Eagles Add a QB & DT

Posted: April 27th, 2019 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Eagles Add a QB & DT

We thought the Eagles would go for a LB or maybe a S. Not exactly.

Say what?

More than a few people hated this pick. the Eagles already have Carson Wentz and Nate Sudfeld. Why add a young QB?

QB is the most important position in football. You can never have enough good QBs. Sudfeld will be an unrestricted free agent next March. He could easily look to go elsewhere, hoping to have a chance to compete for a starting job. If he leaves, you need backup. Thorson could be that guy.

Thorson is not a great QB. He is not a special prospect. But he is a QB that the Eagles liked. They think he has the traits to develop into a good player in their system.

Thorson is 6-4, 222. He is a pocket-passer, but also has good athleticism. That is also the description for Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and Nate Sudfeld. Notice the trend? Thorson has a solid arm. He only completed 58 percent of his passes. You want that number to be 65 percent in college. Thorson threw for 61 TDs, but also 45 INTs. He did run for 27 TDs. Thorson throws well on the move. He can throw from different platforms. Puts good touch on his throws. He doesn’t have the arm to really drive the ball. Also doesn’t put good zip on intermediate throws.

“QB wins” can be highly flawed when used too strongly, but Thorson won three bowl games in four years at Northwestern. There is something to be said for that.

I had Thorson rated as a fourth round prospect. I don’t think he’ll ever develop into an NFL starter, but he could become a good backup.

*****

The Eagles didn’t see anyone they felt strongly about so they dealt the pick for a young veteran DT.

Ridgeway goes 6-3, 314. He has started six career games. He has 4.5 sacks. The Eagles have good pass rushers in Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson. Treyvon Hester also fits that mold. Tim Jernigan is a NT type and Ridgeway fits that description as well. He will turn 25 in November so he’s right in the prime of his career.

*****

I know people are disappointed that the Eagles didn’t add a S or LB. The value/fit/timing just wasn’t there.

Let’s see what they do with UDFAs. There are still good options at LB and even some at safety.

_

Comments are closed.