2016 Eagles Draft Preview

Posted: April 28th, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 169 Comments »

We are finally here.

This has been one wild offseason. From the firing of Chip Kelly to re-signing Sam Bradford to SammyGate, this has been a crazy few months. Carson Wentz went from “Who?” to “WE HAVE TO GET HIM!!!”. Howie Roseman has done a lot of good things so far, but handling the Bradford situation and running this draft will be huge challenges for him.

Before we go any further, let’s look at what the Eagles already have in place. Due to trade rumors, this could change significantly, but for now…

QB – Sam Bradford … Chase Daniel … FUTURE HOF QB
RB – Ryan Mathews … Darren Sproles … Kenjon Barner
WR – Nelson Agholor … Rueben Randle
WR – Jordan Matthews … Chris Givens
WR – Josh Huff … T.J. Graham
TE – Brent Celek … Zach Ertz … Trey Burton
LT – Jason Peters … Dennis Kelly … Brett Boyko
LG – Alan Barbre … Malcolm Bunche
OC – Jason Kelce … Stefen Wisniewski … Barrett Jones
RG – Brandon Brooks  … Matt Tobin
RT – Lane Johnson … Andrew Gardner

DE – Vinny Curry … Connor Barwin … Travis Long
NT – Bennie Logan … Beau Allen … Mike Martin
DT – Fletcher Cox  … Taylor Hart … Travis Raciti
DE – Brandon Graham … Marcus Smith … Bryan Braman
WLB – Mychal Kendricks … Najee Goode
MLB – Jordan Hicks
SLB – Nigel Bradham … Brandon Hepburn … Deontae Skinner
SS – Malcolm Jenkins … Ed Reynolds … Jerome Couplin
FS – Rodney McLeod … Chris Maragos
CB – Eric Rowe …. Nolan Carroll … Denzel Rice
CB – Leodis McKelvin … Ron Brooks … Jaylen Watkins … Aaron Grymes
NB – JaCorey Shepherd … Randall Evans

P – Donnie Jones
K – Cody Parkey … Caleb Sturgis
LS – Jon Dorenbos

That’s an interesting depth chart. The defense has a chance to be outstanding. The offense has some good pieces in place, but also needs help.

NEEDS

You should always focus on talent over need in the draft. Go get the best players.   

That said, when you get to the middle of the draft, there are usually picks where need and talent match up so teams do look to plug some holes in the roster.

MLB – There is literally no one behind Jordan Hicks right now. The Eagles have shown interest in several ILBs in the pre-draft process. They want to add one.

DT – The Eagles have great starters. Depth is another story. Mike Martin was added to challenge for the backup NT spot. The team could use another player to add to the mix, preferably an athletic DT who can be disruptive. This is a deep class. The Eagles could add someone as early as the 3rd round or as late as the 7th.

OL – Signing Brandon Brooks sealed up RG. LG is still open. Allen Barbre is penciled in now, but the Eagles would love to change that. A rookie would come in to compete for the job. The Eagles might also draft an OT for the future if the right guy is available.

S – Like DT, the starters are set. Depth is the question. Ed Reynolds is a sloppy tackler, which could be a huge issue in the Wide 9. Jerome Couplin has potential, but the Eagles would love to add another quality S to the mix.

RB – Huge mystery spot. Can the Eagles go into a season with Mathews as the starter? He’s talented, but has durability issues. Sproles and Barner are good role players. Is that enough at RB? I don’t think so. I also don’t know how desperate the Eagles feel. They could take a RB early, late or sign a veteran after the draft.

The Eagles could use depth and young talent at other positions, but these feel like the key areas of need.

THE PICKS

1st round – 2nd overall

3rd round – 79th overall

5th round – 153rd overall

5th round – 164th overall

6th round – 188th overall

7th round – 233rd overall

7th round – 251st overall

The top pick should be an impact type of player.

The 3rd rounder should be a future starter.

The 5th rounders could be role players.

The late picks are more of the longshot variety.

PLAYERS WITH NOVACARE VISITS

QB Dak Prescott, Mississippit State

QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State

QB Jared Goff, Cal

QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis

WR Mike Thomas, Southern Miss

WR Kolby Listenbee,  TCU

WR DeMarcus Robinson, Florida

WR Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia

RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State

RB Paul Perkins, UCLA

OL Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame

DE Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland

DE Alex McCallister, Florida

DT Adam Gostis, Georgia Tech

LB Deion Jones, LSU

LB Nick Kwiatkoski, West Va

LB Joe Schobert, Wisconsin

ILB Steven Daniels, Boston College

S T.J. Green, Clemson

CB Darryl Worley, West Va

CB Cyrus Jones, Alabama

CB Rashard Robinson, LSU

CB Blake Countess, Auburn

PRIVATE WORKOUTS / VISITS

QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
QB Jared Goff, Cal
QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis
QB Kevin Hogan, Stanford
QB Dalyn Williams, Dartmouth (met with him at Pro Day)
QB Christian Hackenberg, Penn State (at his Pro Day, also private workout)
QB Liam Nadler, Gannon (showing interest)

RB Jordan Howard, Indiana (Duce Staley ran his Pro Day workout)
RB Jacobi Green, Richmond (met with him at his Pro Day per Tony Pauline)
RB Daniel Lasco, Cal (private workout)
RB Cedric O’Neal, Valdosta State (showing interest)
RB Jhurell Pressley, New Mexico (private workout)

WR Ricardo Louis, Auburn (Greg Lewis worked him out at Pro Day)
WR Duke Williams, Auburn (Greg Lewis worked him out at Pro Day)
WR Andy Jones, Jacksonville (met w/ him for hour at Pro Day)
WR Reginald Diggs, Richmond (met with him at his Pro Day per Tony Pauline)
WR Chris King, Duquesne (met with him at Pro Day)
WR Leontee Carroo, Rutgers (met with him at Combine, also private workout)
WR Brandon Zylstra, Concordia (met with him at his Pro Day)
WR Byron Marshall, Oregon (private workout)
WR Chris Moore, Cincinnati (private workout)

TE Nick Vannett, Ohio State (met with him per Tony Pauline)
TE Jerrell Adams, South Carolina (met with him at his Pro Day)
TE Devin Cajuste, Stanford (private workout)
TE David Morgan, UTSA (met with him)
TE Rico Gathers, Baylor (met with him at Pro Day)

OL Joe Dahl, Washington State (private workout)
OL Josh Garnett, Stanford (workout per Tony Pauline)
OL Kyle Murphy, Stanford (workout per Tony Pauline)
OL Graham Glasgow, Michigan (private workout)
OL Connor McGovern, Missouri (private workout)
OL Evan Boehm, Missouri (private workout)
OL Darrell Greene, San Diego St (private workout)
OL Alex Lewis, Nebraska (pro day workout)
OL Dave Bowen, Boston College (private workout)
OL Vadal Alexander, LSU (private workout)

DE Dean Lowry, Northwestern (DL coach at his Pro Day per Gil Brandt)
DE Ron Thompson, Syracuse (worked out at his Pro Day)
DE Matt Judon, Grand Valley State (worked out by DL coach at his Pro Day)
DE Yannick Ngakoue, Maryland (at his Pro Day, also visit)

DT Quinton Jefferson, Maryland (workout per Tony Pauline)
DT Javon Hargrave, South Carolina State (DL coach at his Pro Day per Tony Pauline)
DT Greg Milhouse, Campbell (met with him at his Pro Day per Tony Pauline)
DT David Onyemota, Manitoba (worked out by Eagles per Tony Pauline)
DT Maliek Collins, Nebraska (DL coach at his Pro Day per Gil Brandt)
DT Vincent Valentine, Nebraska (DL coach at his Pro Day per Gil Brandt)
DT Mehdi Abdesmad, Boston College (showing interest)

LB Nick Kwiatkoski, West Va (workout at Pro Day per Tony Pauline)
LB Terrell Williams, Youngstown State (Eagles showing interest per Tony Pauline)
LB Quentin Gause, Rutgers (met with him per Tony Pauline)
LB Joe Schobert, Wisconsin (LB coach at his Pro Day per Gil Brandt)
LB Myke Tavarres, Incarnate Word (private workout)
ILB Steven Daniels, Boston College (workout per Tony Pauline)
ILB Blake Martinez, Stanford (private workout)
ILB Ryan Langford, New Mexico (showing interest)

S Darian Thompson, Boise State (workout per Tony Pauline)
S Justin Simmons, Boston College (private workout)
S Kevin Byard, MTSU (private workout)
S D.J. Hunter, Marshall (showing interest)
S Keanu Neal, Florida (private workout)
S Jalen Mills, LSU (private workout)

CB Kalan Reed, Southern Miss (met with him on campus)

For all of the info by Tony Pauline, click here. Great link for Pro Day/workout info.

Visits to the NovaCare are especially important. These are players the Eagles wanted to spend time with and check out thoroughly. That doesn’t mean the Eagles will like them all. The closer you look at some players, you might find something you don’t like and will then remove that player from your board.

The big thing for me is that all of this helps me to understand the overall thinking. The Eagles brought in a lot of LBs/ILBs. The Eagles need help there.

The Eagles brought in S/CB tweeners. Are they looking for CBs who can tackle or Safeties who can cover? Two different ways to look at that. The Eagles are showing a lot of interest in late round pass rushers. I’m sure they would love to add a terrific DE, but they can’t do that. So they need to look at later prospects to see who might be of interest.

They were looking for a speedy WR. However, the signings of Randle, Givens and Graham (plus the traded picks) may take WR off the board as a key draft target.

EAGLES VALUE BOARD

This is my educated guess at the 150 or so players the Eagles have on their board and where they have them rated. Some players will be left off due to lack of scheme fit, character, medical concerns or other odd reasons. These are players the Eagles should like.

As to the values…that is a mixture of my rankings and my guess at the Eagles rankings. Please remember that just because a player is rated in a certain round doesn’t mean he’ll go there. The Eagles had 2nd round grades on Matt Barkley and Jordan Hicks. Both went later in the draft.

1st Round

QB: Carson Wentz, Jared Goff

RB: Ezekiel Elliott

TE:

WR: Laquon Treadwell, Corey Coleman, Josh Doctson, Will Fuller

OL: Laremy Tunsil, Ronnie Stanley, Jack Conklin, Taylor Decker, Ryan Kelly

DT: DeForest Buckner, Vernon Butler, Sheldon Rankins, Jarran Reed, Andrew Billings, Kenny Clark, Robert Nkemdiche

DE: Joey Bosa, Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd, Leonard Floyd

OLB: Myles Jack, Darron Lee

ILB: Reggie Ragland

S:

CB: Jalen Ramsey, Vernon Hargreaves, Mackensie Alexander, William Jackson III, Eli Apple

2nd Round

QB:

RB: Derrick Henry

TE: Hunter Henry, Nick Vannett

WR: Sterling Shepard, Braxton Miller, Tyler Boyd, Michael Thomas

OL: Germain Ifedi, Jason Spriggs, Shon Coleman, Cody Whitehair, Josh Garnett, Max Tureck, Nick Martin

DT: Chris Jones, A’Shawn Robinson, Austin Johnson

DE: Kamalei Correa, Emmanuel Ogbah

OLB:

ILB: Joshua Perry

S: Karl Joseph, Von Bell, T.J. Green, Keanu Neal

CB: Artie Burns, Kendall Fuller, Xavien Howard, Will Redmond

3rd Round

QB: Kevin Hogan, Dak Prescott

RB: Kenneth Dixon, Devontae Booker, Paul Perkins

TE:  Jerrell Adams

WR: Demarcus Robinson, Pharoh Cooper, Rashard Higgins, Malcolm Mitchell, Kolby Listenbee

OL: Joe Dahl, Kyle Murphy, LeRaven Clark, Jerald Hawkins, Vadal Alexander, Christian Westerman, Connor McGovern, Evan Boehm, Graham Glasgow

DT: Jihad Ward, Jonathan Bullard, Sheldon Day, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, Hassan Ridgeway

DE: Shillique Calhoun, Bronson Kaufusi, Carl Nassib, Yannick Ngakoue

OLB: Deion Jones, Travis Feeney

ILB: Nick Kwiatkoski, Joe Schobert, Kentrell Brothers

S: Jalen Mills, Justin Simmons, Darian Thompson

CB: Cyrus Jones, Sean Davis

4th Round

QB: Brandon Allen

RB: Jonathan Williams, Kenyan Drake, C.J. Prosise

TE: Austin Hooper, Henry Krieger-Coble, Tyler Higbee

WR: Mike Thomas, Leonte Carroo, Jordan Payton, Keyarris Garrett

OL: H. Vaitai, Fahn Cooper, Willie Beavers, Caleb Benenoch, Alex Lewis, Joe Thuney, Landon Turner, Sebastian Tretola, Jack Allen, Isaac Seumalo

DT: Adolphus Washington, Willie Henry, Adam Gotsis

DE: Jason Fanaika, Dean Lowry, Ronald Blair, Matt Judon

OLB: Jatavis Brown, DeVondre Campbell

ILB: Steven Daniels

S: Kevin Byard, KJ Dillon, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Tyvis Powell

CB: Eric Murray, KeiVarae Russell, Maurice Canady, Harlan Miller

MY IDEAL MOCK DRAFT

1 – QB Jared Goff, Cal
3 – OL Shon Coleman, Auburn
5 – S Kevin Byard, MTSU
5 – DE Tyrone Holmes, Montana
6 – ILB Steven Daniels, Boston College
7 – RB Peyton Barber, Auburn
7 – DT Trevon Coley, Florida Atlantic

This isn’t my prediction of what the Eagles will do, but rather what I would like to see them do.

There is little chance Goff isn’t a Ram. The whole world knows Goff goes first and the Eagles will get Wentz. I like both QBs quite a lot, but prefer Goff. There are two major factors that separate him in my book. First, pocket presence. He consistently showed the ability to make subtle movements in a small area while keeping his eyes downfield. Not a lot of QBs do this well, almost none in college. Goff also anticipates routes very well. He doesn’t need to see a guy open. Goff knows when the receiver will come open and can throw to that spot. Those are big time NFL traits and a huge part of why I’d love him.

Wentz is one heck of a consolation prize, though. He looks the part of an NFL QB. He has a monster arm and and is a weapon as a runner. He won 2 national titles in college and followed that up by wowing people at the Senior Bowl, Combine and his Pro Day.

There are concerns with both players, but also the very real possibility that these guys could be franchise-changing QBs. Think about where the Eagles were before they drafted Donovan McNabb. Rodney Peete, Ty Detmer and Bobby Hoying all had great moments, but proved to be fool’s gold. Koy Detmer started some games, but not even desperate Eagles fans were going to overrate him.

McNabb came in and things changed. It wasn’t all him, but don’t underestimate his importance. He was a huge reason the Eagles were so good for the next decade. The Eagles haven’t won 11 games in a season since he left town. The Eagles will add a QB with the second pick tonight that could be the center of the franchise for a decade.

In the 3rd round, I went OL. I’m not sure what type of player the Eagles are looking for. Coleman, who might go in the 2nd, fascinates me. He played LT for Auburn, a running team. Coleman has potential as a pass blocker, but needs work. He is a tough, physical run blocker. He could challenge for time at LG or sit at LT and develop for the future.

Coleman had cancer several years ago and beat it. He got his Master’s Degree back in December so this isn’t some knucklehead. He feels like the type of person the coaches would want to bring into the mix.

Kevin Byard is my favorite Safety in the draft. He was productive (19 career picks), physical and he’s very smart. I think guys who become good at FS/SS are instinctive and playbook smart. They know how to study/prepare during the week and then can feel things in the course of the game. Byard would be an excellent fit for the Eagles defense. He could go as early as the 3rd round.

Holmes is a terrific pass rusher. He had 18 sacks for Montana this season and I loved watching his game tape. He is only 6-2, 253, but he is athletic and physical. He will knock the heck out of blockers sometimes, while running around them at others. He reminds me a lot of a young Trent Cole.

Daniels is the most physical player in the draft. He hits everything he can. Hard. Daniels only ran 4.86 at the Combine. That’s not good for a LB. But he is smart and instinctive. He makes plays by getting into the right position. The Wide 9 can put pressure on LBs to defeat blockers. Daniels has no problems with that. He will take on and shed blockers.

Barber is a tough, physical RB (noticing a theme?). I was really impressed by his tape. Barber should not have left Auburn early. He could have been a much higher pick next year. However, he is trying to help support his family and needs the money. Pederson had success with bigger, physical runners in KC. I think he would like to add a RB who is at least 215 to 225 pounds. Barber is 228. I love the way he finishes his runs. Lot of upside with him.

Coley is a player I didn’t know about until late in the process. I saw his Pro Day numbers and was intrigued. His game tape matches the workouts. This kid has special agility for a DT. He is a late round version of Vernon Butler or Sheldon Rankins. Coley isn’t a physical run defender, but can be a disruptive 1-gap attacker.

All-Tommy Team (my favorite non-1st rounders)

WR Pharoh Cooper – South Carolina
WR Malcolm Mitchell – Georgia
WR Leonte Caroo – Rutgers
QB Vernon Adams – Oregon
RB Kenneth Dixon – La Tech
TE Beau Sandland – Montana State
OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai – TCU
OG Christian Westerman – Arizona State
OC Nick Martin – Notre Dame
OG Jordan Walsh – Iowa
OT Joe Gore – Clemson

DE Ronald Blair – Appalachian State
DT Trevon Coley – Florida Atlantic
DT Javon Hargrave – SC State
DE Tyrone Holmes – Montana
LB Jatavis Brown – Akron
ILB Steven Daniels – Boston College
LB Brandon Chubb – Wake Forest
S Kevin Byard – MTSU
S Tyvis Powell – Ohio State
CB Eric Murray – Minnesota
CB Sean Davis – Maryland

Out of this list I want the Eagles to get 3 players

OL Shon Coleman – Auburn
OL Joe Dahl – Washington State
OL H. Vaitai – TCU
OL Kyle Murphy – Stanford
OL Parker Ehinger – Cincinnati
RB Kenneth Dixon – La Tech
RB Peyton Barber – Auburn

DT Javon Hargrave – SC State
DL Dean Lowry – Northwestern
DE Tyrone Holmes – Montana
LB Nick Kwiatkoski – West Virginia
ILB Steven Daniels – Boston College
S Justin Simmons – Boston College
S Kevin Byad – MTSU

Please Avoid These Players

QB Christian Hackenberg – Penn State … I think he’s got permanent flaws
QB Cardale Jones – Ohio State … big arm, but too many questions
OL Joe Haeg – NDSU … small school guys should look dominant…he wasn’t even close
DL Shawn Oakman – Baylor … all kinds of issues and just not that good
WR Kenny Lawler – Cal … best last name in the draft, but wildly inconsistent hands

SUMMARY

The Eagles will land a top QB prospect. After that, they have a lot of freedom. If a RB they covet slides to the 3rd round, grab him. Or go OL. Or DL. They could go S or LB. This lineup is good enough to compete as is (QB situation aside). The Eagles don’t need to force anything.

About the only thing they “must do” is add at least one OL in this draft.

Some of you have asked about taking 2 QBs. I would not be against that, if they deal Bradford and get a couple of picks in return. My preference, though, would be to add a QB early and then sign a UDFA.

Some of you have asked about drafting Jaylon Smith, the LB from Notre Dame. That is entirely up to the doctors. If they think his injury is going to remain an issue, I’d pass. If they think it is simply a matter of him getting better, he might be worth a pick if he slides far enough.

Could the Eagles trade some players for additional picks? I don’t think they have enough resources that other teams will want. Guys who could be expendable:

OL Allen Barbre – would anyone want him?
OL Andrew Gardner – I like him, but feel like I’m the only one
WR Josh Huff – could be of interest somewhere
NT Beau Allen – 3-4 team could want him for depth
DL Taylor Hart – could fit new scheme, but not a lock…3-4 team might be better fit

Clearly guys like that aren’t going to land you much. You would do something like use Allen in a deal to move up in the 5th or 6th round.

I don’t expect any big names to be dealt, but the way this offseason has gone so far, anything is possible.

Let’s hope Howie, the coaches and personnel department do a great job with this draft. Huge weekend for the Eagles.

*****

My Top 100

My mock draft (1st round)

_


169 Comments on “2016 Eagles Draft Preview”

  1. 1 Tumtum said at 4:41 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    What a write up. Thanks Tommy!!

    How quickly we have forgotten Andrew Gardner though.

  2. 2 lonfident said at 7:36 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    who?

  3. 3 2016 Eagles Draft Preview - said at 4:43 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    […] Tommy Lawlor We are finally here. This has been one wild offseason. From the firing of Chip Kelly to re-signing […]

  4. 4 A_T_G said at 4:44 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I am pretty sure if I study this for the next three hours I would be able to digest it all before the draft starts.

  5. 5 lib4 said at 4:50 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Awesome write up Tommy…
    1. Fingers crossed we can snag Prosise but they didnt work him out
    2. Not a fan of Perkins a little bit upright for me with average speed (just a guy)
    3. Dixon would be good.at 3(79)
    4. That ILB reserve is a glaring need especially with Hicks injury history

  6. 6 Matt Hoover said at 7:17 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Prosise is the best RB in the draft

  7. 7 Alex Karklins said at 5:01 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Tyrone Holmes would make this Grizzly fan happy and would take some of the sting out of drafting arch-enemy Carson Wentz.

  8. 8 GermanEagle said at 5:04 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Are you and Tyler still talking to each other?! (Re Haeg). 😉

    As always: you da man Tommy!!!

  9. 9 Sean Stott said at 5:09 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    What does it mean to talk about a nose tackle in a 4-3 1-gap scheme?

  10. 10 b3nz0z said at 5:56 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    i think usually they only have one dude as the penetrator – think Fletch. the other guy can eat blockers and stop the run and maybe collapse the pocket, but he’s not the guy you expect to shoot the gap.

  11. 11 Sean Stott said at 6:06 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Kinda like Patterson when he was here? Cullen Jenkins?

  12. 12 TheOakBrigade said at 5:30 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Amazing stuff Tommy.

    1-I also prefer Goff. Wentz have a stronger arm, but still Goff has better numbers in deep passes.
    And I think his antecipation throw ability has been a little underrated.

    2-Xavien Howard and Paul Perkins are my favorites if they slide to the 3rd round, but is unlikely.

    3-Like Coleman and Byard too.

  13. 13 ACViking said at 5:40 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    T-Law . . .

    Draft P-O-R-N extraordinaire!!!

    Reflects enormous and great work on your part.

    Thank you.

  14. 14 anon said at 5:41 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Looks like teams are going to use the prospect of taking Zeke to hopefully trade back and get picks, Seems like every team from 4 to 10 is “interested”.

  15. 15 BlindChow said at 5:41 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    What’s the spoiler situation here? I know any idiot can get the draft picks off twitter before they’re shown on TV, but there are people who want to feel big by being the first to announce it here…

    If we want to be surprised, do we just skip being on Igglesblitz tonight?

  16. 16 ACViking said at 5:44 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    There’s really only one commenter who suffers from a clinical inability to control his compulsive need to speak.

    But that’s enough, unfortunately.

    Leave before the draft, return after.

  17. 17 A_T_G said at 6:21 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Unfortunately, I remember some commenters doing it in the past. Not any of the regulars, but a few who didn’t respond to requests to stop. I guess we will find out soon enough.

  18. 18 Lord of the Rings said at 7:27 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    eagles pick wentz.
    there done

  19. 19 BlindChow said at 8:01 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    remember when you were telling everyone we were getting Goff lol

  20. 20 LostInChiTown said at 5:42 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Good stuff Tommy. I think an underrated aspect of the off season has been all the holes that have been filled through free agency and mostly by guys who didn’t break the bank. Sure they could all be upgraded at some point (except Brooks and McLeod), but they will be adequate starters, which gives the Birds the chance to draft based on talent, not need.

    Although I’d love to see someone bump Barber down the depth chart.

  21. 21 eagleyankfan said at 5:42 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Great stuff! Pick 2 than like 77 picks…then 74 more…ouch. 3 out of 153…

  22. 22 ACViking said at 5:45 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Think of it this way:

    The Eagles have 3 of the Top 153 choices!!!

  23. 23 Sean Stott said at 6:05 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    that would be great if there were 50 teams 🙂

  24. 24 ACViking said at 6:05 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    multiple upvotes

  25. 25 McNabbulousness said at 6:32 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    bro, too soon

  26. 26 kajomo said at 5:55 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I think we need to trade down and try to pick a 4th back up.

  27. 27 E.A.G.L.E.S said at 5:52 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    OL, RB, WR, DL, LB

  28. 28 geo1113 said at 6:13 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Tommy, I was wondering where you were all day.

  29. 29 Baloophi said at 6:16 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Two Auburns in your ideal mock??? Are you making a move on Mrs. Baloophi???

  30. 30 A_T_G said at 6:23 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Chicks dig mock drafters.

  31. 31 A_T_G said at 6:30 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Plus, I notice some of your 10-foot pole players on his list. I think the gauntlet has been thrown down.

  32. 32 wee2424 said at 6:29 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I think Randle starts over Huff, Wiz is backup C but is 50/50 to start over Barbre. Do you think McKelvin is better then Carroll? Im not so sure. My bet is Carroll over him.

  33. 33 Joe Minx said at 6:30 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Will Zeke going to Dallas haunt us for the rest of our natural lives?

  34. 34 Duracell said at 6:33 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    No.

  35. 35 Insomniac said at 6:39 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    As of today, no it won’t.

  36. 36 Bob Brewer said at 6:40 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Yep.

  37. 37 johhnyblaze said at 6:45 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Dallas next rb

  38. 38 A_T_G said at 6:47 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    He definitely screams Dallas Cowboy.

  39. 39 scratcherk said at 7:36 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I’m hoping dallas trades back and gets some loooser.

  40. 40 Sean Stott said at 7:40 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I think it will give them a legitimate leg up in the division race. Not sure it takes them over the hump, but they will be a different team with an elite tier RB.

  41. 41 Insomniac said at 6:37 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I hope we grab Westerman if he’s there in the 3rd. Need to solidify that LG spot asap.

  42. 42 Joe Minx said at 6:41 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I guess that means Wisniewski will be demanding a trade then.

  43. 43 Nick C said at 6:55 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Nah, he hasn’t made enough to be considered “Bradford elite” among NFL circles.

  44. 44 anon said at 6:43 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    ESPN’s Nick Wagoner reports the Rams hope to trade Nick Foles.

    Per Wagoner, 4-5 teams have reached out, but a deal could depend on how the draft unfolds. If Foles can’t be moved for a day three pick, he will be released.

  45. 45 Nick C said at 6:45 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    What a difference a year makes. Also, F you chip…

  46. 46 GermanEagle said at 7:36 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    F*CK

  47. 47 izzylangfan said at 6:49 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Denver has another shot at a Super Bowl. That would be a decent shot with Bradford and not so much with Kapernik. Denver will raise their offer on Friday night.

  48. 48 anon said at 6:50 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    which player has more playoff experience?

  49. 49 ChoTime said at 6:56 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Kap has had an interesting career. By DVOA, he went from about 3rd, to about 7th, to about 25th, to about last. Nasty trendline!

    Bradford was like 38th, 16th, 14th, 25th (with some missing years in there).

  50. 50 anon said at 7:04 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Read Option years vs “he should be a pocket passer” years.

    Standard metrics have never been able to capture how good bradford really is.

    It’s crazy to me that chip doesn’t want to work with Kap considering how well things were going running RO with Vick. I remember that first skins game. They talked SOOO much shit. They’re coordinator was like i’ve broken down every oregon game in the last 5 years and we just ran all over them.

  51. 51 ChoTime said at 7:23 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I don’t know why people just don’t say the hell with it and use the running QBs. You can’t make everyone into Dan Marino.

  52. 52 anon said at 7:34 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Agree, Seattle did, SF did for a second, Carolina has does to degree — all 3 of those teams had good defenses and went to the super bowl. Problem is (1) most GMs/Coaches/Owners are old white guys that came up in the Marino era, (2) RGIII.

    Imagine if we had 2013 Eagles offense and Jim Schwartz defense.

  53. 53 Sean Stott said at 7:39 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Not sure the Denver offense can make do with a QB with a baseball pitcher windup. Kind of hurts the whole play action thing.

  54. 54 Fufina said at 6:51 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I am happy with both QB’s – i feel safer with Goff as being a good QB, but think Wentz is more likely to be great.

    Where i am watching tonight is where QB’s… worst case no one goes until 31 and Denver can get someone they like and further pushes down any value Bradford has. Best case the QB market gets hot and 5 go in the top 30 picks and Denver is forced to start to get desperate.

    Will be a fun night.

  55. 55 Seth S. Scott said at 6:56 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Hey Tommy! As usual great write-up, especially like how IN DEPTH this goes. I have been obsessively reading your column about the Eagles for the past year and look forward to each post. Thanks for all the hard work….I dont know how I didnt think to comment before today, but anyway. Thanks again and looking forward to tonight.

  56. 56 daveH said at 7:05 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I hope you get something good.
    Stop saying that you stupid fool. We all hope we get someone good
    ..
    don’t be a tard.

  57. 57 Aaron said at 7:07 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    dont make me mad

  58. 58 daveH said at 7:17 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Ima just tryna keep it real

  59. 59 Matt Hoover said at 7:18 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Poor Ryan Quigley

  60. 60 Bob Brewer said at 7:27 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Anything less than picking 7 Hall of Famers this weekend is a failure.

  61. 61 Andy124 said at 7:34 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    We need to trade back a couple of times so we draft 9 HoFers.

  62. 62 b3nz0z said at 7:32 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    can the cowboys just pick someone terrible? i don’t want them to have ramsey or elliot

  63. 63 Rambo said at 7:33 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    PAXTON @ 4!

  64. 64 b3nz0z said at 7:34 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    exactly

  65. 65 scratcherk said at 7:36 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    they’ll trade back i think

  66. 66 b3nz0z said at 7:37 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    that would be cool but even they aren’t stupid enough to pass on whatever falls to 4

  67. 67 Sean Stott said at 7:38 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I really don’t want them to have Elliott. You saw what that team can do with a good (heh) RB in 2014. I know someone will correct me (damn you D3FB), but has a team ever really been transformed from a single DB, even an elite tier one who may be the best ever at his position?

  68. 68 b3nz0z said at 7:43 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    decent point.

  69. 69 anon said at 7:45 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    NE went from playoff team to SB winner once they added Chung (and Revis).

  70. 70 b3nz0z said at 7:48 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    that’s less of a transformation. i mean they had brady gronk and the cheat already.

  71. 71 GermanEagle said at 7:34 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    GE beer count: #4

  72. 72 b3nz0z said at 7:35 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    you’re gonna pass out before we pick. i respect that

  73. 73 GermanEagle said at 7:35 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Lol. Not so fast my friend. I am German. And with London drinking experience.

  74. 74 lonfident said at 7:40 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    LOL London? Try Wales.

  75. 75 GermanEagle said at 7:47 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Mate. London liquid lunch is something else. Having 8 beers at lunch time to go back to the office is something else.

  76. 76 RobNE said at 7:59 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Hope you don’t operate heavy machinery. I thought liquid lunches in London were now frowned upon.

  77. 77 A_T_G said at 8:01 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Only by those not partaking…

  78. 78 lonfident said at 8:28 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    In Wales, 8 yrs old kids drink whiskey for breakfast.

  79. 79 A Roy said at 8:29 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Go…go…go…go

  80. 80 RobNE said at 7:36 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    So no trade until Paxton off the board?

  81. 81 GermanEagle said at 7:38 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Here’s hope that Paxton and Hackenberg both go before Denver is on the clock.

  82. 82 b3nz0z said at 7:38 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    especially if one of them can go at #4

  83. 83 scratcherk said at 7:37 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Its sad how excited I am for this

  84. 84 Ark87 said at 7:38 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    This is so intimidating…and pretty damn impressive.

    Looks like GEAGLE no longer holds the record for longest article

  85. 85 A_T_G said at 7:48 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I wish this was two separate comments, so I could upvotes each one.

  86. 86 GermanEagle said at 7:43 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    How about those Phillies?!

  87. 87 Bob Brewer said at 7:43 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I love Pap.

  88. 88 A Roy said at 8:28 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Just like when we had him.

  89. 89 Lord of the Rings said at 7:45 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    who wentz first?
    who’s goff the board?

  90. 90 Greg Richards said at 8:00 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    You know the Rams are taking Wentz, just for the drama factor.

  91. 91 b3nz0z said at 8:07 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    for real drama they can trade the pick to Zombie Al Davis

  92. 92 Nu_B said at 7:53 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Hearing these two guys talk on ESPN I definately think Wentz has more savvy to his media game. Hope he’s the pick

  93. 93 Greg Richards said at 7:58 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Zach Berman
    ‏@ZBerm

    3m3 minutes ago

    Last people to controls Eagles’ pick? Asst. video director Kevin Dougherty and equip. asst. Craig Blake, the team reps here who hand in name

    What if they went rogue and said Screw You, Howie, we’re taking Hackenberg!

  94. 94 Baloophi said at 7:59 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Laeagle working the helmet phone with the Broncos…

  95. 95 A_T_G said at 8:00 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Let the excitement begin…

  96. 96 CrackSammich said at 8:01 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    You can practically hear the bits of wings flapping out of Berman’s mouth.

  97. 97 scratcherk said at 8:03 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    NFLN or ESPN? No question.

  98. 98 A_T_G said at 8:04 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    What is the answer?

  99. 99 scratcherk said at 8:04 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    the one without berman

  100. 100 A_T_G said at 8:05 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Oh good, that is the one I am watching.

  101. 101 D3FB said at 8:07 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    NFLN. Not even close.

    Rich Eisen >>>>>> Boomer
    Mayokc >> Kiper
    DJ >> McShay
    Plus David Shaw

  102. 102 Crus57 said at 8:10 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    and ex-Eagles scout Daniel Jeremiah

  103. 103 b3nz0z said at 8:06 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    um, this comments section actually. i’m not gonna watch that doodoo when i can trust you all to freak out in real time

  104. 104 RobNE said at 8:16 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Same

  105. 105 oreofestar said at 8:08 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    NFLN

  106. 106 scratcherk said at 8:05 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Better question — whats everyone drinking?

  107. 107 b3nz0z said at 8:05 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    bud

  108. 108 Rambo said at 8:05 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    7-eleven slushie!

  109. 109 scratcherk said at 8:06 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Moscow mule — dont judge.

  110. 110 b3nz0z said at 8:06 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    those are delish no judging

  111. 111 A_T_G said at 8:07 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Water…”Sure, I can do whole 30 if you want. I don’t know what that means, but you do the grocery shopping, so I’ll eat whatever you get.”

    Do your homework, kids. Do your homework.

  112. 112 D3FB said at 8:07 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    My own tears.

  113. 113 scratcherk said at 8:08 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    mixed with years of disappointment and crushed dreams?

  114. 114 A_T_G said at 8:08 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Sounds better than my water.

  115. 115 scratcherk said at 8:09 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    tastes like cinnamon.

  116. 116 Joe Minx said at 8:10 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Awwwww

  117. 117 oreofestar said at 8:07 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Orange juice

  118. 118 A Roy said at 8:17 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Spanish champagne

  119. 119 BlindChow said at 8:11 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    GOODELL: the rams are on the clock

    THE RAMS: *doesn’t look up from phone*

  120. 120 truehaynes said at 8:13 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    What are they waiting for?

  121. 121 A_T_G said at 8:14 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Yeah, really.

  122. 122 Joe Minx said at 8:14 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Gotta squeeze every last second out of this.

  123. 123 A_T_G said at 8:13 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    5 good QBs picked after the second round in the last 20 years.

  124. 124 anon said at 8:14 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    2 weeks ago “we know who we are taking” today, “…”

  125. 125 scratcherk said at 8:15 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Goodell get your ass on stage. Eagles on the clock

  126. 126 oreofestar said at 8:16 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Phew

  127. 127 scratcherk said at 8:16 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    there it is. Carson Wentz, your Eagles QB.

  128. 128 anon said at 8:16 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

  129. 129 A_T_G said at 8:16 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    There it is. Our future is clear.

  130. 130 Lord of the Rings said at 8:18 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    put on your shades

  131. 131 The original AG said at 8:16 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Does this mean we’re getting Paxton Lynch??? 🙂

    Just kidding.

  132. 132 Greg Richards said at 8:17 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Goff official. Any guesses on Eagles pick? Hackenberg?

  133. 133 scratcherk said at 8:17 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    ZEEEEEKE

  134. 134 Insomniac said at 8:17 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Booooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

  135. 135 A_T_G said at 8:18 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Don’t worry, Tyler. The Rams will break him and you will never have to suffer watching what could have been.

  136. 136 anon said at 8:20 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Soo..Rams move all the way up and take a QB, and that QB they were paying $12m a year — released.

  137. 137 BlindChow said at 8:20 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Jesus, at least give Suzy Kolber a stool to stand on…

  138. 138 scratcherk said at 8:21 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    So the Eagles traded:

    Alonso
    Maxwell
    Murray
    #13
    #77
    #100
    2017 1st
    2018 2nd

    for

    Carson Wentz.

    WORTH IT.

  139. 139 A_T_G said at 8:21 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    And Murray, right? He upped the value of the 4th to #100.

  140. 140 scratcherk said at 8:22 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    edited.

  141. 141 Greg Richards said at 8:21 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Pick is in.

  142. 142 Duracell said at 8:21 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    I was holding out a faint glimmer of hope for Goff, but I guess it’s time to embrace Ginger Jesus.

  143. 143 b3nz0z said at 8:21 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    tunsil’s about to plummit

  144. 144 anon said at 8:22 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Remember when everyone was dreaming about Tunsil – a pie in the sky pick –

  145. 145 anon said at 8:23 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    NFL must have told teams to use max time for picks, they want all the add revenue

  146. 146 FairOaks said at 8:25 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    There was a year when all the gms did that all first round. Players were getting phone calls a half hour before they were on stage. Goodell was pissed I think and started changing the format the next season.

  147. 147 Dude said at 8:23 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    They cheered… Thank God!

  148. 148 b3nz0z said at 8:23 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    #5 is gonna haaaaate that

  149. 149 scratcherk said at 8:24 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    but #5 loves u

  150. 150 b3nz0z said at 8:24 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    and i love him but i’d love him way more if he’d shut up

  151. 151 ShadyCrockett said at 1:14 PM on April 29th, 2016:

    He will ALWAYS love you

  152. 152 Dude said at 8:25 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Lol yeah he is

  153. 153 oreofestar said at 8:25 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Now the fun begins

  154. 154 Greg Richards said at 8:27 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Read a rumor that part of reason Tunsil’s stock has dropped is due to marijuana use.

  155. 155 scratcherk said at 8:27 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    he’s probably not too worried about it then

  156. 156 b3nz0z said at 8:28 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    that and the fact that video of it was on twitter for like ten seconds

  157. 157 Greg Richards said at 8:28 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Peter Elliott
    ‏@PelliottSports

    31m31 minutes ago

    Laremy Tunsil was apparently hacked as a video of him smoking marijuana with a Bong appears minutes before the Draft

    View photo

    20 retweets

    9 likes

  158. 158 Ark87 said at 8:29 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    so…I guess the Patriots REALLY like Tunsil

  159. 159 anon said at 8:29 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    yo people are straight vicious.

  160. 160 Fufina said at 8:29 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    new post up guys ^^

  161. 161 Joe Minx said at 8:30 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Woah there!

  162. 162 Greg Richards said at 8:31 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Don’t love Bosa. Hoped DAL would pick him over Ramsey or Elliott.

  163. 163 FairOaks said at 8:32 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Yeah that removes a player I was ok with Dallas drafting meaning it’s more likely they pick one I’d rather they not have

  164. 164 Joe Minx said at 8:31 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    JOWEY BOWSA

  165. 165 Insomniac said at 8:32 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    Well shit Ramsey as a Cowgirl is going to happen

  166. 166 Lord of the Rings said at 8:38 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    ugh

  167. 167 GermanEagle said at 8:52 PM on April 28th, 2016:

    GE beer count: # 7

  168. 168 dan quisenberry said at 6:35 AM on April 29th, 2016:

    Depth along the OL is pretty sad. Ditto for safety.

  169. 169 Iggles Blitz » Blog Archive » Day 2 said at 7:53 PM on April 29th, 2016:

    […] Here is a link to the full Eagles Draft Preview I wrote yesterday. […]