Senior Bowl Day 1

I am in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, hoping to find the Eagles some CBs, some WRs and maybe even an offensive coordinator.

Neither Doug Pederson nor Howie Roseman came down to Mobile. Doug stayed to work on finding an OC and possibly interviewing candidates. Howie might also be involved with that process. Most other GMs are in Mobile so he’s not skipping this casually. There is a reason.

No good rumors on the OC search. We did find out today that Mike Kafka won’t be getting the job.

#Chiefs QB coach Mike Kafka will stick on Andy Reid’s coaching staff in 2020, sources say. The #Eagles had interest in Kafka as an OC candidate but they’re aware Reid isn’t letting him go. No official request so he technically wasn’t blocked. Possible he gets a new title in KC.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 21, 2020

I don’t see this as a big deal. Kafka is Doug Jr. They both played for Andy Reid in Philly and then coached under him. Kafka might be a good coach, but he’s not going to bring a lot of new ideas to the table.

Hopefully I’ll stumble into a good rumor or two down here.

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Here are my Day 1 practice notes, written from a general perspective. Now let me add some Eagles takes to them.

The top senior CBs are not in Mobile. Guys like Trevon Diggs, Kristian Fulton and Jeff Gladney are sitting the game out. There are still some talented CBs here, but no one that is likely to be in play for pick 21.

I’m focused on finding players that can cover downfield. The Eagles have Avonte Maddox and Cre’Von LeBlanc. They don’t need slot corners.

Dane Jackson from Pitt had a good day and is someone that Jim Schwartz might love. He will hit and tackle. Tough. Competitive. If you put on the Clemson tape, he holds his own against good WRs. I’ll keep a close eye on him.

Troy Pride from Notre Dame looked good. I didn’t see a lot of him, but he flashed. I’ll pay more attention to him on Wednesday.

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The Eagles had scouts talking to a lot of DL on Tuesday after the practice sessions.

DT Benito Jones – Ole Miss
DE Trevis Gipson – Tulsa
DT Robert Windsor – Penn State
DE Jabari Zuniga – Florida
DE Jason Strowbridge – North Carolina
TE Sean McKeon – Michigan

To be fair, the Eagles have had scouts talk to DL each and every year I’ve been coming to Mobile. Don’t read too much into that.

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I’m honestly not sure what to say about the Eagles and receivers. Nelson Agholor is almost certainly gone. Alshon Jeffery could also be gone.

You might be bringing back DeSean Jackson, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Greg Ward, Robert Davis and Deontay Burnett. DeSean is the only sure thing in that group and he’s coming off injury.

Will the Eagles want speed? Size? Slot guys?

There aren’t a lot of burners in Mobile. There are some good big guys and several good slot guys.

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One possible target at 21 is DT Javon Kinlaw. That dude is a stud. Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson aren’t getting any younger (unless Sports Science has gone big time) and the Eagles could use a young, talented DT. Kinlaw is really good.

Auburn’s Marlon Davidson is another guy I’ve got my eye on.

Neville Gallimore is a 1-gap DT that would make some sense.

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If Big V leaves, the Eagles could have interest in a swing tackle. Matt Peart from UConn has good size and he’s played both sides. He could be a good fit as a backup OT.

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I’ll try to have more on LBs and safeties tomorrow.

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I got to chat with Connor Barwin on the field today. He’s excited about the new role. He and Brent Celek were active in talking to prospects.

I hope these guys prove to be good hires. Definitely the kind of guys you want in your organization.

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