Late Night Update: UDFAs, Kolb Situation, Ray Edwards

Posted: July 26th, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 28 Comments »

Here are the guys the Eagles are reported to have agreed to deals with so far (nothing is official til Tuesday AM):

RB Graig Cooper – Miami – 5’10, 205
TE Martell Webb – Michigan – 6’3, 275
WR Terrance Turner – Indiana – 6’2, 212
DT Cedric Thornton – Southern Arkansas – 6’3, 309

I already posted a report on Cooper here.

Webb is mainly a camp body, but it is interesting that Andy Reid finally brought in a big blocking TE.  Webb’s career numbers as a receiver are 9-111-2.  Michigan used him creatively.  He lined up as a TE, FB, and H-back.  He sometimes went out as a receiver and other times would stay in as a pass blocker.  They also used him on wham blocks from time to time (trap block for H-back).  Webb was a real good STer for the Wolverines.  It will be interesting to see if Webb is in Philly as a TE or if Mudd wants to convert him to an OL.  He’s not much smaller than C Jason Kelce who we drafted.

Turner is also a camp body.  He has good size and had a really good workout at the Combine, but you don’t consistently see that athletic ability on the game tape.  He does have good RAC ability.  He can make tough, acrobatic catches, but will also drop some catchable passes.  If he could ever play up to his raw potential, Turner could be an NFL role player.   Career numbers:  143-1436-4.  67-681-3 as a Senior.

* * * * *

Cedric Thornton is a legit prospect with a chance to win a roster spot.  Thornton is a small-school prospect, but NFL teams were all over him.  Bill Parcells was impressed enough with his play to recommend that agent Jimmy Sexton sign Thornton up as a client.  Thornton got an invitation to the Senior Bowl and had a solid showing in Mobile.  During the game I thought he had the quickest first step of any of the defensive tackles.  He was faster off the ball than some of the ends.  That burst would fit in well with the new one-gap style of Jim Washburn.  We need players that can get up the field and be disruptive.  The rule of thumb with small-school prospects is that they should be dominant.  Thornton put up huge numbers in 2009.  Teams went out of their way to control him in 2010.  Thornton still managed 13 tackles for loss in eight games.  He was dominant at his level.  He played DE in college, but is absolutely made for DT.

I very much like Thornton’s build.  Mike Patterson and Trevor Laws are short DTs.  Antonio Dixon is 6’3, but is a widebody.  Brod Bunkley has a medium build.  Thornton is just a tad over 6’3, but isn’t too thick.  He’s made for attacking up the field.  I know some of you wonder what to make of a guy from Southern Arkansas, but Thornton did play with elite NFL prospects at the Senior Bowl and more than held his own.  Jim Washburn likes DTs with a tall frame and quickness off the ball.  Thornton is a good fit for that.  Now we have to see how he adjusts to NFL competition.  He doesn’t lack ability.

I also think you have to love any player who’s college mascot was the Muleriders.

Here is a short Youtube clip for those who want to see him play some.  The level of competition isn’t good, so keep that in mind.

NCAA stats page

* * * * *

I fully expect Kevin Kolb to be traded on Tuesday morning/afternoon.  I think the Eagles will get Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2nd round pick in return.  That could be a conditional pick.

I know Adam Caplan has said the Seahawks are still interested.  I don’t doubt that.  They made a strong push for Kolb last year when he wasn’t available.  The problem is that I don’t know what they can offer that would top a starting corner and fairly high pick.

* * * * *

Mike Misanelli of 97.5 The Fanatic reportedly said that Vikings DE Ray Edwards will be in Philly house hunting this week.  Odd rumor.  Not sure I fully buy it, but too interesting to not acknowledge.   Here’s a radio interview with Ray.  Pretty bland stuff.  Lots of Eagles talk, but all the answers were generic.  No real nuggets to take away.

My money is still on Jason Babin.

* * * * *

Correll Buckhalter will be released by the Broncos.  I can’t see any way that he’s brought back here.  I love Buck to death, but the Eagles don’t often go for older role players.  He could get a phone call if there is an injury in Training Camp or something like that.  Buck is the epitome of never giving up.  With his injury history he easily could have called it quits a couple of times.  Buck didn’t do that and carved out a nice career for himself.  Kudos.  I hope he’s able to find more work and keep things going another year.

* * * * *

Lots of rumors about the Eagles and other UDFAs, but since none are confirmed I’ll wait til Tuesday to write about them.


28 Comments on “Late Night Update: UDFAs, Kolb Situation, Ray Edwards”

  1. 1 Baloophi said at 2:33 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Thanks, Tommy, for staying up late to keep us west-coasters (and I’m sure many a diehard ESTer) informed.

    Tomorrow promises to be a day of frequent “refreshing”… I expect little actual work to get done from my end.

  2. 2 T_S_O_P said at 2:48 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Do your thoughts on Buckhalter stretch to Westbrook too?

  3. 3 MarkusH said at 5:38 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Thanks, Tommy for staying up late to keep us Germans informed 🙂

  4. 4 NFC East undrafted free agent signings, so far… – Blogging the bEast said at 6:58 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    […] prize of this list appears to be DT Cedric Thornton, who was scooped up by the Eagles. Per Tommy Lawlor of Iggles Blitz, here’s how he might fit into Jim Washburn’s wide nine: Cedric Thornton is a legit prospect with a chance to win a roster spot. Thornton is a small-school […]

  5. 5 Arby said at 7:11 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Cedric Thornton! Yes!!

  6. 6 Cliff said at 7:34 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Correll Buckhalter was always one of my favorite players. I remember thinking he was really going to break through after that NFC Championship game against St. Louis.

  7. 7 nzflyer said at 7:57 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    way way way offf topic(well it ain’t to do with our team)

    But with all the cuts happening in baltimore…how good would they be if they added Rice to that WR corp. with boldin already there it could be what they need to get past the steelers in the playoffs,

    Oh, and having to Rices in one team would be kinda weird.lol

  8. 8 nzflyer said at 8:03 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    two*

    sorry, it’s after midnight here in New Zealand, my brain is already asleep.lol

  9. 9 Name said at 8:57 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Sidney Rice would be a good pick-up for a lot of teams, I think. I wonder what his price will end up being after essentially missing last season. He’s only 1 season removed from putting up these numbers:

    83-1312-8

    If Santonio Holmes is supposed to be the most highly saught after WR on the market, Rice might come as a great deal to whoever signs him. I have to think Rice has more left on the tires than Holmes.

  10. 10 Tommy Lawlor said at 9:03 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Sidney Rice was great with Favre in 2009. Give him the right QB and he is a major difference maker. Not sure BAL is the best fit, but he would help their passing game. The Rams would have to be interested. They could really use an impact WR.

    RE: Westy

    I’m open to having him come back. Showed last year he can be a good spot starter. Limited touches is a must for him at this point.

  11. 11 tball said at 9:20 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Wow. The cb.and a two!

    Now if only Miami would jump into the.bidding as I would rather have one of their corners…. either one really

  12. 12 nicolajNN said at 9:30 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    It seems we have signed Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Deandre Brown, any thoughts on them Tommy? And what do you make of us signing this many WRs?

  13. 13 Davesbeard said at 9:44 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    @nicolajNN

    No idea about those two players but there are always quite a few WR’s signed as UDFAs, 3-4 QB’s need quite a few people to throw to!

  14. 14 Mac said at 9:55 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Great that football is back, and already the Eagles are right down to buisness. Always fun to read about any player additions. Sounds like Thronton has great potential too.

  15. 15 Thunderlips said at 10:01 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    LET IT BEGIN!!!!!!!

  16. 16 BC said at 10:34 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Tommy I read on Sporting News that the Eagles are one of two teams(Dolphins) that could go after Vince Young. I’m fairly new here so forgive me if this has been mentioned.
    Two questions for you

    Is it possible that the Eagles will target him as a backup?
    Do you think it’s a good move?

    Not particularly sure if this was the writer’s recommendation or something that is known.

  17. 17 BrianWilsonsBeard said at 10:38 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Is it at all possible, that with our evident need at the SS that we pursue the seahawks earl thomas? Im not saying that it worjs, but would there be any interest in him at all? Maybe thomas for kolb straight up, or we include a late pick, afterall thomas had a great rookie season and is still young

  18. 18 Thunderlips said at 10:39 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    @BC

    Here’s Tommy’s article on Vince Young: http://igglesblitz.com/philadelphia-eagles-2/backup-qb-talk/

  19. 19 BC said at 10:44 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Thanks Thunderlips.

  20. 20 Arby said at 10:46 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    We’ve signed a UDFA punter named Chas Henry! And we drafted a PK named Alex Henery. If Chas makes the team, can’t wait for the announcer flubs throughout the early games!

  21. 21 CVD said at 10:53 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Ray Edwards said he will go to the highest bidder. I read he was also complaining about his pay over the last two years. He put up 8sacks each of the last 2 years and he must have been one on one most of the time (jarred allen and the two Williams). And he said he would quit football to be a boxer if he doesn’t get paid enough.

    If eagles pick him up I will be happy cuz that means they obviously really like him, but I wont have a problem at all if we pass. I would rather babin. Or stick with what we got.

  22. 22 Brian said at 10:57 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Tommy – so do you not see the Eagles signing a big impact FA at all? Your comments indicate that LB is not likely, they are taking care of RCB through the Kolb trade, Babin over Edwards/Johnson, likely to stay with Justice at RT. Doesn’t seem there would be any other positions that would warrant much other than backups or role players. So might we as Eagles fans who would like to see a more exciting/starter level signing or two be a bit disappointed with the team’s FA haul this year?

  23. 23 CVD said at 10:58 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Man I would be thrilled if we get drc and a 2.

    I couldnt c us goin after Earl Thomas. That would give us 3 safeties drafted in the first 2 rounds over the last two years. I have a feeling we are happy with what we got at safety. I am ok with coleman starting if jarret in not ready, as long as we get a real good rcb.

  24. 24 Tommy Lawlor said at 11:17 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    RE: Earl Thomas

    The Eagles like Nate Allen a lot and seem to love J. Jarrett. Thomas is talented, but wouldn’t address a weakness. Doesn’t make sense. Plus, I’m not sure SEA would want to deal him. Interesting idea, but not likely to happen.

    RE: Ray Edwards

    I like Ray, but I just think he’d have been a better fit for last year’s scheme. I’m also not sold that he is going to be worth the level of contract he gets. I need to watch some tape of him to refresh my mind before I say anything definitive.

    I do trust Washburn with DL. If he approves, I’m on board. Can’t say I had such confidence in anyone that Rory Segrest might have been pushing for.

  25. 25 CVD said at 11:17 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    Giants sign Mark Herzlich

  26. 26 Tommy Lawlor said at 11:19 AM on July 26th, 2011:

    @ Brian…

    It is possible the Eagles might not sign an “impact FA”. DRC would be traded for . Big Al might be someone we trade for.

    Babin, the backup QB, and the backup RB would be key players, but not impact guys.

    I still think the team would be upgraded.

    What impact FAs are out there that fit us? Aside from Nnamdi, of course.

  27. 27 Brian said at 12:26 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    Thanks Tommy. I hear you, I guess it just seemed that the Eagles FO, from Lurie on down, have been so excited to start “executing” their off-season plan that perhaps I was expecting more. It would be nice to get DRC, though I think he is not exactly a sure thing to be a star (but can’t do any worse than last year’s RCB group), but otherwise not sure I see the upgrades that would warrant the FO getting so excited about, nor that are going to help us catch up to Green Bay.

  28. 28 nzflyer said at 4:21 PM on July 26th, 2011:

    @Brian

    I don’t think we are all that far behind Green Bay. Look at the margin we lost to them in that game. We missed 2 field goals which essentially could have won us the game. But thats not my point, we got in the red zone but just could not get the TDs. Now with our O line upgrade, running it in the endzone could be more prominent, and also that same upgrade could allow for Celek to get more involved in the passing game, which he went away from last year(though it wasn’t his fault), giving Vick a bigger body in the red zone. And yet to see, but we could actually be in for a killer FA, just because you and I don’t see what is going to happen doesn’t mean there is nothing in the works. If that information were easy enough for us to get our hands on, I would be very worried about our FO.