2012 Eagles Draft Preview
Posted: April 26th, 2012 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 151 Comments »I know a few of you want to discuss the Asante deal. There is a long, quality discussion going on in the previous thread. For now, the focus is on the draft. So, here goes.
The picks
1st round – Pick 15
2nd round – Pick 46
2nd round – Pick 51 … from Arizona (Kevin Kolb deal)
3rd round – Pick 89
4th round – Pick 114
5th round – Pick 153
6th round – Pick 172
6th round – Pick 194 … from Denver (Joe Mays deal)
6th round – Pick 200 … from New England (Tracy White deal)
7th round – Pick 229 … from Atlanta (Asante Samuel deal)
The theme for the 2012 Eagles draft is … options. The Eagles have the resources to play this draft a number of ways. They can use the extra 2nd round pick to move up. They can trade back and acquire extra picks for this year or even 2013.
The Eagles don’t have major holes in the starting lineup. They can draft players with a long term vision or look for immediate upgrades. This is a situation where Howie Roseman and Andy Reid can play things how they want. Knowing Roseman, I’m sure trading up for a target is his preference. Howie loves making aggressive moves. If he and Andy covet a player enough, they’ll see about going up after him. With that in mind…
Trade-up Targets
I will leave out the QBs. I’m sure the Eagles would love both guys, but getting them just isn’t realistic.
CB Morris Claiborne – LSU – Claiborne could play the slot for the first couple of years. He can be physical, but is also athletically gifted. He has great ball skills. Claiborne picked off 11 passes over the last 2 years. Claiborne averaged 25 yards per INT return. He also is a good KOR, having run one back for a score. He would impact the Nickel/Dime packages immediately and be a help on STs. Could go as early as #3.
DT Fletcher Cox – Mississippi State – If McNabb and TO were peanut butter and jelly, then Fletcher Cox and Jim Washburn are PBR and Funyuns, 2 great tastes that combine to deliver heavenly bliss. Cox is a natural pass rusher and gifted athlete. He was tailor made for the Washburn’s attacking style of DL play. This fact isn’t lost on Cox. When pressed about which team he would prefer to play for, he answered “the Eagles”. Cox would be an under tackle here, behind Cullen Jenkins in the base lineup. He could line up all over in sub-packages. Cox can play NT, UT, or even DE. Great fit.
QB Ryan Tannehill – Texas A&M – The Eagles might give up a mid-round pick to move up a few spots for him, but won’t break the bank. Tannehill would be a nice addition. He could sit and learn for a year or two. The other key to taking him would be to understand that the Eagles don’t always pick this high. When you’ve got a chance to get a QB at a reasonable price, you do it.
Of these targets, Cox makes the most sense in terms of fit, value, timing, and cost.
Pick 15 Targets
The Eagles believe in having 5 names targeted for each pick. These are players they expect to be available and have interest in.
LB Luke Kuechly
DT Michael Brockers
CB Stephon Gilmore
DE Melvin Ingram
CB Dre Kirkpatrick
LB Luke Kuechly – Boston College – I still believe that “Luke Kuechwalker” is very much in the mix. Mock drafts more and more have him going to CAR, KC, or SEA so it is possible he gets picked ahead of us. If he does reach 15, Kuechly will give us the ultimate litmus test. Will Andy Reid spend a 1st round pick on a LB? If Reid passes on Kuechly, that would tell us that the notion of Reid going for a LB in the 1st is borderline impossible. I don’t think you’ll find a higher rated, safer LB that Luke. As much as I like Kuechly, I don’t think you trade up for him. Take him if he makes it to 15, but I’m not spending multiple resources for a SAM LB. That just doesn’t seem wise.
Some people still wonder about the wisdom of taking him and playing him “out of position” at SAM. That is a move, but I must stress that the way we play SAM isn’t like most teams. He is more like an ILB in our scheme. The spot where the SAM lines up is where Luke lined up many times when BC faced a spread offense. Plus, Luke spent part of a year at OLB in college. This isn’t like converting Chris Gocong to SAM. Luke would have an adjustment to make, but it wouldn’t be completely foreign. I think he could handle SAM for us. Luke would be expected to win the job right away due to being picked so high.
DT Michael Brockers – LSU – I don’t fully understand the Eagles interest. Brockers isn’t a pass rusher. What do they see that I don’t? My guess is that they love his raw potential and think of him as a guy who could push the pocket. Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers get the ball out quickly. They do struggle when the pressure comes in the form of an OL being shoved straight back into them. Brockers is a man-child right now, but with time and the right coach, he could develop into a force. There are some plays where you see great potential in him.
CB Stephon Gilmore – South Carolina – Great size/speed combination. Might be able to play in the slot. Will he last to 15? Doesn’t seem likely at this point. If he does, I think the Eagles will take him because they think he can play inside, at least to start his career. Gilmore has the athleticism and toughness to play the slot. He has PR and a bit of KOR experience. Really good with the ball in his hands. Instinctive runner. Actually looks more natural to me as an offensive player than CB. Willing tackler, but at times will go too low and miss his targets.
DE Melvin Ingram – South Carolina – He is built kinda like Darryl Tapp, but is a much, much better athlete. Ingram is very versatile. South Carolina played him at LB, DE, DT, and even NT. He was a great STer for them, running in a fake punt for a long TD. I was told by one scout that was at a South Carolina practice that Ingram would actually field punts for fun. Finished the season with 10 sacks, 3 TDs, and 2 INTs. Also recovered an onside kick. This is not a typical DE.
CB Dre Kirkpatrick – Alabama – Total guess on my part. I don’t know if Kirkpatrick is an Eagles target. He mostly played off coverage at Alabama. Kirkpatrick did press at times and has the ability to be very physical with receivers. He is a solid hitter/tackler. Has the agility to play in the slot, although he didn’t do that at Bama. Some people wondered about him moving to FS, but I think he’s athletic enough for CB.
Mystery Men
LB/DE Shea McClellin – Boise State – I wondered for a while if the Eagles might have interest in him as a 2nd round target. It now sounds like McClellin will go in the 1st round. The question with Shea is what the Eagles would do with him. He could play SAM and then be a situational pass rusher. He could be a full-time DE. His pass rush style would fit perfectly in the Wide-9. McClellin is fast. He is relentless. High character guy that came up big in the biggest games. Had a good Senior Bowl and Combine. Really fascinating player who would be an out of the box target at 15.
DE Chandler Jones – Syracuse – Somebody hit the switch on the Jones sign, huh? He wasn’t mentioned a week ago and is now all over the friggin place. I don’t know if the Eagles have any interest. He isn’t an ideal fit for the Wide-9. I do think he can play for us. Jones is a fast DE. He played some DT in Nickel sets so he could do that for us as well. He has excellent size at 6-5, 266. I love the fact he can be physical and shed blocks. Jones is big and can play up to that size. Might go before 15.
Trading Back
If the Eagles are on the clock and the key guys are gone, the team would be smart to move back. They could drop as far as 25 and target a good player, plus add a 2nd round pick to the mix. My two preferences at that area would be TE Coby Fleener and DE Vinny Curry.
The Eagles could try to get an extra 1st round pick in 2013. It is possible that the team will need to make a serious run at a top shelf QB. If so, having the extra 1st would be nice. I doubt the Eagles are seriously looking at this angle, but it is worth throwing out.
PROBABLE DEPTH CHART
WR – DeSean Jackson….Jason Avant
WR – Jeremy Maclin …. Riley Cooper ……. Chad Hall
TE – Brent Celek ………Clay Harbor
FB – Stanley Havili
RB – LeSean McCoy …. Dion Lewis
QB – Mike Vick………… Mike Kafka………. Trent Edwards
LT – Demetress Bell ……. King Dunlap
LG – Evan Mathis………… Julian Vandervelde
OC – Jason Kelce…….…. Mike Gibson …… Zane Taylor
RG – Danny Watkins …… Steve Vallos
RT – Todd Herremans.…. D.J. Jones
DE – Trent Cole ……….. Darryl Tapp
DT – Cullen Jenkins ……. Derek Landri
DT – Mike Patterson …. Antonio Dixon ….. Cedric Thornton
DE – Jason Babin ……. Phillip Hunt……… Brandon Graham
WB – Brian Rolle ….….. Keenan Clayton
MB – DeMeco Ryans …. Casey Matthews … Greg Lloyd
SB – Jamar Chaney ……. Moise Fokou ….. Akeem Jordan
SS – Jaiquawn Jarrett ……
FS – Nate Allen ………. Kurt Coleman …… Colt Anderson
CB – Nnamdi Asomugha ……………….. Trevard Lindley
CB – Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie ….. Curtis Marsh
NB – Joselio Hanson …. Brandon Hughes
P – Chas Henry
K – Alex Henery
LS – Jon Dorenbos
NEEDS (not in order)
QB – Vick is the starter. The Eagles hope Kafka is the backup. Trent Edwards is here to challenge for the #2 job, but if not to at least be #3. Eagles would like to add a young QB to the mix to fight for the #3 job. Team doesn’t necessarily need a QB, but wants one.
RB – Backup RB is a need. I’ve thought most of the offseason that the Eagles would add a veteran player. No such move has been made so I’m guessing that the Eagles are open to adding a rookie for that role if the right guy falls to them. Team could also look for a RB/WR tweener to replace Chad Hall. The Eagles want Stanley Havili to be the FB in 2012. He does need competition. This could be a late pick or UDFA.
WR – DJax and Mac are the long term receivers, but there is room for a speedy slot guy with RS ability. The Eagles have had visits and workouts with a variety of guys, but most were smaller, speedy slot/RS types. Jason Avant is terrific, but can be upgraded if the right player is available.
TE – Originally I thought the Eagles would go for a big receiver to add to the mix, but more and more it seems like the team is interested in adding another quality TE. They worked out Orson Charles. They recently met with Taylor Thompson, who could be a Top 100 pick. I’m sure they checked out Dwayne Allen closely at the Senior Bowl. This isn’t a case of anything being wrong with Brent Celek, but rather trying to add a piece. Howard Mudd’s blocking scheme works really well with 2-TE sets. That means you need 3 good TE’s on the roster. Celek and Clay Harbor give us 2.
OL – The signing of Demetress Bell means that all 5 starting spots are full. There is room for depth. King Dunlap is the #3 OT, but only on a 1-year deal. The Eagles need to add a developmental OT. D.J. Jones was signed back in February, but he is an unknown to us. Could develop into the #3 OT of the future or be cut before training camp even starts. Mudd has had some success with mid and late round guys so the Eagles don’t need to hand him an early player. The Eagles have checked out some OG’s, OC’s, and tweeners. They want to add at least one good backup OL, be it T, G, or C.
DL – The Eagles don’t technically need any help on the D-line. One area of concern is the backup under tackle (behind Cullen Jenkins). That role requires a pass rusher. Jenkins is the only natural DT pass rusher. Patt, Dixon, Landri are all better run defenders. If Jenkins stays healthy, no need here. Can’t count on that so adding an interior pass rusher becomes somewhat of a need. DE would be total value pick.
LB – Eagles need a SAM with enough talent and potential to challenge for a starting job right away. The player doesn’t have to win the job from day one, but you’d like someone that can seriously battle Jamar Chaney for the starting job. Brian Rolle had a good rookie year, but could use competition on the weakside. MLB is set with DeMeco Ryans as the starter. Casey Matthews and Greg Lloyd will battle for the backup spot.
S – Some feel that Safety is a need. I don’t. Eagles need better Safety play, but I think Nate Allen will be the answer at FS. Team would love Jaiquawn Jarrett to be the SS, but he must beat out Kurt Coleman, as well as any other competition. There has been talk of the Eagles signing Yeremiah Bell, but the team hasn’t made a move yet so they might have a couple of players targeted.
CB – Goodbye Asante. DRC and Nnamdi are now the starters. Curtis Marsh and Brandon Hughes are the top backups. That group is okay as is. It would be nice to have an insurance policy since DRC is a free agent at the end of the year. Eagles do need someone who can win the slot corner job from Joselio Hanson. This player could be taken in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th.
PROSPECT VISITS / SPECIAL INTEREST
VISITS TO PHILLY (most important)
* DT Michael Brockers – LSU
* DT Dontari Poe – Memphis
* CB Omar Bolden – Arizona State
* S Janzen Jackson – McNeese State
* CB Trumaine Johnson – Montana
* RB Robert Turbin – Utah State
* LB Bobby Wagner – Utah State
* WR Stephen Hill – Georgia Tech
* C/G Ben Jones – Georgia
* OT Jeff Allen – Illinois
* CB Janoris Jenkins – North Alabama
* WR Devon Wylie – Fresno State
* OL Lucas Nix – Pitt
* OG/OT Ryan Miller – Colorado
* OL Levy Adcock – Oklahoma State
* CB Ron Brooks – LSU
Special Interest/Private Workouts
* QB Ryan Tannehill – Texas A&M
* QB Kirk Cousins – Michigan State
* QB Ryan Lindley – San Diego State
* QB Russell Wilson – Wisconsin
* QB Nick Foles – Arizona
* RB Chris Rainey – Florida
* RB Bryce Brown – Kansas State
* WR Michael Floyd – Notre Dame
* WR Bert Reed – Florida State (showing interest)
* WR Cody Pearcy – Huntingdon College
* WR/RS Damaris Johnson – Tulsa
* WR T.Y. Hilton – FIU
* TE Orson Charles – Georgia
* TE Taylor Thompson – SMU
* OT Josh Oglesby – Wisconsin
* OT Mitchell Schwartz – Cal (showing interest)
* C Gino Gradkowski – Delaware
_______________________________________________________
* DE Vinny Curry – Marshall (worked out by Jim Washburn)
* DT Fletcher Cox – Miss State (worked out by Jim Washburn)
* DT Myles Wade – Portland State (showing interest)
* LB Luke Kuechly – Boston College (Eagles LB coach Mike Caldwell ran the Pro Day workout)
* LB Bobby Wagner – Utah State (Eagles LB coach Mike Caldwell was at the Pro Day workout)
* LB Darius Fleming – Notre Dame (showing interest)
* ILB James-Michael Johnson – Nevada (Eagles LB coach Mike Caldwell ran the Pro Day workout)
* SS Jordan Bernstine – Iowa
* FS Phillip Thomas – Syracuse
EAGLES VALUE BOARD
Because the Eagles are so specific I’m trying to list players that I think have a likelihood to be on the Eagles draft list. I will be omitting good players. The value board is a combination of grade + need.
1st Round
QB: Andrew Luck, RG3, Ryan Tannehill
RB: Trent Richardson
TE: Coby Fleener
WR: Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd, Kendall Wright, Stephen Hill
OT: Matt Kalil, Riley Reiff
OG/C: David DeCastro, Amini Silatolu, Peter Konz
DE: Melvin Ingram, Whitney Mercilus, Chandler Jones, Shea McClellin* (possible LB also)
DT: Fletcher Cox, Michael Brockers, Dontari Poe
LB: Luke Kuechly
S: Mark Barron
CB: Morris Claiborne, Stephon Gilmore, Dre Kirkpatrick
2nd Round
QB: Brandon Weeden, Kirk Cousins
RB: David Wilson, Doug Martin, Lamar Miller
TE: David Allen
WR: Mohamed Sanu, Reuben Randle, Alshon Jeffrey, Brian Quick
OT: Jonathan Martin, Mike Adams, Bobby Massie, Jeff Allen, Mitchell Schwartz
OG/C: Kevin Zeitler
DE: Vinny Curry, Nick Perry, Andre Branch, Bruce Irvin
DT: Derek Wolfe, Kendall Reyes, Brandon Thompson
LB: Bobby Wagner, Lavonte David, Zach Brown, Mychal Kendricks
S: Antonio Allen, Harrison Smith
CB: Janoris Jenkins, Josh Robinson, Brandon Boykin, Jayron Hosley
3rd Round
QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Chris Polk, LaMichael James, Bernard Pierce, Isaiah Pead
TE: Michael Egnew, Orson Charles, Ladarius Green
WR: Marvin Jones, Chris Givens, Rishard Matthews, Joe Adams, Greg Childs, T.Y. Hilton, A.J. Jenkins
OT: Brandon Mosley, Nate Potter
OG/C: James Brown, Senio Kelemete, Ryan Miller… Ben Jones, David Molk
DE: Cam Johnson, Jake Bequette
DT: Jared Crick, Jaye Howard
LB: Sean Spence, Demario Davis, James-Michael Johnson
S: George Iloka,
CB: Jamell Fleming, Dwight Bentley, Casey Heyward, Trumaine Johnson
4th round
QB: Ryan Lindley
RB: Chris Rainey, Robert Turbin, Cyrus Gray, Ronnie Hillman
TE: James Hanna, Taylor Thompson, Derek Carrier
WR: Devon Wylie, Nick Toon, Juron Criner, Marvin McNutt
OT: Tom Compton
OG/C: Levy Adcock, Tony Bergstrom, Joe Looney, Adam Gettis, Lucas Nix,
DE: Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber
DT: Trevor Guyton, Akiem Hicks
LB: Nigel Bradham, Keenan Robinson, Travis Lewis
S: Markelle Martin, Janzen Jackson, Duke Ihenacho
CB: DeQuan Menzie, Ron Brooks, Trevin Wade, Josh Norman
All-Tommy Team (my favorite non-1st rounders)
WR Keshawn Martin – Michigan State
WR B.J. Cunningham – Michigan State
TE Michael Egnew – Mizzou
FB Bradie Ewing – Wisconsin
RB Chris Polk – Washington
QB Kellen Moore – Boise State
OT Brandon Mosley – Auburn
OG Will Blackwell – LSU
OC David Molk – Michigan
OG Ryan Miller – Colorado
OT Jeff Allen – Illinois
DE Jake Bequette – Arkansas
DT Derek Wolfe – Cincinnati (I’m assuming he doesn’t shock and go in the 1st)
DT Jared Crick – Nebraska
DE Brandon Lindsey – Pitt
LB Sean Spence – Miami
LB J.K. Schaffer – Cincinnati
LB Danny Trevathan – Kentucky
S Antonio Allen – South Carolina
S Jerron McMillian – Maine
CB Josh Norman – Coastal Carolina
CB Dwight Bentley – Louisiana-Lafayette
Out of this list I want the Eagles to get 4 players…guys I covet (more or less)
WR Mohamed Sanu – Rutgers … physical receiver who can work the slot, help in the Red Zone
WR Rishard Matthews – Nevada … physical receiver with great RAC ability and a very good PR
WR T.Y. Hilton – FIU … speedy playmaker who could play in the slot and be a dynamic RS
WR Keshawn Martin – Michigan State … athletic playmaker who dould play in the slot and be a good RS
TE Coby Fleener – Stanford … Tall TE with good speed. Playmaker and RZ guy.
TE Michael Egnew – Missouri … TE with size, speed, and skills. Could be good value
RB Ronnie Hillman – SDSU … Small, but speedy RB who would make a good backup.
OT Nate Potter – Boise State … Has LT potential.
OT Brandon Mosley – Auburn … Former junior college LB/TE. Tough guy with athleticism.
DT Fletcher Cox – Miss State … Great pass rusher.
DT Derek Wolfe – Cincinnati … Very good pass rusher.
DT Jared Crick – Nebraska … Good pass rusher.
DE Vinny Curry – Marshall … Gifted pass rusher. Can play on the inside if needed.
LB Luke Kuechly – Boston College … Should solve the SAM problem.
LB Bobby Wagner – Utah State … Could be an excellent SAM target.
LB Demario Davis – Arkansas State … Talented enough to play SAM, but could also fit in at any spot.
S Antonio Allen – South Carolina … Excellent box Safety and run defender.
CB Brandon Boykin – Georgia … Slot corner with great RS ability.
CB DeQuan Menzie – Alabama … A bit slot, but very quick and very tough. Good slot guy.
CB Josh Norman – Coastal Carolina … Gifted cover guy. Can play CB, slot, maybe Safety.
Please Avoid These Players
QB Brandon Weeden – age
QB Brock Osweiler – overrated
WR Marvin McNutt – struggles vs top CBs
TE Orson Charles – Short, less athletic than thought
DT Devon Still – motor?
LB Nigel Bradham – not physical enough
CB Janoris Jenkins – too much weed, can’t control his seed
SUMMARY
I like this draft class. It matches up pretty well with the areas where the Eagles are most likely to be looking for some help. I’ll be very happy if the Eagles can come away with a good pass rushing DT, SAM, WR/RS, and slot corner. Aside from that, it’s all gravy.
I’ll post a final Eagles mock later on.
I just want Fletcher Cox. Not too long ago Melvin Ingram was a lock for being a top 10 pick. But you included him in players that may be available at 15. Do you think the eagles would invest in a DE at 15? Also I think we should take Jenkins if he’s there in the 2nd since you could potentially be getting a top 15 player if weed and fornication weren’t in the picture. Have to take that chance since the payoff could be quite fruitful.
I wouldn’t mind Jenkins in the 2nd. It feels like with all the ‘high-character’ guys taken the last couple of years the Eagles have the locker room to cope with the distraction. If Jenkins continues to be a complete asshat, he won’t take down the whole team with him. A wasted pick, yes – but nothing more, and the potential upside is massive.
Also, “too much weed, can’t control his seed” had me spitting tea across the desk. Love it.
Due to the fornication, the payoff has already been fruitful.
Incredible preview as always! I love the all-Tommy team and guy you covet lists, going to be pouring over those throughout the draft.
Didn’t realise our starting LDE Jason Babin had changed his name to Juqua Parker though, quite the homage to a former eagle.
I echo this sentiment, simply awesome preview and I too love the all-Tommy team and guys you covet list, it’s so great to have
And I echo the echo…..the echo…..the.
And I Mr. Eko the Mr. Eko the Mr. Eko…
http://ewinsidetv.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/mr-eko.jpg
Great preview (as always!), Tommy.
Don’t know about you guys, but if the Eagles somehow can pull a miracle ending up with Morris Claiborne, Derek Wolfe and Bobby Wagner, I will be creaming my pants…!
pretty much, yeah. lol
That would be a sick first 3 rounds
A real-time chat has been set up for the draft
– To access it go to http://chat.mibbit.com/
– Next to “Connect:” chose Mibbit [webirc]
– “Nick:” Write the name you want to use for the chat
– And for “Channel:” write #Iggles_Draft
– Press connect and you should be sent into the chat.
Hopefully people will make good use of it 🙂
Thanks for setting that up nicola! I will check it out!
And now, to quote Flounder, “Oh boy, IS THIS GREAT!”
I was listening to Sirius last night, can’t remember which channel) and they were talking about Chandler Jones to the Eagles and why it makes sense….First, he had better 40 time/Cone Time/Bench than JPP. The SACKSEER system they use, has him being a much better player than JPP. The Eagles saw first hand what a disruptive force a 6’5 DT/DE can be. He could be listed as a DE on our roster, but move inside in passing situations and play DT. He would make Tapp dispensable, and the Eagles could use Tapp as trade bait for a 4th/5th round pick next year. Babin/Cole/Jones/Graham/Hunt…not bad. He has the motor, and pass rushing ability that Washburn loves. I would not be at all upset if they took him.
We could sit tight with our 2nds and take Janoris Jenkins at 46 (I really think the Eagles want him, Howies speech on “character concerns” and how the Eagles are going to look past it wreaks of Jenkins) You have now upgraded your Slot Corner and have someone who can compete as a RS. He could also slide outside in a pinch if there is an injury. You get a 1st round talent with a 2nd round pick and Nmandi’s eventual replacement.
With 51 take Bobby Wagner. We now have a SAM who can compete with Chaney, and Wagner can also slide inside to MLB if needed.
With 89 take Derek Wolfe (if he slides this far, Eagles could use some of those late rounders to move up in the 3rd if they really like him and think hes going earlier than 89) If he is gone, Jake Bequette would work also.
With our 4th at this point I would say take the best WR on the board who could play slot. McNutt just doesnt impress me….seems slow off the line, doesnt seem like much of an upgrade over Avant. I would like a speedy WR to compete in the slot.
After that…I say BPA…..If our first 4 were Jones/Jenkins/Wagner/Wolfe, that would be an awesome draft. We could then possibly sign a FA RB, FA Safety and possibly Plax depending on how our WR situation shakes out in the draft. 8PM can’t get here soon enough….
I know Tommy disagrees with me and it seems like most do – but I’m all about the WR’s. This is a good class, and the Eagles only have 2 threats to score at WR’s. In a league that’s all about the pass, I’d like to think my 3rd and 4th WR could catch a ball and break a tackle, and out run the remaining defender, or simply beat them deep….We don’t have that so much. I think a WR early makes a lot of sense for this team.
Probably won’t happen, but if Blackmon or Floyd were sitting at 15 and we passed them up? It’d be a huge mistake.
Dude, I’m fine with a WR in the 2nd or 3rd. I also want to upgrade there. Just don’t want to use 15 on a WR.
You don’t draft a WR at 15 to play in the slot…..plus that would be a TON of $$$ tied up in your three WR’s. Remember, next year Machlin needs to be resigned. Blackmon won’t be there at 15 and Floyd may not either. I would much rather take Sanu in the 2nd, if the Eagles want a WR high…he fills the need we have. A big, strong slot WR.
Also remember, the h in Maclin’s name is invisible as well as silent.
I like Chandler Jones, but PLEASE don’t reference SackSEER for predicitive value…
http://mcnabborkolb.com/post/18505009487/on-the-inaccuracy-of-sackseer
or
http://www.ninersnation.com/2011/4/29/2142818/2011-nfl-draft-sackseer-projections-49ers-aldon-smith-vs-49ers-manny
trade tapp for a 4th rounder? sign me up for that
John Clayton has us trying to move up for Keuchly or Gilmore
I’m not sure how good his sources are anymore, but always good to know what is being said.
GIlmore is the hot name right now…He is good, but this guy is not worth moving up at all. I would move back for Ja. Jenkins or Kirpatrick before taking Gilmore.
I’m not sure if I just missed him, but I feel like I haven’t heard this guy’s name mentioned much until very recently (last 2 weeks or so). Shortly after the combine, I remember seeing Kirkpatrick was the 2nd rated corner in the draft. What changed? Why did Gilmore climb so much?
Nice work Tommy. Very informative and interesting as usual.
Question: I have never seen Chandler Jones play but you say he is big and fast but that he is not a fit for the wide-9. What does a wide-9 type player look like in general?
1st round man love:
1. Justin Blackmon
2. Melvin Ingram
3. Fletcher Cox
4. LK
5. Mark Barron
Not an “ideal” fit. Watch his game vs PITT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftx60vRJyYg
Now think about Trent/Jason. They get low and fire off the ball. Chandler isn’t explosive or super fast. He’s athletic. Strong. Physical. He can play in any system, but the Wide-9 is best with fast DEs who fly off the edge.
I was fascinated with adding him back in Feb. and that was because he’s a DE unlike anyone we currently have. It would be nice to have a big DE who can out-muscle blockers. Is that guy worth pick 15? Maybe. The fact he can play DT in some sets does make him more attractive. Without that, I’d probably not want Jones at 15.
I know I am in the minority but he looks a tad stiff. I wish he would bend his knees a little when attacking the OT. Also he has limited moves in his arsenal. Looks like a future DT to be honest. Compare him to Melvin Ingram and it is not even close who is the better college player. Im the master of the obvious, I can tell who is a great college player. Its much harder to project. If I was a GM, I would have a bunch of great college performers and would miss on the late bloomers.
Thanks for the explanation
The last big, physical DE we drafted early was Abiamiri. How would you say Jones compares to him?
Very similar, but has both his knees.
Diff guys. VA was 6-3. Jones is 6-5 and has good length. Jones has a great frame. He’s athletic, but not a smooth, fluid player. He’s nothing like Mario Williams or Peppers. That said, he might be a more physical player than them. Not sure who exactly he reminds me of.
For me (and this is obviously being optimistic), it’s Justin Tuck.
Terrible off season for the Eagles…
Lost – Pro Bowl LT – to a injury likely to keep him out all of 2012.
Lost – Pro Bowl CB – to a conference rival, and a team they face at least onces during 2012.
Added – Pro Bowl LB – but he’s coming off a down year, and had a major injury within the last
two years
So far this off season, we’re weaker, so now we have the draft to make up for whats lost….
And if recent history is any indication, it’s not going to help. Our first selections from 2006-2008 are gone, two of them basically shipped out for nothing. Our 2009 first rounder, has been very good, but selected ahead of players who have been better at the same position by a division rival. Our 2010 first rounder if probably hanging on to his NFL career by a thread. Make or break season, and again a division rival drafted a better player at the same position, after our selection. Our 2011 first rounder is basically 30.
I feel like in the last 7 years the crack front office squad has managed to draft 3 Pro Bowlers with what seems like 70 draft picks – someone correct me if I’m wrong…But I’m recalling – LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson and Trent Cole….am I missing anyone?
Count me out of the excitement of the draft, just another day where the Eagles will add a medicore piece, and we’ll be told it’s makes us one step closer to the Super Bowl. I think we all need to face it – the magic run from 2000-2004 is dead and over, and whats left is a hodge poge of cast aways and never gonna be’s….mixed with a few solid pieces. In my mind, we’re well behind the front runners of the NFL, and this off season, has to be considered a failure.
LOLz
Morton is that you?
Morton is that you?
Morton is that you?
I love this place.
So, by your logic, the offseason would have been more successful if we did not add Ryans and if we kept Asante? I completely disagree we are weaker. We “lost” a player coming off a down year who did not fit into our plans to begin with, and freed up salary cap space to use strengthening the team in another way. We “gained” a player who is at a point where he would be expected to be fully recovered from an injury, who fits perfectly into what we do and addresses a glaring need.
If a player getting injured like Peters did counts into your assessment of a “failure” of an offseason, then I can’t argue, although I don’t think you can imply that it was part of their plan. Instead, they were able to quickly address the unexpected loss with the best available FA, which I think they deserve credit for.
Who knows what the draft holds, but I think the team is well positioned to be successful next year, and certainly better positioned for this season than they were for last season.
Sorry to shine some sun on your rained-out parade.
I think our biggest question mark is still at the safety position…..it’s not that I think we need to draft one early, just that we know the least about what to expect out of that group. That being said, I think it’s increasigly likely that we target a first round CB to play the slot. That way, if our safeties pan out, we could have the best secondary in football. If not, at least solid corner play could help protect us from some of the weaknesses at the safety position.
TL, What about teams wanting to trade for the Eagles 1st rd pick? I’m sure AR & HR would take a sweet deal.
Depending on who falls…very possible. If Coples is on the board, could be some team in the 20’s that wants him. Maybe NE.
If Ingram falls, maybe a 3-4 team in need of a pass rusher calls.
If M Floyd falls, maybe a team needing a WR calls. CLE?
Eagles should have options.
Talented as he is, I can’t see Ingram fitting the Eagles easily.
“CB Janoris Jenkins – too much weed, can’t control his seed”
HAHAHA. You’re a poet Tommy Lawlor. If the draft thing doesn’t work out, you have a future in limericks! Great writeup as usual.
Who’s your “favorite” player in the draft? Still Kuelchy? IIRC, we haven’t taken your favorite player since Derrick Burgess. Luckily, we passed on Alvin Pearman.
Kuechly is my favorite overall player.
…and may well be the guy.
I semi-stole that line from Baloophi so he deserves credit. He had the original idea. Couldn’t remember his exact phrasing so I went with that.
I’ve already filed a grievance with the Writers Guild. By this time next month I’ll own your precious sunglasses blog.
Sucker! I’ll still have in-home Lasik to keep the blog afloat.
Perfect timing; Scarlet Johansson has started wearing glasses
Might want to check your depth chart. I believe Juqua Parker is now starting for the Lower East Winnipeg Fighting Frenchmen.
Fixed it. I was testing you, Mr. Lips. You passed, but barely. See me in detention.
*cough* See the second comment on this thread *cough*
Can I have a gold star too please?
Is this gonna be a weird thing where you tell him what a “bad bad boy” he’s been? God help us all.
Tommy, Best Eagles draft preview anywhere. Great job!
I normally kinda like Scott Wright from draftcountdown, but his “final mock” is absolutely terrible from the Eagles perspective, imo.
1) Chandler Jones – First, I think there would be the distinct possibility of a trade back with this pick b/c Cox, Kuechly, Coples, Tannehill, Ingram, Floyd, Poe all off the board. That said, Gilmore and Kirkpatrick would be there for the taking. I don’t think they go DE unless Coples or Ingram are their. I don’t think they won’t anything but a special talent at this pick and I’m not convinced their ready to give up on the Graham pick yet. What really threw me off was Scott’s comment that even if Kuechly were there the birds don’t have interest???
2) Josh Robinson – Wagner, Curry Kendricks, Boykin, Sanu still on the board
2) Kirk Cousins – Wagner, Boykin, Sanu still on the board
3) Mike Martin – Wolfe still on the board
I’m not in love with any of the first 4 picks from his draft. He does get DT and CB positions of need correct, but that’s about it from my view. I think if they go QB it’s either in the 1st or mid-round (4th or 5th). Just my gut feeling.
Mike Martin won’t be an Eagle. He’s a NT. The other 3 are possible, but I wouldn’t be ecstatic with the choices.
And not just for the Eagles. Scott’s site was the first I discovered online that was both free and complete. I just don’t see his conclusions.
Tommy-
My thought on Brockers is that didn’t LSU rotate 8-10 guys on DLine? I know he’s not the style of player Cox is, but maybe they feel that he’ll be strong vs. the run, and actually be a bigger force as far as pressure goes in the pros than he was in college? Just throwing thoughts out there.
I think Keuchly’s on the board at 15, but I really, really hope we move up to 7 or 8 with just one of our 2nds and can snatch Cox
Brockers can develop into a pass rusher to a certain extent, but he’ll never be a guy that flies upfield and gets to the QB regularly. He can collapse the pocket with his size/strength. And there is value in that. He has a lot of growing up to do, physically. That’s why I called him a man-child. Brockers went to LSU as a LB. He’s still figuring out how to be a big guy.
Did you leave out Mardy Gilyard on purpose? Surely he can do something…and dont call me Shirley! Hopefully he can be the one to spell Jackson on punt returns. However, I am all for getting some bang WR/RS bang from the draft. Shoot, i would not mind a little RB/RS ala Brian Mitchell either since the Lewis experiment did not pan out. I am still holding out hope for BJ Cunningham to find his way to the Eagles to fill a roll. I think this will be the last camp that Cooper gets to try and keep his roster spot.
Love the Airplane! reference. Well done.
Left off Gilyard intentionally. He can earn a spot, but didn’t want to list a bunch of WRs since I’m not sure how likely it is that he’ll make it.
Well, depending on who we draft, you may need to revise and leave Riley off too! AND if we get half of your want list, I may break out some “Jive” for old time sake! Of course you would be responsible for getting the old lady to interpret it!
I really like Sanu and am glad that you have him listed. Do you think we can get him with our 2nd round pick?
Sanu is wild subject. Some scouts think he is a 1st round player. Other see him as a 3rd/4th. I like him in the 2nd. I value his physicality and toughness. Could be a target at 51, but Eagles could also possibly land him in the 3rd.
DEAR GOD!!!! Why didn’t I study harder past pick 15?!?!! It’s draft day, and I just found out Jerel Worthy and Derek Wolfe aren’t the same player!!! This is a nightmare! AND I LEFT MY HOUSE WITHOUT ANY PANTS!!!!
This is always your best post of the year, imo. Clarity on Rd 1 strategy/targets and a plethora of mid-late round guys I haven’t heard of. Invariably a few end up being on the Eagles and several have been good contributors (see Rolle, Coleman, etc). Makes Saturday and Sunday more interesting as I follow along hoping they pick a few of the guys you covet. Thanks for all your effort during the year that goes into this site.
Thanks for the nice words.
I agree. I always look forward to the DGR’s, but my attitude shifts with those depending on how well (or bad) we played. LOL. The Draft Preview, though, is always full of hope, optimism, and all that crap. Quality stuff form the Tomster.
thanks for saying all the nice things i’m too lazy to say. it means a lot to me. oh and thanks to you too, tommy. lol
T-LAW:
No Quintin Coples and no Junior Hemingway in your post. What’s your thinking as to both?
_________________
I must say this:
Q: Why do we read Igglesbliz.com?
A: Because it’s the smart move. T-Law was always smarter.
You’re really great, Tommy. Thank you.
Now let’s get out there and kick some ass!
Leaving Junior Hemingway out really hurt. Love the MSU kids a bit more. And Junior is a 5th round value.
He’ll get covered on Saturday when I do a post on targets for the final 4 rounds. Would love to see us go after him.
Mayock has Stephon Gilmore going to us at 15 (with Cox and Kuechly gone at 9 and 10 respectively). I’d be really disappointed if this happened. I know he will be a good corner, but I don’t know about investing that high at the position if we already have DRC and Nnamdi in place.
I’m coming around to this, especially if the guy can lock down the slot position.
same here. does gilmore have any PR or RS ability? i’d LOVE for someone else to take over those duties.
Haha. The Janoris Jenkins explanation is why I love reading your articles, Tommy.
Your buddy at Philly.com has a really good pre-draft article up:
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/moving_the_chains/425-Eagles-draft-buzz.html
Tommy, great analysis leading up to the draft culminating with this excellent summary. Through following your analysis especially, I have decided how I want the draft to go tonight for the first three picks and narrowing down to 7 players. I want a DL, an OLB, and a Slot Corner. All D for the first three picks and then turn to Offense in the 3rd (or 4th if we have traded up using the 3rd).
DT Cox or Wolfe
LB Keuchley or Wagner
CB Gilmore or Kirpatrick or Boykin
I would stick to this pool and address these BPAs for the first three picks barring some absurdly valuable player falling down the board disproportionately.
Then at pick 3 best Offensive Player (non-QB) on the board
Round 4 best Offensive PLayer on the board – OL depth if skill position drafted at 3 or vice versa. And I’d like an OT skill position with Return Ability in addition to the Slot Corner we have with those abilities, ideally.
I concur. Would be a masterful draft with one from each group. Nice Bergey pic!
I really want Wolfe and Luke. Fantasy combo.
Who would you like as slot corner to that combo?
Great synthesis. The sequence isn’t critical, and you’ve given us the ideal player options for both rounds. Should be a workable mix and match if these prospects are taken where the consensus predicts them to go.
This would be an awesome draft. I would add David to the LB I think he would be a great WILL for us.
But you wouldn’t trade up for him you said. I get your logic, but I don’t see Luke Keuchwalker (love that name) as a permanent SAM. He’d be the MIKE in 2-3 years I’d guess.
He’s my favorite too and I’d be estatic if they moved up to get him. Within reason of course…if he slips out of top 10…go get him
Eagles haven’t drafted a LB in the 1st since there was a jar of jelly beans on the desk in the Oval Office…it’s time.
I’d give up a 5th rounder to move up 2 or 3 spots…something like that. I’m not trading a 2nd or 3rd to jump up to #7 for him. Too costly.
Put this in the “for what it’s worth” column . . .
The Eagles had no visits/private workouts/campus workouts by Eagles coaches of ANY OF THE TOP THREE CORNERBACKS — Claiborne, Gilmore, Kirkpatrick.
Seems like a classic Reid misdirection play. Or, the Eagles have no interest in a 1st-round CB
Eagles mostly do misdirection in the 1st round but not so much in the later rounds., I think. Look at those lists Tommy compiled to find the 3 or 4 or 5 players that will come in the mid to late rounds.
Tommy:
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been following the rankings at the CBS draft site and watching how the guys I like are moving up and down etc. Your ratings for the “Eagles Value Board” put pretty much all of the guys in the same round as CBS have them. Except for Nate Potter. CBS have him ranked 177th overall and a 5th-6th rounder.
Any ideas for why there might be such a discrepancy? Is it just that you think he’s such a good fit for Philly that they would see him being of value in the 3rd but other teams wouldn’t? Are CBS just wrong on this one?
_________________
For fun (mostly because I was really bored this afternoon) I decided to dream up a scenario where the Eagles could get as many of Tommy’s “Guys I covet (more or less)” list as possible, with many pretty unlikely trades.
To 49ers: #15
To Eagles: #30, #61, #92
To Rams: #48, #88, #114
To Eagles: #39, #96, #209
To Texans: #92, #153, #172, #194, #200
To Eagles: #76
To Browns: #96
To Eagles: #118, #139, #160
To Broncos: #118
To Eagles: #137, #188
To Patriots: #139, #209, #229
To Eagles: #126
(I did say it was unlikely :p)
Anyway, after all of these moves shake out, the birds can then take the following players:
#30: TE Coby Fleener
#39: DE Vinny Curry
#51: CB Brandon Boykin
#61: LB Bobby Wagner
#76: DT Derek Wolfe (not sure he’ll still be available here, but given how unlikely this whole thing is I’m just gonna roll with it)
#126: S Antonio Allen
#137: WR T.Y. Hilton
#160: LB Travis Lewis
I’ve no idea who I’d want with the 6th and 7th that would remain, although I’d be tempted to use them to give Mudd some new toys to play with.
Your draft scenario isn’t likely, but I’d love it.
Potter has some back/shoulder issues that I’ve not been able to get info on. He could very well be a late round guy or even UDFA. I’m going strictly on tape.
Falcons – Eagles….first play of the game. Toss Right….have “The Pres” take on Herrimans and Watkins pulling and then watch Shady break his ankles. I’d also like Desean to get a “GO” route on him….see if he can keep up!!
If Mike Ditka were the Eagles coach he’d absolutely call that play and tell everyone to block Asante.
The more fundamental problem with this play is AS will, as soon as he sees the play, move outside the boundary line and out of harms way.
I’m pretty sure the Eagles aren’t scared of Asante… Like McNabb they have lived with his weak areas for years.
I agree I thought it would just be funny to see his eyes open wide when Machlin blocks down on the OLB and leaves Asante out there dangling for Herrimans to deal with.
It would be funny, but certainly not painful… I’m pretty sure Asante can out run Todd whilst screaming like a little girl… haha
Agreed, as long as 2nd play is toss left with Bell and Mathis charged with putting Dunta in the ground
Jackson eat “slow” CBs as Samuel for lunch unless that CB have safety help over the top
If, as some have speculated, that this year Washburn gets *his* guys — whereas last year, Mudd got his guy in Watkins . . .a bit early, as T-Law’s notes in the comment section to his 2012 mock draft over at SNB — then I think the Eagles take SHEA McCLELLIN in Rd 1.
Unless the Eagles can get Fletcher Christian Cox.
Is there another DE in this draft — if SMc were used there in the pros –who plays with same kind of the relentless abandon of Trent Cole?
Caveat: The Birds may be going CB all the way. Or trading down. Or who the heck knows.
__________________
Re: Luke the Stuke . . . .
I’m curious how many defensive downs, as a percentage of total defensive downs over the past 3 years (decent sample size), that the Eagles have used 2 LBs?
In other words, how many times are the Eagles in a dime package? Especially in the RZ?
Would those kinds of percentages — e.g., hypothetically, the Eagles use 2 LBs only 60% of the time — devalue LK from the Eagles’ point of view so much that he’s not worth selecting before, I don’t know, choice No. 25.
Good point, but keep in mind that the way we rotate linemen, we barely use our starting DT’s 60% of the time.
I think we would take Luke and play him in the Nickel and base. That would eat up 70 or so percent of snaps, maybe more. Dime defense is very situational.
McClellin fascinates the heck out of me.
no major holes? I guess SAM and WILL don’t count? Nickel corner? Pretty clear those are gaping holes now, unless sub-standard but not outright bad is sufficient. The birds need a DT, DE and at least a tackle for the O-line, all of which can be had with the first three picks but can you solve the LB and nickel corner problem in rounds 4 on?
I said the team needs to add a starting caliber SAM. I do think Rolle is solid at WLB. I said I want a slot corner to challenge for that job.
Point is, we do have players in those spots who can do an acceptable job. Akeem Jordan was okay at SAM last year. Rolle was solid. Hanson up and down. I’m all for challenging or upgrading them, but they aren’t holes. A hole is when you literally don’t have a player on the roster to fill a role.
I think Rolle will impress this year….I am not worried about him.
I agree with everyone of those except jenkins if he’s there in the 2nd you make a move for him..he has top 10 talent..probably the best man corner…he seems to have changed his ways…have him under Nnamdi and Demeco…you have a great player…
Keep him away from the Toddfather and DRC or we gonna have a Jerome Simpson x ..going down
Jerome Simpson x10
I am praying Jenkins is there at 46….would be a HUGE grab…1st round talent…excellent return man at a 2nd round price. Starts from day 1 at the slot CB…and takes over for Nmandi in a few years.
Tommy why do people have us taking gilmore he’s a zone corner …he plays some man but is not a man/press guy…so basically he’s a poor man’s asante with size and some tackling ability
Gilmore can press. South Carolina didn’t always have him do that. Doesn’t mean that he can’t. I’m not his biggest fan, but Eagles might like him.
Thanks for the fine blog, Tommy (long time reader here, but first time post-er).
At any rate, the more I think about this draft, the more I think that:
1) given that we already have a boat-load of picks tonite, and
2) given that the roster as already constructed has no glaring holes to fill, and
3) if there is a player/are players who the organization feels have potential to be elite NFLers, and said players are likely to NOT be available at pick #15,
then I would much rather see us attempt to move up in the draft, rather than down… we are set up to take a swing for the fences, and I would much rather see that than trading for extra lower picks this year when we may not even have space for those picks on this already solid roster.
I could even see trading for extra picks in future drafts rather than trading for extra ones in this draft, but my first choice would be to trade 2 nickels for a dime, or 2 dimes + a nickel for a quarter, in THIS draft.
I think Howie Roseman agrees with your thinking. I get the feeling he is burning up the phone lines right now to see about moving up for Fletcher Cox. Asking price is the key.
Comment count crazy, is anything happening today?
Nah its safe to take the wifey out for a romantic dinner this evening.
Are you offering to babysit?
If the pay is good enough. I mostly value cartons of chocolate chip cookie dough but will accept dollar bills.
Wow, great preview. The enormity of your knowledge of the Eagles and Draft is rivaled only by your lack of taste in beer.
I admit that I’ve got no sense of taste with beer. Wait…is cold a flavor? I do love ice cold beer.
If the Eagles are targeting CB, then didn’t they broadcast their intentions a little by doing the Asante deal before the draft? I’ve been thinking they might go cornerback for a little while now, but now I’m not so sure.
$$$ IGGLES BLITZ CHALLENGE $$$
NEED 15 BRAVE SOLDIERS…
Friends,
As we careen towards the NFL draft and the real beginning of the 2012 season I’d like to remind everyone of all the hard work Tommy and Sam do to bring us the most entertaining and most educational forum for Eagles-based discussion on the Internet. It takes a lot of hard work and time to generate fresh content, respond to comments, and maintain this space so I’d like to ask everyone to take a little of your own time and consider making a donation in any amount to Iggles Blitz.
For me, reading and participating on this site is worth at least $1 a day (the price of a stale bag of Funyuns), so I’m issuing a challenge: If we can get just 15 donations before the end of the draft I will happily donate $366 to Iggles Blitz (thanks a lot, leap year). That’s money that can be used for precious resources like acquiring and maintaining a tape library, any licensing and legal fees, and of course, refilling the water cooler with life-sustaining PBR.
Please give any amount you feel comfortable with:
– $12 is $1 per month and can buy approximately 400 boxes of pudding
– $25 is roughly $.50 a week, and can furnish the library with the complete set of 1980’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editions
– $50 is roughly $.14 a day, enough to enroll the entire secondary in tackling class
While your pledge won’t get you a handsome “Iggles Blitz” tote bag, an emergency radio, or season 2 of Downton Abbey on Blu-Ray, it will earn you the respect of every reader here and the self-satisfaction of sustaining this amazing website.
Where else on the web can you read a detailed analysis after every game including the final pre-season game? Where else can you get “on the ground” reports from the Senior Bowl? Where else can you pretend you’re an NFL GM and demand a scouting report on Miles Burris for three days and then actually get one free of charge?
On the right hand side of the page is a “DONATE” button. Please consider giving a few dollars to a resource I know you all enjoy as much as I do. If you can’t, please steer others to this challenge.
NOTE: Tommy and Sam have not solicited this challenge in any way, shape or form and will undoubtedly shy away from it. Besides, they should be busy preparing for the apocalypse when we trade up in the first round to select Vontaze Burfict.
I have the inside scoop man, Demeco Ryans strait up for Burfict. Championship.
You got one, been meaning to do that for awhile now.
I’m in for $5 (although the hipster in me would like to point out that I was donating before it was cool).
Great work, Tommy, but keep in mind that if the Eagles don’t get Keek, I’m coming to your house and taking my money back in the form of PBR and Eagles Cheerleader calenders.
I just donated $5, enough for 2 Subway footlongs as long as you purchase before the end of this month.
Look, as much as I love Tommy and his blog, this site isn’t sending my daughter to soccer camp this summer so he’ll just have to live with five dollars for now.
Just dropped a $25… but that means I want some kind of special treatment when Tommy shows up to do my lasik. I’m thinking an autographed picture of him shaking Jeff Lurie’s hand in front of his “wall of tape” would be appropriate.
We’re rollin’ now!
Let’s keep it up! T-Law needs new underwear!
I step away for an hour to work on profiles and a telethon breaks out.
I’m flattered by the generosity and mega-awesomeness of Eagles fans. You guys are something else.
Thank you.
In for $25, but I want ramped entrance into the official Tommy Lawlor Eagles Superbowl party.
I just donated $2, not sure what he can get for that but im a poor lad and all I can spare the rest of the month but wanna show be appreciation of this site and the work Tommy etc puts into this site
Great work everyone! It’s heartening to see so many people contribute! We’re 9 away from meeting the Iggles Blitz challenge! If we fail I’ll have to blow the money on an Eagles draft day helmet phone which will be considerably harder to hide from the wife.
Also, no need to share how much you donate… I should have mentioned that in the first post. And any amount you feel comfortable giving is a GREAT amount that I’m sure Tommy and Sam will greatly appreciate.
i hope we land a wr or pass catching te in the first 2 rounds. just take a look at your starting pass catchers if djax or jmac get hurt. they arent the two toughest dudes in teh world
if we were not a passing team or we had breese, manning, rodgers etc, it would not be a huge deal. but in our current situation we need a very good set of wr/te’s
In the spirit of the “WTF ARE THE FUCKING EAGLES DOING?!!?!?!?” spirit that our front office so often inspires, I offer the following predictions for the draft:
1. Weeden with the 15th pick.
2. Small school measurables guy in the 3rd round.
3. Trading a late round pick for multiple more late round picks, then packaging those late round picks to move up 3 spots in a late round then trading that late round pick for another late round pick next year.
This is too easy for you, isn’t it?
I don’t see a single mention of “high motor” or “team leader.”
You also forgot the inevitable pointless trade with Bill Belichick. Unless that goes under #3?
good catch, the Pats and the Eagles will swap this years 6th rounder for next years 6th rounder in order to target an Quebecian fireman with a winning smile and boy scout credentials.
I’m also starting to hope we trade up or back. I havn’t seen a single mock with players I would want to take falling to us, and the next 10-12 picks seem like a crapshoot of who goes where. So either trade up to 10-12 or trade back to 27-35 range.
T-LAW:
Question about how the Eagles approach each pick: “The 5-Man Rule,” I’ll call it.
Are you saying, for example, that in Rd 1 — at pick 15 — the Birds have identified 5 players they want and if they’re all gone, then presumably, the Eagles move down.
What if a player whom the Eagles rated as a Top 15 guy, but not among their “5-man group” — DeCastro, hypothetically — falls into their lap.
Do the Birds still (try to) trade out?
I am all on board the move back and get more 2nd/3rd round picks bandwagon.
If I “have” to take a late 1st this year I am targeting Fleener… but Ideally I want comp to look like 2013 1st and 5th and a 2012 2nd. Then later in the draft try to roll one of our 6th round picks into a 2013 5th as well.
But that’s just me… My prediction is that the Eagles can haul out enough talent with 3 2nd round picks in this class. Maybe even package a few of our late rounders to pick again in 2/3.
The Eagles are very specific with who they target. I’m not sure how a guy like DeCastro factors in. Great player, but when would he get on the field? You hate to pass on talent, but there has to be some way to factor in that the guy needs to fit the lineup. Having a player sit for a year is okay, but he’s got to fit the long term plan.
I really don’t have a good feel for what the Eagles would do with DeCastro. Maybe shop the pick. This is the kind of think I’d love to talk to Howie about.
Penso che tu sia il migliore
Tommy not sure if you did this before or already do but before the Eagles announce their pick you should pick who you would take and so forth for every pick. For example right before pick 51 you look at available players and ‘draft’ one. Save your choice and then compare who you selected v. What Howie and the Eagles picked 3-4 years from now. Would be pretty cool
I have a feeling this is already being done… and on his death bed Tommy will reveal his picks (and the potential ensuing dynasty that never was) and the fact that he is “Morton”.
I’ll see about putting something together this summer. I know some picks, but others I’d have to go back and research. Last year I had no idea what I really wanted because of the lockout and lack of FA plans. This year…Cox or Kuech.
Kendall Wright will fall like a rock into the 2nd round.
Reports had his body fat at 16% — not the typical 5-6% for skill players.
I have to think he’d be worth a 2nd round pick. Maybe these reports of the high body fat are indicative of an undisciplined mentality or something, but with NFL coaching, that could change. Plus, he counters that report saying a “NFL team” measured him at 8% body fat.
Now, I’m somewhere between 75-80% body fat, so I’m not sure how that effects his football skills, but his former coach at Baylor seems to not be bothered by this and had great things to say about Wright (of course).
What are peoples thoughts on rumours that most of the top half of the draft are looking to trade down? Do we think that because of the changes to rookie contacts that we’ll see more trading, or just it wont be as costly?
Also, every year there seems to be a run on a particular position in the first few rounds. Is this most likely to be DE/DT/CB/WR? If so might help push Keuchwalker down to us.
We’re starting to get a lot of rumors. Teams are looking for big offers to move down. I don’t think teams are going to make big offers so the guys up high will have to decide if it is really worth it to drop back. This all could be greatly affected by who goes off the board at picks 3-6.
Why do i get the feeling we trade up it will be for Gilmore.
Is it weird that I’m more excited for Day 2 than Day 1?
I know, I know, all this waiting and the day is finally here and I’m not happy. I don’t know if it’s that I’m not that excited about Fletcher Cox or bracing to not get Kuechly or Tannehill (the guys I want most) … but I think what it is is the prospect of drafting three players who have second-round grades or close to it. Boykin/Wagner/Wolfe or whatever it ends up being is going to exicte me more than one mid-first-round guy.
4:30 and I’ve been flipping between 570 and 588 all day (ESPN HD and NFLN HD). My kids think we’re watching football tonight. I tried to explain that it’s just highlights and guys in suits, but they are not ready for this level of boredom.
Rumor.NE wants to move up to 12.really hope this happens.pretty much think Luke will fall to us at 15 if Seattle trades out of 12.hope Carolina does us a favor and scoops up Coples..so iggles don’t get cute and take him if he’s available at 15.Finally ,as much as I like Cox..the iggles should only give up a 3rd and exchange firsts for him.those 2 second round picks are too valuable.there a quite a few jems to be had in the second round..don’t want the iggles missing out on guys like lavonte,wagner,boykins…
THE FUTURE
6. Rams: Seems like its Kali or Blackmon for them.
7. Jags: Unless a trade happens I think its a DE either Coples or Ingran
8. Miami: Tannehill
9. Panthers: Most have mocked Cox or LK here but I have now read a few reports saying they have spoken with Coples and his family and visited with him monday and tuesday. Seems like he could be their guy (Note: this may be wishful thinking on my part)
10. Bills: OT or WR Dont but the Barron or LK talk
11. Chiefs: NT, G, LB- At this point I bet LK is taken but maybe they like Decastro more
12. Seahawks: Another possible spot for LK I still think DE is the way they go
13. Cardinals: I think they take a OT or WR (whichever Buf doesnt take)
14. Cowboys: Barron if hes here
15. Eagles: DREAM SCENARIO: Cox and LK are both on the board.
Not sure how likely this is but I wanted to show that I dont think Cox for sure gone at 15.
Tommy,
Whats your feelings about Devon Still in the second round? What if we drafted Gilmore or LK in the first and took Still and either Wagner/David/Jenkins/Boykin in the second? Would you be happy with that class?
Altho Kuechly mightbe BPA a SLB with the eagles would not be on the field. MLB Ryans likely 3 down for eagles. … Clayton and Ryans could play Nickel or Dime. Mathews or Rolle could play Nickel in run downs. Eagles last year had two different nickels: pass, run. Rolle was in for the run, while Mathews was in during the pass. Kuechly could easily go into the nickel run and replace Rolle. Clayton could still be on the field for nickel pass and dime. but the we have Ryans. He is suppose to always be on the field.
Brett Bracket could definately use some competition for 3rd TE spot. Same kind of situation as with with the NT.
[…] lengthy Eagles Draft Preview is […]
Tommy, great work on everything leading up to the draft. I just signed up for Disqus only to tell you that I appreciate all of your work, it is greatly appreciated.
[…] is one hell of a start to the 2012 Draft. I coveted Cox and Curry. On my Draft Preview list of players I […]