Indy Update on the Eagles

Posted: March 1st, 2017 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 168 Comments »

Howie spoke. Doug spoke. And there was some minor news and rumors as well. Pretty good for the opening day at The Combine.

First, nothing major with the Eagles. Nobody was signed, cut or traded. Don’t get excited yet. That’s a week from now. Howie and Doug spoke to the media, as most coaches and executives do in Indy.

Neither guy said anything all that remarkable, but both did have the same focus. Building around Carson Wentz. Les Bowen summed it up well.

Carson Wentz wasn’t lurking behind the podium as Howie Roseman and Doug Pederson spoke Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

His red hair wasn’t lighting up the nearby NFL Network set. Wentz couldn’t be found in the darkened area behind that, sitting in the empty bleachers from which fans will watch prospects bench-press, in one quadrant of a cavernous Indiana Convention Center exhibit hall.

But Wentz was there, just the same.

The development of the Eagles’ second-year quarterback took up a significant part of both the Roseman and Pederson media sessions, and even when Wentz wasn’t the primary topic, he was the subtext.

Les is no Tom McCallister, but he’s pretty good. And his point is dead on the money. The Eagles might disagree about their exact plans, but there is no question that the organization is focused on building around Wentz.

They want to give him the right coaches, the right blockers and go find him some weapons.

Pederson was asked about RB Jamal Charles, who the Chiefs released. They spent time in KC together and it sounds like Pederson is curious, if not interested.

“I’ve got history with him in Kansas City for three years, and I think he’s a tremendous running back. It’s something that we’ll evaluate now. We’ll grade him, just like we do every free agent . . . see where he can fit into our offense.”

There are a couple of problems. Charles played in 8 games over the last 2 years combined. That’s a major issue for someone at a position that takes a beating. Charles is also on the wrong side of 30 and RBs rarely age gracefully. I would be all for adding Charles if the Eagles needed a number two back, but they already have Darren Sproles. They have Wendell Smallwood behind him. The Eagles need someone they can feed the ball to. They need someone who is talented, but also reliable. Charles is talented, but durability has been an issue the last couple of years.

Howie Roseman specifically talked about the depth of the RB position. That would lead you to think the Eagles might prefer to try and draft a RB first. If that doesn’t work out, then go find a veteran to be part of a group in 2017. I would certainly have no option with the Eagles using Charles as a backup plan. If they don’t land the right guy in the draft, go talk to him.

I could be way undervaluing Charles, who has had an amazing career. I just know that the aging RBs I’ve seen over the years rarely have bounce-back seasons when things start to go wrong. There are always anomalies, but as a rule of thumb you want to be careful about adding older RBs.

Roseman talked a lot about keeping a long term focus. He became a key part of the front office in about 2009. Since then, the Eagles have always been trying to “win now”. This is the first time they have had a young, franchise QB to build around. It sounds like Roseman is going to be disciplined this offseason and lean on Joe Douglas a lot. At the same time, Roseman said the Eagles won’t hesitate to be aggressive if the situation is right.

There were lots of questions about Jason Kelce and Connor Barwin. Roseman (and Pederson) said only good things. Roseman isn’t going to tell the other 31 teams the Eagles are shopping those guys or plan to cut them. There is no advantage to that. Keep the players. Say the right things publicly. See if you can work a deal. You only cut them when you have to.

Roseman was asked about Bennie Logan. Howie wouldn’t go into details about any contract talks, but said very positive things about the free agent DT and certainly left me feeling the team would like him back. The money still has to make sense so we have to wait and see how things shake out.

*****

Star DTs Dontari Poe and Brandon Williams reportedly will not be tagged. That helps to crowd the DT market and could help the Eagles to keep Logan.

*****

Here is an update on potential Eagles target Kenny Stills. He might want to stay in Miami and not go to the highest bidder. Just speculation, but there are some interesting quotes in the piece that make it sound like Stills wants more than just the biggest deal.

*****

Back to the Eagles for a second. Jeff McLane got a good scoop on Carson Wentz.

Carson Wentz experienced soreness in his right elbow last season that the Eagles believed was related to his throwing mechanics, sources close to the situation said.

The soreness wasn’t significant enough that Wentz had to be listed on the team’s injury report, and the Eagles also believed that it was partly because the rookie quarterback was throwing more than he ever had in his career. But his elbow pain was significant enough that the Eagles stressed that he took additional time off after the season ended.

“Take time off. Get away. Get healthy. Get fresh. Get rejuvenated,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said Wednesday when asked for his parting message to Wentz on Jan. 2. “And that’s what he’s done.”

 Wentz finished the season with 607 pass attempts, the second-highest total ever for an NFL rookie behind Andrew Luck’s 627 in 2012.

That’s not a huge deal, but it is certainly worth noting. It doesn’t take a genius to see that Wentz posted better numbers early in the year. How much of that was due to the elbow?

You also have to remember that the Eagles had all sorts of OL injuries for a while. The WRs struggled in that time period. There were RB injuries. The defense suddenly became inconsistent. The Eagles relied a lot on Wentz at the time when his arm was sore. Not ideal.

Wentz should be better prepared for the upcoming season. He now understands what it takes to start 16 games and throw a bunch of passes.

_


168 Comments on “Indy Update on the Eagles”

  1. 1 Indy Update on the Eagles - said at 12:00 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    […] Tommy Lawlor Howie spoke. Doug spoke. And there was some minor news and rumors as well. Pretty good for the […]

  2. 2 Greg Tulino said at 12:55 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I took HR’s comments today as someone who wants to build this team via the draft over the next several years and to try to position the Eagles to be a perennial contender over a long period of time. Sounds good right?

    Well do we actually trust that HR & Douglas can nail the draft for the next few years to put us in that position? Unfortunately Howie’s previous drafts have not given me much confidence. We will have to have faith that Douglas will be able to draft very solidly over the next few years.

    As a die hard fan of Philly sports teams I am running out of patience. The Flyers are a mess. The Phillies are a few years away from possibly contending and we all know the suffering Sixers fans have endured being in total tank mode in recent past and currently dealing with very scary injury concerns with our best players.

    Now I/we must come to the realization that the Eagles are in the same situation and we will likely have to wait several years before we can contend and that is only if the team can do what it hasn’t done much of ( drafting well) over the past decade.

    I get it. I understand this is probably the best way and chance for the Eagles to win a super bowl several years from now.

    Geez, it is too much to just want the Eagles to get a few upgrades at WR and CB over what we had last year? Is it too much to think we can upgrade the roster , win some close games and possibly get into the playoffs?

    It is just difficult to accept another 7-9 or 8-8 season. My fingers will be crossed that we can contend sooner rather than later. I just hate waiting year after year. It seems that is all we do as Philly sports fans.

  3. 3 Anders said at 2:54 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    “Unfortunately Howie’s previous drafts have not given me much confidence”

    The problem here is trying to determine which pick was Howie versus Reid and Kelly, two strong HC who had/got personnel control.

  4. 4 Media Mike said at 6:35 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I’m pretty sure every bad pick was the fault of
    – Sean McDermott
    – Chip
    – Barner

  5. 5 Anders said at 6:40 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I know you hate Kenjon Barner but blaming him for bad draft picks is a little over kill 😛

  6. 6 Media Mike said at 6:45 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Well, if you look at them assuming they were ok at RB because he was on the roster he caused them to skip better players, so…………….

  7. 7 Media Mike said at 6:44 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I agree that building through the draft is the best way to go.

    Round 1 Pick 15: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan (A)
    Round 2 Pick 15 (BALT): Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson (A)
    Round 3 Pick 10: Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy (A-)
    Round 3 Pick 35 (BALT): Isaac Asiata, OG, Utah (A)
    Round 4 Pick 12: Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo (A)
    Round 4 Pick 32 (COMP): Daeshon Hall, DE, Texas A&M (B+)
    Round 5 Pick 11: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA (B+)
    Round 6 Pick 10: Ryan Switzer, WR, North Carolina (B-)
    Round 7 Pick 12: Nate Hairston, CB, Temple (C)

  8. 8 bill said at 8:32 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Boo. Where’s my TE project?

  9. 9 Media Mike said at 9:13 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    In our amazing haul of future pro bowl level UDFAs

  10. 10 D3FB said at 9:16 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    He signed George Kittle as a UDFA, just forgot to tell everyone.

  11. 11 Media Mike said at 9:25 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Kittle needs some HGH from Lane’s locker

  12. 12 D3FB said at 9:32 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    He would still probably be the best blocking TE we have.

    https://twitter.com/MikeMayock/status/832629070626189312

    https://twitter.com/themicknartin/status/832847892230586368

  13. 13 Media Mike said at 9:42 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    damning with faint praise!

  14. 14 Media Mike said at 9:47 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    So he’ll be putting punks like Kerrigan and JPP on the butts often I hope!

  15. 15 Sb2bowl said at 10:57 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    That was unexpected. Lol

  16. 16 Sb2bowl said at 11:44 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Think he could fit in as a fullback for us also?

  17. 17 D3FB said at 10:54 AM on March 3rd, 2017:

    He’s more of the Tre Burton H-back type, so possibly.

  18. 18 eagleyankfan said at 7:22 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Hmm, not sure how to take the Wentz news. Part of me wonders why Pederson would ask so much of a young qb on a team that’s rebuilding. It wasn’t a SB season, nor a playoff season. Part of me wonders, if it’s so minor, why let such a minor injury out to the public? I blame Sproles. If he wasn’t so darn good at getting 1st downs, Wentz would have thrown a lot less :).
    Hope it’s all just March news…
    ….
    Fan memories of a once great players — is one of the hardest subjects for a fan to get over. JC is free! Let’s sign him. Man is he great. JC was great. Every playoff team needs those valuable part time aging vets. It’s a piece to the puzzle. If I read that HR is trying to build for long term success, how does an aging rb, with brutal numbers the last 2 years fit into HR’s puzzle?
    ….
    HR and long term focus…yes please :). Should be an exciting off season….

  19. 19 D3FB said at 8:36 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Kendricks for Jakeem Grant

  20. 20 GermanEagle said at 9:06 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Who?!

  21. 21 D3FB said at 9:11 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    5’7 John Ross

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCYOQtPREO4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxZoXz8FYsg

  22. 22 Media Mike said at 9:14 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Our future return man upgrade from Barner; that’s who.

  23. 23 Media Mike said at 9:14 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Your boy got a lot of return time with Miami last year.

  24. 24 Anders said at 7:24 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Ever wonder what it's like inside the Combine Interview rooms? Here's Carson Wentz meeting with the #Eagles WATCH: https://t.co/ovknK7ZL5p pic.twitter.com/Sgvp66nG0l— Fran Duffy (@fduffy3) 2. marts 2017

  25. 25 Dave said at 7:48 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    This shot blows me away.

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2424791ad404392bd39fa6a646efcc5d38aebb5049884dc284691b02accbcbc0.jpg

  26. 26 A_T_G said at 8:01 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Tommy graciously gave me permission to solicit the help of this community. I have some students that worked really hard on a video production contest, part of which is to market their video to gather votes. If anyone finds some time to vote, it is appreciated. Unlimited voting is encouraged.
    https://twitter.com/Mr_Ashman/status/837285193719382016

  27. 27 D3FB said at 8:34 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Daniel Boone shall not win

  28. 28 Mac said at 1:09 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Well done!

  29. 29 GordonGekko said at 9:10 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    The Eagles shouldn’t sign Charles, he’s done at RB. All he would do is take cap space and occupy the IR list. Draft a couple of RBs and sign a couple as undrafted rookie FAs.

  30. 30 Ryan Rambo said at 10:15 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky is “on the Browns’ radar at No. 1 overall.”
    There had been concerns about his height, but Trubisky measured in at 6-foot-2 and 1/8-inches at the combine. Asked about the measurement, Browns coach Hue Jackson said his threshold is 6-foot-2 for a quarterback and that height is “an important piece of the puzzle.” It seems relevant to note Cody Kessler, who the Browns drafted in the third round last season, is “only” 6-foot-1. Drafting a guy with limited experience like Trubisky at No. 1 overall would seem to go against the way the Browns attacked the draft last season. It remains more likely they take Texas A&M DE Myles Garrett if they stick in the No. 1 spot.

  31. 31 Ryan Rambo said at 10:16 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    ESPN’s Josina Anderson reports the 49ers, Titans, and Eagles will be “potential suitors” for free agent Alshon Jeffery if he hits the open market.
    Anderson adds the Bears are interested in bringing Jeffery back, but it seems like that ship has sailed. The reality is most teams will be interested in Jeffery, who is easily the best receiver available in free agency. Jeffery could push A.J. Green ($15 million AAV) to be the second-highest paid receiver in the league

  32. 32 Dave said at 10:19 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Oh please Lord, let this happen.

    https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/837320649827840000

  33. 33 Ryan Rambo said at 10:26 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Wow…that’s surprising. Did he get any playing time this season? If so, how did he look?

  34. 34 Dave said at 10:28 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    He threw one pass subbing for Wentz when he was being checked for a concussion in week 15. He only played few snaps all season.

  35. 35 Mac said at 11:00 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I know the sunglasses pick is part of your pitch for a sales gig from Tommy, but you’ve got a lot of growing to do if you think you can sell Chase Daniels and his contract on a description like that.

  36. 36 A_T_G said at 11:52 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Some nuggets to get you started:
    “Tied the all-time record for completion percentage in a season.”
    “YPA higher than Brady or Brees.”
    “Rugged, bearded looks worthy of a Carhartt ad.”

  37. 37 Mac said at 12:27 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I would offer you an enrollment slot at the Glengarry Glen Ross school of business, but I can see you’ve already graduated.

  38. 38 Sb2bowl said at 12:43 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    “Family man”
    “Good leader”

  39. 39 Sb2bowl said at 10:56 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    His confidence was evident as he calmly faced pressure and completed a challenging pass in the midst of chaos. Chase has his best year to date, as he completed every pass that he attempted–he was able to skillfully guide the ship until Wentz was able to take the field again.

    Think we could get a 2nd for him based on this write up?

  40. 40 Ryan Rambo said at 11:01 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    SOLD!!!

  41. 41 Mac said at 10:59 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    The only player I’m aware of with a higher 2016 QBR is Dontari Poe. I’d be interested in seeing if we can replace Chase Daniels with Poe. #upgrade

  42. 42 Ryan Rambo said at 11:01 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Bwaahaaaahaa!!

  43. 43 Dave said at 10:23 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Oh please Lord, let this happen too.

    https://twitter.com/mortreport/status/837322121105784833

  44. 44 Ryan Rambo said at 10:37 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    More of what you posted……ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports the Saints are discussing a trade involving Brandin Cooks with both the Titans and Eagles.

  45. 45 Mac said at 10:41 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Make it happen Howie. How much talent can we pull out of one team?

  46. 46 Ryan Rambo said at 11:06 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    LOL DGB doesn’t count yet!

  47. 47 Mac said at 11:11 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I was looking at Jenkins and Sproles.

    Looking at Saints mock draft, their fans are targeting CB, DE, and LB. So…. maybe that 2nd in a CB heavy draft is enticing and maybe a somewhat functional LB has value after all.

  48. 48 Ryan Rambo said at 11:26 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I got my Titans and Saints teams mixed up!! You’re right!!

  49. 49 Corry said at 10:45 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    If the Saints are looking for picks, we don’t have the ammo to compete with the Titans, but Adam Hermann and Mike Kaye threw out the idea of a 2nd rounder and Kendricks. I would gladly part with that for Cooks.

  50. 50 GermanEagle said at 10:45 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    That would be awesome Getting Cooks and still keep our 1st rounder…

  51. 51 Mac said at 11:12 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    With the Saints needs, and the impending wealth of CB talent in this draft… this just might be enough.

  52. 52 Sb2bowl said at 10:59 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    He’s due for a contract extension (this is his last year) so that has to be factored into the equation; perhaps our 3 and Kendricks?

  53. 53 GermanEagle said at 11:00 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    No way the Saints are that dumb to agree to that.

    The Eagles will be VERY VERY lucky if they can pull of a 2nd + Kendricks trade. I still think the Saints will bank on our 1st rounder…

  54. 54 Sb2bowl said at 11:01 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    That’s going to be an expensive contract extension to sign him to…….. and something would probably have to be agreed upon before an actual trade.

  55. 55 GermanEagle said at 11:06 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Cooks has the 5th year option. So he’s basically under contract for 2 more years…

  56. 56 Sb2bowl said at 12:08 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Howie needs to call NO and tell them that the Titans are no longer interested.

  57. 57 Mac said at 11:15 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Crazy idea (that I’m not a fan of) What about Kendricks, Curry, and a day 3 pick or pick swap for Cooks?

  58. 58 GermanEagle said at 11:54 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    That’s too much. Sorry, but why would the Eagles make their need at DE even bigger by trading away Curry?

  59. 59 Mac said at 12:13 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I was trying to think of players the team could potentially part ways with that NO would have legitimate interest in acquiring. I agree that Curry is too valuable to the team relative to his value in a trade, but I thought the possibility interesting from an outside the box viewpoint.

  60. 60 meteorologist said at 12:22 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Saints wouldn’t take that

  61. 61 Julescat said at 12:32 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Eagles are being used to up the price

  62. 62 Ryan Rambo said at 11:10 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Assuming we were able to land Cooks, what does that do for our WR group? Do we still draft one high 1st -3rd round or would we go for another like Britt in FA?

    Also, is Cooks a legit #1 and able to play outside? If not, seems like we’d have to move Jordan Matthews but what do I know?

  63. 63 Nick C said at 12:00 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    We won’t have a first round pick if we trade for him.

  64. 64 Ryan Rambo said at 12:40 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Pass

  65. 65 meteorologist said at 12:21 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Can play outside, not sure he’s a legit #1

    “Cooks is a good player, one of the best vertical threats, but not a true No. 1 receiver. Would rather have Alshon if I wasn’t either team. “https://t.co/L8ZbwZ1Zfw

  66. 66 Dave said at 11:52 AM on March 2nd, 2017:

    From Mort: “One scenario has the Titans simply trading their first-round pick (No. 18 overall) for Cooks, who was the Saints’ 20th pick in the first round of the 2014 draft. Another scenario, per sources, has the two teams swapping slots in the first round, involving the Titans moving from the No. 5 pick (acquired from the Rams) to the Saints’ 11th pick, with another pick or two also in play.”

    Seeing this, would you rather trade the #14/15 pick for Cooks or stay put and choose one of the following players?

    Mike Williams (6-3 5/8, 218)
    John Ross (5-10 3/4, 188)
    Corey Davis (6-2 3/4, 209)

    Cooks has 2 years remaining on his contract while the rookies would sign team-friendly 4 year deals with a 5th year option.

    http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18805629/new-orleans-saints-brandin-cooks-radar-eagles-titans

  67. 67 xmbk said at 12:19 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Stay put, can’t afford Cooks. Tennessee is in much better shape to pick him up. Makes a lot of sense.

  68. 68 meteorologist said at 12:19 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I’d say draft Ross but it depends so much on his medical.

  69. 69 Dave said at 12:40 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Ross scares the heck out of me. He seems fragile.

  70. 70 Insomniac said at 3:26 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Cooks > Ross

  71. 71 meteorologist said at 3:44 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Of course. But salary cap $$$

  72. 72 Insomniac said at 4:18 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I don’t think we’ll be in cap trouble even with Cooks extended. Of course that’s assuming Kenny Stills doesn’t get 12 mil a year somehow.

  73. 73 kajomo said at 12:31 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Stay put. We don’t have enough resources to waste both draft picks and cap space on Cooks.

  74. 74 Mac said at 1:14 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Do you try to trade the pick before or after the COIN FLIP????!!!!!!!

  75. 75 GermanEagle said at 2:18 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    You can’t trade a pick before the coin toss. You should know this! Happens all the time.. lol

  76. 76 Jamie Parker said at 9:16 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Can’t trade players until FA starts. Coin flip is before that.

  77. 77 Mac said at 9:37 AM on March 3rd, 2017:

    Good point.

  78. 78 meteorologist said at 1:16 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Whoa. Just realized Cooks is only 23 and has been healthy for 2 (3? Years) in the league… Maybe have to change my vote upon further review.

  79. 79 Ryan Rambo said at 12:40 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the Titans are the frontrunners to acquire Brandin Cooks in a deal that could send the No. 18 overall pick to the Saints.
    “The Saints look like they are intent on rebuilding their defense,” Adam Schefter added, and they are targeting a first-rounder to do that. Per Mort, another scenario would involve the Titans sending the No. 5 pick and “another pick or two” to New Orleans in exchange for No. 11 overall. As Tennessee holds the Nos. 5 and 18 overall selections in the draft, GM Jon Robinson is armed to make aggressive moves. The Titans’ two biggest needs are wideout and cornerback.

  80. 80 ACViking said at 1:00 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Paging A_T_G . . .

    Just finished watching the “What’s Cool About Manufacturing” videos.

    And voting, too — without any ID and many, many times.

    Some very creative and slick work by those kids.

    Thanks for bringing this to us.

    Very interesting to see what’s being taught, and how, in middle school these days.

    And, whatever you’re doing, keep on doin’ it!

  81. 81 Mac said at 1:12 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    No matter what they’re teaching in middle school, we all know what the boys are studying… World War II tech and the back of baseball cards. Right?!

  82. 82 Bert's Bells said at 6:29 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Tweens love WAR and VORP!

  83. 83 A_T_G said at 1:46 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Thanks. It is the first time the contest was offered in our area, and it is very well run. And those young ladies are something special.

  84. 84 GermanEagle said at 1:02 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Cooks is twentyfriggingthree years old…

  85. 85 Mac said at 1:13 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    He IS the DeSean you’re looking for.

  86. 86 GermanEagle said at 1:14 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Ha!

    I want Cooks AND DeSean. How about that?!

  87. 87 James said at 1:26 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    CASH ME OUSSIDE

  88. 88 Ryan Rambo said at 1:27 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Lol…teams would have to stay in Prevent Def against us.

  89. 89 Fufina said at 1:28 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Not sure I know how I would feel about that. Naturally I think the best WR groups have a variety of guys who do things differently, and historically that seems how WR groups are built… But I wonder if that is really true. Finding 1 CB to handle DeSean is tough and he often draws safety help… Scheming to cover both would be a nightmare. To succeed you would need the OL to be great to hold up enough so they have time to get deep since it takes a while for both to get open

    Think the result would be feast and famine… 7-9 games where they get loose and Wentz throws 350+ yards, and 3-4 games where they pass rush gets home and the CB’s cover well and we struggle to get 200 yards from Wentz.

  90. 90 GermanEagle said at 2:01 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    If I could choose I’d probably get a tall/big/physical WR to complement either DeSean or Cooks in order to pose a proper redzone threat.

    However the thought of having two speedsters like those two is not only intriguing for Dougie P., but also scary for opposing Defense Coordinators..

  91. 91 Dave said at 3:15 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    This may lower the Saint’s leverage.

    https://twitter.com/nfldraftscout/status/837394756049174529

  92. 92 Nick C said at 3:23 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Worth noting that he also changed agents recently.

  93. 93 Insomniac said at 3:26 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I fear that Brees might have inflated his numbers.

  94. 94 Fufina said at 3:29 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    He is a DeSean type producer. 1000 yards 7-8 TD’s but he does occupy defences and stretches the field opening up space for other players.

    That has value but he is not and i doubt ever will be a top 10 WR in terms of production.

  95. 95 Insomniac said at 3:30 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    He would fit our offense to a tee if Pederson wants to keep doing those WR screens. It’s just that Brees makes all of his WRs look great (Kenny Stills for example) and I don’t think Wentz is on that level.

  96. 96 Mitchell said at 3:45 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    *yet*

  97. 97 meteorologist said at 8:29 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    He’s 23… If he was drafted this year, you would be oozing about his potential

  98. 98 anon said at 3:41 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Michael Thomas came in and ate his whole lunch. Better than what we have but I wouldn’t get too excited.

    Also will he be a distraction? Can easily see him cussing out Ags if Ags plays 80% of snaps again.

  99. 99 Insomniac said at 3:42 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    “Also will he be a distraction? Can easily see him cussing out Ags if Ags plays 80% of snaps again.”

    I would trade for him just for that.

  100. 100 Fufina said at 3:27 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I cannot see how he can get anything close to a 1st round pick value. His production has matched his draft slot, he has been a good (but not great) receiver, who has only 2 cheap years left (2nd of those years will not be that cheap either at ~$10m).

    Think he is worth a 2nd rounder, or a 3rd rounder and a starting quality player. The initial report that suggested the Titans might give them the no.18 pick is a joke and must be the Saints leaking to ESPN to try and get a bidding war going on for Cooks.

  101. 101 Insomniac said at 3:28 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I’m willing to part with a second or third next year. A third this year but not a second.

  102. 102 Fufina said at 3:33 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I would probably do the 2nd round pick. Would free the Eagles up hugely since you do not need to spend $$ on a WR this spring, could focus on getting a CB in FA and retaining Bennie, maybe look at the OG market and look to trade Kelce as well. Add in a range of mid/late picks for Kendricks/Barwin/Daniel, and you have the ammo to trade back into the 2nd or 3rd if you want to.

  103. 103 Insomniac said at 3:41 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I would prefer to draft a CB or BPA with our second pick. It seems like the second round is where we hit our picks at. I just don’t know if Cooks is worth the asking price. Star WRs have been acquired for less but they also weren’t as young and cheap as Cooks. I would personally ask for someone else with Cooks if they want a pick and player.

    edit: fixed a word

  104. 104 Dave said at 3:51 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    We have no 2nd round pick next year. I would want to hold onto out 1st this year because whoever we choose will basically be locked in on a 5-year contract.

  105. 105 Insomniac said at 4:17 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Well…shit.

  106. 106 Dave said at 4:23 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    But we have an extra 4th/maybe 3rd from the Superbowl Champion Eric Rowe trade.

  107. 107 Sb2bowl said at 3:41 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    It may lower their leverage, but Tenn is in a much better position to make a play for him compared to our situation; they also have about $48m more in cap space as of today as well.

    With the ammo they have and the money they can spend, it would make more sense for them to pay closer to top end dollar; unless we have someone that the Saints want in addition to a pick, I don’t see how the Eagles trade for him. It’ll probably take our 1st, which is a lot for our team right now.

  108. 108 Jamie Parker said at 9:22 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Why would he want that?

  109. 109 Media Mike said at 9:23 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    because the Saints won’t extend him to $15 mil / year and the Titans / Eagles will.

  110. 110 Nick C said at 3:39 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Just heard Cooks and Wentz have same agent. Interesting.

  111. 111 Dave said at 3:40 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    So does Mariota

  112. 112 Nick C said at 3:40 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Got me there.

    Was just mentioned on NFL Live that him and Wentz have same agent. Dunno why they would leave out Mariota.

  113. 113 Ryan Rambo said at 3:45 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    3 way trade w/ the Titans for Mariota! Sweet!

  114. 114 Mitchell said at 3:44 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    McManus tweeted that NFL network said there was trade talk involving Chase Daniel.

  115. 115 Nick C said at 3:51 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Saw Rapoports tweet this morning. This, to me, was better news than potential Brandin Cooks news.

  116. 116 Fufina said at 3:55 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    This is the most exciting bit of news for me today. Chase is not worth $6m to the Eagles this year. We are not a super bowl team, and i would rather finish 7-9 if Wentz misses 4 games with an injury than going 9-7 and being on the playoff bubble.

    Draft a QB late and sign an older journeyman QB to be the clipboard guy for half the price and gaining a mid/late pick.

  117. 117 Dave said at 3:58 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Nick Foles will be a free agent

  118. 118 RobNE said at 5:21 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I think Carson just progressed more than they anticipated and the QB2 mentor isn’t as important for year 2.

  119. 119 anon said at 4:00 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Interesting that his job was done after year 1. Don’t think staff expected him to play so poorly given he had such a command of the playbook.

  120. 120 Media Mike said at 8:33 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I’d be excited to get a 6th for him if possible. Even a 7th is worth it for the cap relief.

  121. 121 anon said at 4:00 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Looks like skins GM is back on the sauce.

  122. 122 Dave said at 4:37 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    It hasn’t hurt Elway’s career as a GM.

  123. 123 meteorologist said at 8:24 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Great (not for him obviously). About the only thing that will stop the Redskins from becoming a contender, other than locking up Kirk Cousins to a long term deal.

  124. 124 A_T_G said at 10:14 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Hate seeing anyone succumb to addiction…but if it has to happen, happening to a rival GM during roster building season is the way to go.

  125. 125 Ryan Rambo said at 4:04 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Speaking in a Thursday radio interview, Redskins president Bruce Allen insisted GM Scot McCloughan would soon be back with the team.
    “As soon as the family matters are cleared up, we’ll be ok,” Allen said, referring to the death of McCloughan’s grandmother. Rumors have been running rampant about McCloughan’s absence, and Allen was asked point blank about McCloughan’s past struggles with alcohol abuse. “You know, Scot’s a great guy,” was Allen’s response. “Anyone who knows him knows he’s a great guy.” It was a non-answer. McCloughan’s future with the team is very much up in the air.

  126. 126 meteorologist said at 8:22 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Wow

  127. 127 Media Mike said at 8:34 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    That really sucks for McCloughan, but helps the rest of the division if Bruce Allen is left to fend for himself.

  128. 128 Ryan Rambo said at 9:28 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I agree totally.

  129. 129 Nick C said at 4:21 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    http://www.neworleanssaints.com/media-center/videos/Sean-Payton-discusses-Brandin-Cooks-trade-rumors/2eb3ac03-46e1-45e3-ad0e-a7cbe40c0ee8

    Payton did not shoot down rumors at all. Said it would take a lot, FWIW.

  130. 130 Insomniac said at 4:28 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Can you name 15 WRs better than Brandin Cooks?

    Julio
    Antonio Brown
    OBJ
    AJ Green
    Dez
    Demaryius Thomas
    Deandre Hopkins
    Jordy Nelson
    Allen Robinson
    Mike Evans
    TY Hilton
    Emmanuel Sanders
    Terrelle Pryor
    Amari Cooper
    Jarvis Landry
    Doug Baldwin

  131. 131 GermanEagle said at 4:32 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Since 2014 Cooks has 11 TDs of 30+ yards, trailing only OBJ..

  132. 132 Insomniac said at 4:36 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    A rookie WR (Michael Thomas) came in and produced nearly the same stats. Their 3rd WR (Willie Snead) outproduced our #1 WR. Is it the system or player?

  133. 133 GermanEagle said at 4:37 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    May be a little bit of both?!

    From your list above I would rank the following ahead of Cooks:

    Julio
    Antonio Brown
    OBJ
    AJ Green
    Dez
    Deandre Hopkins
    Allen Robinson
    Mike Evans
    Terrelle Pryor
    Amari Cooper
    Jarvis Landry
    Doug Baldwin

    As a result I think Cooks is a top 12-15 WR in the NFL and would be a huge upgrade to our current WR corps.

  134. 134 Insomniac said at 4:44 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Not disagreeing with you, I’m a huge fan of Cooks and being middle of the pack in a stacked WR group isn’t something to be ashamed of. My list came down to what flavor of WR I liked more. Also just realized I left out Alshon and if Josh Gordon returns to form then this list would also be different.

  135. 135 Media Mike said at 8:36 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    You can also GTFO with POS Pryor. That dude is a turd.

  136. 136 Media Mike said at 8:35 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    GTFO with Pryor. I’m also not buying Sanders at this point in his career. But all of Pryor’s production is highly suspect as perpetual garbage yards.

  137. 137 A_T_G said at 10:10 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    To be fair, Pryor played in 45-50 quarters of garbage time last year.

  138. 138 laeagle said at 4:30 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    It’s so exciting to hear our team being used by agents and teams to drive up offers! This is a crazy time of year.

    The thing that makes this so much more bearable is knowing that Howie is handling the trades, not Chip. I’d so much rather have Littlefinger holding the purse strings now than one of the idiot Frey sons. I could see Chip giving away an entire position group, like all of our linebackers, and every 3rd round pick for the next million years (Scientology style!) for Cooks. So if something does go down, I’m not going to have that sinking feeling I got when hearing about things like the Foles/Bradford trade, or the Shady/Kiko trade. Or the DeSean/box-of-hair trade.

  139. 139 RobNE said at 5:20 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    same but feel the opposite for the Sixers these days.

  140. 140 Ryan Rambo said at 5:09 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    https://youtu.be/ttYP8mRUBd4

  141. 141 anon said at 6:18 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Alshon says he wants to go to a contender.

  142. 142 Ryan Rambo said at 6:20 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Yes, but do they want him??

  143. 143 GermanEagle said at 6:29 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    And then he signs a 5 year $74m contract to become a 49er…

  144. 144 Mac said at 6:34 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    But did he clarify as to what they would contend with?

    Weather, chicken wings, a laissez faire fan base…

  145. 145 Ryan Rambo said at 6:20 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole has confirmed the Titans are trying to trade for Brandin Cooks.
    Cole’s report is via a “Titans source.” Tennessee seems like the clear favorite to land the explosive wideout, but the Saints are working on increasing their leverage. Coach Sean Payton has said any offer would have to be “substantial.” It’s looking more and more likely Cooks will no longer be a Saint this time next week.

  146. 146 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 6:38 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I guess that takes the Titans out of the Williams/Davis sweepstakes. I assuming the trade their latter 1st round pick

  147. 147 Dave said at 6:30 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Whelp

    https://twitter.com/BigBoyJameis/status/837444014186070017

  148. 148 GermanEagle said at 6:37 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I hate people quoting them. 😉

  149. 149 Dave said at 6:41 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    #alternativetwitter #fakenews

  150. 150 Insomniac said at 6:43 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I’m guessing they’re going to be swapping first round picks and the Titans are also going to get a mid-round pick.

  151. 151 GermanEagle said at 7:32 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Bennie gone. Booo

  152. 152 anon said at 7:37 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Because of the Beau Allen deal?

  153. 153 GermanEagle said at 7:38 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Yep..

  154. 154 Fufina said at 7:42 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I wouldn’t panic yet. Resigning Beau is good business and will have little 2017 cap impact. Bennie’s situation with the team will depend on his market – if its north of $10m a year then he is probably gone, if he is more in the $8m range then i think he will be back.

  155. 155 Media Mike said at 8:41 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I agree. But I’d use the money Beau gets as my opinion on if we plan on keeping Benny or not. If they pay Beau trash money, it’ll be fine. If he winds up in the $3 mil + range, I think they’re using him as more than an insurance policy.

  156. 156 meteorologist said at 8:06 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2017/2/24/14727120/the-eagles-fan-experience-1-so-you-want-to-attend-the-nfl-draft-in

    All your draft info is here

  157. 157 Media Mike said at 8:38 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    It is absolutely embarrassing that the Eagles aren’t getting the vast majority of the tickets. Who wants all of these scumbags from the 31 turd fan bases at OUR draft?

  158. 158 Dave said at 8:47 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I just hope Shoulderpad Shawn isn’t there.

  159. 159 Media Mike said at 8:51 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    That guy is the worst.

  160. 160 anon said at 8:18 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    From Roto: Draft Analyst’s Tony Pauline reports the 49ers will “go hard” after free agent Alshon Jeffery when the market opens on March 9.

  161. 161 Nick C said at 8:23 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Beau Allen is really what we’re concentrating on now…? Cue the “it’s good business” folks but who freaking cares. He’s a replacement level player.

  162. 162 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 9:10 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Its better to sign him than not. And this wont prevent us from doing anything else. I dont see the negative here.

  163. 163 anon said at 9:06 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Chip Kelly auditioning for broadcasting jobs. Damn.

  164. 164 Insomniac said at 9:25 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    but he hates talking to people

  165. 165 Ryan Rambo said at 10:08 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Jets released WR Brandon Marshall.

  166. 166 Will Ft. Daft Punk said at 10:11 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    I like Marshall…even though he has a worse drop rate than Matthews.

  167. 167 Ryan Rambo said at 10:31 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Sign him, draft another. I’d take him and Britt.

  168. 168 anon said at 11:11 PM on March 2nd, 2017:

    Yes please