Misc Thursday

Posted: April 19th, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 87 Comments »

I’m back and ready to go.  I didn’t write a thing about the schedule on Tuesday.  I’m not a big schedule guy.  I’ll get into that in June or July when things slow down and it seems like a more interesting topic.

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The schedule on paper is utterly meaningless.  There are 3 true parts to the schedule:  who you play, when you play them, and where you play them.  The Eagles play Atlanta in 2012.  The game is in Philly.  That makes a huge difference.  They are brutally hard to beat in Atlanta, but much less difficult on the road.

Timing is huge.  Tampa started off hot last year, but then fell apart.  Playing them in September meant a tough game.  In December it was a joke.

Just looking a names on paper is way too simplistic.  We’ll cover the schedule more in depth later on.

* * * * *

The Eagles are continuing to meet with draft prospects.  In recent days we’ve found out some interesting names.

The team is looking at some really good returners.  Devon Wylie, T.Y. Hilton, and Damaris Johnson.  Wylie is a pure slot receiver and RS.  He’s got the speed to play outside, but I haven’t seen him catch many downfield throws.  That skill set might exist, but it’s unknown at this point.  Wylie is a great PR.

Hilton can play in the slot, but also can get downfield.  Hilton had 4 KOR TDs and 2 on PRs in his great FIU career.

Johnson is a real interesting player.  He’s the smallest of the trio (all small guys).  Johnson ran for more than 1,000 yards in his career.  He caught 188 passes and had 2 KOR and 2 PR TDs.  He does have some character issues that will hurt his value.

The Eagles are trying to find a WR/RS.  You might wonder about Joe Adams, but remember that the Eagles saw him up close at the Senior Bowl.  I’m sure he’s on their radar as well.

* * * * *

The Eagles have also been linked with a lot of OL.  Guys like Mitchell Schwartz and Jeff Allen could be 2nd round picks.  Ben Jones could go anywhere from the 2nd round to the 4th.  Ryan Miller is a mid to late round guy.  Lucas Nix is probably a late round guy.

What makes this so interesting is that Schwartz is an OT.  Allen can be a T/G.  Jones is a C/G.  Miller played both RT and RG at Colorado.  I think he could be a real interesting RT in the NFL.  Nix played all over at Pitt.  He’s being projected all over in the NFL.

The Eagles aren’t looking for just a C or G or T.  They’re looking all over the place.  It does seem like they want a versatile player.  Of this bunch, Miller is the guy who interests me the most.  He wouldn’t take a high pick, but he does have good potential.  Played RG the last couple of years at CU, but shifted to RT for the Shrine Game and played well.

* * * * *

Any tips from Spuds?  In Dave’s recent column he mentions that the Eagles might not be done in FA.  This feels like a hint more than a guess.  He mentions RB and SS as possible areas.  We’ve heard no update on Yeremiah Bell, but he still makes a lot of sense.

As for RB, I remain on the Justin Forsett bandwagon.  Many of you like Joseph Addai due to the Howard Mudd connection.  That does make some sense.

Is there anyone else we’re overlooking that would make good sense?

* * * * *

That’s it for now.  I’ll add another post tonight.

Off topic…does anyone know why the Flyers goalies were on strike last night?

  • dislikedisqus

    Overlooks — Steven Jax, if Rams draft TRich?

    • TommyLawlor

      I doubt Steven Jackson gets traded if Richardson is drafted. I would think Jeff Fisher would want SJ to help Richardson learn how to play in the NFL.

      If SJ does hit the trade market, I can’t see the Eagles paying the price to get him. This is Shady’s team. We need a backup to mix in with Dion Lewis. SJ is a guy that still needs regular touches. Still a good RB.

  • http://twitter.com/eaglesdiehard Dave

    Ryan Grant might make sense as well if no one offers him the carries elsewhere. Andy loves GB guys

    • TommyLawlor

      Grant. Good call. Forgot to mention him. I need to do some research and see what is going in with him. When healthy, good RB.

  • mark_in_jax

    How about Quentin Saulsberry from Miss St as a versatile OL? Like that he has C experience since we need a backup to Kelce. Late round pick.

    • TommyLawlor

      Versatile. Only so-so player. Could be UDFA target. I’ve watched him quite a bit.

      • mark_in_jax

        Thanks Tommy. I was more looking at his “history”. Thought maybe somebody who practiced against Fletcher Cox for years and played against Michael Brockers (and others) might be worth a look as a “swing man”.

  • Skeptic_Eagle

    Wylie really looks exciting in the things I’ve seen. Certainly a much different kind of slot receiver than Jason Avant, but you can’t look at this guy and not think he’s going to make plays in the NFL. I love the way he subtly sets guys up for the moves he makes, and then accelerates past them. I think he’s absolutely worth a pick in the 5th or later; IDK, maybe I’m way off and he goes sooner than that. Historically, slot receivers get overlooked and end up undrafted (Welker, Cruz, D. Baldwin, David Nelson).

    I read some praise from Greg Cosell on Ben Jones. Would be a bit weird to select a C, being that whathisname was decent last year, and really just needs to add some functional strength to be a solid starter. I guess if they view him as a major upgrade, or someone who will be a top 5 center in the league 3 years from now, it would be a good move. I suppose he could be viewed as a G, as well, but that’s even harder to figure out with Watkins and Mathis playing the sandwich spots.

    I’m really curious to see which of these CB’s eventually turn into S’s. The position is so important, and is so bereft of easily identifiable NFL talent this year, you know someone is going to make the move – if not as a rookie, then at some point early in their career. Nebraska’s Alfonzo Dennard doesn’t seem to have the wheels to play man coverage, and his been mentioned as a S conversion, but he looked his best to me when he got in receiver’s faces, not when sitting in a zone. Do you have any thoughts on which CB’s have the physicality and instinct to play center field?

  • http://twitter.com/MrTorchBYD Troy Flowers

    I would have been interested in J Battle, but I’m not sure he’s still out there now.

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

    Tommy,

    I would still like your answer to one of my previous questions:

    You’ve previously stated, that you know for a fact that several teams in the top 10 have Cox rated as a top 10 player.

    Can ellaborate on how you know that? Does team sources let you in on their boards? If so, do you trust that info?

    • TommyLawlor

      I don’t like to talk much on this subject. The way you get people to give you information is not to talk about it.

      I hear things from a variety of people in a variety of places. Some stuff I know is a fact, other times I just get rumors. I try to be careful to distinguish between the two when sharing info so you know what I’m saying. My goal is to share as much as I can to help keep you informed and entertained.

      I will not talk about who, where, or how I get info. That is non-negotiable.

      Everyone is welcome to doubt the veracity of the info. I understand some will find it hard to buy that I know what’s going on with Team X or Team Y. I would doubt me too, but the info is legit. I’m just a lucky jerk who has big ears and a quiet mouth.

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

        Thanks for answering.

        I wasn’t expecting you to share your sources, just trying to get a feel for if what you’re saying is qualitative guessing, or actually based on knowledge from inside sources. Great to know that you are somewhat in the loop.. Makes it all the more special to read your stuff!

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Pillion/1007742 Brian Pillion

        Tommy, isn’t it in the Patriot Act that you MUST tell us your sources. Tell us your sources, Tommy. Or we’ll pudding board ya.

        • TommyLawlor

          Pudding board? I’m liking the sound of that.

      • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

        Even if I were inclined to doubt you actually had sources, it wouldn’t really matter. Every beat reporter and national writer has sources, and they’re wrong on a near-daily basis.

        Besides, breaking news half an hour before everyone else isn’t really what I see as your focus (or interest) anyway. I come here to read your thoughts on the team and specific players and to check out the comments for a discussion with the best signal to noise ratio since IgglesBlog shut down. I’d still do that if you didn’t have a single official source.

    • Cliff

      Dude, how do ou expect T-Law to keep getting info if he broadcasts his sources? Besides, I thought it was clear who was feeding Lawlor the info… Bubbles.

      • Thunder_lips

        Put the red hat on our first round target.

        • TommyLawlor

          Well played by both of you. Bubbles would be an excellent source of intel.

    • TheRogerPodacter

      haha i see what you are saying. i’d LOVE to know, but at the same time, i would love even MORE to see that tommy keeps getting his info and passing it to us simple folk.
      i think he’s got a good thing going here and don’t want to mess that up lol

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

    On a sidenote – wow has it been a long couple of days for me, when you’ve been more absent than I can recall here on the blog. Don’t do stuff like that without warning…

    • A_T_G

      It is hard to know when the feds are going to raid your meth lab and force you to move the operation.

      • TommyLawlor

        How did you know about that???

        Snitch!!!

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

    Tommy,

    One of my favorite prospects in this years draft is DE Vinny Curry. I’ve read that he is high on the Eagles board (not that you can trust much info these days), and he is being compared to Trent Cole.

    How do you see him as fit in the wide-9 and value-wise? Could he be a pick at #15 that outsiders would perceive as a reach?

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=600841 Brian Winings

      SackSEER doesn’t like Curry. I’m still not sure what I really think about SackSEER in light of guys like Jason Pierre-Paul totally bucking the formula, but it is still worth considering in light of Curry’s low total of 4 passes defensed in his 4 years at Marshall, and his poor performance at the combine (his pro day numbers notwithstanding).

      http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stat-analysis/2012/sackseer-2012

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Anders-Jensen/748307140 Anders Jensen

        They even admit that it can not take into account guys like JPP and funny is the old model had TEO as a sleeper pick, while it would rank him very poorly.

    • TommyLawlor

      I think Curry would be a great fit here. He has a relentless motor. Fast off the edge. Very good showing at the Senior Bowl as well as very productive in his career. Uses his hands well to shed blocks. Showed potential as an inside rusher at Mobile. Isn’t worth pick 15, but taking him in the late 1st wouldn’t be unreasonable. If Cox is gone at 15, moving back for Curry would be okay. Since we’re deep at DE now, might play him a lot on the inside at first.

      • http://twitter.com/benjabad Ben Hert

        I’m assuming you’d want to move him to UT when you say “inside.” Seems like the logical place on the inside for a smaller, faster, DE.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=600841 Brian Winings

    I guess some of it is how much you value combine performance vs. pro day performance.

    • TommyLawlor

      Vinny had a poor Combine workout. Don’t know if he was sick, nervous, or what. He shows up on tape so I’m willing to buy the improved performance from his Pro Day.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_PYKGABCJ34Z4TOFYAA53LMBXJI Jamie

    Unlike most people, I have no problem with Dion Lewis as our primary backup RB. I think he showed well with the touches he did get last year. He’s a RB and he’s from Pitt. Just don’t make him the KOR again. If Shady goes down, it will be all passing anyway. Remember that Andy hates handing the ball off, even if it’s working.

    The Flyers goalies have been on strike this whole series. The Pens have scored 3, 5, 4, and 10 goals. That’s a lot.

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

      I wouldn’t be surprised either if the Eagles draft a late round RB instead of adding a veteran.

      • GeorgeFleep

        I would love either Rainey or Turbin. whoever lasts 4th or later. Something along those lines. Rainey could help with returns but Turbin is down the hill guy. Both can catch in backfield. Eagles brought both of these players in for visits. Or maybe the guy from cincy because he can possibly be a better blocker.

      • http://twitter.com/benjabad Ben Hert

        I really don’t see them adding anything through the draft at RB. It doesn’t make sense to bring in a rookie when you’ve got a guy who already has one year in the system. I’m pretty confident they are comfortable with Lewis at #2, and the only way he gets any competition would have to be a veteran FA.

        Just my uninformed opinion though.

        • GeorgeFleep

          whatever happens in the draft happens in the draft. I do not see eagles passing up on Turbin in the 5th round, if he is there. If the player is there you take him. Eagles probably have RB position ruled out until round 3 or 4 anything i would guess is fair game.

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

          I’m not saying I have any amazing insight… It’s just a “gut” feeling. The two positions that have been grossly devalued in FA are: LB and RB. My oversimplified way of looking at this is based on my belief that those positions are hardest on the people playing them. When I think about a LB vs an OL and a RB vs a DL I think it’s pretty clear who is going to wear down faster in those battles.

          You have the occasional freak athlete (Lewis and Fletcher) who can have a long career, but my guess is that LB and RB are positions where talent and youth can trump veteran experience and moxie.

          I think the Eagles in particular have a couple things going against them in adding a veteran RB:

          1. They don’t use backup RBs
          2. They already have 2 talented “younger” RBs

          If I were a veteran RB the only way I’m coming to Philly is if I think I want to take a season off, heal up on the payroll; and then go try to get a real contract the next year.

  • nopain23

    Peter King has the iggles drafting coples at 15.he’s been right about the iggles in the past so it bears paying attention to king.I am not enthusiastic about coples.if u watch his film…not that impressive.also there is a lot of talent at DE on this team..and yes..I know the Giants have proven that you can never have enough pass rushers.but if wash thinks he can turn him into Jevon K…..so be it.if cox and luke are gone at 15..I say trade back and get the kid from Michigan St..Worthy..he always seems to be in the backfield..causing trouble……like a younger Jenkins..type..Tommy may have a different opinion on Worthy though.I’m just really surprised that more iggles’ fans aren’t concerned by our lack of depth at LB.I’m scared to death by what we have if demeco goes down.hope LB gets addressed in the draft..no surprise that I have no problem with a trade up to 9 for Luke..if not Lavonte in 2nd….

    • TommyLawlor

      Peter admitted that he’s just guessing on Coples. The more I think about the match, the more I don’t like it. Washburn loves motor guys. Coples doesn’t have a good motor.

      Worthy is more of a NT/disruptor than a pass rusher. Won’t be target at 15. If he slides to the 2nd…maybe.

  • Kevin_aka_RC

    A day without Tommy is like a day without sunshine.
    Or maybe that was supposed to be about beer. It’s all so confusing.

    • TommyLawlor

      Since I’m from the South you can work in a moonshine joke as well. I only tried it once. Not my cup of tea. I’ll stick to PBR.

      • http://twitter.com/benjabad Ben Hert

        I had straight-up hillbilly moonshine once, from a place 5 miles away from where I grew up, called “Boonville,” and dear god, it was rough. Luckily I was able to get my hands on some distilled with blueberries at a later date, and THAT was delicious. I’d buy it in stores if I could.

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

      I like the subtle reference you slipped in there.

      Now… where my damn sunglasses at!

  • ian_no_2

    I would be pleased to get TY Hilton at 88, and would be more than pleased if he fell to 114 or 153. Having Vick’s arm, combined with D’s having to cover DJax and Maclin means a guy like Hilton can ruin a defensive coordinator’s day. Also, they have a lot of spots filled and getting a dynamic punt returner would fill an important role. Plus I read somewhere he can play in the slot.. oh yeah up there..

  • Toby_yboT

    This is probably nothing, but I’m surprised it hasn’t been mentioned. Yesterday Atogwe tweeted

    “East coast bound. Soaring high on wings like eagles.”
    http://twitter.com/#!/IAmBlessed21

    I personally think he was just feeling great after his trip to the motherland, and this has nothing to do with the Eagles.

    On the other hand, this does seem like the kind of guy the Eagles would look into getting on the cheap.

    • TommyLawlor

      Wow. Could be something, could just be odd choice of words. Interesting, though.

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

        What would you think of Atogwe coming here? He was fairly productive before the Redskins got their hands on him.

        • TommyLawlor

          I’d be fine with him, but he would have to win the SS job. This isn’t the old Atogwe that was a good player and there was no question about. I’d let him battle JaiJar for the spot, with Kurt Coleman also in the mix.

          • iskar36

            I know we all want Jarrett to be the eventual starter, but as of right now, shouldn’t that read “I’d let him battle Coleman for the spot, with JaiJar also in the mix?” To me, Jarrett is way behind Coleman until proven otherwise. He shouldn’t have the inside track to win the job.

          • PK_NZ

            Could Atogwe play FS and we’d have Allen playing SS? Isn’t Eagles D so that the two safties can’t really be assigned as FS&SS?

  • T_S_O_P

    Tommy, what are we doing for the draft this year? Is it here?

    • TommyLawlor

      My plan is to be here at IB. I’ll be posting updates on SNB and also sharing thoughts on Twitter.

      • T_S_O_P

        First on Twitter? I’m guessing the draft will cause a lot of ‘trending’ whatever that may be?

      • nicolajNN

        It would be cool if we could set up some sort of Igglesblitz chat for the draft. If people are interested I am willing to find out how that can be done.

        • TheRogerPodacter

          i think that would be pretty cool, but i will probably not be at home so i’d have to find a way to read stuff from my phone. that might be a dealbreaker…

          • nicolajNN

            I’ve done a bit of searching and it seems Mibbit is a good option, it works on iphone, but not sure about android etc.

            Another alternative would of course be to create a group on skype and use that

        • Thunder_lips

          How about an #igglesblitz hash tag on twitter? Or #IgBltz to save some space?

          • http://twitter.com/theguyotc the guy

            #IB would be better in terms of saving space, but it’s probably too vague.

            We’d have a lot of people talking about the movie “In Bruges” or the travels of the explorer Ibn Battuta or suffering from irritable bowels in the timeline.

          • http://twitter.com/benjabad Ben Hert

            Or a rerun of the movie “Inglorious Bastards” on cable TV.

            Wait, yeah that would never work on basic cable would it.

  • ACViking

    RE: Does T-Law have access to Teams’ Draft Boards
    ______________________

    T-LAW:

    Never tell anyone outside the family [the source for] what your thinking.

    • TommyLawlor

      One of many great lessons from those films.

  • dukebowden

    I liked Forsett back when he was an undrafted free agent bouncing around practice squads. I think he could be a good addition.

    And if the Ronnie Brown experience hasn’t completely turned us off to a grizzlier veteran back, how about Tommy’s old favorite Mewelde Moore? I know he dealt with some injuries last season, but when healthy is the sort of jack-of-all trades back that Reid seems to prefer. Has some return experience too.

    • TommyLawlor

      I’m always open to Mewelde Moore.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Anders-Jensen/748307140 Anders Jensen

    Tommy just saw Matts newest mock draft at SNB and I LOVE IT. If we can get Cox and Fleener, it would solve two big problems for the Eagles and would give us a chance to play more 2 TE sets

    • Kevin_aka_RC

      That’s a LOT to give up for two players; especially one like Fleener who isn’t an elite athlete. I’d be pretty disappointed with that haul.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Anders-Jensen/748307140 Anders Jensen

        a 2nd and 4th+a 2013 4th (essential a 5th this year) is not much to move up to spot 31.

  • Eric Weaver

    Tommy,

    I had a quick back and forth with Chris Steuber earlier on twitter. He did his own Eagles mock and felt the Eagles should take Poe and then trade back into the first for Upshaw.

    What’s your take on that? He thinks Upshaw is scheme versatile and can play DE in the wide 9 and also play SLB in the 4-3.

    • TommyLawlor

      I have marginal interest in Poe. I’m fascinated by his potential, but scared by the simple fact that he’s not played up to his potential. I don’t think you take that guy at 15 unless you are desperate. We’re not.

      Upshaw? He can play DE, but would be a complete waste in our system. Upshaw is 6-2, 272. He is thick and strong. He was a man among boys at the Senior Bowl weigh-in. That’s great for someone looking for a player who is a run stuffer or physical player.

      Jim Washburn likes sleek pass rushers. He covets speed. There is nothing sleek about Upshaw. And Courtney isn’t a speed guy. Heck, he’s not much faster than Fletcher Cox, despite being 25 pounds less.

      Upshaw cannot play SLB in the 4-3. He’s meant for LDE in the 4-3 or OLB in the 3-4.

      • Eric Weaver

        I think you need to smack some sense into Steuber then.

        My initial response to his tweet about drafting Poe, Upshaw, Foles and James was that I just puked.

        For some odd reason he didn’t like that much.

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

        Wow… after that resounding endorsement on Upshaw, I would be concerned that he may be a “tweener” who never quite finds a home in the NFL. It has to be frustrating to see talent/potential but not be able to find a place to apply it.

        And yes I know you mentioned some possibilities, but the more I think about it, the more I think he may just end up being “adequate” instead of elite at the NFL level.

        • http://www.facebook.com/people/Anders-Jensen/748307140 Anders Jensen

          There is nothing tweener about Upshaw. Trent Cole was a tweener coming out (he was 236 LB).

    • teltschikfakeout88

      I don’t have anything against Steuber…..I just don’t think he is good at mocking the Eagles. He has been on the Eagles site in the past and while I was impressed with his knowledge of some prospects, his thoughts on players that we would take are less than stellar. Tommy and Matt mock the eagles the best and provide real reasons as to why they think the eagles will and should take a player. With Steuber I get the feeling that he just does a google search and throws out name that will get hits. Both those picks/moves are just not good for us for obvious reasons discussed on this board.

  • Nu_B

    Any interest in Cedric Benson as a backup RB?

    • http://profile.yahoo.com/5K2OTUH7576XQRGG5VCMKFYTY4 Jason

      I get Ronnie Brown flashes, but nah I think he’d be OK…I think Cedric would be reliable at least, I just don’t think he’s going to do anything awesome. Addai similar actually. But I guess that’s what you are getting the vet for, to provide stable production as a backup. Jackie Battle would be an interesting dude to me. Played on kick coverage team for the Chiefs, which could be useful.

  • Thunder_lips

    Any take on Howie’s media meet and greet or whatever it was? Seems like they’ve made some changes to the process and are focused on BPA. Also mentions that they have put less stock in the Senior Bowl, combine, ect. Probably knocks a few potential picks off the draft board (Poe).

  • nickross23

    There’s so many RBs in the later round we could get a steal with a pick in rounds 5-7. As much as I like cincy’s Isiah Pead I think he’s gone by round 3 and we don’t need to take a back thats high. Guys like Ronnie Hillman, Cyrus Gray, Edwin Baker, Tauren Poole, and Dan Herron would be nice value picks thats could surprise people and make a roster. moving on to some news about the slot CB I really like LSU’s Ron Brooks I know we had him in for a visit recently and he’s a guy that might be there in the 4th.guys that I haven’t heard much about in weeks are Nebraska CB Dennard and Iowa CB Shaun Prater. Tommy do you think Dennard can play in the slot? He was.a guy people where mocking in round 1 now he’s not on the radar. Thoughts?

  • NoDecaf

    Don’t you ever, EVER leave us hanging for an article for a WHOLE day again.

    I was shaking from the withdrawal symptoms!

    • GeorgeFleep

      It is very generous of the God like Lawlor to allow us to read into his mind of eagles mumble jumble every day. If he wants to take a day for personal business let him. Heck he even put out an article on easter. But yeah it was a little nerve racking. I was thinking i hope he is okay. There is no way he ran out of things to talk about. That would be the end of the world.

      • D3FB

        So basically Tommy better post like 50 times a day in December?

  • metaReign

    Since we’re all on the subject of the “DRAFT”, here’s a question: What are ur take for the Eagles 3 picks on positions that could lock in the team’s perimeter?

    Rd #1 – Pick #15 LB

    This is a mid-round pick of round 1, aka as the top 20′s. There aren’t many “Premium” prospects going in the top 10, most notably CB MORRIS CLAIBORNE OT MATT KAHLIL WR JUSTIN BLACKMON RB TRENT RICHARDSON QB ANDREW LUCK QB ROBERT GRIFFIN III are respective to their positions as the top 6, going into the draft. The 1st and 2nd overall are set, after those 2 picks the scenario could change with teams on the buyer’s market or choice of intended top positional prospect. This could drop those other “Premier” prospects down the draft chart.

    Could this scenario enhance a possible trade up for DT FLETCHER COX or CB MORRIS CLAIBORNE, possible if MLB LUKE KUECHLY does not fall to us at #15 overall.

    Rd #2 – Pick #46 CB

    This is also a mid-round pick of round 2, should MLB LUKE KUECHLY eventually gets picked at #15, we need to find a CB that can position himself both outside and as a slot corner. And is worth a mid-second rounder, could it be….. CB TRUMAINE JOHNSON?

    With his straight-line speed, he could cover either side of the field, he could accommodate his speed into quickness as a slot corner to stay with inside receivers.

    Should a package be made in the 1st round, we can get a LB here BOYKIN/WAGONER etc.

    Rd #2 – #51 RB

    This is the late-round pick of round 2, may not be here if the 1st round was packaged. Since this is the late 2nd rounder, and a little tricky in projecting prospects here.

    Would it be worth a late second for a RB? Maybe, it all depends on how the draft board are formulated with varying prospects. If I had my way, I’d pulled them out of a spinning round cage, and call whose name is on the paper. And the winner is……voila, RB LaMICHAEL JAMES. Okay, let’s cut to the chase here, AR admitted he used RB LeSEAN McCOY alot, and could find someone who could help give McCoy a break, here and there. JAMES could add a few more pounds for the NFL level. He played with systematic offensive line at Oregon, that helps him squirm his way into the opponents defense with his quickness. He has a tremendous breakout speed, once he’s out in the open. He’ll need more plays with receiving as well as becoming a good blocker. With a few years down the stretch, he could become a “Feature” RB, with the help of SHADY and DUCE STALEY.

    3 POSITION PICKS

    Notwithstanding those prospects, but those “POSITION” that could lock-in the team’s perimeter, to enable the FO the go ahead with the rest of the draft picks and UDFA’s.

    Noteworthy, with the acquisition of LB DeMECO RYAN, it’s not the only answer at the LBers position. It would be wise to acquire a LB from either the market or draft and secure our LBers corp. Our CB position needs a quick slot playmaker, we need to have a good solid cover there. Those first 3 positional picks could solidify the team’s total perimeter. Everyone has different perspectives on the team’s first 3 picks, as long as we need to cover 3 basic picks, that gives the FO leeway into the rest of the draft picks and UDFA’s.

    • wee2424

      Regarding Johnson I don’t know what you mean he can accomadate his straight line speed into quickness. They are 2 totally different things. Desean Jackson, amazing top line speed and quickness.

      Avant, poor top end speed but pretty quick out of his cuts.

      Bwest, very quick, but lacked top end speed.

      If you can see what I am trying to get at, they are 2 totally different attributes. You simply just can’t take a fast guy and make him quick, or vice versa. Unless of course the guy is both, ala Djax.

      • metaReign

        U’re taking about receivers, while I’m taking about CB who has good speed to cover on the outside, but adjusting his quickness in the slot and using his speed to keep up with the inside receivers. When a CB covers on the outside he used speed rather quickness, one of the reason why DRC feels at home on the outside and not in the slot. Some CB’s don’t have good speed but have the quickness, vice versa. A few CB’s has the speed and quickness that allows to play both on the outside, as well as on the inside.

        When I said a CB can use his speed to accommodate his quickness, is when he playing the slot and the receiver catchesthe ball and uses his quickness to avoid the defender, the CB then can step up to tackle by accelerating his speed with quickness to avoid a miss tackle. U are right in that speed and quickness are two attributes, very few athletes have those attributes, many times it’s hard to defend them or hard to run from them.

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

          Johnson finished at the bottom of the CB class in both the Short Shuttle (4.15) and the 3-Cone (7.20). Hell if we want to go further into it, he even missed the 4.55 40 benchmark and traveled into safety range with a 4.61 and chose not to attempt to improve upon it in his pro-day.

          He was a 2-time all american in the AFCA, but he’s essentially a slightly bigger, slower, but more experienced Marsh.

        • wee2424

          The issue with your statement is that you are saying he can use his speed to tackle the guy. That is the CB’s second job after allowing the catch. The first job is to not allow the catch. Which means he has to be as quick as the receiver to cover those cuts. Speed can help you in some of those circumstances, but converting your speed into being quick enough to the ball carrier does not make you a good inside corner , or just a good corner at all. You have to have the quickness to cover the receiver to not allow him to make the catch. Something Johnson does not have enough of to play slot corner.

          You are basing your theory on that he would be quick to stop the ball carrier, but what you really need to look at is, is he quick enough to stop the pass from going in his direction at all, or to break it up. The answer with Johnson is no, not at the NFL level.

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

    Quick thought:

    Does the fact, that the Eagles were willing to trade down 18 spots in the 3rd round mean, that they don’t see a major drop off in players in that specific area?

    • TommyLawlor

      Interesting way to look at it, but I think it was simply a matter of them being willing to pay fair value for DeMeco Ryans.

  • Eagles1991

    Igglesblitz brought to you by Pabst Blue Ribbon…thats big time T

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

    Out of Vinny Curry, Nick Perry and Chandler Jones, who is the best fit for Wash and the wide-9? They are all late first – early second round players, that we may pick if we trade back.

    • Brandon Gleklen

      I’d say Nick Perry, but he’s going to go the highest.