College Visitors

Posted: April 2nd, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 77 Comments »

Let’s talk about some of the draft prospects that will be coming to the NovaCare complex.  Tom Heckert admitted in the past that multiple visitors each year were brought in purely as smokescreens.  The Eagles wanted teams to think they were interested in certain players and/or positions.  Tom was masterful at this stuff.  I’m still not sure that he wasn’t trained by the CIA, KGB, or MI-6.

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DT Michael Brockers, LSU.  Smokescreen.  Has to be.  This guy is the opposite of what Jim Washburn wants.  Brockers was pulled off the field on passing downs by LSU because he’s not a good pass rusher.  Brockers is big and strong and plays the run well, but he showed at the Combine that he’s not a special athlete.  The only way this makes sense is if Washburn sees some majorly untapped athleticism.

To me, this is all about Fletcher Cox.  If the Eagles call the Jags at pick 7 and say “We’re thinking about moving up for a DT”, they want word on the rumor mill to have Brockers as the target.  Teams talk.  NFL guys are more gossipy than sorority girls (but not nearly as cute in slinky dresses).

DB Janzen Jackson, McNeese State.  Bit of a mystery here.  Jackson is a FS.  He has some CB skills, but only ran 4.64 at the Combine.  I wonder if the Eagles are considering him as a slot guy.  Jackson doesn’t have the speed for playing corner on the outside, but he could be a good slot corner.  He is quick and athletic.

Bringing in Jackson as a Safety would make little sense to me.  He’s more of a FS and we’ve already got Nate in place.  Jackson is not a good tackler.  Bringing him in to help the run defense would be like putting out a fire with gas  jet fuel.  Jackson was kicked out of Tennessee and has some issues.  The Eagles could be bringing him in to talk more about that stuff and get feel for just where he should be rated.  The Eagles are very thorough and will talk to the troubled guys to find out what is going on.  Andy Reid once met with Maurice Clarrett to hear his side of the story.  Thankfully, Andy had no interest in drafting him.   Jackson is a mid-round target, depending on his off-field issues.  Getting kicked out of Tennessee isn’t easy for a star football player.

DB Trumaine Johnson, Montana.  I’m also not 100 percent sure what to make of the Eagles interest in Johnson.  He was a CB at Montana, but only ran 4.61 at the Combine.  Johnson is 6-2, 204.  He could be one of two things here.  The Eagles could look at him as a SS type.  Johnson has the size and tackling ability to make the conversion.  He’s a tough guy.

Juan Castillo could also have interest in him for a hybrid role.  Juan talked about using Nnamdi like Charles Woodson.  Well, Nnamdi was a bit lost playing in traffic and isn’t a good tackler.  Johnson could be someone for this role.  When teams put both WRs on the side away from Johnson, he would close in tight to the formation on his side, like a blitzing Safety.  Johnson would attack off the edge.  Good blitzer.  Only had 1.5 sacks in college, but he was disruptive.  Good vs the run when attacking.  Had 12.5  TFLs.  Not afraid to slam into a RB or take on a pulling OL.  Johnson is instinctive and shows good awareness.  He anticipates plays.  Great ball skills.  Finished his career with 15 INTs.  He lacks the ideal change of direction (COD) ability for playing inside, but makes up for that with his size and physicality.

I guess the Eagles could like him as a CB and think 4.6 is okay for a guy his size, but I’m not so sure.  Most teams say 4.55 or less to play on the outside.  Johnson wasn’t able to play in the Senior Bowl, where teams get to spend quality time with prospects.  I’m sure part of the reason for this visit is to just figure out a couple of things with him and to see just how much the team likes him.  Can he play Safety?  Is he willing to do that?  Johnson is a 2nd to 3rd round type of target.

* * * * *

I’ve updated the Draft Info page to get the picks right and keep track of visitors/workouts.

* * * * *

I posted a couple of draft thoughts over at ScoutsNotebook.  I mentioned a couple of WRs that are lesser known.  Both guys could potentially be Eagles targets.

* * * * *

No news on the Demetrius Bell front.  Be patient.  He’s shopping himself, but not finding anyone who likes the asking price.

No news on the Asante Samuel front.  I’m sure as soon as I start writing a column for PEcom about some generic subject, the Asante deal will go down.  The Football Gods love to mess with me like that.  Bunch of crazy kidders.

  • http://twitter.com/tst69 Thomas

    I think Fletcher Cox will be the first DT taken in the draft. Carolina, Seattle, or Dallas will take him before Philadelphia does. What if Coples falls in the draft? Would he fit Washburn’s scheme?

    If the 5 best players left at pick 15 were Michael Floyd, David DeCastro, Dontari Poe, Michael Brockers and Jonathan Martin, who would you pick?

    • GermanEagle

      “If the 5 best players left at pick 15 were Michael Floyd, David DeCastro, Dontari Poe, Michael Brockers and Jonathan Martin, who would you pick?”

      THAT smells like a down-trade to me…!

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=565087931 Jeppe Elmelund van Ee

      Trade down if possible. Otherwise I would pick best DE = Ingram/Mercilus/Upshaw, whoever is highest on our board.

      • Eric Weaver

        I doubt Upshaw HAS the quickness to play DE.

        • http://twitter.com/tst69 Thomas

          So you are certain that Upshaw has the quickness to play DE?

      • http://twitter.com/tst69 Thomas

        In my scenario Ingram would already be taken.
        The players off the board would be-
        1. Luck
        2. Griffin
        3. Kalil
        4. Caliborne
        5. Richardson
        6. Blackmon
        7. Ingram
        8. Tanenhill
        9. Cox
        10. Kuechly
        11. Coples
        12. Rieff
        13. Coples
        14. DeCastro/Floyd

        • GermanEagle

          So Coples got cloned?!

          • D3FB

            The first one is the good player from his Junior year, the second one is his lazy senior year self.

          • http://twitter.com/tst69 Thomas

            D’oh!

        • 47_Ronin

          I see too many mock drafts projecting the Panthers taking a DT (Cox) at 9. I just can’t see it happening. Carolina drafted 2 DTs in the 3rd rd in 2011, why would would they spend their 1st rd pick this year on another DT? That would look like an admission that they wasted picks. I would have to seriously question the GM if they were leaning towards taking another DT

    • TommyLawlor

      Answer to Thomas original question…trade down. Eagles might like Poe or Brockers. If so, get ‘em. I have my doubts on them so moving back would be my strategy.

      • nopain23

        Poe?….tell me u’re kidding…this guy has bust written all over him…NOT a Washburn.guy…just can’t see it!

        • Jason_E

          Seriously. As an Eagles’ fan, how do you look at Poe and not see Mamula? No thanks. Maybe if he’s there in the 3rd.

  • nopain23

    Hey T
    I think the iggles should stick to their draft board pre JP getting hurt.Model franchises like Ravens,Packers,Steelers and yes Gmen..would not reach for a LT if their projectrd starter got hurt.The next man up philosophy should be in play here.Dunlap is next man up and possibly a free agent signing.To panic and reach for a guy will be a huge mistake.Tanehil at 15….not feeling that move either.a project in the 1st rd?..we need our first rd pick to contribute right away…..

    • TommyLawlor

      Only take an OT if it makes sense. Don’t think that will be the case at 15.

  • dislikedisqus

    Having revealed the Eagles’ strategy, you must be a double agent.

    • TommyLawlor

      I am a double agent. I work for the Eagles and the Rockfish Elementary School Raiders. Please keep this quiet.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=565087931 Jeppe Elmelund van Ee

    Tommy,

    Great to read your analysis on players we bring in – even though a large part of them will not be drafted by us. Still, SOME of them will, and it’s great to read something about players who might come here.

    Will you please do this with every player we bring in? That would be perfect! My list of players the Eagles have been in contact with looks like this:

    Senior Bowl
    DE Cam Johnson (Mid round DE)
    OLB Keenan Robinson (mid round SAM)
    OT Mike Adams (Could he be a target if he slides out of round one?)
    DE Jake Bequette (mid round pass rusher)
    DE Vinny Curry (LOVE him – early second?)
    DE Quentin Coples (Been high on him for long as DT, but reports of him being crazy – no thanks)
    DE Melvin Ingram (first round DE – target at 15?)
    DE/OLB Courtney Upshaw (Finding out if he can play DE?)

    Combine
    QB Robert Griffin III (Due diligence)
    DE Jack Crawford (mid round pass rusher)
    LB Luke Kuechly (Who??)
    QB Brock Osweiler (Why, oh why???)
    DT Devon Still (Target if we miss out on Cox?)

    Visits
    WR Chris Givens (mid round big WR – slot receiver?)
    CB Omar Bolden (late round/UDFA guy – injured all year)
    DT Michael Brockers (smokescreen?)
    CB Trumaine Johnson (You covered him well – I like this guy!)
    RB Chris Rainey (Mid round, Percy Harvin light – Excellent fit IMO)
    TE Orson Charles (Can he block well enough to help Dunlap/Bell out?)
    QB Kirk Cousins (Developmental QB?)
    QB Russel Wilson (Developmental QB?)
    QB Ryan Lindley (Developmental QB?)
    FS Janzen Jackson (You covered him well)

    • TommyLawlor

      I’ll cover all the guys between now and the draft. Don’t want to do it all at once.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AWJT33NIMG6ZLNPC64UNHOCRYI Nick

    Tommy, I just wanted to echo what some commentators on your prior post said- it would be wonderful if you could compare some recruits (here or on ScoutsNotebook) to the NFL players they compare or potentially project to. That was my favorite piece of the Sporting News’s annual draft magazine, even if it is largely speculation.

    • TommyLawlor

      I’ll try to work this in. Problem is that you can’t always think of a good comparison. I don’t like to force it.

  • Sb2bowl

    Tommy–

    Was thinking about this while listening to Mike and Mike this morning. Remember last training camp when the Eagles brought in Anthony Hargrove? He played pretty well, and everyone questioned why they cut him.

    (Conspiracy theory) What if they Eagles knew this whole Bounty-Gate would drop at some time, and rather than deal with (possibly) losing Hargrove to a suspension, they just cut him instead? What if they knew the shoe was going to drop, and they didn’t want to be connected to this mess in any way!

    I love me a conspiracy, and this smells like one to me!

    • TommyLawlor

      Doubtful, but I suppose possible.

      Now if we find out that Hargrove’s keeps an offseason home near Area 51…I’ll change my tune.

    • Eric Weaver

      They also seemed to not bother pursuing Gregg Williams.

      • Sb2bowl

        Correct; I smell a conspiracy!

  • Eric Weaver

    It’s still in effect that if you bring in local visits from Penn State, Temple, Maryland, etc. that it doesn’t count against your allotted total, correct?

    • TommyLawlor

      I’m trying to remember the distance. I think any person who is from or went to school within 90 miles of the NFL team can visit them as a “local visit”, to which there are no limits. A Philly kid going to USC can visit. Or a Cali kid going to Temple. I think Penn State is just outside the radius. However, if the kids are from the Philly area, they’re covered.

  • http://twitter.com/alex_karklins Alex Karklins

    I think the Eagles would want Trumaine Johnson more as a safety/hybrid, given his size. I believe there would be interest in matching him up against speedy tight ends in passing situations, since he is probably fast enough and big enough to handle that kind of player. I like your ideas on how he could be used on the Eagles. Also, I’m a biased Montana alum who wants to see him on the Eagles, just like the Penn State fans who overestimate their favorite players’ potential, so take my opinion with a massive grain of salt. Still, I think he’s an intriguing choice if Boykin is off the board.

    • TommyLawlor

      Johnson is a flat out good player. You’re not overestimating him based on the above comments. If you think he’s the next Darrell Revis…we need to talk.

      • nopain23

        How does he compare to Berry in KC?

        • TommyLawlor

          Berry is one of my all time favorite draft prospects. Johnson doesn’t compare to him. Completely unfair.

      • http://twitter.com/alex_karklins Alex Karklins

        I certainly don’t think he’s the next Revis, and it’s tough to tell how players from FCS schools will do at the next level, considering the level of competition. He does look like a man among boys from the game tape, unlike Poe, so at least he has that going for him.

        • D3Keith

          Small school prospects seem to succeed an awful lot though. Maybe it’s because they’re humble and know they have to work to stick and can’t get by on talent alone, but also it probably has to do with the fact that to even get noticed, they had to be some kind of standout athletic freak exceptional player, so why wouldn’t it translate?

          In my experience, there’s great D3 players, and then there’s Pierre Garcon who was easily the most raw talent I saw in a D3 player, and Cecil Shorts who had the speed and the attitude of football’s football, I can work my way into the lineup in the NFL.

          I can think of the rare guy from Tusculum or Newberry that never does a thing, but it seems like almost every non D1-A guy has a decent career.

  • ChaosOnion

    “…but not nearly as cute in slinky dresses.”

    Thanks for that, Tommy! Now you too can visualize Rob Ryan in a sparkly blue tube top min-skirt, complete with ivory white stripper boots and Kim Kardashian goggle sunglasses.

  • Arby1

    “NFL guys are more gossipy than sorority girls (but not nearly as cute in slinky dresses).”

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, my friend.

    • Arby1

      photo courtesy of Bleacher Report.

      • TommyLawlor

        Funny stuff.

  • M0rton

    I am convinced that there will be a massive trade-up during draft day involving the Eagles, and if not a trade-up, some kind of trade involving the first round draft pick.

    It’s looking more and more lately that the Eagles will be trading the farm for Ryan Tannehill. And if not Tannehill, then Kalil. Obviously, if either of those scenarios happen, this franchise is completely cooked.

    The pick in the first round must be either Fletcher Cox, Devon Still, Quinton Coples or Michael Brockers. If it’s anybody else, this team will be making a grievous mistake.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AWJT33NIMG6ZLNPC64UNHOCRYI Nick

      McClane is expressing some doubt on Philly.com about the Eagles interest in Tannehill – and I agree. Given Reid’s history with QBs, what better way to craft a smokescreen if the real plan is to trade up to take Cox or Kuechewalker?

      • GermanEagle

        Trade up this year: do not like, at all!

      • ACViking

        Reid’s history w/ QBs?

        Besides McNabb, what Eagles QB drafted by Reid has delivered a 10-win season?

        The Eagles have certainly made some great trades for back-up QBs.

        But in terms of looking for a 10-year starter, Reid’s drafted only 1 QB who’s proven to be worthy of being a Top 5 during his time in Philly.
        __________________

        T-Law:

        Vick can be cut loose after this year. I don’t think Kafka’s the next Bart Starr.

        So who, besides Matt Barkley, are among the elite college QBs eligible for the 2013 draft?

        Because if the Eagles’ plan, and the Eagles like to think long-term, is to move on from Vick after 2012 (consistent injuries, inconsistent performance, etc. — and, yes, I know Vick’s not had an off-season as “the starter” since 2006) — then:

        DOESN’T IT MAKE SENSE TO GRAB TANNEHILL NOW — while the Eagles still have the muscle . . . draft-wise, that is.

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AWJT33NIMG6ZLNPC64UNHOCRYI Nick

          My point was Reid’s history of being willing to spend high draft picks on QBs even with a starter in place.

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1514128048 Kristopher Cebula

          he’s only tried to draft 2 so he’s about 50-50. and the verdict is still out on one

    • Eric Weaver

      Not Ingram or Mercilus or Werthy?

  • Toby_yboT

    If it’s obvious to us that it’s a smokescreen, how effective of a smokescreen is it really? I mean, you’re a pretty sharp guy Tommy but I’m sure even the mediocre personnel guys around the league can pick up on the same stuff. Washburn and his preferences are well known

    • iskar36

      I had a similar question earlier. Bringing in Brockers seems like a waste of time unless there is some odd chance of actual interest (which as Tommy pointed out seems unlikely). It’s not a great smokescreen if everyone else can tell it is exactly that.

      On the other hand, what would be interesting, picking up on Nick’s comment above is if Tannehill is a smokescreen. I have seen his value varied all over the place with some people saying he is worth a top 10 pick and others saying he is a 2nd round talent. Meanwhile, everyone agrees he is going to be taken in the first 15 picks because there are teams who are interested in drafting a QB and there is no one else available. Based on the amount of time the Eagles seem to have spent scouting Tannehill, I would guess their interest is very much legitimate, but if you are going to create a smokescreen, Tannehill would be a very good player to create one around. It would force any team thinking about trying to get him slightly later to draft him early and in doing so, help push one of the guys who could have been drafted earlier to the Eagles.

      Again, based on Tommy’s analysis and read on the team, I would think their interest is very much real, but a good smokescreen should have the same affect, so who knows.

      • Kammich

        Well, you can be feigning interest with a smokescreen… but they can serve another purpose entirely. What if the Eagles are under the impression that Carolina is on the fence between Cox and Brockers at #9? So you bring Brockers to Philly but keep mum on Cox, float some rumors about being willing to trade up with Jacksonville… and suddenly, Carolina feels a lot more pressure to pull the trigger on Brockers, and Cox conveniently begins to fall.

        This is the same reason that, every few years, you see a team trade up just one spot to get the player they want. Doesn’t seem like anyone would buy that type of smokescreen, and yet it happens.

      • D3Keith

        Iskar,
        I was thinking something similar to you re: Tannehill.

        Tommy wrote:
        “To me, this is all about Fletcher Cox. If the Eagles call the Jags at pick 7 and say “We’re thinking about moving up for a DT”, they want word on the rumor mill to have Brockers as the target.”

        Except if they were to trade to 7, as per previous posts, the move would be to grab Tannehill after he got by Cleveland at No. 4.

        (Or were you saying the Eagles call the Jags at 7 but don’t make the trade, but accidentally “let it slip” that they were coming to 7 to get Brockers)

        This is why a smokescreen doesn’t have to be elaborate to work. It just has to create enough doubt to make them think twice.

        I like Kammich’s theory on the smokescreen as diversion, all designed to get teams to waste resources to get what they were going to get anyway, and/or cause someone to fall down the draft board.

  • Louis Fox

    Tommy, what do you think of grabbing either Kuechly or Cox (whichever is available) at 15, then, since we are now desperate for a LT, trade one of our 2nds, our 2013 1st, and a late rd pick to get back into the 1st rd to possibly #21 for Jonathan Martin or Mike Adams since CIN has 2 1sts? I dont feel comfortable with a short-term fix in Bell (bad value for money) or McNeill (injuries), and this way we cover our bases if Peters does not come back healthy in 2013. I know the Birds FO does not like to trade away future 1sts, but this is a unique situation for Reid with his job security where he may be willing to make an exception.

  • Eric Weaver

    http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/04/02/jo-lonn-dunbar-signs-with-rams/

    I assume he didn’t sign with the Eagles because they told him Kuechly was their man at SAM.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=47904149 Liam Garrett

      Damn.

    • Kammich

      Curtis Lofton’s contract was pretty damn modest, too(not that this has anything to do with the Eagles and the SAM spot; just spitballing). I’m happy we ended up with Capn Meco, but was really surprised to see that New Orleans got Lofton on a deal that only pays him, like, $1.7 Million in the first TWO years.

      Weird LB market this year. Really weird.

  • http://twitter.com/JackfinBauer Jack Bauer

    How’s this for your conspiracy theory: Tannehill is a smokescreen to feed the fire for a team (Dolphis at 8 or later) to trade up to Vikings #3. If this in fact happens either Kalil, Blackmon, Claiborne or Richardson would be available at Jacksonville’s 7th pick. I’ve already stated that Jax’s #7 (1500) is worth about our #15 (1050) and #46 (440). Maybe you throw in Asante to sweeten the pot, but I’d have to say if Kalil or Claiborne slip that’s a deal.

    Also, Scouts.com reports Michael Floyd had a private workout with the Eagles.

    • mcud

      Might be cheaper if you trade up to the pick now, as opposed to draft day.

    • wee2424

      There was talk on sports radio about eagles trying to get Richardson. It just doesn’t make sense, you have Shady, backup rb’s in our system pretty much don’t play. Shady fits this offense like a baseball fits a glove. Richardson is a great talent, but doesn’t seem to fit our offense as well. Not to mention Shady is arguebly the best back going into 2012.

      • ACViking

        beyond laughable.

        drafting T-Rich at 15 would give the Eagles about the same value as Jon Harris gave them.

        • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

          Hmm… more or less of a value pick than Macho Harris?

          • http://twitter.com/JackfinBauer Jack Bauer

            Again the question: is Kalil or Claiborne worth a 2nd and Asante?

  • nopain23

    Why would the iggles trade the farm away for Tannehil or Kalil.You don’t win the Superbowl with a project at QB..and you don’t need a probowl LT to win it either…see..Packers…Gmen.You DO win the Superbowl by drafting wisely and NoT reaching for players…AGAIN see Packers….Gmen..oh yes..Steelers as well.IMO..if the Iggles reach in the draft..they would have wiped out all the gr8 work they did this offseason.Stick to the plan Howie!!!!!

    • D3Keith

      I don’t agree with this use of multiple exclamation points, but I do agree with the content of the message. Milking the most possible value of out free talent acquisition day (aka the draft) seems to be the most beneficial thing you can do for your team, and recent SB winners and losers prove it.

  • ACViking

    T-Law:

    Vick can be cut loose after this year. I don’t think Kafka’s the next Bart Starr. Or even Terry Hanratty.

    So I’m wondering who, besides Matt Barkley, are among the elite college QBs eligible for, and currently projected as 1st rounders in, the 2013 draft? Are they Osweiler or Cousins or Wilson types?

    Because if the Eagles’ plan, and the Eagles like to stay two-moves ahead, is to cut Vick loose after 2012 (consistent injuries, inconsistent performance, etc. — and, yes, I know Vick’s not had an off-season as “the starter” since 2006, so maybe he’s Eli Manning in 2012) — then, to remain competitive:

    DOESN’T IT MAKE SENSE TO GRAB TANNEHILL NOW . . . while we still have the muscle?

    • mcud

      For what it would cost to move up to #3, I’d rather just include another 1st and 2nd rounder in addition to Indy and offer it for Luck. I want no part of Tannehill at that price. Luck? Ok.

      • http://twitter.com/JackfinBauer Jack Bauer

        To get to # 3 it would essentially take this yrs #’s 15(1rst), 46 (2nd), 51 (2nd), 88 (3rd), 114(4th) and Asante, if you value him the 99th pick (3rd pick of the 4th round)….all according to the value chart and assuming no premium being put on the pick

    • D3Keith

      I think it makes sense to get Tannehill while we have the 15, 46 and 51 to play with — plus a guy who has a few years in the NFL by the time we need him to start is always preferable to a rookie — rather than trying to get a QB next year when we’ll have picks 32, 64, etc.

  • ACViking

    If we know the Eagles are smoking something, and have done that in past years (assumption/don’t have list of past 10 years to analyze visits vs draftees), then . . . isn’t fair to assume the rest of the NFL has caught on? (Not every GM is Pete Retzlaff.)

    So, using that logic, we must assume the Eagles have no interest in anyone they’ve spoken to at the Combine or brought to Philly or seen on campus.

    Who does that leave?

  • metaReign

    This community mark draft from other teams, has Mark Barron at pick #15 for the Eagles. And unless Barron is doing some 280 lbs. squats to mend his double hernia surgery, and he’s there in the 2 or 3 round. Just don’t think he’d be in the 1st round, unless teams picks him as BPA. I’m not saying he isn’t a 1st round material, just that his missing the Combine and Pro Day, may have dropped him down the board. I don’t believe Barron will be at pick #15, much less anywhere between picks #7 to #32, because of the surgery, and missing out of the Combine and Pro Day.

    • Kammich

      I don’t see us taking Barron at all(Earl Thomas was a much better prospect and we passed on him), but I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the Jets take him directly after us. There are some scouting minds that consider him one of the top-10 or-15 best players in this draft, if healthy. And his downhill, in-the-box toughness will surely appeal to Rex Ryan.

      • metaReign

        Unless Barron does the “tout and stretch” exercise, he needs for flexibility, he shouldn’t lose any part of his production. It makes it that much harder, when u have to use other mobility functions more, that can cause a hammy, achilles or other injuries. That’s one of the areas that isn’t protected by paddings and may hamper the speed/quickness a little.

        I’d be surprise he goes in the 1st round, he could be projected as a 2nd or 3rd rounder. If Rex Ryan sees a fit value as a 1st round pick for his defense, Barron might start at season’s open after sparring in competitions. Otherwise, it’s just a project on the depth chart, and not a probable upgrade for a 1st rounder. He’ll need to be competitive enough to get his first NFL playing time, if not as starter. Very good player, transitioning in the NFL will be an effort, unless he goes to a team that gives him, at best, an adequate competition to be a starter.

  • ACViking

    T-LAW:

    The smell of draft-day napalm is in the air

  • Arby1

    Great piece by Greg Cosell on slot receivers and defenders with specific mention of our problems last season: http://nflfilms.nfl.com/2012/04/02/cosell-talks-the-slot-factor/

  • Thunder_lips

    http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/moving_the_chains/List-of-Eagles-draft-workouts.html

    For what it’s worth, last year the Eagles met with Jarret, Mathews, Kelce, Rolle, and Marsh.

    In 2010 they met with Jamar Chaney, Ricky Sapp, Charles Scott and Daniel Te’o-Nesheim.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AWJT33NIMG6ZLNPC64UNHOCRYI Nick

    PFF’s game-by-game analysis of Dunlap as starter — conclusion: adequate starter at LT.

    https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/04/02/king-dunlap-the-in-house-answer/

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GWMNZ32U6YPGGA7N4JNWH4OSJE Mac

    Zach Brown isn’t in Mayock’s top 5 OLB… would you draft him if he falls to our 2nd 2nd round pick?

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AHVR5EZERRCZSD77DMKWAEEPLA Steve H

    I smell a completely out of left field pick by the Eagles A-la the Kevin Kolb selection. Imo we trade back into the early 2nd and take someone that NO ONE was thinking we’d be targetting. Thats my 2 cents.

    • Eric Weaver

      I don’t believe they ever go in the draft planning on moving back. That only happens if the guys they covet are gone.