More on Fletcher Cox
Posted: April 27th, 2012 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 119 Comments »I still can’t believe the Eagles were able to get Fletcher Cox. He had been my primary draft target for quite a while, but I thought he was going much earlier so I focused on more realistic players (like Luke Kuechly). Ironically, Kuechly went at 9 and helped push Cox down to where the Eagles could get him. Thanks Luke.
Let’s start with the facts.
Fletcher Cox
DT
Junior
Mississippi State
6040, 298
34 1/2 inch arms
10 3/8 inch hands
2011: 14.5 TFLs, 5 sacks, 56 total tackles, 2 blocked kicks, 1 FF
Career: 24.5 TFLs, 5 blocked kicks, 2 FFs
Combine workout
40 – 4.79
10 yard split – 1.66
Bench – 30 reps
VJ – 26 inches
BJ – 8’7″
SS – 4.53
3-cone – 7.07
I listed the arm/hand sizes for a reason. Those are long arms and big hands. DL can handle blockers much better with longer arms, bigger hands. One of the reasons Melvin Ingram slid was that he had short arms (about 31 inches).
The only bad number on the workout is the 26-inch vertical. Cox needs to work on lower body strength.
Let’s have some fun with the other numbers. Back in 2003 Anquan Boldin ran the 40 in 4.72 and had a 10-split of 1.61. He was 85 pounds lighter than Cox. Remember DB Matt Ware? He had a SS time of 4.34 and a 3-cone time of 7.23. He was 80-85 pounds lighter than Cox. I hope you can appreciate just how fast and agile Fletcher Cox is.
He comes to the Eagles to play the under tackle or 3-technique role. Cullen Jenkins is the starter and is very good, but isn’t getting any younger. Cox will back him up for a year and then we’ll see what happens. If Cox is as good a player as I expect, he won’t be the backup for long. Jim Washburn rotates his players heavily so in a way the guy who starts isn’t all that important. You just want both players to get plenty of snaps.
Cox has added value to us because he can also play DE. If a team is running the ball all over you, slide Cox out to LDE and see if he can help slow them down. If the team sees that and wants to pass, Cox is gifted enough to be an effective pass rusher from out there.
What makes Cox special isn’t just his speed or burst. Jerel Worthy might have the best off the ball explosion in the whole draft. The difference is that Worthy is a straight line guy. He attacks into the backfield, but can’t turn and chase the QB. Cox bends and turns like a DE. He can get initial penetration, but then can locate the ball and go get it. A good pass rushing DT must be able to turn and bend. Warren Sapp was great at this. Cox can be. He is physically gifted.
I can’t really think of an Eagle to compare him to. Andy Harmon might be worth thinking about. Harmon came to the Eagles as a DE/DT tweener and found a home on the inside. He was 6-4, 278 and a good pass rusher. The difference is that Cox is much stronger and is 20 pounds heavier. I’ll go back and watch some Harmon highlights next week to see if the comparison does hold up.
One of the things I love about FC is his frame. He’s 6-4. We have had good DTs, but the big guy was Antonio Dixon at 6-3. These days you want tall guys that can affect a QB’s vision and passing lanes. The DT won’t get penetration every play so you want someone who can affect plays even when he is blocked.
I’m also curious to see how Cox grows in his time in the NFL. Remember big ol’ Pat Williams? I looked at a 1994 draft list this morning and he was 6-3, 288 as a rookie. He retired at 6-3, 340 or so. I don’t want FC adding that kind of bulk, but getting up to 310 would be fine with me. That would help him in his battles with the big OGs of the NFL.
Jim Washburn went to MSU and worked Fletcher out. They had lunch and really hit it off. I think those two will get along just great. Cox is very gifted, but he is also raw. He needs coaching. Cox is just scratching the surface of how good he can be.
Washburn told an interesting story on Eagles Live. He said the Patiots had a DL coach down at MSU when he was there. Wash was running Cox through some drills and was blown away by a couple of things he saw. Wash asked the Pats coach “Have you ever seen that before?” The guy answered “Richard Seymour?” Wow. How’s that for a heckuva compliment.
Rather than keep writing about him, I’ll link some Fletcher Cox videos. Take a look for yourself.
In this vid, Fletcher makes 3 tackles of Trent Richardson right at the LOS. He just misses a 4th. Cox also made a couple of hustle tackles. The pass rush highlight is at 3:23 mark. Cox uses a spin move to get off a block and then chases the QB out in space. He doesn’t get a sack. Heck, Cox never hits him. The thing to look at is how smooth and natural he is out in space. He looks like a DE or even LB. Cox has great agility and moves fluidly for a guy that is 298.
At the :45 mark he is able to fire off the ball and get under the blocker’s pads. Cox then drives him backward and stuffs the RB. This shows strength, leverage. At the 1:47 mark UK did something really, really dumb. They tried to have the TE reach block him. Cox got by the TE and the QB paid the price.
I love the #:40 mark. Cox is LDE. UK decides to move the pocket. Unfortunately, they do it to his side. The OT tries to slow him down at the line. No good. Then a RB is there to block or chip him. Cox is about to get by him so the RB just grabs him. Holding. Smart by the RB. The QB was going to get killed if Cox wasn’t stopped. Cox was impressive at 4:10 when he fired off the ball and got into the backfield on a run play. He wasn’t able to make the stop, but that was good quickness off the ball.
The 4:40 mark is my favorite highlight of them all. Cox lines up at RDE. He fires upfield on a pass play. Once he gets the OT off balance, Cox uses a hard spin move back to the inside. He hits the QB just after the ball is out. That is special. There aren’t a lot of DE prospects who could pull that off. To see a 298-pound DT do it? Wow. Special. Fluid hips. Great feet.
The 5:35 mark is also pretty darn impressive. Cox gets upfield and then turns hard to the inside to go after the QB. You just don’t see many DTs who can turn like that. He does is fluidly and quickly. Cox is on top of the QB in a flash. In order to be a good NFL pass rusher, you must have this kind of ability.
This was the MSU bowl game. Cox looked a bit rusty early on. There was a very good moment at the 1:10 mark. Cox lines up at LDE. WFU runs a draw play inside of him. Watch how he changes direction and gets in on the play. Most DL get going upfield and that’s that. Cox shows good awareness to read the run, but then has the body control to get back in on the play. Subtle, but great stuff.
His best highlight in the whole game was probably the blocked FG at end of half. Cox exploded off the ball and then overpowered the blocker as he got into the backfield to easily get into position to block the kick. Great explosion.
At the 3:00 mark Cox lines up at DE and goes unblocked. The QB gives the ball away and then takes a big hit. The impressive thing here is the speed that Cox shows. He didn’t make the play, but was able to pop the QB and I guarantee the QB didn’t want to run that play again. There is another really good play at 5:26 Cox lines up at RDE and sniffs out a screen pass. His ability to stop and re-direct is flat out amazing.
Cox seemed to play a lot of DE in this game. The thing I love is how natural he looks out there. Some DTs look stiff and awkward when playing in space. Cox is athletic enough that he looks good. Cox lines up at LDE at the 4:05 mark and uses a bull rush to drive the blocker backward. Cox then goes hard to the inside to hit the QB. This is the kind of move you’d expect to see from a DE prospect. Chandler Jones does stuff like that. The fact Cox has the natural ability to do it and then is able to execute it live in a game speaks volumes about how gifted he is.
There is a great play at the 4:22 mark. Cox fires off the ball and gets into the backfield. The runner is headed straight upfield. Cox has the body control and agility to turn and help make the play.
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Here is Matt Alkire’s profile on Fletcher Cox.
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I’ll put up a Day 2 preview later this afternoon. Lots of good targets for the Eagles.
Eagles website front page currently: “Reid, Eagles expect big things from Cox” Ha ha ha
Nice : )
Here’s the best one I’ve come up with so far…
The whole city of Philadelphia celebrates Roseman’s ability to grab Cox.
Eagles website front page currently: “Reid, Eagles expect big things from Cox” Ha ha ha
You sound kind of excited.
Very happy. He wasn’t my favorite player, but Cox was my primary target. Getting him for a 1st, 4th, and 6th was great value. Can be a difference maker up front.
Why wasn’t he your favorite player? You sound downright giddy in your post for him!
I became enamored with Kuechly back in September. Didn’t get into FC until December or something like that.
There’s still time for Philly to send one of our #2s + a 2013 1st rounder for Kuelchy 😉
yeah i wish…
The sophomoric humor will not stop anytime soon with Cox.
Like when you say “I’m also curious to see how Cox grows” haha
T-LAW:
In relative terms, it seems like the under tackle was where the Eagles needed to upgrade the roster. Cox, by all accounts, could be a perfect fit. And, should the Eagles change their D-line scheme for some reason in the next 3-4 years, I think Cox’ll have no problem adjusting.
But that said, I’ll really miss not having Shea McClellin in green. I think he’s going to be a great player for the Bears at LDE.
I think McClellin would have been in play at 15 if we stayed there.
At 15 (or preferably after a small trade back), I would have been interested in McClellin, but the simple fact that he was viewed as a DE/OLB tweener just brought back bad memories of GoCong. I know it would have been very different circumstances, but still…
tommy, what are your thoughts on colt mccoy as a backup here? would you consider him an upgrade on kafka/edwards? since the browns are probably shopping him and we have a lot of ties to the browns and may look to improve that position, it is worth a thought.
What would you be willing to give up? I feel like the Eagles tend to consider their backup QB starter material (Kolb was groomed to be the starting QB and they hope the same with Kafka)… Heckert doesn’t seem to think McCoy is a QB of the future so I’d venture to guess that AR feels the same way about him.
I have no idea what the Browns would want as compensation for McCoy, and I would guess it would be more than I am willing to give up, but if he is available for a late round pick, personally, I would absolutely jump at that deal. He would be brought in as a legitimate backup but you would feel obligated to start him if Kafka had the better TC/PS. Also, Kafka would have a legitimate chance to win the job, but he likely would not just get handed the job as is the most likely case with Edwards.
i would not be willing to give up much. it’s also possible that heckert just likes weeden more. Andy liked kevin kolb as the qb of the future but when vick fell into his lap, kolb was trade bait. Andy may see something in mccoy. i personally see him as a serviceable starter but not someone i would try to win the superbowl with. if andy could coach him up, make him look good, maybe we could fleece another team for some high draft picks down the road. I certainly think that mccoy would be an upgrade to edwards and could battle for no. 2 spot
Loved Colt coming out of Texas and would have interest. I would not spend much to get him since I’m not so sure Colt is a future starter. Is he better than Kafka? I think so, but I’m not sure how much better. Would acquiring him make us truly better or is it smart to stick with the guy who has been here and knows the offense inside-out? I don’t have a strong opinion right now. Interesting question.
I think I view it the same as you but come do a different conclusion. At best, we have a better backup QB, at worst, we improve our 3rd QB with a much younger player with more upside (albeit limited upside).
would our offense be that much different than the offense he played in with shurmur in cleveland?
also i would agree that he hasn’t shown much more than kafka but look at what kafka was working with and compare it to what colt had
We’ve already had a great 4th round, we used 1 pick to acquire DeMeco and the other to help acquire Cox.
Nice. Hadn’t thought of it that way.
Tommy who is your favorite player? Was it Kuechwalker? I think in one of your posts you titled “Bring me the head of Fletcher Cox”, was some pretty good stuff that seemed as though he was a guy that you coveted the most.
I think there’s a difference between “covet” and “favorite player”. Tommy has said countless times that Kuechly was his favorite player. I think in terms of fit, talent, etc. for the Eagles, Cox was the best possible player for the Eagles and the reason why he was Tommy’s most “coveted” player (not to say that Kuechly wasn’t coveted).
1. Luke
2. Cox
3. Derek Wolfe
I’m filled with excitement for dix and cox …together on the field
ok i’ll stop with the childish puns
I think he’ll be able to contribute right now but I still don’t see his full potential being released until a couple of years from now
even that sounded wrong…damn
Once we’re all tired of the penis jokes (which won’t happen anytime soon), we can still have fun with his first name by using quotes from “Fletch.” Like if he shows up late for a meeting: “Well, the traffic was murder, you know. One of those manure spreaders jackknifed on the Santa Ana. Godawful mess. You should see my shoes.”
His sack dance could be rollerskating with a bald wig.
Let’s hope it’s only that. This man has options.
As I said last night, I think the move for the Birds and the NFL is to a 4-2-5 formation. Thus I think it’s Janoris or Trumaine Johnson with the first pick. I like the Osweiler as an upside play, but Cousins may be the team’s favorite….
I really can’t think I’ve heard of one good thing coming out about Brock Osweiler. Even his Gruden QB camp video was awful.
I’m hopeful that the Eagles avoid all QBs until, at least, Rd 6.
There’s just no one out there who seems any better than Mike Kafka. And that includes Kirk Cousins. Those guys are like college clones.
If I could pick one QB with a toss-away pick (usually reserved for an Eagles starting LBs), it would be Ryan Lindley.
RL’s not a typical Reid QB because of his limited mobility.
On tape he seems to move about as fast as Brady or the Mannings — which works for their teams but not AR. But RL just doesn’t have the pocket awareness of those guys. Then again, who does this year not named Andrew Luck?
But if RL were selected, he might have quickest release of any QB in Philadelphia since Sonny Jurgensen. The ball really explodes out of RL’s hand. Where it’s heading seems to be the problem.
Good stuff.
Lindley is much less athletic than our typical QBs, but he is a talented pocket passer. Would be interesting to see if he’s the target.
Good stuff.
Lindley is much less athletic than our typical QBs, but he is a talented pocket passer. Would be interesting to see if he’s the target.
I believe Bill Pollian singled out Lindley on ESPN as a QB worth looking into.
I think you and I are the only 2 guys on this blog who have seen Sonny Jurgensen in green.
Is there a worse trade in Philly sports history than Jurgensen for Snead and a CB named Claude Crabb? I think little remembered is:
1. The Eagles went 10-4 with Jurgy at QB in 1961 — the year after winning their last title — and just missing out on a rematch with the Packers by 1/2 a game to the . . . NY Giants. (But I don’t think Lombardi would have lost a rematch.)
2. In 1961, Jurgy threw for more than 3,700 yards and 32 TDs . . . in just 14 games, during a era when teams typically ran the about 52% of the time.
Remarkably, those 32 TDs remains a team record. And his 3,732 yards is less than 193 yards short of the record set by McNabb in 2008 — in TWO MORE GAMES.
The ’61 Eagles passed the ball that year just under 52% of the time — making Jurgy’s numbers truly impressive.
________________
In terms of worst trades in Philly sports, 1-A has to be the Phils’ 1966 trade of Fergie Jenkins to the Cubs — along with John Herrnstein and Adolfo Phillips — for Bob Buhl and Larry Jackson.
Buhl and Jackson won a total of 47 games for the Phillies over 3 seasons.
Jenkins won 282 games (primarily for the Cubs) over the next 18 years. And reached the HOF.
_________________
The Antone Davis disaster doesn’t come close to the Jurgy deal. But it was bad.
_________________
And the Flyers 1971 trade of Bernie Parent to Toronto could have been a disaster if they’d not resigned him out of the WHA in 1973 . . . leading to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
_________________
It’s hard to say trading Wilt Chamberlain to LA for Darrell Imhoff, Jerry Chambers and Archie Clark isn’t right there with Jurgy. But Wilt wanted out and refused to continue playing for the ’76ers after claiming the team breached a deal to give him a piece of the ownership pie.
Remind me never to go head-to-head with you on the subject of Philly sports history! I do remember the Ferguson Jenkins debacle but little else. We could talk Sixers’ horrible drafts though for days…
Not true, actually. There’s at least 3 of us.
Better make that 4 if you allow us childhood fans of One-eyed Tommy Thompson, Adrian Burk and Bobby Thomason to have a vote.
So I just watched the video of Washburn in the studio with Spadaro and Merrill…two things stuck out:
1.) Washburn was explaining how he’s “coached Fletcher Cox his whole life,” and chose to explain by saying that he’s been recruiting “southern black kids” from their homes his whole life. Kind of awkward.
2.) At the end of the clip, Merrill pointed out that in addition to Cox, the Eagles were getting Dixon back next year, and that he has shown an ability to stop the run and will benefit from Washburn’s tutelage after missing most of last year. Washburn replies by saying he needs to rush the passer better and keep his weight down, and finishes by saying that he “hasn’t given up on Brandon Graham” – despite the question *clearly* being about Dixon.
1. Wash could just be throwing the gauntlet at Dixon to make sure he shows up ready. If things don’t work out, Dixon’s shown he has value for teams using a 2-gap system or even a more traditional 4-3 — which means he should garner more than a 7th round pick in a trade.
2. Wash strikes me as the polar opposite of Andy Reid — open to a fault. So, regarding Graham, again maybe it’s just a motivational challenge. But from all accounts, Graham’s already in great shape. Maybe Graham’s knee isn’t what it used to be pre-microfracture surgery. That would be a damn shame for a great kid.
3. At least Wash didn’t dismiss C-Thornton out of hand (per the comment). Maybe Wash sees CT as offering a better option in the W-9 than Dixon.
Bottom line, I’d hate to see either Dixon or Thornton let go — given their youth and physical promise.
As for Graham, I don’t see him being cut loose just based on the numbers unless he’s just lost 2 steps — translated: Plays on the edge w/ the suddenness of D-T’eo.
With Paterson, Jenkins, Cox, Landri, Dixon, and Thornton in the mix, one guy is going to get cut and one guy is going to sit on the bench. Barring a surprise trade or unfortunate injury, I think Thornton will have a hard time making the team. On top of that, either Dixon or Landri is likely to see limited playing time.
I think it’s possible they dump an extra DE because of Cox’ ability to be a DE/DT.
I think Thorton is more of a “Washburn” type d lineman than dixon….If both Dixon and Thorton show up to play, and have impressive camps…I wouldn’t be suprised if Patterson isnt shopped for a mid rounder next year. Jenkins/Dixon/Landri/Cox/Thorton…..
1. Yeah, that was an odd moment.
2. That was weird as well. Thought maybe I missed something. I wonder if Jim was talking about Brandon the whole time or just wanted to get a mention of him in there.
Washburn is a terrific coach, but putting him on in a live interview can make for some interesting moments.
I was really impressed that he didn’t cuss one time!
1. Yeah, that was an odd moment.
2. That was weird as well. Thought maybe I missed something. I wonder if Jim was talking about Brandon the whole time or just wanted to get a mention of him in there.
Washburn is a terrific coach, but putting him on in a live interview can make for some interesting moments.
While Washburn is “technically” right about his comment given his work history, I’m frankly surprised there’s been no backlash for it. I’m fine with the comment because a) it’s true b) there’s no racial discrimination and c) Washburn openly loves his players and they have his back. Hopefully this doesn’t become an issue
I thought #1 was odd as well. Especially because prior to saying that he said something like are you ready for this or something very awkward and all I thought was please, god, no. don’t let this be racist. And in a mild way it was.
Cox was my top choice going into the draft, but almost everything I have read about him has been incredibly positive. I am curious to know what weaknesses in his play you may have noticed and if those are things that Washburn may be able to improve on.
I am glad there is a rookie salary cap so we won’t have to wonder if the Eagles will pay too much for Cox.
I’ll take Jonathan Martin and Lavonte David please.
What’s your opinion on what the rest of the NFC East did? I’m bummed out that Dallas got Claiborne. I’ve already accepted RG3 to Washington a long time ago.
I really think the the NFC East got 3 of the top 6 players in this draft
Is it just me or would anyone else prefer a monster pocket pusher as opposed to an “athlete” at DT? I really don’t see all his athleticism as such a positive when he will never be playing in space. Honestly, with Cole, Babin, Graham, and the DE we pick today when will there be snaps for Cox at DE? We wont pick 280lb DEs because they don’t have the burst for the wide 9 but a 300 lb DT does? I just can’t get that enamored about “athleticism” at DT. Sounds like another baby sapp to me. Though I honestly really hope he turns out well because this team has spent a shit ton of resources on the D Line recently
When was “athleticism” not a BIG positive for a DL? Cox is being compared to Richard Seymour, and what is a “baby Sapp”? (BTW is that a bad thing?).
That was allegedly Mike Patterson’s nickname when he came out. And yeah, i tend to think of it as a bad thing since he was nothing like Sapp at all. I dunno, i want CB’s to be athletic. Who needs DT’s who can run great 40’s and cone drills in the trenches? Cox’s vids look like a collection of almost plays. I see him come close alot but not actually do a whole lot.
Ja Jenkins and Bobby Wagner please….Marvin Jones in the 3rd…after that I don’t care. I’ll be busy “celebrating” with or withouth my wife SLOTCB/SAM/SLOTWR Ja Jenkins can return kicks.
That’s a Bingo.
Just imagine how disappointed Janoris Jenkins will be when the Eagles coaches tell him he can’t have jersey #420…
RE: Washburn on B-Graham / Derek Wolfe
T-LAW:
2 questions
_____________
First, we’ve exchange comments on what the Eagles’ draft may reveal about their view of Graham’s physical ability to play the W-9 since his surgery.
If the Eagles take Vinny Curry or Andre Branch, would you say the verdict on Graham may all but be in. OR . . . are the Birds just trying to add some more youth at DE (with Tapp possibly on his way out)?
______________
U of Cinn has been very good to the Eagles: T-Cole and Celek.
With the choice of FC, is Derek Wolfe now *effectively* off the board for the Eagles — i.e., very unlikely to be selected? (Same for MSU’s Worthy.)
Even though Wolfe’s addition could still upgrade the inside of the D-line . . . maybe at the expense of Dixon and Landri.
The Giants just seem to add and add. Why not the Birds? And while Patt’s surgery went well, on the good Lord knows how he’ll be on the field.
It might be early but I think you cal add Kelce to the list of Cincinnati players
Is your chat thingy going to be setup for tonight as well?
Yup
nicolajNN . . . YES. Total oversight.
Kelce’s on that list too, though he still has room to develop.
Word, Kelce’s measurables were outstanding, and with coaching from Mudd I fully expect his career to be more impressive than either of the Pouncey boys.
Might be cool to have Wolfe but isn’t he basically a cox light? I think we need to go slot corner and lb, but if there is a de like curry we probably should take him. Bpa and infusion of youth. Having said that WR hill and Sanu seem like possibilities.
I think Cox is an Under tackle.
I think Wolfe could swing over to NT.
What huge injection of quality young players that would be.
But I think a lot depends on how the Eagles see Graham’s health.
Tommy,
Lavonte David or Bobby Wagner? I’m a little concerned about David’s size, while Wagner you said is a little stiff.
What exactly is the appeal of Lavonte David? Small guy, who gets pancaked in the run game? Sounds exactly like what we already have.
Jon Gruden said David reminded him of Derrick Brooks. That has to mean something.
Respectfully, Gruden’s never seen a player who isn’t good or who has the potential to be good.
Haha… good point, Gruden has a perennial hard on at draft time.
Or every time he talks about any player for that matter. “THIS GUY . . . etc.”
Tommy-
I know you’ve been against getting a QB in the 2nd or 3rd round and I’m hoping they don’t even entertain the thought of a guy like K. Cousins. Not anything against him, but I’d like to see them add to real need positions that could be good starters.
Just for fun I looked at 2nd round QBs in the last 6 drafts from 2006-2011 (before ’06 weren’t 2nd rd QBs for several years). It’s not pretty.
Andy Dalton
Colin Kaepernick
Jimmy Clausen
Pat White
Brian Brohm
Chad Henne
Kevin Kolb
John Beck
Drew Stanton
Kellen Clemons
Tavaris Jackson
Worthy at 46 if he’s there. “Keep. Throwing. Fastballs.”
Kind of brings up an interesting question:
Do we now look at BPA while excluding the DT position?
If Worthy was available with a 2nd, or Wolfe with a 3rd, and they are the highest rated player on our draft board, do we take them? Or does that undermine the veteran talent that we already have at the DT spot?
If they can play DE you have a little flexibility in terms of the roster, but if you spend another high pick on DT you might wind up having to decide whether to cut Landri (again) or not. Of course, a mystery injury at the end of pre-season could befall the rookie DT…
Also, I would wait and take Wolfe instead of Worthy… use the pick on Curry if available) or your slot corner.
Love the story about Wash going down to see Cox in person, for the first time. Most coaches would have been sold, simply by the sheer mass of the man, standing before him. Wash, however, is a seasoned vet. These men had never met before, but Washburn has spent years recruiting “Southern Black kids”. In a sense, he’s been working with Cox for most of his life. There was a little give and take between the two men and a few bystanders, before Wash began getting Cox warmed-up. That’s when the real magic happened. He witnessed, first hand, Cox do things that he couldn’t have dreamed possible. Such movement skills, when combined with such imposing length and heft is enough to strike you speechless. In fact, the drilling was so frenzied, that in the end both men were left mouth agape, gasping for breath. Afterward, the courtship continued, as the two snuck away from the crowds for some rare steak and man talk. The two were seen embracing and then, Washburn whispered to him before they parted. The coach tried to play it cool, parading around with a bunch of high profile prospects. The player on the other hand, when asked about the Eagles and Washburn, well… Cox couldn’t stop from gushing, “It’s a pleasure to play under Coach Washburn.”. Wash reciprocated, ” He took my breath away.”. The coach has been otherwise, tight lipped, recently. However, anyone close to him knows that he has been drooling over Cox and the chance to get to work with him on a daily basis. All you need do, is look at him. The proof is all over his face.
Okay, hopefully I’m done for the next 12 years. I doubt it, though. I already wanna do more.
:golf clap:
I think we have a winner.
Oh man, that’s outstanding.
Hey TL,
psyched about the first round. i could see cox having a sapp-like career. seems the potential is there at least.
it seems there are a lot of talented CB’s still available, especially guys who project to the slot.
which players do you see as second round talents and how would you rank them for the iggles.
thanks.
Here are my players of interest for today. Obviously some will go before our pick, but some of these guys might fall if there’s an early run on tackles (which I hope we don’t participate in because “In Mudd we trust”). In fact, I’m hoping guys drop because I would like to… TRADE DOWN.
I’d be very interested in trading down in the 2nd from one of our picks if it nets us a later 2nd AND a 3rd or high 4th (value chart still amorphous right now). In fact, I might just take a 3rd and 4th for one of our 2nd’s because there are so many good players in these rounds that I’d like a little more quantity over any slight quality improvement. On that note, some of my guys here will probably go in the 4th… it’d be nice to have a selection (or two) there…
Vinny Curry (primary target) – DE
Stephen Hill – WR
Coby Fleener – TE
Janoris Jenkins – CB/DAD
Bobby Wagner – LB
Brandon Boykin – CB
Dwayne Allen – TE
Mychal Kendricks (if Wagner gone) – LB
Trumaine Johnson – CB
Mohamed Sanu – WR
Kirk Cousins (IF he drops to late 2nd) – QB
Brian Quick – WR
Jared Crick – DE
Isaiah Pead – RB
Casey Hayward – CB
LaMichael James – RB
Jayron Hosley – CB
Derick Wolfe – DT
Greg Childs – WR
T.Y. Hilton – WR
Robert Turbin (man crush because of his perseverance) – RB
Joe Adams – WR
Brandon Mosley – OT
Chris Rainey – RB
Antonio Allen – SS (can’t have too many Allens in your secondary)
Jake Bequette – DE
Boykin and Jefferies. Keep it in the SEC. Sam in 3rd
Boykin and James, the latter because our skill players are best when French!
LaMichael is French for “The Michael.” He can join “The Sean” McCoy, “From Sean” Jackson, and our slot receiver Jason “Before.”
I think a trade down from 51 makes sense too if they want to add picks. Certainly they’ve done it in the past. But I think they’ll stay there unless their guys are off the board. I’ll take Lavonte David (well I didn’t think Cox would slide but now I’m getting greedy) and Brandon Boykin in the 2nd and Robert Turbin in the 3rd.
OFF TOPIC but I must admit that whenever I read your screen name I get a craving for curly fries and horsey sauce.
Arby’s is a very underrated fast food place. I assume it’s because most have never experienced the joys of a Beef ‘n Cheddar with the aforementioned curly fries and horsey sauce.
Or maybe they have, and instead remember what happens later that night.
Very true. You have to live in the moment with Arby’s or else you’d clench-up at the mere mention of a Jamocha Shake… which incidentally sounds like the name of a late-round corner…
Good list, Kendriks would be an excellent draft pick (and I think he is the better prospect than Wagner). One name that should be on your list is Demario Davis, a versatile LB.
I would love to take Upshaw for SAM.
Upshaw would only fit on our defense as a DE.
I wouldn’t mind seeing an offensive weapon today…
Fleener, LaMichael James, or Stephen Hill.
Stephen Hill is not worth it. He had a good combine and get’s a little overrated because of it. We would be spending a high pick for a player that could boom or bust at a position that is not a need.
Fleener or James are definitely players that I want to see on our team though.
&& V. Curry, Boykin, Jenkins, Wagner, + L. David/B. Wagner
Yeah my assumption based on value is that 2 of the 3 picks will be defense.
I admit my fascination with Hill is based on his measurables, and the fact that he seems to “show up” as a WR who is willing to mix it up with a DB on a run play. I’m far from in love with him, more like fascinated with the possibility esp given our lack of need at WR.
I would never bet against the Eagles signing a player with a CamelCase name, so I think LaMichael James could be a serious target.
This draft was like no other I’ve followed before and I think the rookie wage scale had a lot to do with it. There was never a run on a position and that’s so out-of-the-norm.
It’s getting close to the time to begin chanting:
“WE WANT T-LAW! WE WANT T-LAW! WE WANT T-LAW!”
I’m eagerly awaiting the Day Two preview…
Brilliant work yesterday, Tommy
Tommy,
Why did all of Cox’s big plays come when he lined up at DE? It seems like he gets swallowed up on the inside. Is he going to be good rushing from the inside this year or is he going to need another year to get stronger and be more effective on the inside?
Also, if it were Jason Kelce Vs Fletcher Cox in a one on one matcup who would win? They seem like the same kind of players just on opposite sides of the ball…both extremely athletic yet undersized and not quite as strong as they need to be.
Is this the year we end the streak of trading with the Patriots?
Sure seems like it. It will be a sad draft if that happens.
just the nature of cox and sacks go together. cox should definitely have the balls for sacks in the nfl.
You’re taking it a little too far now. It’s getting pretty homo right about now.
Oh, re-lax Mister Man! It’s Friday. Here, have a wine spritzer!
I would like to believe that the Eagles scored a coup and somehow had the best DT prospect (that also fits their system) in the class fall to their pick, but I have the following concerns:
– Extremely mediocre explosion – i.e. terrible Vertical Jump and terrible Broad Jump. These tests matter for defensive linemen because they measure their ability to explode out of their stance and generate momentum that allows them to push the OT/OG into the pocket. typically speaking, the elite DTs and DEs almost all post VJs above 33″ and BJs above 9’6″.
– Limited college production – had a handful of sacks in his last year at Miss. St, but outside of that, he doesn’t have much to show for. You can say he’s young and he still has untapped potential, and that *may* be the case, a la Jason Pierre Paul in 2010, but more often than not, the elite DL produce for at least 3 years in college at a high level in each year.
He could definitely turn into a solid or even great player in the NFL, but this is hardly a “slam dunk” pick of a top prospect. This is not the Lions picking Suh in 2010, or even the Eagles picking Corey Simon in 2000.
Morton, I understand you like to be pessimistic about every move the Eagles make but you were the one that stated you wanted the Eagles to get the best DT they can and that you would trust Washburn. Now you are arguing that you disagree with the pick even after you listed Cox among the group you want the Eagles picking from earlier in the offseason. I just don’t get what more you can ask for.
Sure, Cox is not a slam dunk pick the way the 2nd overall pick in the draft would be (Suh) or the way the sixth overall pick in the draft would be (Simon), but considering we didn’t have a pick that high and most likely will not have one that high for a long time, this was a hell of a pick and even you were supportive of it before it happens. Stop changing your story just for the sake of arguing against the Eagles.
Dead wrong. The “elite” Ndamukong Suh didn’t dominate at all until his junior year. He also stayed all four years of his eligibility. Suh’s junior year: 16 TFL and 7.5 sacks. Pretty similar if you ask me. And Nebraska wasn’t shifting him all over the formation.
http://rufiojones.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/eeyore.jpg
Despite Reid’s comments, that “Cox has great glutes and thighs and is really impressive in the lower half.”, he doesn’t really have a bubble. They’ve probably already got him in the squat rack and doing plyos. Thank you, for taking the time to shed some light on how the tests translate onto the field, for Tommy and the rest of us. Cox did perform poorly in the BJ and had a hard time getting up in the vertical, as well. His 10yd split split of 1.63, though, is flat out ridiculous. I’d love to see a list of “elite DT’s” with 33″ and more than 9’6″. Suh’s was 8’9″, only 2″ longer than Cox. I’m not trying to compare the two, because at this point, it’s senseless. Suh looks to be a once in a generation type of player. That being said, Suh was 23yo when he played his first NFL game, Cox won’t be 22 until the December of this season.
I don’t know. I trust what I see on the field. Based on other contradictory comments you’ve made, it seems like you do kinda just like to bash the Birds. I feel like you may just be afraid to admit that you’ve wanted Cox from the get go and never imagined that getting Cox, could make me feel so good.
I’ll give ya credit for admitting that he may turn into a great player. Just relax, brother. You’ll be much happier. Worrying is like praying for what you don’t want.
This post is just filled with gems!!! A true wordssmith…well done
” Our team has been endowed with Cox…Cox will undoubtedly grow even more during the maturation process.”
“Cox can really make a mess in the backfield. He penetrates viciously and relentlessly. Even when being double teamed, Cox just keeps coming.”
“I feel like you may just be afraid to admit that you’ve wanted Cox from the get go and never imagined that getting Cox could make ya feel so good inside.”
Re: MOrton’s concerns
MOrton:
I respect your concerns — supported by the Combine data. When I looked at FC’s Combine numbers last night, I was really surprised (not in a good way) by his broad jump and vertical jump numbers. I don’t consider you remarks to be at all “pessimistic.” Just some fact-based realistic questions.
QUESTION: Given the way the draft unfolded, what would you have done at 15 if you’re the Eagles? Trade up or down? And whom would you have taken.
(As an aside, this clearly was a Washburn choice. I’m really intrigued at how the Eagles seem to have their coaches calling the names the last two years . . . as I don’t remember that being the case pre-Roseman. Of course, coverage is more substantial now. So maybe nothing’s changed.)
Strangley enough, the comparison may be on the roster:
Fletcher Cox DT 6-3 298 [4.79 30 4.53 7.07 26 8’7]
Derek Landri DT 6-2 288 [5.00 24 4.32 7.08 32 9’1]
The difference of course is Cox has those long arms (and 30 reps with that arm length is impressive) and will bulk up to 310 lbs without losing much quickness or agility with that frame. Landri is the more explosive athlete, and that’s something Cox has to work on, being quick is nice, but you’re going to have to use lower body power in the NFL, not just agility.
I think Cox was a great pickup, he’s probably 2-3 years from maturing into the player we hope he’ll become, but he’s on a team and system where he can gradually increase his snaps as he physically matures. Note that Jenkins deal is designed to allow him to transition into an affordable back. He should remain effective for a few more years if limited to 300-400 snaps a year after 2012 (we saw that with Howard).
We’ve got our “Final Destination” (DX / FX), “T-Minus” in Fletcher Cox as “The Terminator”, a relentless pursuit of the QB. The “FTC” the mercury guy delivers flowers for the QB’s funeral. The “DIE HARD” in the trenches, pursuit of perfection to the front-liners. The “DREAMSCAPE” a QB’s night-mares, trying to escape the on-slaughter from being devoured.
With Morris Claiborne, Mark Barron, Luke Kuechly and Stephen Gilmore, all went off the board, until I nearly knocked over that bag ‘o chips when I realized the Eagles was on the clock at pick #12 {Seattle). My mind went reeling, the Eagles traded up (actually, I wasn’t expecting this and was thrown off), saw who were up in the list, Cox……Cox still there. Next thing I knew, the Eagles picked Fletcher Cox. I couldn’t believe it, the timing, the move up and the execution….we still got our 2 (2nd rounders) and the 3rd, what a genuine move by Howie. Sure hope Washburn still has a lot of “kid” in him, he’s sure going to have alot of fun with FC, and so would Cujo. We’ve another night, gotta go….
[…] Overall I’m a happy camper. I loved the Eagles being able to move up and get Cox in the 1st round. I think he can be an impact player in time. Heck, I think he’ll make his presence known right away. To read more on FC, here is my lengthy post. […]