Roster Tweaks

Posted: May 12th, 2017 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 180 Comments »

The Eagles will be having a Rookie Camp this weekend. They finally got around to making the UDFA announcements official.

There are some players missing from the first reports we had.

LB Marcus Oliver
TE Billy Brown

I wasn’t a huge fan of either guy. I didn’t think Oliver had NFL athleticism and Brown had to make the transition from D2 WR to NFL TE. That’s a tall order.

The Eagles also let go of WR Rasheed Bailey, who was a bit of a fan favorite from the past. He lacked ideal size or speed.

As I count it, the roster now stands at 89 players.

*****

There are a number of tryout players coming for the weekend. The one getting the most notoriety is Air Force Safety Weston Steelhammer. Great name. He’s also a good player. He finished his career with 18 INTs, the most of any current college player. We know the Eagles love production so giving him a shot makes a ton of sense.

The Eagles posted the full roster for this weekend. There will be a mixture of draft picks, UDFAs, tryout players and “young veterans”. Guys like LB Don Cherry,  WR David Watford, CB Mitchell White and DT Justin Hamilton will be there. When you are a fringe roster player, you take every rep you can get.

The RBs will be Donnel Pumphrey, Corey Clement and Joe Yearby, a tryout player who was a former starter at Miami. The coaches will get a chance to see how quickly Pumphrey and Clement learn.

*****

Interesting idea. The Ravens need help at WR. The Eagles might be willing to deal Matthews. Why? There are questions about how he fits in the long term plans. His production will warrant good contract. Eagles seem to want different types of WRs. Will they spend big for him or try to use that money on Alshon Jeffery?

One problems. The Ravens are showing some interest in free agent Victor Cruz.

Matthews is a good player. But just how much is he worth in terms of his contract? That’s the tricky part.

*****

The Eagles have some depth at certain positions. They have some players they can deal, if they want to. Howie Roseman won’t give anyone away. He’ll try to get good value or he’ll keep the players for the upcoming season and then worry about the future when it gets here.

Trades are like a game of chicken. You have to go as far as you can to “win”. You have to be willing to lose if you want a good payoff. If you play it safe, you won’t be consistently getting a good return for your players. The other team has to be willing to meet your price or at least to up their offer and the way to get them to do that is by making them believe you’ll walk away from the trade table and keep your player. Lots of bluffing and posturing, but it can be beneficial if it works right.

Or you could get stuck with a player you aren’t really committed to.

*****

QB Jerod Evans has grown on me a little bit. I don’t think he has any chance to win a roster spot this year, but you can see where there is something to work with. He is a good downfield passer. There are times when he is good underneath, getting the ball out quickly and accurately. There are other times when he is painfully slow with his release and you know why he went undrafted.

This was a good game.

Don’t watch Notre Dame.

_


180 Comments on “Roster Tweaks”

  1. 1 DrGeniusPhD said at 1:16 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Steelhammer can’t play for two years because they changed the rules and he has to serve.

    Thanks Trump

  2. 2 Buge Halls said at 8:13 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yeah, why force a young man to keep his commitment to the military when he should really be playing the all important game of football?

  3. 3 Dave said at 8:55 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    “It is not a matter of affording the tuition or finding a scholarship or grant. An Academy education is valued at more than $416,000, yet we offer it at no cost to our cadets. All that is required in return is your commitment to serve as an officer in the Air Force. The length of commitment depends on your career path and other opportunities, such as graduate or medical school, that may extend it.

    When you arrive at the Academy, you’ll sign an agreement (with the consent of your parents or guardian if you are a minor) stating that you’ll fulfill the following service obligations, which apply to all cadets except international students.

    You will complete the course of instruction at the Academy, unless you are disenrolled by the proper authority.
    You will accept an appointment and serve as a commissioned officer in the Air Force for at least eight years after graduation, five of which must be active duty and the remainder can be served as inactive reserve. You will become eligible to request a separation from the Air Force after five years of service.”

    http://www.academyadmissions.com/commitment/

  4. 4 daveH said at 10:38 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    They should value his service on the team ..they extract double from the athletes it looks like. He had to serve twice ?? Wtf, play sports and risk injury and win and represent and promote the school and then also put life in Jeopardy ??

  5. 5 Tom33 said at 11:30 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yeah – it’s not fair that he got to go to school for free when all those other guys that got drafted had to pay their own way…uh – never mind.

    Seriously, I don’t see the big issue letting the kids chase their pro sports dreams and then fulfilling their commitment later. Can you imagine if a guy really hit it big (like Roger Staubach or David Robinson) and THEN had to go serve with millions in the bank? That would be awesome!

  6. 6 Bert's Bells said at 11:32 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    They might just get Tillmaned.

  7. 7 Dave said at 12:08 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    That’s disappointing to read on this site and in very poor taste.

  8. 8 Bert's Bells said at 12:09 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Meh. Military worship is in worse taste.

  9. 9 Dave said at 12:21 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    You’re a fucking horrible human being! I’m thankful for the block feature of this site.

  10. 10 ChoTime said at 2:14 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Overreacting, dude.

  11. 11 aron said at 9:56 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    you suck ape nuts

  12. 12 Julescat said at 6:26 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    ever wonder who protects your ability to post your opinion?

  13. 13 DrGeniusPhD said at 10:40 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    The courts?

    Let’s be honest, on the whole, American military action since Bush’s ill-fated decision to invade Iraq has made the world, and the US, less safe.

    Patriotism doesn’t imply the abandonment of critical thinking. That’s Nationalism.

  14. 14 kajomo said at 8:20 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    America’s military action is decided by politicians, not the military. It is more than appropriate to appreciate military members and military service even if you do not agree with the politics that drive many of the actions. Military members and their families make tremendous sacrifices with the keeping America safe.

  15. 15 DrGeniusPhD said at 8:53 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    I agree with you right up until the “keeping America safe” thing. It’s cliche, and it’s untrue. If you believe in your point of view, you shouldn’t have to use falsehoods to prove your point.

    Maybe the members of our military think they are keeping us safe (from who exactly, I’m not sure). And I would never suggest they don’t make enormous sacrifices. But “Keeping America safe” is a bullshit line used to justify offensive warfare that inevitably makes the situation worse in the end.

    We’re safe already. Granted, we’re somewhat less safe thank to the results of our military actions over the last 15 or so years, but still relatively safe nonetheless.

  16. 16 Bert's Bells said at 8:02 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Ha! By bombing poor people in Central Asia?

    There truly is a sucker born every minute.

  17. 17 aron said at 9:56 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    suck it

  18. 18 Dave said at 12:06 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    How many other guys that got drafted took this oath upon entering college?

    “I, [name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

  19. 19 RobNE said at 12:13 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    doesn’t seem to mean what it used to

  20. 20 DrGeniusPhD said at 4:08 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Meh, it’s the Air Force, not one of the real military branches. It’s a glorified Christian daycare camp.

  21. 21 aron said at 9:56 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    you’re a faggot, you hillary lover

  22. 22 Sean Stott said at 12:50 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    He can do that, but he shouldn’t be entitled to reserve status, or any gov’t military benefits.

  23. 23 kajomo said at 8:28 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    If he wanted that choice he valued have attended any other university along with those same kids. What is so difficult to understand? You want a shot to play pro sports DO NOT join a military university. You can still join ROTC at any other school and become an officer. Heck, you don’t even need to join ROTC to do that. He made his choice.

  24. 24 ChoTime said at 9:56 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yeah, I’m not one to wrap myself in the flag, but I think honoring the commitment in these cases is warranted. Worked out for “The Admiral.” Don’t get me started on my Spurs. Woo!

  25. 25 aron said at 11:18 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    moron

  26. 26 Tumtum said at 10:24 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Dave or Tim. Must choose 1?

  27. 27 ChoTime said at 1:41 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Difficult, very difficult. Would probably have to go with Tim since he was more fluid and natural in the scope of being a 5, lower center of gravity, and proved he could close the deal (although he had his share of chokes, too). The Admiral was insanely talented and if he’d had the same supporting cast and didn’t play at the same time as MJ, possibly could have been just as successful.

  28. 28 kajomo said at 8:13 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Full disclose, I am an AF veteran so I am likely biased. That said if you commit to join I feel you should honor that commitment.

    The Air Force Academy is not the only way to become an officer. All that is required is a Bachelor’s degree. He could have attended any university, enrolled in an ROTC program, and played football. He could have had the choice to follow whichever path he chose had he done that. Instead he joined a prestigious and highly competitive military academy where the sole purpose is to develop leaders for that branch of the military.

  29. 29 Eagle Talon said at 9:49 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    “In July 2016, the U.S. Department of Defense altered its pro sports policy to give graduating athletes at service academies a chance to join a pro sports team immediately. Instead of serving two years of active duty, they could request Ready Reserve status. But each request had to be approved on “a case-by-case basis” and a green light was never guaranteed.” Trump didn’t take office until Jan. 20th 2017. 6 MONTHS after the policy was altered. Trump may or may not have made some questionable decisions, but this is NOT on him. #fake news.

  30. 30 CrackSammich said at 10:11 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    People not getting jokes? Thanks Trump.

  31. 31 Bert's Bells said at 11:30 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    It’s like the roster isn’t the only one who’s tweaking.

  32. 32 ACViking said at 11:10 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Incorrect.

    On 5/1/17, the Trump administration recinded the 1 year-old Obama Administration policy . . . which at least gave athletes a chance to go pro.

    Under the new Trump policy, athletes at military academies have absolutely no chance to turn pro.
    http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bs-sp-military-professional-athletes-0502-20170501-story.html

  33. 33 CrackSammich said at 12:38 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Lol. The fact that people tried to Well-Actually this joke and were well actually wrong makes it 20x funnier.

  34. 34 Jernst said at 1:48 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    haha

  35. 35 A Roy said at 1:12 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Why bother giving facts to an obvious

  36. 36 Tumtum said at 10:21 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Yeah man brand an entire group of people different than you as something bad or beneath you. That has never gone poorly in history.

  37. 37 Jernst said at 1:48 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Obama’s DOD changed the policy to allow for athletes at academies to immediately join pro sports teams.

    Trump then RESCINDED or CHANGED that policy to NOT allow academy athletes to join pro sport teams directly out off college.

    Reading comprehension isn’t on of your strong suits

  38. 38 wee2424 said at 10:23 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Trump had nothing to do with that. have to be careful with statements like that because people will run with it and it is just flat out false.

  39. 39 Sokhar20 said at 10:28 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    You’ve somehow never heard the “thanks Obama” meme?

  40. 40 Nailed It! said at 11:17 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    It IS because of Trump.

  41. 41 Jernst said at 1:45 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Had nothing to do with it? That’s not true either. The policy was put into place by the Obama led DOD in July 2016 that student athletes at the academies could apply for a waiver to their two year mandatory service commitment to pursue professional sports prior to fulfilling their commitment.

    Trump is elected. Trump appoints GEN Mattis as the Secretary of Defense. GEN Mattis issues a policy statement revoking the previous administrations policy allowing for a waiver. Trump signs off on all DOD policy changes implicitly by virtue of being president.

    So…Trump had “nothing to do with that”?

    Have to be careful with statements like that because people will run with it and it is just flat out false.

  42. 42 Tumtum said at 10:16 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Dude, you know the drill. Dont let it bug ya. Thats what they want!

  43. 43 Stephen E. said at 12:09 AM on May 14th, 2017:

    Then Obama is personally responsible for the Border officer who was killed by “Fast and Furious” guns purposely handed over to drug lords by his attorney general.

  44. 44 Jernst said at 1:21 AM on May 15th, 2017:

    In a way, yes. However, it’s important to point out that one was an unintended very unfortunate consequence the other was very much the intended consequence. Fast and Furious was a dumb idea that the Arizona ATF started under bush and that came to a predictably bad conclusion under Obama. Obama and his administration deserve to be held accountable for letting it continue.

    However, the plan wasn’t for a border officer to get killed. The purpose was to track these illegal guns and remove them and the people buying them. The purpose of the recent DOD athletic policy for cadets is to keep them from delaying their service to pursue professional sports. You can decide for yourself if that’s a meaningful difference.

    Finally, this isn’t rooting for a sports team. You need to step away from treating politics as such. What does Obama and fast and Furious have to do with the cadet athletes policy were talking about? The answer is nothing. You just apparently think that I care about defending Obama simply because I corrected someone’s false statements about Trump.

  45. 45 aron said at 11:18 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    dickhead

  46. 46 Sean Stott said at 12:48 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    If he wants to he can play, he would just forfeit his reserve status and lose potential government benefits. He’s not an indentured servent.

  47. 47 kajomo said at 8:24 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    You actually sign a contract and are court marshaled for abandoning your post. Joining the AFA is equivalent to joining an active duty branch. You cannot just leave. He would likely go to prison.

    The AF invested money into him and want to recoup that investment. That doesn’t seem unfair to me.

  48. 48 Tumtum said at 10:18 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Doing what they did with our little WR a few years ago is probably a better return. Let the guy play and be recruiter.

  49. 49 DrGeniusPhD said at 1:27 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Evans flings some nice long spirals. Interesting project.

  50. 50 Media Mike said at 7:24 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Hopefully he can learn to play the game the right way (from the pocket) while on the practice squad. He needs to cut down on the running a lot, but I agree there is some arm talent there to see about developing.

  51. 51 DrGeniusPhD said at 8:19 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I guess if you are going to take a chance on a guy that probably has no chance, you might as well go with a guy that has arm strength and decent size.

    He reminded me a bit of McNabb. Just a little… and of course I’ve only seen the highlight moments from his best game ever.

  52. 52 Ankerstjernen said at 5:22 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Not immediately impressed with his arm talent. He seems to release the ball right in ear-level, which makes his motion slightly side-armed and awkward. Ideally you want to release the ball at a higher level, both due to the better elevation on the throwing lane but also because it enables you to uncork your windup with a smaller movement of the elbow. This sort of thing can be hard to correct in people. It becomes ‘natural’ very easy to do it the wrong way.

  53. 53 Ark87 said at 9:53 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    I think you keep Matthews this season, have your pick of paying him or Smith next season. Different players, different roles, but you see which one can be replaced cheaply. You can’t count on the rookies we drafted to take both of their spots cheap in 2018.

    Keep a solid WR for a season with the option of keeping him or letting him walk for a possible compensatory pick, because who the hell knows what’s going to happen. good to hang onto your options.

  54. 54 Dave said at 10:19 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    “because who the hell knows what’s going to happen”

    Good point with Alshon’s injury history.

  55. 55 KillaKadafi said at 11:02 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yep. We are stacked at WR this year, but come the 2018 Draft we could be without Jeffrey, Smith and Matthews.

  56. 56 Ark87 said at 11:20 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    It’s good you mention Jeffrey in that list. A lot of people seem pretty comfortable with the idea that if he does great here we’ll lock him up for long term. Jeffrey took a bet on himself. He’s going to the highest bidder next year for his last big contract, Maclin style. So even if we want him, there’s no guarantees we get him.

  57. 57 Rellihcs said at 11:32 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Have you forgotten or entirely written of the franchise tag?

  58. 58 Ark87 said at 11:38 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    I’d rather not, how much will that run us for a 1 year rental? They’re fine when you have a guy coming off the final year of his rookie deal who is about to be the top paid person at his position, but what kind of player do you think you get when you delay his last big contract to be negotiated at 29 instead of 28?

  59. 59 Rellihcs said at 11:53 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Fair enough. I don’t know the cap #s and tag #s. It wouldn’t be a 1 year rental – that what this year is. It would be a chance to make it a 2nd year continuation of (presumed) a really good thing. I think our options for keeping Alshon going forward (assuming he plays really well) are:

    A – pay a boatload of money
    B – pay a slightly different boatload of money

    And we’ll have cap room. And the cap is going up.

    Even if we don’t want to franchise, we can use that as leverage to have the best chance to lock him up.

  60. 60 Ark87 said at 12:19 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yeah, Franchise tag is always interesting. Best used if both parties are fine with it. And the threat is often used but is ineffective if neither party really wants it. It is the nuclear option to force him to stay if we literally have no other proven players available, and we really like him.

    To my original point though, I’d still like the keep the options open in forming the 2018 WR corps by keeping Matthews this year.

  61. 61 Rellihcs said at 12:41 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Fair enough, I disagree but tomato tomahto

  62. 62 Tumtum said at 10:12 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Not so sure I want Jeffery long term. I like the idea of him being motivated.

  63. 63 ChoTime said at 11:55 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Stacked!?

  64. 64 Nailed It! said at 12:01 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yes, in Eagle fans fantasy land where Gipson is Desean.
    Mack is the DGB we all have dreamed he would be, and Jordan fixes his dropsies. Add in Alshon and a reinvented Torrey Smith and we have the best set of receivers in the NFL.

    DUH

  65. 65 ChoTime said at 1:37 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    “The Audacity of Hope”

  66. 66 Mac said at 12:09 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    What do you do with your dead wood?

    I stack mine.

  67. 67 ChoTime said at 2:13 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Stacked: http://ll-media.tmz.com/2014/01/06/laura-hanley-johnny-manziel-016-480w.jpg

  68. 68 Tumtum said at 10:11 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    God bless social media.

  69. 69 ChoTime said at 2:13 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Our WR corps last year:
    https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5D1paXvQae8/maxresdefault.jpg

  70. 70 Rellihcs said at 12:49 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Relatively

  71. 71 Ark87 said at 12:55 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    A traffic jam of meh? Semantics aside, I think it’s fair to say people want to keep an unusual amount of these guys this year either because of their known ability to play or perceived potential.

    That second bit is what makes people so eager to cash in on Matthew’s “value” now while we can because he’ll be “expensive” to keep (every year we think our guys are worth way more than they are, we see it during cuts and being positive our guys won’t make it through waivers to the practice squad), and there are all these talented guys behind him who can take his place cheap. I push back on that because counting on that pool of question marks to produce 2 starters is a stretch. And I’d rather keep the option to resign Matthews over Smith.

  72. 72 ChoTime said at 2:11 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yeah, stacked is something like the Golden State Warriors. “Logjam of Meh” is a good description of our roster. We have Alshon, a Pro-Bowl type WR, Matthews, a #2-type player, and then a bunch of your typical question marks. I think that trying to trade Matthews at this point is Madden-think. He is a productive player and we should put him out there to help Carson. If he gets outplayed during training camp and gets relegated to #4, so be it. If he leaves for nothing, so be it.

  73. 73 Rellihcs said at 2:53 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I think your assessment of Torrey Smith is meh

  74. 74 ChoTime said at 1:53 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    I’d agree. Oh, you mean, you’re evaluating my evaluation as meh? You’re talking about a guy with a catch% 20% worse than Jordan Matthews.

  75. 75 Tumtum said at 10:09 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Stop the presses I agree with Cho completely.

    This group is probably going to be solid, but unspectacular. They do have the chance to be better than Maclin, Desean and Avant though. Probs wont be but they can be. Still exciting after the last 2 years.

  76. 76 ChoTime said at 1:42 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Hmm, I wish you would have stopped after the 2nd sentence. I suppose I agree with you that there’s “a chance.”

    https://i.imgflip.com/psrez.jpg

  77. 77 CrackSammich said at 10:10 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Is it too soon to buy a Steelhammer jersey? I don’t even care if he makes the team w.r.t. to this purchase.

  78. 78 DrGeniusPhD said at 4:48 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yes. He came in for a tryout. He wasn’t signed.

    But if you want the jersey of a guy who may end up playing for the Cowboys or Patriots when he’s done his service commitment in 2 years, go for it!

  79. 79 CrackSammich said at 8:03 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Weston Steelhammer, bro.

  80. 80 xmbk said at 10:20 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    Pumphrey is a weapon on draws.

  81. 81 aron said at 11:17 AM on May 12th, 2017:

    no, no he isnt, idiot

  82. 82 wee2424 said at 2:44 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Maybe I am missing something here, but why wouldn’t he be?

  83. 83 DrGeniusPhD said at 4:12 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    That guy just calls everybody an idiot or a moron regardless of what they post. It’s his schtick.

    Don’t remember people like that around here a few months ago… Thanks Trump!

    (Thanks Trump is my new schtick)

  84. 84 Dude said at 8:39 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Ugh. Can we keep it about football. I’m sick of seeing his name.

  85. 85 ChoTime said at 1:37 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Don’t worry, soon we’ll be able to block anyone we want, even political figures.

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CXfbtYGWwAA51Ep.png:large

  86. 86 Tumtum said at 10:03 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Oh he has been here because its been at least 6 months since I blocked anyone…maybe a year. So i know whoever he is he isnt new (dont even get a name when blocked)

  87. 87 Jernst said at 1:29 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    best thing to do is to put your mouse cursor over the top right part of his comment, hit the little down arrow and select block user. All his inane BS simply disappears from your screen.

  88. 88 FairOaks said at 9:47 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    He’s probably going to look awesome in shorts and get everyone excited.

  89. 89 xmbk said at 8:18 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    If he doesn’t, if will be a real cause for concern

  90. 90 wee2424 said at 1:27 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2017/5/11/15626042/rasul-douglas-eagles-press-coverage-philadelphia-tight-hips-nfl-cornerbacks-zone-west-virginia

    Very interesting article on Douglas. I normally do not enjoy their articles too much, but this one is great.

  91. 91 Rellihcs said at 1:52 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Yeah. He’s a brand new writer over there so there’s that.

  92. 92 wee2424 said at 2:43 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Ahhh. Reminds me a bit of the breakdowns they used to do on 24/7 with an added sarcastic/humor undertone.

  93. 93 Rellihcs said at 2:51 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Indeed

  94. 94 Dave said at 3:29 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    “Referred to by many as ‘tight-hipped’, Douglas does take an extra click to swivel his hips and change direction, but long legs and undisciplined feet are the greater culprits when it comes to his issues hinging his hips.”

    Wow! For a 20 year old kid, he shows promise both in analysis and wordsmithing.

  95. 95 Tumtum said at 9:38 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Lets see if he holds a candle to our own d3fb…will report back shortly.

  96. 96 Tumtum said at 10:00 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Oh he is very good…

  97. 97 eaglefansocal-go Joe D said at 2:22 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Best article I have seen in a while, gets me very excited to see him start sometime during 2017.

  98. 98 bushisamoron said at 2:32 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Matthews should be dealt for a fourth.

  99. 99 DrGeniusPhD said at 4:46 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Who offered a fourth?

  100. 100 Media Mike said at 7:22 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Baltimore’s writers are reporting he could be had for a 3rd.

  101. 101 DrGeniusPhD said at 8:14 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I don’t doubt it. I’m sure he could be had for a 1st as well.

    My response was intended to convey that I am skeptical anyone has offered a 4th, much less a 3rd.

  102. 102 Media Mike said at 7:22 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    No, I want a 3rd like the Baltimore writers said.

  103. 103 Sean Stott said at 2:58 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I don’t want Jordan Matthews, please get rid of him. I can’t stand players without a killer instinct.

  104. 104 CrackSammich said at 3:44 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    How soon we forget.

    http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/8/30/4674808/jordan-matthews-catch

  105. 105 Sean Stott said at 3:49 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I think he’s tough, I just don’t think he can be trusted. Not worth a roster spot for someone you’re afraid to throw it to on third down because he’ll probably drop it.

  106. 106 DrGeniusPhD said at 4:20 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Right now, he’s our second best WR.

  107. 107 Rellihcs said at 4:50 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Nope. Torrey Smith is.

  108. 108 unhinged said at 5:05 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    argumentum ad ignorantiam II.

  109. 109 DrGeniusPhD said at 5:28 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    If the Eagles could extend Jordan Matthews with the same contract they just gave Torrey Smith, it would be done already and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.

    Maybe you think Torey Smith is better than Jordan Matthews, but the rest of the NFL apparently disagrees with you. I hope you’re right, and Torrey Smith is obviously better than Jordan Matthews this season, but at this point Smith hasn’t even made the team and the contract he signed has no guarantees.

  110. 110 unhinged said at 5:05 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    argumentum ad ignorantiam I.

  111. 111 ChoTime said at 5:06 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Please elaborate.

  112. 112 unhinged said at 10:23 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    The latin means (not literally) argument in absence of evidence. On a site that invites opinion, I will be the first to acknowledge it is an over-the-top, approaching a-holeish response, but I was attempting playfulness.

  113. 113 ChoTime said at 1:35 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    I see… I guess when you have a draft, there’s always that small chance that one of your late-round guys hits. I mean, really small… 🙂

  114. 114 Rellihcs said at 5:07 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Tooshie

  115. 115 DrGeniusPhD said at 5:31 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    You are right that at this point we do not know what pecking order will emerge after training camp and the 2017 season. I certainly hope that Torrey Smith and the rookies play well and outperform Jordan Matthews.

    But at this moment, if all of the Eagles wide receivers were released tomorrow and became unrestricted free agents, Jordan Matthews would sign the second highest
    deal after Alshon Jeffrey.

  116. 116 Ryan Rambo said at 4:23 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    After an Ole Miss counter, Vanderbilt’s last chance at a win was a pass that bounced off his fingers. Matthews, the biggest reason Vandy came so close, went to the sideline to cry on his coach’s shoulder as the clock died.

  117. 117 Nailed It! said at 7:41 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Remember that game in Dallas he won in OT, man I remember.

  118. 118 DrGeniusPhD said at 4:18 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I wouldn’t mind a Jordan Matthews trade, but it’s not a Kendricks (or maybe even Kelce) type situation where we’d like to get rid of a player we don’t need in order to save cap space.

    There’s no reason to get rid of Jordan Matthews unless the Eagles get good value in return.

  119. 119 Sean Stott said at 4:29 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    My reason to get rid of him is that he will lose you games

  120. 120 DrGeniusPhD said at 4:42 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I’ll be the first to say that the inability to catch footballs well is a fatal flaw for an NFL wide receiver, but Jordan Matthews does a lot of other stuff well.

    Now, if you are a team with multiple wide receivers who can catch balls well and do other things well, he really has no place. But the Eagles are a team with multiple wide receivers who don’t do anything well, including catching the football, so that puts Matthews at the top of the heap. The Eagles fixed one of those spots by acquiring Alshon Jeffrey, but I am in wait and see mode on Torrey Smith and the rookies.

    But the point is that I would be fine with exchanging Jordan Matthews for comparable value because of the uncertainty of his future contract situation. You just want to get rid of him. And I think it’s kind of dumb to get rid of the players manning your weakest positions just because they aren’t great. Should we release all our cornerbacks too? Not one of those guys is as good as Jordan Matthews is at WR. How about Smallwood? He’s not a starting calibur primary back and he’s fumbled in games. Cut him?

    The Eagles still need to put players on the field.

  121. 121 aron said at 10:02 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    for breakfast in the morning, how bout you try a bowl of queerios wif milf

  122. 122 DrGeniusPhD said at 10:32 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Breakfast? I’d eat that shit all day.

  123. 123 Insomniac said at 6:31 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Gotta get rid of Wentz too then since he didn’t come through in the clutch last year.

  124. 124 PacificPurl said at 3:58 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    But he does go out and kill things. Harmless animals. With his high tech, high powered weapons. Not even to eat. Just because he can.

  125. 125 Insomniac said at 6:40 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkTe3NTR6PA

    If we do lose Alshon next year then I wouldn’t mind grabbing this guy in the draft.

  126. 126 Media Mike said at 7:26 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I’ll keep an eye out for him on 2018 mocks that I will commence posting as soon as the Eagles lose a game I wanted to win and/or the season is philosophically over.

  127. 127 Sb2bowl said at 8:46 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Already started…….. 🙁

  128. 128 Tumtum said at 12:37 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    3rd or 4th preseason game?

  129. 129 Media Mike said at 7:29 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Interesting to look at the depth chart and see where there are spots to be won by the UDFAs

    http://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/depthchart/PHI

  130. 130 Media Mike said at 7:36 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I figure with as much of a sucky bum that Jaylin Watkins is, that Terrance Brooks needs to be S4. I wonder if this Shepherd kid is going to be able to be in the mix for the 5th spot or if they just keep 5 CBs. Mills, Douglas, Robinson, Brooks should all be locks. Grymes, Gratz, and Smith are fighting for 1 or 2 spots depending if they go for a 6th CB. So I’m not sure of Goforth and Wiltz fit in to be competitive for a roster spot or just battling for a P squad role.

  131. 131 Dave said at 8:03 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    I count quite a few positions with some serious competition. Hopefully the outcome of these battles are not predetermined in the spring.

    It seems we really don’t know the starters for the following positions (not including WIL unless/until Kendricks is traded):

    LG
    C
    W-2/WR3
    RB

    DE opposite of Graham
    Both CBs
    Nickel
    Kick Returner

    Outside of the Sidney Rice waiting game, I’m actually pretty happy with the competitions.

  132. 132 Ryan Rambo said at 8:34 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Ha! Sidney Rice! There’s a blast from the not so distant past!!!

  133. 133 Dave said at 8:40 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Lol, I’ve just become my father. Next thing you know I’ll be praising our franchise QB, Carson Daly.

  134. 134 Ryan Rambo said at 8:44 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Haha!!

  135. 135 aron said at 9:58 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    as a human, you suck at being one

  136. 136 Insomniac said at 10:25 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Lets look at the WRs Doug has acquired during his tenure here so far.

    DGB via trade
    Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery via FA.
    Mack Hollins and Shelton Gibson via draft.

    All of these guys can be a vertical threat. Dougie P is going to stretch the field so our munchkin RBs can have a chance to get to the second level.

  137. 137 eagleyankfan said at 7:35 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    all except — DGB

  138. 138 DrGeniusPhD said at 10:54 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    Hey, I just noticed something that I hadn’t seen mentioned: Weston Steelhammer went to Calgary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, LA, the same school that Pederson coached. I believe Pederson’s last year there was 2008 and that Steelhammer probably would have been a freshman in 2009, but I could be off on the dates there.

    Maybe Pederson scouted Steelhammer in Pop Warner.

  139. 139 Tumtum said at 12:33 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    What do you think this is? Basket ball? Just kidding, but I see why your name is DrGeniusPhD

  140. 140 Dave said at 8:04 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    “Coach Doug Pederson knows Steelhammer from his high school coaching days at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. Steelhammer grew up with Pederson’s oldest son, Drew.”

    http://www.espn.com/blog/philadelphia-eagles/post/_/id/20956/air-force-safety-weston-steelhammer-gets-tryout-with-eagles-before-active-duty-begins

  141. 141 unhinged said at 11:19 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    My Buffalo friend has me believing that Terry Pegula is channeling Big Red up there in the tundra. To summarize his take, Pegula responded to the departure of Doug Marrone who left upon the new owner’s arrival, by hiring Rex Ryan, friend and pal to all who wear the football uniform. Rex proceeds to preside over a free-for-all where even some of the veteran players become pissed off. Out goes Rex and in comes Sean McDermott. Sean’s first order of business is to tell the team that the party’s over. No more game room, no more video games at the workplace, phones off until practice and class are over (what in the hell was Ryan running?). Then he hired Leslie Frazier to be his DC. He was the face of the franchise during the draft, mainly because the GM who Pegula had hired was fired the day after the draft ended. Pegula was asked repeatedly if there was any truth to the rumor that Brandon Beane ( who had been an assistant to Dave Gettlemen at Carolina) was to become the next Bills GM. Pegula dodged the question several times and did the old interview charade, but Beane has now been hired. My friend has said that McDermott has paid homage on more than a few occasions to Andy Reid. And now he brings in the familiar FO guy that he got along with in Carolina.
    Looks like SM has quickly become the HC with pull and power. He did his mentor a solid by moving from 10 to 17 in round 1 so Reid could grab Mahomes before the Giants. Next year’s QB class looks to be a good deal better than this year’s, and now Buffalo has two first round picks if they want to move up. Now the only question is can a relatively inexperienced DC win as a HC when he is pretty dependent on the OC? AR was his own OC and handed the defense to a superior coordinator. If SM is a good delegator and has hired the right OC, Buffalo could be rising around the time that Tom Brady is taken off the field on a gurney.

  142. 142 Jernst said at 1:13 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    There was nothing at all wrong with this entire comment, but I just want to make it clear that you received this up-vote simply for putting the image of Tom Brady being taken off the field on a gurney into my mind. I’d give you two up votes for that if I could.

  143. 143 unhinged said at 2:50 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    The longer he tries to tempt fate, the better the odds it bites him hard. Not a given, but he’s going to be 40 in a few months.

  144. 144 FairOaks said at 3:24 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Well, he did hire Juan Castillo as an offensive line coach, not DC, so that’s a good start. And he hired Leslie Frazier as DC, so his relative inexperience as DC probably won’t hurt him either.

    But yes, Jim Johnson was Reid’s most important hire, so conversely, OC would likely be very important in Buffalo. I guess we’ll see if Rick Dennison can do well. He’s certainly experienced — got to the playoffs as OC with the Texans and Matt Schaub, and again in Denver under Kubiak (and with Peyton). He was also OC under Shanahan in Denver when Cutler was the QB — basically a .500 team there. Don’t know a lot about him — sounds like he’s been with Kubiak for a long time, and may be hard to know how much is Kubiak (or Shanahan) and how much is him. He has been OC multiple times, but always with a former-OC coach.

  145. 145 Tumtum said at 11:26 PM on May 12th, 2017:

    3rd round pick for Matthews makes sense? I guess…

  146. 146 A_T_G said at 12:00 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    So, obviously Evans is making this roster as RB4 and BigBack®

  147. 147 Ryan Rambo said at 1:39 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Matt Lombardo @MattLombardoPHL
    Shelton Gibson, Mack Hollins go through interesting speed, concentration drill at #Eagles Rookie Camp. pic.twitter.com/wyglIPpTqP

  148. 148 Ryan Rambo said at 1:39 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Bob Grotz @BobGrotz
    Eagles rookie fifth-round pick Shelton Gibson, the WR out of West Virginia … dazzles the owner. pic.twitter.com/Rzh2H883Id

  149. 149 Ryan Rambo said at 1:41 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Tim McManus @Tim_McManus
    New receivers coach Mike Groh working with rookie WRs, including draft pick Shelton Gibson. pic.twitter.com/RsJasO18pu

  150. 150 scratcherk said at 9:37 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    You’re cut Black

  151. 151 A_T_G said at 7:13 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Groh looked disappointed he didn’t get to hit him with the stick because he already dropped it.

  152. 152 Ryan Rambo said at 1:41 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Ed Kracz @kracze
    #Eagles Mack Hollins working a drill at rookie camp pic.twitter.com/O0SFoDr7af

  153. 153 Ryan Rambo said at 1:43 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    TURRON DAVENPORT ✔ @TDavenport_NFL
    Eagles individual period of rookie minicamp https://www.pscp.tv/w/a-SJTTFkdktPckFyd09CUVh8MWVhSmJZQk9Mb2RHWHxEACYLx8DLymIdgtxVwx4g0BYYWZVO1GSzJ3vqp5uC

  154. 154 Ryan Rambo said at 1:46 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Ed Kracz @kracze
    Donnel Pumphrey pic.twitter.com/O30pZXY4zA

  155. 155 DrGeniusPhD said at 8:57 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    nice… they already have him receiving punts.

  156. 156 Koy: The Legend of Neckbeard said at 9:17 AM on May 13th, 2017:

    Great news everyone! Billy Brown is now on the team roster. Our long national nightmare is over. http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/roster.html

  157. 157 wee2424 said at 12:12 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Non football related:

    Just smashed my Galaxy J7. Do not have the money to buy an S8 or S7. Metro no longer carries the J7.

    I watch a lot of videos, run a CRM for work, and of course hang with you guys. The guys at Metro are recomending the LG Stylus 2. Will cost me $180 with case. Anyone know anything about it. Recomendations anyone?

    The finger print thing is pretty cool because all of the credit card info and just generally consumer info I keep on the phone

  158. 158 CrackSammich said at 12:39 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Reading reviews, it was never a top of the line phone to begin with and probably hasn’t aged well.

    “The LG Stylus 2 isn’t a phone that’s going to appeal to many people. Its so-so specs and questionable stylus don’t do enough to grasp the imagination, and unless you must have a pen for your smartphone and you’re on a restricted budget there are better options out there.”

    http://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/lg-stylus-2-1315190/review

    I use a Moto X. Motorola isn’t doing the customization of them on their website anymore, but you’re going to stuff it in a case anyway. $240. Favorite phone I’ve ever used by far.

    https://www.amazon.com/Moto-Plus-5th-Generation-Lockscreen/dp/B01N6NTIRH/ref=sr_1_3?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1494693405&sr=1-3&keywords=moto+x+pure

  159. 159 ICDogg said at 1:18 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Yeah, I used to use a Moto X 2nd generation. It was a good phone.

  160. 160 ChoTime said at 1:32 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    I’ve been using Moto G’s for the last few years. Good phone IMO, just make sure you don’t get the smallest memory (I think mine is 8 gig? It’s a PITA)

  161. 161 Crus57 said at 7:42 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    +1 for the Moto G, I still have a 1st gen one. Gets a good signal, good battery life. Not fancy but solid and reliable.

  162. 162 wee2424 said at 10:48 PM on June 25th, 2017:

    A month later I am here to tell you that it sucks. The camera quality on it is amazingly bad. We are talking quality from 7 years ago. Flip phone quality.

    In the time it took to start the third sentence in this comment (where it says We), my phone just finished showing the er in later which is the 3rd word in this whole comment.

    Matter of fact I started this comment at around 5PM. I got so frustrated with it, and stopped so many timrs it is now 10:47 PM.

    Yes, I do free up my ram, clean the junk daily, and utilize virus protection.

  163. 163 CrackSammich said at 3:12 AM on June 27th, 2017:

    For what its worth, I’m withdrawing my recommendation for the Moto X. Mine has had a ton of software issues since they’re on to a new version of Android at this point and Motorola (Lenovo) hasn’t sent out a patched version yet.

    Currently looking at the OnePlus 3T. $450ish.

  164. 164 wee2424 said at 12:26 AM on July 2nd, 2017:

    If you can go with the Samsung J7. Very reliable phone with the power of a Galaxy S6 without the price tag. Despite Galaxy S8 being out now the quality of the S6 or equivalent (J7) is still very good.

    If Metro didn’t stop carrying them I would have went with that again. If your carrier provides it at a decent cost grab it immediately. Great phone, especially when you conside price tag.

  165. 165 CrackSammich said at 5:58 AM on July 3rd, 2017:

    I buy my phones unlocked to avoid contracts. I don’t know why, considering I’ve been with Verizon forever, but it makes me feel better?

  166. 166 wee2424 said at 9:12 PM on July 3rd, 2017:

    Interesting.

  167. 167 Tumtum said at 3:47 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    How smashed? You can replace the screen for less probs.

  168. 168 wee2424 said at 7:06 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Smashed smashed. Fit of rage smatched. My wall now has a phone holder.

    Patent?

  169. 169 daveH said at 7:29 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Were you rewatching last 2 minutes of andys super bowl ?

  170. 170 wee2424 said at 8:55 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    Lol no. Calling 911because my floor manager i just gave a raise to was found overdosed in a bathroom stall.

  171. 171 daveH said at 11:39 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    OMFinG thats horrible and sad as schit. Please accept sincere condolences. Nothing to joke about.

  172. 172 wee2424 said at 5:37 PM on May 14th, 2017:

    He survived. Unfortunately this isn’t the first time this has happened, just with another person.

    I think I need to start digging a bit more when it comes to hiring. At times it can be difficult to tell because the applicee may have some clean time when I hire so it is difficult to see the tell tale signs of addiction because they simply are not there.

    Then they get that fat check 2 weeks later and the devil on their shoulder wins out. Due to the fact that they had clean time they OD because their body does not have the tolerance it used to have.

    The employee that just ODed was under my employment for two years. We got pretty tight over the years while still completely honoring the manager/employee scenario. He confided in me some time ago that he battled oppiate addiction problems but that he has been clean since 5 days before I hired him some 2 years ago. Between his loyalty, honesty, work ethic, people skills, and outstanding production combined with poor performance of my room manager at the time I figured it was time for him to move up.

    Due to my own dance with the devil over a decade ago, my knowledge of his battles I had this little inkling in the back of my head that over doubling his pay from 45k a year to 100k with the possibilty to earn another 7k may make his demons resurface.

    I have to start listening to that inkling because between the $ and the severe pressure from the job his demons won out.

  173. 173 daveH said at 8:27 PM on May 14th, 2017:

    That’s alot.
    Thats a very impressive raise and something both you guys could be proud of .. heartbreaking he relapsed.
    Its your fault he relapsed? ? Hardly.
    We used to say ‘yeah i F’d up; i trusted you”
    she also has an accountability problem at the very least.
    Life’s hard enough without a drug addiction problem layered on top.
    Good luck !!

  174. 174 wee2424 said at 1:57 PM on May 15th, 2017:

    Thank you. Hey, you know anyone in Broward County (FT. Lauderdale) that is looking for a job that does not have a history of injesting/shooting illegal substances into their body?

    I’m sort of joking while not joking at the same time.

  175. 175 daveH said at 8:29 PM on May 15th, 2017:

    Went down to see cousins in Boca/deerfield 2weeks ago .. loved it .. me! Im not kidding either. . Doing what?

  176. 176 daveH said at 9:35 PM on May 18th, 2017:

    Me wee,
    Ha did you know that’s known as the shortest poem ever ??

  177. 177 Tumtum said at 11:28 PM on May 13th, 2017:

    I dunno.. i dropped an iphone off of a radar tower once and recovered shit from it.

  178. 178 wee2424 said at 4:54 PM on May 14th, 2017:

    Lol, what were you doing on top of a radar tower?

  179. 179 Tumtum said at 7:40 PM on May 14th, 2017:

    Working on it of course!

  180. 180 wee2424 said at 1:52 PM on May 15th, 2017:

    Ahhh… Lol I guess that would make the most sense.