Hints From Dave
Posted: March 2nd, 2016 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 247 Comments »Every year I remind you to read Dave Spadaro’s posts carefully as we approach the beginning of offseason activity. Dave isn’t allowed to come out and spill the beans on what will happen, but he can sometimes give us good hints. Let’s look at a recent column.
Speaking of the offensive line, how do the Eagles improve up front? They have a new scheme and perhaps more power football is in the offing and they’re going to add competition to the current roster. What kind of talent pool there will be in free agency, I don’t know. Offensive linemen are like gold in the NFL. Every team wants the same thing. The draft appears to provide some options as the early reports on prospects, for what those reports are worth, suggest that the offensive line has some good players to be drafted. This isn’t going to be a “sexy” kind of personnel-acquisition period ahead, as I see it. Meat and potatoes. Help, if it’s available for the offensive line. Maybe a defensive piece. Possibly a rotational-kind of wide receiver who can also help on special teams. Who knows? Everything is a guess at this point.
Interesting. “Meat and potatoes”. That sounds like what this team needs. Go find a starting OG in free agency. Add more quality OL in the draft. Maybe pursue a starting Safety in free agency (aka “defensive piece”). Add a veteran WR to the mix (but not a star).
More on WR.
- I’ve heard fans ask about wide receiver and the idea of “going out and getting a big-time player” for the group, and I just don’t see it happening that way. Yes, the wide receivers must be more consistent and productive, some of that, from this perspective, is going to come from an improvement with the current group. And, yeah, the Eagles could add a veteran in free agency who can help both as a receiver and on special teams, and the draft is always an option, although the Eagles have already used picks in Rounds 1, 2 and 3 on the position. It will be interesting to see how that group looks by the time the roster is largely complete.
First, I don’t think there are any real true stars available so that affects things. The Eagles had to overpay for CB Byron Maxwell last year because the cupboard was so bare. WR is different. The Eagles have Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor and Josh Huff in place. The team needs to get better, but that group does have talent and has played well at times.
The Eagles will add WR help, but can be smart shoppers. They don’t need to overpay a player. Roddy White was just cut by the Falcons. The Eagles shouldn’t pay him any attention for the next month. If White is still on the market in April and nothing else worked out, maybe you talk to him. He is a declining player. There is no reason to run over and offer him a deal. Look at the market and see what else is out there. Nate Washington is a veteran starter, but is several years younger than White. Or maybe the team looks at Andre Holmes, who has started and played on STs. With no great targets, the Eagles need to be smart shoppers.
One young player the Eagles need to bounce back is CB JaCorey Shepard.
I caught up with JaCorey Shepherd the other day and the second-year cornerback is salivating at the chance to get on the field after missing 2015 with a torn ACL suffered in Training Camp. “I can’t wait. I’m here (NovaCare Complex) every day and I can’t get enough of it, working hard, pushing myself,” he said. “I’ve had a positive attitude through the whole rehab and I feel really confident that I’m going to get out there and play well. I stayed in the meetings last year and learned a lot. Coach Cory (Undlin, defensive backs coach) worked with me and made sure I was sharp mentally, so I’m looking to pick up where I left off.” The Eagles were very high on Shepherd, a sixth-round draft pick last year, before the injury. He had a chance to earn some playing time as the inside nickel cornerback.
Shepard could challenge for a starting spot on the outside or push for the Nickel job. The Eagles liked him quite a bit last year and I think that will carry over to the new group that is in charge.
*****
Let’s talk QB for a second. No, not that one. I’m giving him the day off. How about Paxton Lynch? Apparently the Eagles were the first team to meet with him at the Combine.
Does that mean anything? I have no idea. I have never before heard that a player met with a certain team first. Probably means nothing, but it is worth filing away as a nugget of interest.
I like Lynch quite a bit. He reminds me of a cross between Ben Roethlisberger and Ryan Leaf. I’m sure many of you will go nuts when you read that second name, but that’s because you only know Leaf the NFL failure and troubled adult. While in college, he was a great player and a prospect I loved to watch. I was a huge fan of his Washington State teams. There was a reason many teams had him rated higher than Peyton Manning back in 1998. Leaf was incredibly gifted and had terrific upside.
Lynch did have some bad games this year. I need to study those carefully to get a better feel for what was his fault and what was due to playing better competition.
I generally don’t like tall QBs, but Lynch is different due to his athleticiam. He can move and he’s not afraid to run. I don’t want Drew Bledsoe sitting in the pocket and just taking a beating. I want a QB that can move around as well as standing tall in the pocket.
*****
Back to free agency for a minute. One OG the Eagles could be targeting is Jeff Allen from KC. Here is an excellent article on him.
To that end, Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said he likes what the 6-foot-4, 306-pound Allen — who was a part of an offensive line group that showed much more nastiness this year, as a whole — brought to the team.
“I don’t think it’s fair to single out one individual (for that attitude), but I think it’s collectively, it’s the actual group itself,” Dorsey said. “It’s (coaches) Andy Heck and it’s Eugene Chung that helped foster the unity of this group.
“I thought Jeff, when he was asked to step in, he stepped in and did very nicely.”
Other teams will likely notice that, too. In a league where offensive line play has been largely uneven in recent years, an experienced player like Allen — a former top-50 draft-pick who has started 36 career games, has playoff experience and is just entering his prime — should have no shortage of suitors next week.
Allen, who missed practically all of 2014 with a biceps injury but played hurt on at least one occasion this year, has his fair share of fans around the league.
“Offensive guard is not a position a lot of people spend a lot of time talking about, but you need guards, and you need good guards,” said senior NFL Films producer Greg Cosell. “I think he’s a quality guard. If you sign him, you can run a multiple run game and you’d be set for the length of his contract. He’d be a solid guard for you.”
Cosell said Allen — who could be spotted standing up for his teammates on multiple occasions this year — is scheme versatile, too.
“He’s kind of a bad-bodied guy who moves better than his body would suggest,” Cosell said. “I think because of that, he could fit in a zone scheme, I think he could fit in a gap scheme … I think he can do both and I think he’s effective at both.”
By the way, the Eugene Chung mentioned above is now the Eagles assistant OL coach. You would have to think Allen is someone the Eagles will have interest in.
_
Any interest in Brandon LaFell, just cut by the Pats?
Not really. He also drops too many passes.
So it’s a culture fit.
Sadly.
he prob dropped passes at a higher rate than the Eagles WRs.
So he would make us appreciate the other guys?
sure the same way Miles Austin did, if you enjoyed him on the team.
Miles Austin? He was never on the team. He was a Cowboy.
Next you are going to try to tell me the Giant, Steve Smith, was on the team, too.
Some things I really like about Lynch is his ability to frequently place the ball where the receiver doesn’t have to slow down, especially on screens. It may not seem like a big deal but how many times has a screen not worked well because the receiver has to reach back for the ball and not catch it picking up speed. In regards to the amount of short throws he makes: I think part of it has to do with the line. They are porous so calling screens fools the defense even more than normal because they think,” hey this line sucks, we’re gonna get the qb!” I was looking for some down the field throws by Lynch and there were a couple that stood out to me in the Ole Miss game. One was a beautiful 30 yard out from the opposite side of the field.
Worth considering, but I’d offer this from Bucky Brooks to give folks some pause on Lynch.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000612645/article/memphis-paxton-lynch-doesnt-have-look-of-nflready-qb
Brooks basically has Lynch labeled as “developmental”, so that leaves me leery of taking him at 13 because he’s not a sure thing.
Brooks slaps the decwlepmental label on him for one bad game agaisnt Auburn where, apparently his coach of 3 years wasnt even there. Yes he needs some time but the bottom line is, if Pederson likes him, this is the perfect time to get his qb and let him sit. Chip never got that luxury through his own fault or someone else.
Give me Jeff Allen and George Lloka in free agency along with resigning Nolan Carroll and I would be excited. Then as Tommy mentioned we can be smart shoppers with a veteran WR. Fast forward to end of April & we can draft BPA throughout the draft and pray that Howie and company can get the job done and hit on several of our draft picks. If we can move back and recoup our 2nd round pick so be it, but I think we can get a stud O-linemen at #13 if we stand pat. Would anyone else sign a contract right now for the above to unfold for our Eagles? I think I would. I would love to hear any replies with their wish list for free agency and the draft. Of course I was trying to be realistic given our cap situation w/ approximately 19 million minus 4-5 million for rookie class to be accounted for.
I’m on board with that. Not sure we can land Caroll, but Allen and Iloka would be my 2 priorities. Ditch Sanchez for more cap space, sign a vet receiver like Roddy White or Boldin. Then hit BPA in the draft, including Lynch if he’s still there. And if they like him. I think we can pick up O-line help throughout the draft.
Dig everything you’re saying, but I’d only consider Lynch BPA at a spot lower than 13. I don’t think he’s enough of a sure thing to justify a selection at that spot.
Can you get me a 2nd O-lineman instead of Carroll?
Two FA Lineman? Highly unlikely… But im sure you can have two OL from the draft
Give me Amini Silatolu and Keenan Robinson as buy low guys and Jeff Allen and Illoka and I’ll be pumped.
Would you even care about Jeff Allen if Pederson didn’t come from KC?
Of course, we wouldn’t. Then again, ANY OL addition to the mess we had at LG or RG would be an improvement.
That said, if Allen does sign in Philadelphia, a main reason will be because Pederson wanted him to come here due to his familiarity with him. Though, I’m sure the money would also be a lure as well.
I like it. I like it, A LOT.
So we are signing Rishard Matthews? Good special teams player that had 40 catches for the dolphins last year. Could be a good #3 option for us.
That could work considering I have zero faith / trust in Huff ever turning a corner.
he’s my #1 WR FA target
GODLY writing by Benoit. Take this as a warning to anybody who wants to foolishly promote that the Eagles add a run around type guy at QB; they don’t learn how to pass like adults in most cases.
http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/03/02/colin-kaepernick-robert-griffin-rg3-trade-future
MM, I know you’re not of fan of Lynch. But at 7, he sure seems like a Chip kind of QB.
Here is a trade down and get Lynch draft
Round 1 Pick 20 (NYJ): Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis (B)
Round 2 Pick 20 (NYJ): Darian Thompson, FS, Boise State (A)
Round 3 Pick 14: Landon Turner, OG, North Carolina (A)
Round 3 Pick 16: Deion Jones, OLB, LSU (A-)
Round 3 Pick 20 (NYJ): Spencer Drango, OG/OT, Baylor (B+)
Round 4 Pick 15: Kenny Lawler, WR, California (A+)
Round 5 Pick 14: Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State (A+)
Round 5 Pick 23: Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State (A)
Round 6 Pick 13: Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU (A)
Round 7 Pick 12: Aaron Green, RB, TCU (A)
Round 7 Pick 30: De’Vondre Campbell, OLB, Minnesota (A+)
And a trade up for Goff. Jacksonville had the Niners pick, and I used 13 and next year’s one to move up.
Round 1 Pick 7 (S.F.): Jared Goff, QB, California (A+)
Round 3 Pick 14: Deion Jones, OLB, LSU (A-)
Round 3 Pick 16: Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State (A)
Round 4 Pick 15: Kenny Lawler, WR, California (A+)
Round 5 Pick 14: Deiondre’ Hall, CB, Northern Iowa (A+)
Round 5 Pick 23: Ronald Blair, DE, Appalachian State (A)
Round 6 Pick 13: Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple (B+)
Round 7 Pick 12: Isaac Seumalo, OG, Oregon State (C+)
Round 7 Pick 30: T.J. Green, FS, Clemson (B+)
I’m not on board with any QB in the early rounds. With the short-ish term signing of Bradford, that that leaves the Eagles with the “luxury” of a “meat-grinder” pick at the top, where they need to “beef up.” Apologies for the air quotes.
I believe they can find a sleeper QB in the mid to latter rounds and use the cushion that the Bradford re-signing provides to groom him.
Don’t worry, you won’t see Dumb shit like the Eagles package ALL our Top 100 picks to trade for a QB in this draft… trading up to #7 for a QB would cost both 3rd round picks, no shot the Eagles ONLY come away with a QB in the first 3 rounds….doesmt get more unrealistic than that
When did the Eagles ever do that?
I could see chip do some dumb shit like that, but im not sure Baalke is that bat shit crazy yet… Niners have a lot of picks, highly doubt they are interested in more picks over one of the top 2 QBs in the draft
..
A team that has BLAINE Gabbert, KAp who will end up forcing his way out of San Fran, who already has plenty of picks has to be Braindead to do this type of deal with us… But I guess we can’t rule it out when talking about a mess of a San Fran franchise
..
I would hate to trade away our entire draft for Goff… We already don’t have a second round pick, trade up for Goff means we won’t pick again TIL round 4, terrible idea!!
No safeties from Clemson please.
Not a Dawk fan?
lol, actually one of the biggest. Just this draft. Referencing the FBS championship game. They were horrible, Blown coverages, bad reads, bad angles, bad tackling, just plain bad.
[…] Hints From Dave – Iggles BlitzThe Eagles will add WR help, but can be smart shoppers. They don’t need to overpay a player. Roddy White was just cut by the Falcons. The Eagles shouldn’t pay him any attention for the next month. If White is still on the market in April and nothing else worked out, maybe you talk to him. He is a declining player. There is no reason to run over and offer him a deal. Look at the market and see what else is out there. Nate Washington is a veteran starter, but is several years younger than White. Or maybe the team looks at Andre Holmes, who has started and played on STs. With no great targets, the Eagles need to be smart shoppers. […]
I hate it when the media talks about who we are talking to at the combine, and I hate articles that say “Eagles showed Interest at a certain position during the combine”.. What a load of crap, the Eagles and Every other franchise do their homework on majority of prospects and they investigate all the position groups….now if you want to list guys who the Eagles met with multiple times, Combine, pro day, bring into Novacare for a visit, that makes some sense to me…. But pointing out who we talk to at the combine annoys me. As if they didn’t investigate 98% of the kids who are supposed to be top 100 picks
good news is Spadaro printed the same things that have been said on this board for the last 3 months and now they are nuggets. OG,WR and safety. Secrets out now…
Think safety will be the most expensive free agent contract we hand out..
.
Maybe target like the 8th best FA guard
..
We Probably will add a WR, but I expect him to be more of a miles Austin/Avant type, instead of a guy who will be a major contributor on offense
.
Hopefully Nolan is extended on a two year deal, but he may prefer a one year prove it deal to get his value up
It is the off season and they have to write about something. I am not reading any proclamations that we are drafting Lynch because we met with him first, but gathering scraps of information and trying to guess which ones fit into the picture is all we have. What articles do you want to see written?
Any article as long as it isn’t about Bradford anymore.
I don’t mind it. Filler articles are to be expected at this time of year. Additionally, we may get analysis and some links to clips of the prospects in some of them.
Not every franchise does their homework in the same way, or on the same level.
here we go with rainbows and sunny skies where everyday is 76 degrees. Oh, there goes a unicorn (trying to get a selfie with the unicorn behind me is proving difficult)
….
“The team needs to get better, but that group does have talent and has played well at times.” — That’s all I’ve been hearing for 2 years. Can someone tell me how/when this wr group — specifically Huff — has talent?
….
JM regressed big time after a very good rookie season. Aggie – pass, just a rookie last year. Huff? Give me a break. Huff is/was/always will be a dime a dozen wr.
….
So – for the Eagles “group” is hoping JM not only gets better – but a huge leap better than last season(asking a ton) and Huff to produce something — anything — and a 2nd year wr — yes – I see the all the talent “giddiness”….do I bring up the great depth there too?
That might not be the best place to stand in relation to a shifty unicorn. On a per animal basis, unicorn-related goreing are infinitely more common than any other horned animal. #TheMoreYouKnow.
quick true story (related where to stand) … seals showed up in this area a couple of weeks ago. NY news reporter shows up and asks Capt. to take him by the seals to do a report. Capt agrees. Next day — Capt gets fined by Feds for “being to close to wildlife in a state park” …
Hold up, I’m pretty sure Minotaurs are responsible for more goring related injuries/deaths than unicorns. Then again, if you consider a Minotaur to be a man rather than an animal… they wouldn’t be responsible for more goring because that title belongs to Hermann Goring.
Wasnt the Minotaur technically a demi-god?
Half human/half bull. I’m not going to get into the details because this site is PG-13.
lol maybe the story I remember is made up in my head!
Perhaps for terrestrial creatures. I think you’ll find the narwhal at the top of the list for your marine-based impalings. #AquaticTruth
Oh come on. I just Googled narwhal. No one is going to believe that is a real thing.
I do. The Narwhal is my spirit animal. :)-
I see nothing but unfulfilled talent in this WR group. I guess you and I just have a completely different eye. I would personally take all 3 of our guys above the rest of the East other than ODBjr and Dez. I’m probably stretching Huff for Desean just to strengthen my argument…. but maybe not. ODB and Dez are probably the 1-2 WR in the NFL right now, so I don’t see that as an indictment on their talent.
LMAO. Other than Dez and ODB. Um, that’s 1/2 the nfc east. Pick your 2, any two, and they don’t even come close to mac/djax. So let’s start there. Mac/Dj were a good/to very good combo. That makes JM/Aggie = “ok”….
…..
We do have a different eye — you’re hoping they pan out. My eye is based on performance. JM is doing “ok” even after a down year. Aggie is, so far, only promise. Huff will be parking cars in 2 years.
…..
We have no choice but see this “unfulfilled” talent you speak of and I hope you’re right. But as of today – this group is weak.
2 WR are half of the NFC east? See I thought each team had more than 1 guy. No seriously though there are at least 10 WR in the East other than those two and if 3 are our talented guys I mentioned…I like them more than 7 guys (at least).
I see the discrepancy though. You interchange talent with performance. By your definition Riley Cooper was talented as all get out in 13’… but had no talent last year. Does not compute.
Can’t wait to see Huff get 600+ yards out of the slot. I think the odds of his “breakout” to that level are as good as any other guy who has yet to break out as a 3rd round pick. I have a feeling you would think 600 yards out of the slot is still bad though.
jordan Mathews is literally already waking up at 5:30am every day to catch Tennis balls from the Jug Machine…
..
WR need to improve, but not via outside help. The WR group will only be as good as our young WRs… That position needs to improve from young players elevating tbeir game. Outside help that will fIX our WR issues is unrealistic. They could draft a WR, of sigń some cheap veteran a level about Miles Austin, but the WR will only go as far as the young WRs take us..
..
Good news: young players with work ethic Improve! Hopefully they will recieve better coaching under Greg Lewis than they did from that Hack Bicknell…
..
WR should also improve as they build more chemistry with Bradford. We take for Granted how hard it is for a QB to only start practicing with a new team on August 1st, giving him only one month to prepare for having to run a new offense, and throw to new weapons before the season starts…. Allowing SAM to have an entire offseason with his WRs should be huge for us…
..
Very interested in seeing what a Smart, accurate QB can do in a timing based west coast offense…. We desperately Need a big jump in growth from Agholar
I know – Debbie downer — but JM woke up early and used the jug machine all during last pre-season as well. Didn’t help him. Maybe he needs some confidence? Sometimes, extremely smart people tense up during an exam. Maybe that’s his issue. Game time he tenses up a bit?
…..
I would image it’s hard(if not impossible) to find a veteran wr (who would have any kind of impact on offense AND be willing to play ST’s. Like you said – unless one is drafted this wr group is who they are.
…..
Agholar is the guy to watch. The game should slow down for him this year. A more “friendly” camp will help him IMHO.
Yeah, the WR group will mostly improve by further developing our young WR.. If they add a FA, doubt he is more than a Miles Austin/Avant type, not someone who will be a starting WR for us..
..
We need serious growth from AGHOLAR and Jordan has to take that next step in year 3. If Huff doesn’t show something, this could be his last year here. He needs to contribute each and every week. Can’t Dissapear for entire games
..
I don’t worry about Jordan, kid is going to be a quality starting WR, the question is when? Going into year 3, with the same QB two years in a row should be a big help
..
The Eagles only have 3 NFL WR under contract, so I don’t think we NEED “hints from Dave” to know that we are adding a WR, especially when we can’t draft two of them this year, you can’t assume Krause and Martino are NFL WRs, so at least two WR will be added this offseason, but I don’t expect them to be better than Jordan and Nelson.. Terrible year for FA WR’s, teams are going to pay Good Money, for average free agent WRs….no thanks
..
Hopefully switching from Bicknell to Greg Lewis will have a big positive effect on the young WRs..
I agree. I was really impressed last year and blown away by his work ethic etc. I’m not anymore. now I’m just like go out and catch the ball.
Agholor has all the talent in the world, but there’s never a guarantee. There was so much systemic failure on the team last year, it’s tough to say what Agholor would’ve done on a more stable team. I just hope it doesn’t ruin him like a young talented QB can get ruined by a crappy O-line. If we’re talking about where to invest resources, I think it’s pretty clear that the optimal use of resources isn’t at WR this year because there’s more significant potential for growth here (compared to other positions like OL).
I want Huff to succeed but I’m far from bullish on him. It’s not like he came into a completely new situation with CK as coach. Dude has serious physical tools, but there seems to be something missing with his concentration or detail work or something. Really disappointing.
I don’t think Ags will look at his rookie year as a complete failure. He had the injury, and some bumps along the way, but he also had some pretty sick high-lights. I think those high-lights should be enough to give him the confidence that he can be a star in the NFL.
I think pressure is a very real possible issue with JM. There are tons of factors you can point to. He was thrust into the “star” role. Sam not playing most of the summer, backed up by the uptick in production at the end of the season. He could of let the drops get to him, and have a snowballing mental effect. Not to mention the dreaded sophomore slump that used to be so common in the NFL.
I expected 1300 yards and 90+ catches for him last year. Who knows in this offense. I don’t think a consistent 1000 yards is at all out of the question from here on out. Less than that and I will consider him to have missed his potential by a mile.
I don’t know about pressure. He was only “star” at Vandy.
There is a lot to be said for a group working together. JM didn’t take off in his rookie year until ole’ Sanchez came in. Everyone expected it due to their summer connection. Riley and Vick always worked well together. Just so happens 2010 summer they were getting tons of work with the 2s together. Desean and McNabb always had great summers.
Pretty sure the Eagles didn’t employ WRs before Desean so my list stop there.
How’s this for an OL next year: Peters-Jeff Allen-Kelce-Conklin-Johnson. Gardner and Andrews would be the primary backups. Conklin slides to RT when Lane moves to LT.
If Doug Pederson wasnt coaching KC last year, im not sure Eagles fans would care about Jeff Allen… hoping he is a backüp plan, instead of someone we target right away when FA starts
Where did Conklin come from?
Jack Conklin – Michigan State. Projected to go mid-late 1st round: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2001906/jack-conklin
I know who he is just didnt know how you were getting the pick to draft him. I see you were intending to trade down.
Yeah, at 13, I think you have to go BPA. If we could down to 19-22, it would be a nice addition.
BOOOOOO Conklin BOOOOOOOOo
At the right price though, he would be a fine addition. I think first is a little rich.
So many OL I would rather have though.
I still havent gone through the whole list you gave me earlier. I got side tracked by safeties for whatever reason. Turner is still my value guy in round 3.
Really like Glasgow. Also like McGovern. Those are the two I watched this week.
So the contract we gave Gardner last year is wasted money?
He should be a valuable backup. He’ll be overpaid, but that money is already gone.
So we are sure he is bad or we are just assuming because his back ups were bad last year?
Before going down Gardner was actually playing pretty good football. I would think he is going to be in the running to start at guard again unless the Eagles sign 2 higher priced FAs.
Yeah was trying to insinuate that without telling him I thought it would be foolish to pencil a rookie guard in over him. Even a first round pick could have a tough time unseating him.
I hope so. If we did draft Conklin, having him backup and play ST’s wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
Relating to the conversation at the tail end of the last thread…
https://twitter.com/MoveTheSticks/status/705208016530853888
I read stuff on that yesterday from the combine and past QB participants.
Remember the snow bowl where Shady ran wild on Detroit. Foles was just lofting the balls in the air so the receivers could make a play on the ball. Stafford kept firing missiles that none of his recovers could hold on to due to the velocity. Velocity is fine, but touch is more important.
Should read,” Number of times heard……..yet.”
Nolan Carroll’s agent was reportedly meeting with Howie twice this week, Monday and Wednesday. I wonder if he feels the team is trying to lowball him:
https://twitter.com/CarrollCity/status/705072192233537537
is it really low balling? Or is it what every other franchise would Probably offer him on the open market? A CB with limited starting Experiemce coming off ankle surgery Probably will have to sign a one or two year prove it deal and test the open market at a later date once he gets his value up a bit…
..
Im expecting him to be an eagle this year, not the end of the world if he isnt
two visits — plus his tweet. I guess he’s talking to the Eagles in that tweet? If so – not looking good for him to be here…
What he views as lowballing now, next week could become his reality… It’s only lowballing if other teams offer him much more
Thought Nolan put together good tape last year. Think he could start on a CB needy team. Id take him over Bmax (money and effort) but tha’ts not really an option. If you’re going to play nickel or dime a lot, maybe.
Will say that NCIII is also a MUCH more willing tackler than bmax. Be interesting to see how Bmax does in a J. Schwartz defense.
I don’t know. I didn’t hear the offer. I was just observing that Carroll’s tweet seems to be aimed at someone.
Good article on PhillyMag about how Pederson played a big role in selling SAM on staying in Philly
..
Bradford press Confrence at 2pm
Marvin Harrison is apparently fed up with TO casting a shadow on his HOF induction:
“I’m not concerned about, you know, T.O. Not one bit. I was concerned
about myself. I wasn’t worried about splitting the vote with anyone.
That was it.
“The person who was supposed to get in got in. And that was me.
If he didn’t get in, that’s his problem. He can talk all that other
bulls— like he’s been doing. That’s on him. But I’m in. My jacket is
gold. I will look in the rear view for nobody.
“So he can get his ass in whenever he gets in, . . . if he gets in. If he doesn’t get in too bad. The hell with him.”
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/03/03/marvin-harrison-on-terrell-owens-complaining-the-hell-with-him/
Nice quotes. Marvin’s college QB thinks T.O. definitely belongs in HOF, which I cannot fully appreciate, but Marvin’s Philly bluntness is endearing.
I don’t even think Marvin is sharing an opinion on TO as a player, just the fact that he is trying to make other players’ induction about himself.
This article reminded me we got Chung back. Even when he was here before he got a lot of praise from other coaches. Surprised he isn’t an o line coach yet.
Or a DC position.
Let’s hope Pederson didn’t learn everything from Big Red.
good morning
Go away.
I was momentarily scared for our secondary, then I realised which Chung you meant.
Should probably scoop Roddy White
No. For the reason the article states…
Overpriced, over the hill, declining wide receiver. Didn’t we have that in Miles Austin last year?
im on here
Congratulations.
Austin probably in better shape at this point. Roddy is ancient.
You might be right but I group them together as both washed up wideouts that I want no where near the Eagles.
Exactly. If Austin was dead weight and he is better than Roddy… oh boy.
At least Roddy had a heyday.
Interesting article on post-firing Tom Coughlin, debunking the myth that he turned down the Eagles’ job after his interview…
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/myers-tom-coughlin-wearing-article-1.2551212
I’d love to see some “nastiness” OL play. Peters has been great – but never seemed as nasty as Runyan…
Google some of Jason Peters highlights from 4-5 years ago and specifically plays where he would pull. Dude used to put guys on their ass like a he was a mack truck driving through cardboard. Peters definitely always had nastiness to his game.
I’m not saying he wasn’t good. I want a brawler. Google some of Runyan to see blood covered nose or his bloody arms. Dark alley — I’ll take Runyan…
Oh I remember Runyan very well and I was very much a fan of his, I am not saying he wasn’t good or anything but even Runyan with his style of play was no where near the level Peters was. Dark alley you would take Runyan, I’ll go with Peters. Ask Chris Baker who he wouldn’t want to see in a dark alley.
Dark Alley I’d take Peters in a heatbeat.
Runyan turned into a politician. I definitely wouldn’t want a politician in a fight even if its Runyan.
I don’t even know what our new coaches look for in OL… Does PEterson want more Power style blockers like we saw during the Andy Reid era? Or does he want to continue to build on Chips athletic, but smaller OL?
..
Personally, with Kelce, Lane, JP all having plenty of Mobility, Id like to see some Road Graders at Guard who really bring the Beef! I haven’t watched enough of the kid to know whether I like him or not, but I’d like someone with the Beef and Power similar to the Vidal Alexander kid… I wouldn’t rule out the whitehair kid everyone is Gaga over, but I wouldn’t pencil him in to start as a rookie with his lack of strength he showed at the combine… However, strength is a dumb reason to not draft kids. give any prospect a few years with NFL strength coaches and strength won’t be an issue (im looking for MS2 to prove this in 2016)
..
Id love to know what we are looking for in offensive lineman now that chip is gone. Not sure how we are supposed to talk about fixing the OL without knowing what the new regime is looking for… Pederson comes from Andy system, who was more on the Power style type. Stoutland has also come from that Power style in Bama, Chip was the one who wanted athketic zone blocking.. Both systems can be great. I don’t have a preference, I just want to know what the vision is for the OL
Same guy coaching them — think he should have some say. We spent so many resources trying to fix the secondary that we let the OL got to s***.
Yes, but the same guy coaching to my understanding was a Power OL guy at Bama and was implementing the style OL that chip wanted… Just because he is a well rounded coach who could deliver what chip wanted, doesn’t mean that was Stoutlands preference…
.
I guess there is no point in the media trying to find this out, we will know when we see what type of OL they add this offseason
this wasn’t the best stat to be reading but it may mean noting going forward because Bradford is set to break out:
“In the time since he entered the league, 20 quarterbacks have started at least 60 games. Of that group, Bradford ranks dead last in touchdowns, touchdown percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating. He is also 19th in completion percentage.”
Yep. Our hope that he is the guy and not just a place holder is probably nothing more than a dream. He does have the chance to be more than that though.
If cap’n Kirk can get those skins to the play-offs, Sammy B can get us there. Still love the deal.
why? kirk is better then Bradford. well just according to how they played, and the stats.
I like Bradford though. he just needs a chance with some consistency , poor fella
Kirk never looked special to me… in his 3 different seasons with extended playing time.
maybe not special but still better then sam in all area so far. cousins is not bad.
Kirk may have played better, but he doesn’t have the talent/ability that Bradford has… Of course talent and ability doesmt mean much if you don’t put it all together and everything falls into place..
..
I also never was excitef about Rg3 Big rookie year. Need to see a kid play more than one year to really know what he is, so I need to see more before I buy the Cousins hype.. I have seen too many times a kid play good his first year in action, and then regress in year two
True on talent and ability.
Joe Montana wasn’t as naturally gifted as some other QBs (like Elway). He just won SBs.
playing better is more important then anything.
I think Bradford will be good this year though.
I dunno. Underwhelming yet improving Sam at the end of the season looked better than anything I saw from Cap’n Kirk last season.
SAM is significantly more talented than Cousins.. That’s not even debateable. talent doesnt always dictate who plays the best, but Cousins DOESNT have close to the talent and skill level that SAM has
Interesting b/c he just set the completion % record in philly. What’d that say about us?
he was better this last year out o all his other years I guess..
which I great news moving forward.
yeah be interesting to see what it looks like this year. Easy to fall in love w/ how pretty a ball he throws,and he looked especially good in game 17, but at the end of the day we were 7-9 and he missed two games.
Hopefully we seriously upgrade that OL… dennis Kelly missed a block and caused SAM to miss two games, kind of crazy that we hold it against SAM, when we should have crucified Dennis Kelly for getting SAM hurt..
..
I don’t even know when the last time was that Braford was able to lift weights. He spent all offseason rehabbing the knee last year, I loved Hearing SAM bring up how he looks forward to hitting the weights, bulking up a bit, get his legs Stronger in TODAYS press Confrence. An Offseason to train for the season instead of rehabbing should have a big impact
totally with you. Bradford stood in there and took shot after shot in the pocket. Never started backpedaling, never got scared. He did what he was supposed to do last year — team around him (players and coaching) was awful.
Yes sir… THAT was Probabky what impressed me the most, especially for a kid who’s body failed him for years. For him to not even flinch and hold the ball Til the last second, very very impressive to me
Bradford’s % in 2015 was 65%.
In 2015, the *average* across the NFL was 63%.
(With 5 players topping 67%. 10 players at 65% or more.)
In 2010, the NFL avg was 60.75%.
In 2004, the league avg was 59.75%
We can throw out stats for any side of the argument.. For example, everyone knows you don’t see the best a QB is capable yeàr 1 in a new offense, yet Bradford had the biggest year of any eagle QB in his first year in Philly… SAM is capable of being surgical with his ball placement, he is also capable of playing bad.. Nothing to do but wait and see..,. I would however be willing to bet that Sams best is still ahead of him in his career, hopefully his best will be good enough to bring stability to our QB spot for the next 3-5 years… If not, we move on,..hopefully he stays injury free and we can find out
Daryl Smith got cut by the Ravens. Any interest in him playing the Demeco role? He still seemed to have juice left him, last year with the ravens.
Wouldn’t be a terrible move but if the Eagles are looking to get younger they might was well take a look at Donald Butler, just released by the Chargers.
I don’t think I’ve seen much of Butler. I’ve just always liked Smith, dating back to when he played with the Jags. He has a nose for the ball.
Sure I like him… but he is like a Meco clone.
Safety Rahim Moore released by Texans,
Was an outright disaster when on the field last year. Wouldn’t mind signing him to a one year prove it deal if he would accept that, and that purely based off the fact that he is still only 26-27 I believe.
Was good in denver — wonder if he was w/ undlin?
spent 3 years w/ CU
Yeah all his good seasons in the league were with Undlin being his coach. Worth a shot for like 2 million a year.
Could be perfect solution
No thanks!
Only interested in Illoka! Fortunately there are some other solid options on the market in case we can’t get him
I’d rather have Illoka myself, I just remember some guys wanting moore last year
This made me laugh
Fun fact of the day: the NCAA has a person with the actual title Director of Enforcement for Football Development.
I need to see the job listing requirements… just for a chuckle. Then the pay… just for a cry.
“NFL.com’s Gil Brandt reports the Cowboys won’t take a quarterback at No. 4 overall.
‘Jerry (Jones) told me recently that he will unequivocally not take a quarterback at No. 4, where the Cowboys draft this year,’ Brandt said. ‘I believe him.’ Ol’ Jer has been insisting Tony Romo, who turns 36 next month, has 4-5 years left under center. We don’t agree, but the Cowboys are built to win now. It’s not surprising that Jones would prefer to go all in on 2016 instead of drafting Romo’s successor.”
S Ramsey, RB Zeke or LB Jack going to the Cowgirls.. QB 2nd round.. What im thinking
Think they are going Bosa!!! I hope at least.. I will literally cry if I have to see Ramsey in a Cowboy helmet.
..
I LOVE that they aren’t drafting Wentz or Goff,.. They will end up taking Cardale Jones with the #3 pick in the second round, and that underdeveloped kid will be forced on the field next year when Romo gets hurt, which will be way too soon to play Cardale!
..
I will cry if the Cowboys draft Ramsey, and Id fear them drafting Zeke.. I hope they take Bosa, DE is a premier positipn and a HUGE need for them with Mincy being a FA, Hardy probably not being brought back, and garbage Gregory serving a suspension
.,
Id hate to see Dallas draft Myles Jack too…. I want Bosa aka Trent MUrphy on steroids in Dallas
Someone on Twitter made a great point, if Nelson Agholar was in this draft, he would most likely be the first WR drafted… I still have some very Loafty expectations for Nelson. no reason he shouldn’t reach Maclin caliber status. that extra gear in speed we saw in the Preseason was no Mirage,. Happy Chip and Bicknell are gone, and we can get these kids in a pro style offense, with pro style routes and coaches.
,,
Chip is gone, he cared too much about speed and quantity, and let “Quality” fall thru the cracks. Slowing down our practice style, making corrections on the practice field instead of the classroom should make a big difference especially for our young players. Im also excited about ditching the no huddle crap. Instead of getting to the line and snapping the ball as fast as possible, SAM will be allowed to take his time, play with the cadence TIL defense tips its intentions, and have the freedome to audible into the best play possible to exploit what the defense is about to throw at us.. This is all exciting especially when we have a QB who really understands reading defenses. Too often we had the VICK, Randall type QBs who disrespected the studious part of the game.
..
I will say, that since these players had to spend time under chip, im hoping Pederson doesn’t totally waste our Experiemce running tempo,, at certain times during a game, when we don’t have to focus on time of Possession, I hope that after we pick up our second first down during a drive, we rev up the tempo and gas defenses. This isn’t something I want to see every game, but at the right time, we may as well take advantage of our players having trained in the hurry up in previous years..
.,
Im expecting a Big big year for Jordan and Ertz.. AGHOLAR should take a big step or two from last year…. The X FACTOR that I DONT trust is Josh Huff. This kid needs to get it together and step his game up or this will be his last year in Philly… He better not let AGHOLAR pass him by, it’s year 3 for Huff, time to start making an Impact each and every week especially if he is going to be our #2 or #3 WR this year whch looks to be the case…
..
This is a week WR draft, and even weaker WR crop of free agents… Even if we draft a WR high, we can’t be expecting a rookie WR to make a difference. We will sign a FA WR, but he will be a #4 or #5 WR, not a guy that will make a difference this year… So unfortunately, the WRs will only go as far as Jordan, Nelson and Josh takes us, I trust the first two, but Josh is the X FACTOR. I wonder how Huff would feel about being traded to the Niners? I didn’t get the impression that he LOVED playing for Chip in the Pros as much as we would think considering their history and relationship. I have no idea if that’s true or not just the impression I got
I agree Nelson should be fine this year. I really wonder how the tempo and constant substituting impacted the young receivers. I think they should identify their top 3 receivers and only substitute them out for a TE or if injured. Their was no good reason to have Krause, Cooper and Austin out there last year ahead of Nelson (or Huff)
What jordan Mathews said after his walk off overtime TD in Dallas sticks out in my head..he talked about how comfortable he felt because they huddled going into that,walkout TD play, and he thought to himself how familiar he felt being in the huddle, knowing that the ball was coming his way and he need to make a big play for his team coming out of the huddle and how he had been in that position hundreds of times at Vanderbilt,., those comments always stuck out to me, and im really anxious to see how much better jordan will be, especially since he has chemistry with Bradford and how SAM talked about bringing ERTZ and Jordan to Oklohoma to work out… I have no doubts that Jordans work ethic will eventually pay Off for him in a huge way..
I thought Sam said he wanted them to come hang out. Just spend some time together as friends.
“Although the Eagles re-signed Bradford, they may still draft a quarterback next month. Pederson appeared open to the idea of selecting a quarterback, but he seemed a bit more dubious that it would happen in the first round.
“Oh, I don’t know about 13,” Pederson said. “Obviously, if the right guy is at 13. We’ve also got to do what’s best for the Philadelphia Eagles and that’s a critical spot.””
http://www.phillymag.com/birds247/2016/03/03/doug-pederson-sam-bradford-philadelphia-eagles-big-boost/#uC6jepQXuXiObDSg.99
Bradford’s deal structure absolutely allows for this.
From what I’ve been reading, Pederson seems intent on having Sam as the QB going forward and is not looking to draft his replacement. It seems he just wants to draft QBs to develop, just in case. I think the media and fans are reading too much into them drafting somebody to replace Sam in a year or two.
Pederson can say that all he wants, Bradford’s contract structure says bets have been massively hedged.
I’m not so sure about that.
Dude, a two year deal of that structure is a hedged bet. It doesn’t prevent them from extending him in a year, but the math doesn’t support your point of view.
They may both be in love with Bradford’s talent, but they signed him to a short term deal.
Everyone assumes Howie would pushed the 2 year deal. What if Condon pushed for the 2 year deal?
Smart man…. Most likely is that Roseman had a couple different deals on the table, and SAM chose the one he liked the best
Yeah I’m not so sure about that popular assumption either… We all know HOWIE isn’t handing out 5yr deals he can’t get out of after year two or three.. If im Bradford, and they want to give me a deal they can get out of after 2 or 3 years, I might as well ask for a deal with the same options and just shorten the length of the deal especially if I think my best ball is still ahead. He now has a chance to play his value up and go back into free agency for one last major pay day at the age of 31..
..
What good is a 5 yr deal if they can cut you after a few years? You might as well give yourself the same option and sigń a shorter deal, ESOECIALLY at QB, a position so scarce with Talent.. SAM knows that as long as he stays healthy and continues to improve, two years from now the Eagles won’t want to lose him….
..
I wouldn’t be surprised if Riseman had a 4yr deal on the table and Braford was the one who wanted to go with a shorter deal… But who knows, let people make their simpleminded Kindergarden connect the dot narratives
Pederson and Roseman are now joined at the hip with Bradford.
If he’s mediocre or injured, they’re all in trouble.
This signing is about winning now
A rookie QB would probably not have been ready to play this year. The contract was mostly about this year, but also having options next off-season — but he’s likely to renegotiate if the Eagles keep him. I think it means we aren’t trading up in the first round (for a QB at least), but if the right guy drops to 13 they could well still take him. And they almost certainly will draft one later if not.
Isn’t every GM and head coach joined at the hip with their starting QB? What if they think that at 28 years old, Sam has many more seasons to play. I’m under the impression from todays interview with Pederson that they see Sam as a QB for now and the future.
The signing is about getting the best possible player available to us at the most important position in all pro sport, which also gives us some damn stability at that position that we haven’t had in years, while also maintaining some flexibility
..
When talking about the NFL, those 4-5 yeàr rebuilds are a thing of the past unless you are The Jaguars…Everyone is about winning NOW, because So few coaches even have the job security to be able to not be trying to win Now..
..
It also makes no sense to me to have so many veterans on this rpster: JP, Celek, all our RB if we aren’t trying to win NOW, and when we look at how weak the division is, I would hate to waste an opportunity in such a winnable division when our roster is no weaker than anyone else in the division
Which is why I think they met with Lynch. Drive up the price of the pick slightly, maybe?
The funny thing is, I could see them being happy with Sam thinking he is the long term answer, and still drafting Lynch or Goff if they fell to them at 13. Ugh! 6 weeks of speculation in the Philly media on drafting a QB.
I have a feeling this will be as anticimatic as all the chatter that Sam did not like Philadelphia and didn’t want to come back. Or when we were told Coughlin turned down the Philly job to be informed today that he blew his interview. I could go on and on with the drama over the past few months created by the media.
I’ve watched more film on Driskel, and I will pound the table for him as the late round prospect to target. I am just an amateur with no idea, but I think he looks like a dude with a lot of tools to develop – high upside scenario. Things he seems to do quite well to me:
-The dude can run around. Has plenty quickness.
-Strong arm, high velocity looks effortless even with short windup.
-Good fundamental footwork, plants and steps into throws even on quick passes.
-Quick release and very nice throwing motion, compact, above eye-level, looks textbook to me.
-Hits receivers in stride, throwing it out in front on short and intermediate passes, shows anticipation when knowing the route.
-Finds ways to deliver the ball while some d-line is in his face, getting hit the next moment. Apparently not easily spooked.
I realise that he is nowhere near a polished prospect, he often seem to hesitate on the reads and there are examples of inaccuracy on deep balls and unnesecary sacks, but the above traits are fundamental intangibles that are hard to work around in prospect that dont have them. I don’t know about his football IQ, character or leadership. Anyone for or against Driskel as a guy to target for the sit and develop-role?
The fact that you listed his running first makes me concerned.
The fact that you are mostly concerned with the arbitrary order in which I listed completely standard traits, of which mobility is certainly a meaningful one, does not enlighten me much.
I could go with this if you prefer….
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/jeff-driskel?id=2555262
“WEAKNESSES Struggles to lead receivers with throws, forcing them to break stride or adjust to throws behind them limiting their yards after catch. Short arms passes when throwing on the move causing issues with under-thrown balls. Accuracy drops substantially on throws down the field, with overthrows robbing him of big plays despite receivers having a step on cornerbacks over the top. Anxious when pocket gets turbulent and will occasionally feel pressure that isn’t there.”
or
http://walterfootball.com/draft2016QB.php
(where he’s ranked 17th)
“However, Driskel doesn’t have the mentality of a pro signal-caller. While at Florida, he was a disaster with turnovers, poor accuracy, and taking an offense that had pro talent and making it inept.
In 2014, Driskel had future NFL running backs (Matt Jones and Kelvin Taylor), a wide receiver with first-round talent (Demarcus Robinson), and future pro offensive linemen (D.J. Humphries and Max Garcia), yet still struggled to move the ball. Driskel completed 54 percent of his passes that season for 1,140 yards with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.”
Thats all sillyness. Of course he performed poorly. We all know that. This is why we are talking about a late round flyer. With those guys, what you look for is not success (they dont have much) but flashes of talent that might allow them to do well if they develop. I think Driskel has a few of those, maybe you disagree. But in stead of being patronising, why don’t you tell me who you’d rather pick up in the last three rounds of the draft and why.
Sudfeld. I’m looking for a guy with a history of being able to stand tall in the pocket and make throws as a starting point.
Ok, thanks! I’ll check him out some more.
Automatic concern lol
Perpetual. I need to look out for the long term health of the of the game. Protect the shield.
I wouldn’t mind the Oregon QB or Hogan, one of the kids in the mid rounds… I don’t like Cardale, Hack or Cook enough to draft in the second round
Eagles w/out a 2nd rd pick anyway.
But if they get one in a trade-back (prbly lower half of rd), do any QBs look appealing at this point for Rd 2?
Yeah, Lynch looks WAY more appealing as a 2nd rounder.
He would be, to bad he wont last that long.
Agreed. That’s why I’m very worried about him in round 1.
I can agree with that… I expect much more out of a top 15 pick… But if we could get him in round 2, that makes much more sense to me. Problem is im not sure how Likely it is that he last Til round 2, and without a 2nd round pick, we would have to package both 3rd round picks to get into round two and draft him…. If Lynch is still available after the Texans pick in round 1, good chance teams would trade back into the end of round 1 to snatch him up, so I have a hard time envisioning him last Til round two, but if he does, would he really get passed Dallas picking 3rd in round two?
..
If we don’t take Lynch at #13, I don’t see him ending up an Eagle, and drafting him at #13 seems crazy to me when he has never played under center thanks to all the spread offense crap in College… His size and ability is intruiging, but by now we should know that WHATS in a QBs head that really matters and I don’t trust this kid to draft him at #13…. Feel so much better about him if we could get him in round two which probably isn’t likely… I have no idea how they plan on addressing this in the draft
we could hope he’s there at 18 or 20
If we trade back, probably a good chance that a team is looking to trade ahead of the Rams For a QB… If a team lets us trade back, there is a specific reason/Target they want to move up.. What non QBs could a team want enough to trade up few spots jumping teams like the Saints or Rams?
fair point. they could be desperate for the last top tier pass rusher or cb, or overreaching for a guard. i don’t know lemme dream
I agree on none of the 3 guys you mentioned for round two being worth round two.
Lol I don’t really like any of the QBs, so for me, might as well set my sites on ones who cost later draft picks allowing us a better chance to improve the rest of our team keepimg our top 100 picks and take a Flier on whoever the best QB we can get in rounds 4 or 5 happens to be… Do I have faith that Vernon or Hogan will be quality starters? NO… But if I view all the QBs as “Fliers”, give me the one that costs the later draft picks
..
There isn’t a single QB in this class I would bet multiple draft picks on
What round 4/5 QBs you like the best?
None really. Sudfeld perhaps.
Lol such a miserable year to draft a QB
Not if we get Goff!
Meh… Not falling to #13 and we are delusional if we expect the Eagles to package picks for a QB, when we have so little cap space and a ton of holes to fill in the draft… I wouldn’t mind Goff at 13, doubt THATS very likely
what do you guys think about signing mario williams? i know it doesnt seem like a good allocation of resources but if he was willing to play at a reduced salary to get back into schwartz’s defense where he thrived he could be a great add to our d line. imagine williams cox curry and graham line on 3rd down. it owuld make us 4 deep at de. probably not going to happen but if we dont sign a safety it could be a big help for our defense
Are you trading Barwin in that scenario?
Getting Williams on a one year deal?
trading barwin and probably a 2 year deal. unless he wants a prove it deal but hes 31 and likely wont be able to get a huge contract even if he balls out this year
That’s still a lot of $ at DE. Graham and Curry are still making starter’s money in that scenario. I think that would also keep us from getting a bunch of cash out of the way in the new Cox deal.
Why would he sign with a team that’s rebuilding?
Schwartz reunion.
I don’t think he cares about Schwartz that much.
I think he really only care$ about $ome thing$ more than other$
“Why would he sign with a team that is going to win a bad division and only have a 1/8 chance to win the Super Bowl.”
Fixed >;)
oh you dropped this microphone
I would be interested but the fact that as the way things stand the Eagles have 3 starting caliber DEs on the roster now. Add in a Mario Williams and one of Graham, Curry, or Barwin would see too much of a decreased role. I think drafting is the way to go at DE. Now if there is an interior pass rusher worth getting I am all about that as Cox and Logan are the only true interior pass rushers on this team and they cant play every snap.
Yes Sir… There are certain positions that we have a NEED to get younger at, since you always want to strives or a balance of youth and experience at each position group..DE, RB are the positions we need to get younger at
.
I think ideally, we snatch up a DE in rounds 4 or 5, while drafting a DT in the top 100
That strategy definitely works for me. The Eagles can absolutely afford to take a late round DE prospect and hope for the best. DT should be a top priority for them like you said.
DT has to be a priority if we let Bair and Thornton walk in free agency, and it really becomes a need if we trade away Hart to a 3-4 team. logan, Cox, Beau are plenty of run stuffing DTs, the addition we need is an interior pass rusher who can backüp Cox as the pass rushing DT that pairs with run stuffing Beau Allen on the 2nd unit. And eventually we end up seeing this DT addition playing next to Cox on 3rd down pass rushing situations, since we will most likely eventually pay Cox and Logan, this DT needs to be on a cheaper rookie contract for the next 3-5 years. Technically, it doesn’t have to be a young player since we have plenty of youth, but we need this player oh a cost friendly rookie cpntract so I think it’s unlikely that we pay for a DT or a DE in free Agency, But both positions could be addressed at some point in the draft.
.,
I would love more edge rush talent, we can never have enough. But with bigger needs and limited Cap space, not sure how we could justfy paying Mario Williams
I sort of made this suggestion about a month ago. No one seems to think he will get past the huge pay days of FA and to the show-me 1 year deal stage. I tend to agree.
If he gets to that 1 year show-me area…. oh boy we better scoop.
if we were like a pass rusher from dominance i’d say hell yea but we don’t need this toy as much as we need clothes and food (OL and secondary)
Cmon DEs have to rank somewhere in the realm of shelter.
i just meant because we’re stacked there. no pass rush is definitely like being out in the cold
I’m sure he’ll be in New England.
With ALL our Bigger needs and limited cap space, how do you justify spending what Cap space we have on a 30yr old DE?
,
Mario Williams is the type of guy you sigń as the missing piece of a Super Bowl contender…not sure how we can justify paying a DE when we have plenty of more significant immediate needs, and not as much cap space as we would like to begin with
,
No way. I work w a Bills fan and he said the guy takes plays off all the time. Was just bailin on plays mid season while they were in contention that’s horrible. Malcontent making 10 mil a yr cause he didn’t like Ryans D
I wonder if that isn’t the untrained eye seeing a guy play contain, or dropping into the flat and thinking he is lazy? He was clearly unhappy with the fact that he wasn’t allowed to rush the passer every play.
Wouldn’t be an issue on this team.
II hate the idea of paying for ANY 30yr old free agent with the exception of QBs and OL who can play into their 30s.
..
WTF are we doing with Mario Williams? He is the type of guy you only sigń if he is the missing link to your immediate Super Bowl run… DE is a position we need to get younger at, not pay a 30yr old more money than we are paying BG, Vinny or Barwin.. Doubt that the Eagles feel as tho they have enough Cao space to be able to pay a 5th DE.. More likely the 5th DE comes from rounds 3-5…
.,
I expect the added pass rush will come from a DT that we will add, NOT a DE…. I think we are set at run stuffing DL, and that we will look to upgrade the pass rush via Interior pass rushing DT who will be Cox’s backüp 3technique, but often play next to Cox in 3rd down pass rushing Situations… Thinking Barwin, BG, VINNY, Marcus smith are all safe for tbis yeàr, we could absolutely add a 5th DE later in the draft, but I expect the biggest DL investment we will make this year to be a pass rushing DT backing up Cox, probabky not via Free Agency, but I can see us draft that DL in rounds 1, 2, no later than 3… Schwartz DOESNT like to Blitz, and when you are constantly asking your DL to explode up field, you have to continuosly rotate your DL.
..
Safety, OL, and DT are all significantly bigger NEEDS than DE is at the moment, especially if they trade away Taylor Hart like I think they will.. Heck even LB is a bigger need than DE… I don’t see how it makes sense to use limited cap space on a 30yr old DE when we already have 4 capable DE to rotate
Interesting this comes out after his contract is signed. I guess no one wants to sign a malcontent. (shrug)
https://twitter.com/MattLombardo975/status/705477217745289216
Yes, but should I buy more shares of Enron?
daaaaaaaaaaaaamn. **shots**
I think it’s pretty common that all QBs would prefer having freedome at the line of scrimmage, especially veteran QBs.. I love how he mentions “Wasted plays” which I think happens far too often when Chip wamts to snap the ball as fast as possible regardless Of what the defense is showing, this really started to hurt us once DC’s caught up to chips simple offense that he refused to evolve and expand much… When you want to move as fast as chip does, you don’t allow yourself to get into the best play possible to attack what the defense is showing you and often it could lead to wasted plays which basically means that we plan on running has no chance against what the defense is about to do… chip thought that his simplistic package plays with a few built in options could let him play fast and compensate for not letting the QB Read the defense and audible, and the NFL put an end to that by chips 3rd season
Yeah, which is why I’m not ready to call everyone on the team busts. Very hard to be successful if teams already know what you’re going to run.
Completely agree.. On top of that, we had some serious holes that can often have major negative trickle down effects on the entire unit, which I assume had a role in Kelce’s down year, can’t be easy to play Center if you have different guards you don’t have complete faith in every other week on both sides.. Lane Johnson played next to like 5 different guards last year, you don’t get to see the best a third year RT is playing in those conditions.
..
As we patch up holes with quality talent, our returning players should be more effective,
Gives a whole other twist to the famed shower speeches. “Listen, coach is a moron. Let’s go get me paid and we will win next year. Team on three.”
money on 3.
Shots fired. Don’t we play them this year?
https://twitter.com/Ravens/status/705430688015626241
We beat them the year they won the superbowl was that 4 years ago?
Funny how our fragile QB played most of the season, while their big tôugh, cheap shot artist scumbag Suggs couldn’t make It to week two..
..
For an AFC team, I really hate them
so that tweet had those pictures on it? what’s that about?
because of geographical proximity? I mean come on
Poor judgment IMO.
In the interview defending paying Flacco more than Rodgers is getting, Newsome said that teams paid Bradford well and franchised Cousins, both players with less of a resume than Flacco.
I’d guess this new contract has him taking a lot of flak(o).
Sorry.
That’s fine. Their team is made up of over paid-under-preforming veterans, and draft picks that didn’t pan out. They aren’t going to be any better this year. Joe is a damn solid QB but he can’t mid-2000-Colts-Peyton that team team to the play offs.
https://twitter.com/MikeTanier/status/705482550882402304
In other words, Howie is still working on Cox.
I don’t know why anyone cares, as if Cox isn’t going to be here for a very long time..
..
And that above quote doesn’t do justice to what Roeman said, he went on a long Spiel about how important Cox is and how he will get BIG money and be here for a long time
Tyler, I voted for Conlin, just for you!
https://twitter.com/eagles/status/705546370380374016
So far, so good.
I would vote for Myles Jack but I don’t have a twitter account 🙁
Getting that kid at 13 would be amazing… I won’t get my hopes up. both dallas and the Giants are desperate for LBs
Rude.
[…] Tommy Lawlor offers his take on Paxton Lynch, who is perhaps out there when the Eagles’ first spherical draft decide rolls round in late April. […]