Grymes on the Rise

Posted: July 10th, 2017 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 79 Comments »

The CB position is not exactly set in stone. Jalen Mills and Patrick Robinson are expected to compete for starting jobs. Rookie Rasul Douglas showed promise this spring and might push for a job. Rookie Sidney Jones is on the mend and could play in October or might miss the whole year. He’s a real mystery. Ron Brooks might be the nickelback.

Aaron Grymes might also win that job.

Grymes had a good summer in 2016 and played well this spring. Here’s what Fran Duffy had to say about him recently.

“This kid has done nothing but be around the football. Each and every time I wrote a practice write-up, I’m writing about some interception or some pass breakup that Aaron Grymes made at some point during team periods. I know on the last day of team periods, I’m pretty sure he had three pass breakups. … I was really, really impressed with Aaron Grymes throughout the course of the spring. Can he make an impact here and make a run at a corner job?”

We know Jim Schwartz puts a lot of value into DBs who can make plays. Knock the pass down. Pick it off. Make a play.

Paul Domowitch wrote a good piece on Grymes last month.

This spring, Grymes has picked up where he left off before he hurt his shoulder last summer. Playing mostly in the slot, he has looked impressive in the padless workouts, breaking up deep balls, sabotaging intermediate routes and just playing with an overall confidence that has impressed both defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and defensive backs coach Cory Undlin, as well as his teammates.

“Aaron would have made the team last year if he hadn’t gotten hurt,” safety Malcolm Jenkins said. “He’s really pushing to crack that starting lineup, especially at the nickel position.

“He’s bringing us a lot of quality reps in there. He knows what he’s doing. He’s a veteran. Athletic, fast. He’s done nothing but make plays this spring.”

Said Grymes: “Things have been going really well. I’m making plays. I’m just trying to be consistent every day. Eliminate mistakes. Never be satisfied with what happened yesterday or because I got a shout-out from somebody.”

Grymes has the right attitude for a player in his position. He’s got to be willing to do whatever it takes to make the team and he can’t relax because of a good play or a good practice. He’s got to stack good practices on good practices and show the team he can play consistently well.

*****

There are a couple of CBs I don’t talk much about, Mitchell White and Dwayne Gratz.

White came over from the CFL, like Grymes did last year, and is hoping to win a job. Gratz has been around the NFL, starting 13 games for JAX in 2014, but hasn’t done much in the last couple of years.

It would be great for both or either of them to seriously push for a spot. You just can’t count on that to happen. Each guy should have a feel for the scheme now that they’ve gone through OTAs. How the duo performs in Training Camp and the preseason will decide their fate.

*****

Carson Wentz and the Eagles receivers are together again…but in Fargo.

Having the QB and receiver get together like this doesn’t guarantee success. But I think it is a good sign for the young QB and so many new faces to be going the extra mile (or several thousand) to get more reps and to do everything they can to develop chemistry.

_

79 Comments on “Grymes on the Rise”

  1. 1 Guy Media said at 8:26 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Hitting on a CB out of nowhere would be a most welcome development on this team. Grymes is 100% a guy I’m looking forward to seeing in preseason games. All of the “looks good in practice” stuff is fine, but it lacks the overall authentic nature of what we can all see in games.

  2. 2 Seth S. Scott said at 9:05 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Definitely doesnt guarantee success but it does guarantee that the guys are making effort and taking the time to focus on football—when they dont have to. Being on a team and showing up on Sundays to win games together is great, but it takes more to put in the time when its not in the spotlight. Glad to see this.

  3. 3 Benny6968 said at 9:45 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Agreed and to take that thought a step further, I think a lot of the reason why DGB is not on this team is for the lack of doing the little extra things after practice and not looking to better himself during the off season really hurt him.
    Especially in a year when we signed Alshon and Torrey.
    If you ever need to step up, it’s when your replacement has been hired.
    If he really wanted to make this team over the other WR’s, he did not do anything on his own time to make sure he would stand out.
    I feel no sorrow about DGB’s fate, as he made his bed long before OTA’s and Mini camp ever started.
    In the NFL every player who is worth having does extra work on their own time, and maybe I’m wrong in assuming he did nothing, but clearly whatever he did was not enough.
    #talentwasted

  4. 4 Tumtum said at 11:51 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    His death warrant was signed the second we signed two outside WR. He could of walked on water and still been cut.

  5. 5 Tumtum said at 10:10 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Let us not forget to mention.. Fargo certainly isn’t So Cal. These guys have nothing to do but focus out there lol. I would be pressing for a different spot next year if I were a WR.

  6. 6 Guy Media said at 10:16 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    So would Beckham; and we’d be losing playoff games as a result.

  7. 7 Tumtum said at 10:53 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Yeah because we worked out in a town with a good facility and nice places to eat when we were done, we would lose. Makes sense.

  8. 8 Guy Media said at 11:37 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    You’re missing the point. Giants receivers go and party = Giants lose playoff game = Giants fans can drop dead.

  9. 9 Tumtum said at 11:50 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Ok, I thought the insinuation was that training near actual civilization made you bad.

    Id rather lose a play off game than do what we have the last few years….almost… maybe.

  10. 10 ColorSgt said at 6:21 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    I’m picturing them all training like in Rocky IV. Chopping wood in the snow.

  11. 11 Dragon_Eagle said at 9:21 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Well, Winter doesn’t really start there for another week or two, but its a good thought.

  12. 12 ColorSgt said at 10:35 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Ok maybe its not snowing but they are definitely chopping and stacking wood. I can see it through the Eye of the tiiiigerrrr.

  13. 13 bushisamoron said at 9:23 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Really need to get a veteran corner around final cuts.

  14. 14 or____ said at 9:32 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    I disagree with the word need. If someone pops up that’s a good idea, he should be considered. But trash is trash for a reason. And we’ve seen what middling vet signings bring you… Develop Mills, Douglas, Grymes, CJ Smith, and take your Robinson/Brooks lumps. Wait for Jones.

  15. 15 Benny6968 said at 9:48 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Gimmie Grymes, CJ Smith and Douglas and let’s roll with them.
    If they truly are better players this season due to development, then let them have a shot.
    If they all fail in TC and PS, then sure go get someone but for now I want to see them perform with live rounds being fired.

  16. 16 or____ said at 9:53 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Oh yeah, crappy play this summer could and should change everything. But I’m with you.

  17. 17 kajomo said at 10:13 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    I feel the complete opposite. We aren’t competing for anything this year. We have a bunch of young guys at the position. Let’s see what they have and develop them.

    I’d rather see what we have in Grymes, Smith, Mills, and Douglas than add another Nolan carrol or Leodis McKelvin to the mix.

  18. 18 Guy Media said at 10:15 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    I’m with you. Let’s see who wants to man up and be an NFL football player.

  19. 19 Guy Media said at 10:15 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    I’d be more inclined to agree if we were in “1 player away” mode. I’d rather give our youth the year to keep getting better.

  20. 20 Tumtum said at 11:53 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    So are you Mike?

  21. 21 Guy Media said at 11:57 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Yes. Swapped out the screen name. Kept the town consistent. I had to re do twitter, so wanted to keep it uniform across both platforms.

  22. 22 P_P_K said at 2:53 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Mike was a good guy, hope you can walk upright in his shoes.

  23. 23 or____ said at 4:50 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    This version loves Barner and lacks a temper or penchant for hyperbole. Promise.

  24. 24 bobeph said at 8:18 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    I bought your family with a 2 dollar bill once

  25. 25 Benny6968 said at 1:13 AM on July 12th, 2017:

    I hope Grymes balls out during TC and PS that Schwartz is forced to start him as a best case scenario.
    On the other hand, I would not be mad if we were able to get a vet like Revis to not only start, but help the young CB’s learn from one of the best.
    Even though he’s lost a step or two, he’s still better than any CB on our roster.
    There is a lot of value in having a CB with his skill level.

  26. 26 Benny6968 said at 9:54 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Love the CB piece Tommy.
    Whenever we can talk about the teams weakest link, it will always bring lots of opinions and comments back and forth.
    I want to see what a healthy Grymes and CJ have to offer this season, along with Douglas and the rest of the CB’s.
    I hope that Robinson finds his niche playing with Jenk and McLoed.
    Sometimes a new venue does wonders for players.
    As far as Mills is concerned, I am really on the fence about Schwartz loving him as a starter and hope he lives up to the hype, but for some reason I am really worried about him facing Dez, Odell and the rest of the top WR’s in this league.
    Am I the only one?

  27. 27 Tom33 said at 1:46 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    I liked Mills last year. He seemed to battle and had a short memory. But there’s a reason he was drafted in the 7th round. If the other corners on the field are better, he will likely get tested even more this year, and not just by the guys you mentioned. I think everyone, including the Eagles, shares your concern.

  28. 28 wee2424 said at 3:33 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    I actually don’t mind Mills against Dez. Besides OBJ It was Djax and Garcon that had me worried with him the most. I am happy they are out of the division.

    Mills tends to do better against larger more physical WRs.

  29. 29 Tumtum said at 10:08 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Good to hear things like this. At least it sounds like there is competition for nickle. Would be cool if any of that transferred to outside. Like is Grymes exclusively a nickle?

  30. 30 Guy Media said at 10:09 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    Yeah, even if we have a team full of “2s” and “3s” all battling for CB spots 1 through 5; it’ll be ok until Jones is ready to be our “1” in 2018.

  31. 31 Tumtum said at 10:54 AM on July 10th, 2017:

    True the outlook is good. Def looks better than it has in the last… umm how long ago was Sheldon and Asante? Just kinda speculative investments at this point though.

  32. 32 wee2424 said at 3:30 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    The issue is that we may have a bunch of 3’s and 4’s.

  33. 33 Guy Media said at 5:44 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    We’re about to find out.

  34. 34 wee2424 said at 3:21 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Yeah, I do think he is exclusively nickel. Reminds me a bit of Joselio Hansen.

  35. 35 Tumtum said at 4:29 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Mmm Bop was the last good slot we had for an extended period. I can’t remember who we dumped him for now…must of been a bad idea. Doubt he still plays but he did get a decent contract in Oak. I would certainly take another of him.

  36. 36 D3FB said at 4:34 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Boykin

  37. 37 Ark87 said at 7:03 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    I really liked Boykin, but I don’t know what the hell happened to that guy. How does a guy that smart, driven, and talented have a career sputter out like his did. It mystifies me.

  38. 38 Guy Media said at 8:07 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    He had a bad hip and they were able to flip him for a draft pick before he had to stop playing.

  39. 39 Tumtum said at 8:09 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Is he done? Really sad. He really was one of my favorite players (even though I forgot about him for a minute).

  40. 40 Guy Media said at 8:26 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    I think so. He didn’t play at all last year (according to pro football reference) and I think he’s sort of on somebody’s roster. But I don’t know if he’s going to play again.

  41. 41 Rellihcs said at 12:10 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    If I remember correctly, he bought and tricked out a crazy car with all sorts of Eagles logs and “#22” emblems built in… probably not money well-spent and a damn shame about his career…

  42. 42 D3FB said at 9:28 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Ravens picked him up after Tavon Young tore his ACL, but yea he’s probably cooked.

  43. 43 D3FB said at 9:27 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Degenerative hip

  44. 44 SteveH said at 12:10 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    Really? Well that explains a lot. Shame too.

  45. 45 wee2424 said at 10:50 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Degenerative hip issue is what it sounds like.

  46. 46 Ark87 said at 9:07 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    I think I heard that somewhere

  47. 47 Tumtum said at 8:02 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    oh yeah that guy.. who was way better than Janson…who we got rid of for some reason.

  48. 48 Ark87 said at 6:59 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    I think we tried to move him outside, which lead to requiring a new slot corner.

  49. 49 Tumtum said at 8:01 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Just found an old article that said we cut him to avoid paying him 800 some thousand. Raider only signed him 1 year. Looks like he retired after that…10 years. Wow it went fast, and damn that’s good some undrafted undersized guy.

  50. 50 wee2424 said at 10:49 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Yeah, he was a “little dude”. I think he was lile 31 or 32 when he left us so him retiring after 1 year with OAK makes sense. For ahwile that is where players went to flame out.

    He was a late bloomer. Spending alot of time initially in his career on the PS.

  51. 51 wee2424 said at 10:38 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Definitely does not still play. I think he would be in his mid 40’s. He was good however, and a very underrated part of those D’s. Same as Hood before him who went and got starter $ in ATL along with the job. I don’t think he was too good for them.

  52. 52 Tumtum said at 10:31 PM on July 12th, 2017:

    Only 36. Time isn’t going by as fast as it feels my dude. Thank god!

  53. 53 Mac said at 12:38 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    If you want to get irate today:

    http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000816254/gil-brandts-top-nfl-safeties-of-all-time

  54. 54 Sean Stott said at 1:27 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Seems weird to compare Ed Reed with Polamalu. They’re completely different positions.

  55. 55 Sb2bowl said at 4:10 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    Dawk’s biggest problem is that he doesn’t have a Super Bowl victory under his belt- he made a lot of plays, but the highlight era of the NFL wanted the returns of Reed or Troy. Dawk was amazing, and did more to redefine the safety position than the other two, but he doesn’t get the love.

  56. 56 Mac said at 10:29 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    It’s funny too that people idolize Ronnie Lott for the big hits, but you don’t hear people talk about Andre Waters and Wes Hopkins. Those are the guys that made me fall in love with the Safety position.

  57. 57 sonofdman said at 12:32 AM on July 12th, 2017:

    You sound like my dad. He and I both loved those Eagles teams. To this day if anyone brings up Ronnie Lott, without fail, he will start on his rant about how everyone always said Andre Waters was dirty but no-one ever called out Lott for being just as dirty.

  58. 58 Insomniac said at 4:28 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    As I was scrolling down

    Oh Lynch isn’t ahead of Dawkins so the list can’t be that bad.
    Steve Atwater ahead of Dawk? WTF
    ERIC BERRY AHEAD OF DAWK? ERIC. BERRY.
    WHO THE HELL ARE 6-8? I DOUBT THEY WERE THE PROTOTYPE FOR MODERN SAFETIES
    Troy Polamalu at 2. I’m done. 0 respect for Brandts opinions anymore.

    Also Gil Brandt could go shove giant pineapples up his butt.

  59. 59 Tumtum said at 8:04 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    These lists are utterly useless. He never saw the number 1 guy play, but picks him because….. you never heard of him and he is smarter than you.

  60. 60 ColorSgt said at 6:08 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    I like any optimism at cb, but early in sping/summer with no pads the D has the advantage. The offense is still working on plays and developing chemistry, and the defense can play some basic schemes and look good. Grymes will be a good one to follow in camp and preseason.

  61. 61 Guy Media said at 6:11 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    True! We’ll totally know who is really ready to play well in the fall once we see them on the field in pre-season.

  62. 62 Dave said at 7:17 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    Nolan Carroll was breaking up passes left and right and seemed like the real deal too in the spring practices/training camp for the past few seasons.

  63. 63 Guy Media said at 7:20 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    I’m just saying televised game performance > anything else.

  64. 64 三五营销软件 said at 8:59 PM on July 10th, 2017:

    真是学无止境！

  65. 65 SteveH said at 12:15 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    Wasn’t it Grymes who had that crazy good 1 handed interception on the play he got put on IR for? Against the Steelers in the preseason I think. I was rooting for him last year.

  66. 66 Ryan Rambo said at 12:29 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c419626c265cfdf6f5febbb0a31c2ea172fb9e2ef90332a9268c334b3befff26.jpg

  67. 67 Guy Media said at 7:04 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    I can’t wait to see him get Eli and Dak a few times this year.

  68. 68 P_P_K said at 9:30 AM on July 11th, 2017:

    Coll stuff from North Dakota:
    https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2017/7/10/15949084/eagles-players-working-out-north-dakota-carson-wentz-pictures-videos-philadelphia-fargo-twitter-camp

  69. 69 Ark87 said at 12:07 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    Wentz is going to have to make it up to these guys, dragging them all to North Dakota. Only appropriate thank you I can think of-
    Agholar: “Stip club?”
    NO!

  70. 70 P_P_K said at 12:20 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    “Hey, Nelson, want another bison burger?”
    I propose he makes it up via an MVP season and Super Bowl rings for all.

  71. 71 Ark87 said at 12:31 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    That’s the direction I was going, but Ags being there with them was screaming at me. Hell Wentz probably had them all come to ND to keep him out of trouble and they’re all pissed with him now.

  72. 72 ColorSgt said at 5:58 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    Carson’s dog likes Ags since he dropped the first two burgers.

  73. 73 daveH said at 9:34 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    Never pass the soap to Ags

  74. 74 Guy Media said at 7:29 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    Given the momentous TV event setting up for Sunday night and Fran Duffy asking for Eagles as Game of Thrones characters, here is a quick list.

    Chip Kelly = The High Sparrow; believes in a totally fake way of doing things, gets a lot of believers, but goes down in flames.

    Evan Mathis = Bron; he’s all about that money

    Louis Riddick = Cersei Lannister; two faced, vain, untrustworthy, etc.

    Kelce = Samwell Tarly; really soft individual who keeps getting run over / past although he means well and people like him

    Kendricks = Theon Greyjoy; never there when you need him and lacking in the proper level of man parts needed to be functional in life

    Sean McDermott = One of the Freys who dies in the Red (zone) Wedding; in spite of being on a good side, he finds a way to be a loser.

  75. 75 Insomniac said at 9:54 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    Chip Kelly and Billy Davis = Lothar and Black Walder Frey. Extremely incompetent after they can’t get a surprise attack on you (a.k.a figured out in a year).

  76. 76 Guy Media said at 9:55 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    Ha.

  77. 77 sonofdman said at 12:29 AM on July 12th, 2017:

    Carson Wentz = Tormund Giantsbane; a big guy with red hair from the north who

  78. 78 Ark87 said at 12:58 AM on July 12th, 2017:

    Sproles= Tyrion
    JP=The Hound (the likable big mofo)
    Lane=The Mountain (the one that whack science got it’s hands on)
    Hicks=Jaime Lannister (that hand)
    Wentz=Jon Snow (the prince who was promised who knows nothing)
    Reid= Robert Baratheon (the fallen rotund king)
    Howie=Little Finger
    Jalen Mills= Daario (funny hair color and absurd confidence)
    Brandon Graham= Berric Dondarion (the dude who came back to life)
    Fletcher Cox= Wun Wun

  79. 79 daveH said at 9:33 PM on July 11th, 2017:

    I liked Grimes last year. ..looked big and fast and athletic and liked to hit. .. high hopes for him