dont even have to post there and my opinion aklways gets there…. one of these days, I’ll post something, just to set that board into a frenzy, and leave without bothering to read the comments lol… sort of like throwing a gernade in a room and walk away without seeing the damage lol
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cheers mate
Haha I like where yours heads at with that idea, you would literally send that site into an all out wayr of people talking about you and your boy Token trying to get his 2 cents in lol. If it wasn’t for the good writing they do over at 24/7 I would never visit the site.
Have a drink on me bro, cheers to them haters
lol… i have to figure out when is the best day to throw the grenade lol
lol Honestly draft day or first day of free agency would be the perfect time, because we know that the comments are going to be flooded that day. You might honestly crash the site lol
Yea I hear ya on that article by the intern about Meco, it was absolutely horrible. He had the nerve to say that Acho and Mathews were “more then capable, actually very solid” job filling in for him.
Yes more Sheil less everyone else that works there. lol
lol cant wait til the draft…. first day of free agency is PERFECT!! lol gonna try and set that comment section off, but i wont read a word of it lol just laugh at the cyber shrapnel ripping thru that comment section.
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i actually have a good relationshpi with sheil to this day… little respect for McManus tho. i dont think he is very good
Sounds like a plan brotha, I will make sure I pay attention because I can always use a bunch of good laughs while sitting on my computer at work lol
Yea Sheil is a good dude, responds well to comments if you ask him a question. McManus is good a times but his inconsistency is his downfall.
heck sheils has asked questions at press conferences for me… i would never disrespect him. real good dude, and i really respect him because for someone who hasnt grown up playing the game, you could easily see his football acumen grow from year to year, he cares about his craft, and he constantly works at it to provide his fans with better…. gotta respect that
I couldn’t say it any better myself. Sheil is top notch. T-Law is also the man. I hate Bowen, Shorr-Parks, Mosher, and not the biggest fan of Kempski although I do like some of his work.
it really shouldnt be as hard as it is to get accurate coverage of a team that so many people adore… but thats the sad reality of our situation… i have to make sure to watch every single Eagle interview on PE.com to avoid having to read one of our hack reporters take a quote out of context and fabricate some bullshit storyline… so i try to make sure i hear every quote that our media uses directly from the player or coaches mouth… its my only hope for accurate understanding of this team
Yeah they might as well fire Tim, Sheil can’t carry that site himself.
Or just ironic.
No sorry. My opinions aren’t formed by anything our media reports. If I believe something I believe it independently from the crap te media is bulls hitting fans about.
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I respect Tom Lawler for one reason above the rest, he is responsible. He knows his opinions will effect how readers view things and he takes that responsibility serious and doesn’t put fraudulent ideas in fans heads. It’s rare that a fan will read Toms work and walk away believing something isn’t true….where as th rest of the media has zero credibility and they often fool our fanbase into believing things that just don’t mesh with reality..and I’ll be damned if I’m let another mans opinion influence mine. Rather put in the work, educate myself in a topic rather than allow the media to brainwash me into believing false narratives. Unfortunately this fanbase doesn’t have enough people lik Tom who take the responsibility serious that his opinion can shape the view point of tons of Eagles fans, unfortunately this fanbase doesn’t have enough Tom Lawlors..
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I will NEVER be a fan who lets another mans opinion influence my opinion, rath t educateyself on the topic than listen to media who has never accurately predicted an Eagles pffseasin, yet every year around this time fans take the BS bait, hook, line and sinker. Basically our fanbase would be better off tuning out our media completely
Still here, huh?
Just sharing your thoughtful insight, engendering intelligent discourse on the state of the Eagles. As always.
Well I rather pay Tannenhill than Foles.
you would lol
S Kurt Coleman to seek $1.5-$2 million annually.
Coming off a year where he played only 74 defensive
snaps for the Eagles, Coleman was highly effective as the Chiefs’ No. 4
safety in 2014. He notched 37 tackles, three interceptions and a forced
fumble despite playing a modest 396 snaps. Still only 27 (in July),
Coleman could get a chance to compete for a starting job, but is still best suited to a reserve role.
Isn’t that like what we are paying Nate? Nate sucks but for what we are paying him he provided solid value
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I’m worried that the new DB coach Uldin or whatever his name is bringing Rahim Moore with him when I think Searcy is a better plYer
Nate allen 62 tackles, 4 picks, 5 pbus , 1 sack on 3x more snaps.
Jenkins had the most snaps of any D player (i didn’t realize that). Whitner was second (by 4 snaps).
Whitner threw me at first, but did you mean Jenkins had to the most snaps for a D player on any team, not just the Eagles?
That explains why Jenkins had also the most dropped pick 6’s. 😉
yup. 1154 or ~72 snaps a game. Cary williams was third.
I’d thought the Eagles were miles ahead in terms of D snaps so surprised Whitner was that close. Maybe the figures I saw were comparing us to the NFL average.
Oh, and Nate had about 1,041 too many snaps.
where did this recent media crap originate? the notion that the eagles might have to chose between Maclin and Shady? and im not supposed to call people dumb? newsflash, eagles dont care how much they are paying a RB or a WR.. front offices dont look at things that way, sorry to break it to the media..
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front Office are concerned with how much they are spending on a position as a whole, oftening trying to find the best balance of a few expensive veteran contracts mixed with a few cheaper rookie contracts to make up a certain position… how much we are paying for a WR and RB is of no concern.
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the concern is can we fit Maclin and Shadys salary in how much we are trying to allocate for a position as a whole…
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Maclin is a no brainer, since Brad smiths contract is coming off the books, and because everyone knows Coop is getting his contract ripped up after next season.. so the Eagles can pay Maclin whatever they want since basically after this year the rest of the WR corp will be all on cheap rookie deals for the next 3 years that arent even round 1 money… fitting in Maclins pay if its a problem, would only be a problem until we rip up coops contract next year, so you can easily count on maclin being here regardless of what the media is saying…,
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As for Shady, he makes alot of money, but what we pay Maclin has no bearing on the shady decision. As of now, shady is making big money, sproles is on a modest deal with what 1, 2 years left on it, and polk is still on a cheap rookie contract.. i assume paying Shady wont be a problem up until we have to give sproles or polk a new deal, but that could be a non issue…
If shady isnt here this year, i would assume it would be because chip loved a particular RB that we end up drafting high this year.. but i dont really see how paying shady, sproles, and Polk this year would be problematic. truth is, the eagles wont spend every dollor of their cap anyway.. i assume there will be like 5mil-10mil left of cap space after we are done cutting and signing next years team… if you arent so strapped for cash that you have to spend your entire salary cap, I dont see why you would want to cut Shady. Thinking he has atleast 1 big season left and yuo dont have to draft RB years ahead of when you need them,..RB is one of the few positions you can ask a rookie RB to play…
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ultimately the decision on shady and Maclin will come down to how chip wants to reconfigure those positions, i dont believe that paying Maclin has any bearing whatsoever on the decision on shady
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its criminal that no one has yet to create a Maclin Highlight video of this past year set to the song “return of the Mac”
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when the eagles have to pay josh huff and Pope, thats when they wont want to keep paying Maclin, they will franchise him this year if they have to
You’re starting to sound more and more like Dave Spadaro…
Ooh Shots fired! lol
oh no he didnt!!!!
We’ve gone there already, he’s addressed it already. Just come over to the dark side.
do you prefer dumb media crapping on say a Malcolm Jenkins signing, because they dont view Jenkins to have as big of a name as Byrd and Ward?….
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i often disagree with Tom, and this time of year i get what you would make that statement around free agent and draft time, but atleast you can count on tom putting in the work to have his own oppinion rather than pass along some bullshit the rest of our monkey media is reciting…
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Tom was one of the few that was high on Marcus long before the eagles ever drafted him.. most of us in that category knew how raw Marcus was and how he most likely wasnt going to provide much instant gratification as a rookie.. we expected this, and still wanted Marcus, so how can you really expect smeone to be negative about Marcus when they lked him, expecting him not to produce this year..
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edge rusher isnt a draft and plug position like RB or maybe Guard… edge rushers often have to spend their rookie year getting stronger before they can ever produce at the NFL level… if someone understood this and still saw the potentia;l in why the eagles would like Marcus, you cant really expect them to be down on him at this point, if he expected everything that happened with Marcus this year
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his best case scenario was a few 3rd down passing scenarios late in the season, that was the most gratificatin he ever had a chance of proviuding as a rookie…. but that is no reason to be down on the young mana future,,, no gm drafts players because of what they will give you as a rookie, forget that he had 3 quasi probowl OLBs in front of him
He’s heard it before and he’ll hear it again. It’s not true but w/e.
I am picturing your avatar photo making a W with his fingers while saying “whut-eva” with a head shake and eye roll.
I hate to say this, but if you have a problem with Toms coverage, i dont know what media member you could possibly respect.
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i swear i wont visit another local media site. I literally dont care what Les Bowan, Zack berman or elliot jackass parker, the philadelphia jason LaConshithead has to say. i visit 3 sites, this site, Eagles site, and rotoworld for national news… you cant get m,e to read another local media site other then Sheils all 22,… coverage of this team is putrid, i dont get how Tom can be ripped considering ur other options are shit
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if you have a problem with Toms coverage, I cant imagine what media member you actually respect in this hack city… heck i think the fact that Tom isnt local, helps him not get caught up in our medias stupidity
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if you have a problem with Tomns coverage, no disrespect but I have to assume you look to Mike Misanelli for your info lol
that’s the reality. If you want gossip go other places, but if you want analysis (especially scouting) plus comments by people that know something, this is really the only spot.
sad but true…. its hard out there for eagle fans with a clue lol
@ A_T_G
Email sent, but if you are looking for tips on coping with the in-home LASIK “recovery” period, I got nothing.
on one hand we have Seattles GM talking publically about how Wilson is smart and wants to win so he will give the seahawks a home town discount, on the other hand we have reports that a GM,HC,DC all on the hot seat in Miami might hand 105Million Dollar extension to Tannehill?
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Curious to see if Luck plays the good soldier, or if he ends up signing the most lucrative contract in the NFL. on one hand, he deserves the mnoney for carrying that franchise with the slop artound him… that hack grigson was making excuses for Bjoern werner not being active in the playoffs to cover one of his many bonehead decisions.. I would NEVER give Russel wilson max money. That little shit has the best defense of the past decade and the top RB in the NFL helping him win… Luck is a different story, his supportiung cast blows. RBs are a dime a dozen yet the colts cant even get a half decent RB for a 1st round pick? Luck deserves every penny because i dont know he can trust that if he gives them a discount they would use that money to sorround him with the best players… as long as Grigson calls the shots, i wouldnt give them a penny discount if I was Luck… not with the run game and defense they put around him after 3 years to build it
100%
your boy Jarvis Landry HORSED this season, mostr under rated rookie WR…. please dont tell me we picked Huff head of him? im afraid to check lol….. tho I do like Huff
No Landry went top of 3rd (or maybe late second). He is what we thought he was, i’m sure once they clear out the rest of those crappy WRs (hartline, gibson, etc.) he’ll be a star. Wonder if him and ODB are working out together this offseason.
Any LSU prospects this year — those guys have been ballin.
Jalen Collins, the CB… assume the eagles will have him as one of the more higher rated CB’s
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Jarvis lack of speed sure didnt seem to hurt him at this level… combine warriors arent everything
Landry did well, mind you, but he averaged less than 10 yards a catch. He’s a Jason Avant with a higher usage rate. Good player, obviously, but he’s not going to get much better than he was last year. Not a lot of upside.
He was the slot and a great ST players, i think he’ll get more usage next year as he climbs the depth chart #fantasysleeper
Be interesting to see who is better – he or huff.
I think Huff will be a flash player but consistency wise Landry is much better. He was drafted higher too, so it’s not like we chose Huff over Landry. Granted, we chose Huff over Donte Montcrief and Martavis Bryant.
if Marcus smith’s second year is similar to Bjoern Werner, then its fairt to start ripping the kid, even if he still has a chance of being late bloomer like Brandon Graham… its moronic to rip rookies, but after year two, you should start seeing a nice jump in improvement, if improvement from yer 1 to year 2 isnt evident, while i dont neccessarily agree with it, its fair to start ripping a pick…
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but how dumb do the people look who ripped Curry after year 2? just sayin…
kid just had 9 sacks in 30% of snaps, and it should have been 11 sacks..thats scary pss rush production out of a puppy
Lets just remind these people that all pass rushers aren’t the same. Me personally I still wouldn’t right off Smith if he isn’t a stud next year, he may still need more time to develop.
Not directed at you Geags, you know the deal. But can everyone please use Jerry Hughes as a damn comparison to Smith!!..Hughes recorded 1 sack in his first two years. 1 DAMN SACK!!.. Let that sink in everyone because I know half the people now are clamoring for Hughes now. it took him until his 3rd year to put it all together.
Just really dumb how people don’t seem to understand that pass rushers must really work on there art. Curry is another prime example like you say bro.
If the DL keeps balling we’ll have a lot of production from our LBs.
well said mate… and you are absolutely right, personally i wont rip Marcus if he doesnt break out in year two, this kid only been playing linebacker for a few years… and the player development curve isnt the same for every kid,… but im working on the stupidity of ripping rookies, once my mission to civilize is complete, ill worry about schooling them not to write off a kid in year two lol…. Curry didnt even dress every game for us in year two, and that kid has a nose for hunting QBs…
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i would love to draft kids that can beast for us in year 1 and year 2, but Ultimately, I just care that the kids we draft, grow enough over the course of their rookie contracts to be players we dont want to lose when their rookie contracts expire.
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i dont care when Marcus starts to produce, if when his rookie contract expiresd we arent willing to lose him, that will make him a successful draft pick… if we dont re sign you when your contract expires, you probably werent a great pick, of course their are special cases where scheme changes come into play like Curry
I want me some Jerry Hughes. Still crossing fingers that he hits the open market somehow…
uhhh I WISH…. rex Ryan KNOWS DEFENSE…. no shot brother 🙁
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pernell McPhee probably best transitions to our multi front scheme
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every year i find myself wanting to poach Bills players…WTF lol this year i want Searcy, then ill want Kiko lol, i adore Marcel Dareus but his court case makes him worthless to chip, Mario Williams, Corey Graham, Leodis… love that defense damn it
Ok let me ask you why you would want Jerry Hughes here? I understand I just made a case for him just now but he was an absolute failure as a 3-4 backer. He found a home at DE and it wouldn’t make sense to make him swtich positions again. I like the kid as a player but not at the price he would want and at the cost of changing positions again.
Oi, don’t rip my German fella. lol
Dee Ford was the guy people wanted over Smith, he hardly played in KC despite having almost no competition for the #3 LB spot, whereas Smith was blocked by Graham.
However, this brings up an interesting point, the 2 OLBs with the most sacks in this draft went in the 5th round, it seems with pass rushers, if you don’t get them early, they’re often a crap shoot. Allen 4th rd, Cole 5th rd, etc.
I think Smith got drafted early, because the Eagles couldn’t trade down, and because they were fixated on taking a pass rusher – Bitonio was a better prospect but an OG. However, if you’re gonna reach, pick up a 3rd rd picks while doing so.
People presume pass rushers should get double digit sacks each year, but the truth is even the top guys generally average 7-8 sacks per year, very few can put up JJ Watt numbers, JPP is more typical – 42 sacks in 5 seasons.
So if Smith can become a 6-8 sack a year OLB who is above average in coverage and has the flexibility to move inside when needed, he’s worth a late 1st round pick – don’t compare him to guys who go in the top 15.
well said…perfectly fair
Don’t attack my boy Sheard, you know I have a man crush on that man lol. But on to some stats he had 9 sacks his first year and 7 in his second year. Please lets start the petition to get my boy Jabaal Sheard in Philly.
Ok now that my daily Jabaal Sheard rant is done I can get on to that comment lol. I like McPhee a lot to brotha. He was an absolute beast this past year. I know he wasn’t a starter but he did play BG’s role better then BG did. The potential is there if the opportunity is given. He was a monster against the run as well. I wouldn’t mind Worilds either.
heck man i wanted to trade BG for him the year chip signed… love that Violent Mofo…they had signed Kruger and drafted Mingo
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think he had 5 sacks one year… i know injuries and lack of playing time also played into his stats, so id love to add him even if his past numbers arent crazy
Yea man for all the talent Cleveland has acquired, man do they suck. I am sure Sheard wants out as much as every other good player on that roster.
its really sad how bad they are… figured they had a new GM, TONS OF MONEY, TONS of DRAFT Picks, and they are still a mess… both their first round picks, manziel and justin Gilbert are jackasses..
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it eats away at me that jackass franchise stole christian Kirksey from my loving arms… never seen ANYONE talk about that kid before i ever did, and the friggin Browns of all teams steal him?
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has Mingo ever started to play good?
Yea man Haslem looks like the next Dan Snyder as an owner. Such a shame that players like Kirskey, Sheard, Robertson, Phil Taylor, Joe Haden, Bitonio, Crowell, Gipson ( I know there are more I just thought of these guys of the top of my head) are stuck in that hellhole in Cleveland. I would take any of those players in a heartbeat.
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Speaking of body types not made for OLB in the NFL, Mingo is a perfect example and he played defense forever. At least Marcus Smith can say he was a QB at one point. He has not put it together yet after a promising rookie year. He might be another one that may just need a scenery change.
Dee Ford was the guy people wanted over Smith
At the time I remember everyone thought Lee was the obvious pick. Personally I’d have liked Bucannon, Joyner or Roby but for diferring reasons one or two of them were unlikely. Dee had his fans but he certainly wasn’t the consensus.
I think the difficulty most people have with MSII is we felt at the time he was a reach and 12 months on he still looks that way. He may still turn out to be just fine and provide reasonable return on #26 but any optimism for him isn’t based on anything he’s done in the NFL and it’s very hard to imagine we’ll ever view him as a great or even good pick.
Do we get so see more of AF on here going forward, or is it just an anomaly?!
How do you take time off of an elite pass rusher and a good one? Apples to oranges situations.
Don’t think Bitinio was ever on the Eagles board. He sucked at getting to the second level and there was no film of him moving in space.
Plus if all the OL had stayed healthy like all the OLB did, Bitinio wouldn’t have played either.
really pathetic how much power we give to Mel Kiper… we take that hacks word over our front office? we judge our front offices drafts by the bullshit expectations Mel Kiper puts in our brains…how pathetic is that? our local media is ready to crucify the eagles the moment their opinion doesnt match the crap kiper led you to believe? thats insanity when you think about it… no offense, but our front office BETTER KNOW how to evaluate prospects better than that jerk off…
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crucifying our front office the moment their decisions dont match the crap mel kiper told you? about a year ago, not too far away from the draft, mel Kiper was mocking Timmy Jernigan in the top 5… i understand if you make that mistake a year before the draft, but how the hell can you be so off, just a few months away from the draft? and this is what we go by to judge the great chip kellys prospect evaluations?….smh… how the fuck does this make sense to anyone….
[…] The rest of the article can be found here: Iggles Blitz […]
Starting on Monday, next week, NFL teams can use the franchise tags on their own soon to become Free Agents. Let’s try to put together a list of those players who will most likely be tagged. I’ll start with:
– Dez Bryant
Justin Houston
Demaryius Thomas
Bradley Fletcher
Bradley Fletcher can’t be tagged three years in a row.
steelers said they are willing to tag Worlids again, assuming they are worried about the titans poaching him.
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Maclin might end up tagged but that would happen at the last minute after we exhausted any attempt at long term deal.
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Bills are working on Jerry Hughes extension, I would assume he gets tagged if they cant come to terms. Rex Ryan wont take a job anmd then take away his top pass rusher.
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assume Houston ends up getting Tagged, probably cheaper than what you have to pay him to get an extension done lol
,..
‘McCourty will get Tagged
.,.
Maxwell may be tagged, even if it isnt talked baout yet
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Assume Denver extends Demaryius and Tags Julius… hopefully allowing us to steal Virgil Greene away from them, since they after worry about Julius Thomas and Tamme contract expiring, in addition to Virgil… 3 TE’s contracts expiring, fingers crossed we can steel Virgil
Isn’t there a penalty or consequence for franchising two years in a row?
for worlids? he was transition tagged not franchised. I think there is a penalty if you franchise twice.
3 types of Franchise tags:
Exclusive: Player can’t negotiate, he belongs to that team.
Non-Exclusive: Player can negotiate with other teams but if player leaves, original team gets 2 first round picks.
Transition: Guarantees avg of top 10 salary for 1 year, but player allowed to negotiate. Team gets 7 days to match, if player leaves, no compensation.
Twice tagged is 120% of previous year’s salary. That’s practically a guarantee of being highest paid at the position.
Not sure. Rotiwirld reported today that the steelers claim to be willing to tag him again
Good list. The only one I don’t see being tagged is Maxwell, which doesn’t unfortunately mean he’ll be an Eagle.
If the Steelers tag Worilds for a second year in a row that would be showing the hard line from a business point of view. Really like that kid in Philly and he wanted to come here last year already. So why keep him behind yellow and black bars?!
I really like this RB class:
2. C.J. Spiller
3. Ryan Mathews
4. Mark Ingram
5. Justin Forsett
6. Frank Gore
7. Shane Vereen
8. Stevan Ridley
9. Roy Helu
10. Ahmad Bradshaw
OLB, and interior Dlineman also seem pretty deep. I could also live with some of the non-big name cornerbacks (parish cox?). But WR / TE / OL seem pretty thin.
Posted this, Danny Watkins scouting report, just for laughs. ( http://ourlads.blogspot.com/2012/09/draft-rewind-2011-danny-watkins.html ) Emphasis, on his projected draft placement. ( 2nd – 3rd round ) Also, so much for him being a ” physical ” athlete. See – ( Webster dictionary ) – ” SOFT ” – easy to press, bend, cut , etc. : not hard or firm – see : Danny Watkins.