More OT/OL Talk
Posted: April 5th, 2013 | Author: Tommy Lawlor | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 53 Comments »Adam Caplan just reported the Eagles are working out OT Lane Johnson, the ultra-athletic blocker from Oklahoma. Jeff McLane was able to confirm that and put up a short blog post on Johnson. This isn’t a visit to NovaCare. This is a workout.
The distinction is that if Johnson is in Philly, he’s just visiting. For it to be an on-field workout, the Eagles have to go to him. There isn’t necessarily a huge difference in importance. Usually bringing a prospect to your place is considered the most serious, but that is hardly a rule that is written in stone.
What should we make of the Johnson workout?
First, the Eagles are bound to like him. I have written a few times this year that Johnson could actually be their favorite OT of the Joeckel-Fisher-Johnson trio. Here’s something from just a couple of weeks back:
“Lane Johnson at 4 may seem early. I’m trying to think like Chip Kelly and the Eagles might be thinking. Johnson does make a lot of sense. He is the most athletic of the stud OTs. Chip loves athletes. Johnson played RT in 2011 and LT in 2012. He could step in at RT this spring and play right away. This wouldn’t be a crazy projection where you hope he could handle playing on that side. If anything happens to Jason Peters, you could slide him to the left side.
Johnson also has a really good nasty streak. He loves to pound guys into the ground. I think he plays with a chip on his shoulder and Kelly would love that.”
It wouldn’t shock me at all to see the Eagles take Johnson at #4, whether another OT is on the board or not.
There is another reason the Eagles could want to work out Johnson and have the reports leak. Trading back. It feels like a virtual lock that Andy Reid will take an OT at #1. Most feel he’ll go for Joeckel, but Fisher seems a lot like an Andy Reid guy to me. Regardless of who is taken, the Jags and Raiders could each go for an OT. There are some OT needy teams after the Eagles.
If 2 of the big 3 are gone, you have to wonder what Detroit, San Diego, Arizona, and Miami will be thinking. The Lions are just a spot behind the Eagles, but as we’ve discussed, teams move up one spot for a player on a regular basis. If the Lions covet an OT, they’ll pay the price to make sure they get their man.
The Chargers should be desperate for OT help. They don’t have any extra picks, but may feel moving up is so crucial that they are willing to pay the price.
The Dolphins are the real team to watch. They have extra 2nd and 3rd round picks. Moving up from #12 to #4 would be pricey, but doable. The question with them is what they’re thinking. They showed little interest in keeping Jake Long around. They shifted RT Jonathan Martin to LT. He didn’t light it up at RT and some think the Dolphins are nuts. Do they trust Martin at LT? If they only need a RT, then moving up to #4 doesn’t make sense. I don’t have a good feel for them and what they may do.
We’re pretty sure the Chiefs will go OT. The Lions should go OT, especially if Fisher or Joeckel somehow fall that far. Teams really wanting an OT might see that trading up to #4 is the safe way to go to make sure they get one of the top guys.
I’m sure the Eagles like Lane Johnson. Question is whether they love him. I bet they could.
* * * * *
We talked about Chip Kelly’s philosophy in regard to the OL in the previous post. Some wondered about Kelly being arrogant if he thought his system could get by without elite OTs. That’s going too far.
You can’t have elite players at every position. That’s simply impossible. At some spots you have to decide on spending premium picks vs developing players. The great Cowboys teams of Jimmy Johnson spent 1st round picks on WR, RB, and QB. The OL was dominant, but didn’t feature high picks. The 1992 group…
LT Mark Tuinei – inherited veteran
LG Nate Newton – inherited veteran
OC Mark Stepnoski – 3rd Rd pick
RG John Gesek – FA from the Raiders
RT Erik Williams – 3rd Rd pick
Larry Allen was added to the mix as a 2nd Rd pick. Kevin Gogan was a veteran FA that played. Later Ray Donaldson was added as a FA. Jimmy Johnson and Norv Turner felt that they could build a good OL with good talent, a balanced scheme, and a smart QB. That’s exactly what happened. This wasn’t arrogance. It was a plan they put into action and it worked.
Andy Reid put a premium on the OL and focused his resources there. He felt he could develop skills players.
You don’t have to adhere to one philosophy or the other. You do need to have a specific plan and you must act accordingly.
I don’t know what Chip Kelly is going to think. Remember, we’re not talking about ignoring anything. We’re talking about spending 1st and 2nd round picks on a position as opposed to mid-round picks and adding select veterans. Might be interesting to go back and study recent Super Bowl teams to see if they went more for OL or skill players with early offensive draft picks.
* * * * *
The recent talk about Star Lotulelei has some people once again asking about the different DL spots.
5-tech DE – The best player at this position is JJ Watt. He’s 6-5, 290. He has the ability to play the run and rush the passer. That makes him an elite player. Seattle’s Red Bryant plays the same position, but is 6-4, 330. He cannot rush the passer, but is a dominating run defender. He sets the edge and controls it. Calais Campbell is a DE for the Cardinals at 6-7, 300. Like Watt, he’s able to play the run and get after the QB. That gives him added value.
Ideally, you want a player to be at least 6-4, 300. You would like long arms. The player must be a good run defender and solid pass rusher.
1-tech NT – This player lines up on the shoulder of the Center. The NT is either going to shoot a gap or take on a double team. In pure 3-4 systems, the NT is a 2-gap player that plays straight up and must control the gap on both sides of the C. Think about Ted Washington, Vince Wilfork, and Casey Hampton. The 1-tech can be someone like Jay Ratliff, who is 6-4, 300. Bryan Robinson played the position for Bill Davis in Arizona at 6-4, 305. The Eagles went big in adding Isaac Sopoaga, who is 6-2, 330. Does this mean the team will run more of a true 3-4? That’s possible, but could also be that he’s just a guy they really liked and his size wasn’t the key.
3-tech DT – This player lines up on the outside shoulder of the OG. Warren Sapp is the prototype for a 3-tech. Size isn’t an issue. Ability is the focus here. The 3-tech must have a great motor. He must be quick off the ball and able to fire upfield. His job is to penetrate and be disruptive. This player should be somewhat of a playmaker.
Star Lotulelei is of interest to the Eagles because he can play all 3 spots. He’s 6-3, 311. Has 33 5/8 arms. That’s solid for all 3 spots. Gives him enough bulk to anchor vs the run, but he’s also light and agile enough to fire upfield and make plays. He had 5 sacks and 3 FFs this year. The Eagles would use him at DE to begin with.
Shariff Floyd is also versatile. I don’t think I’d want him at NT, though. Floyd is 6-3, 297. His arms are a bit short at 31 3/4. Floyd started at both DE and 3-tech at Florida. He can play both spots in the NFL. Floyd wasn’t a great pass rusher in college, but did have 13 TFLs this year and was very disruptive. I think the Eagles would put him at the 3-tech spot.
In order to do that, the Eagles would move Fletcher Cox to the 5-tech. Cox has the size at 6-4, 300. He has long arms at 34 1/2 inches. In case anyone has forgotten how athletic he was, Fletcher ran 4.79 at the Combine. He also did 30 reps on the bench. That is speed, strength, and good size. Cox can play anywhere on the DL. I think he could even be a NT. I just don’t think that would be an ideal use of his athleticism.
The big difference in Lotulelei and Floyd is speed/agility. Floyd ran the 40 in 4.92 and had a 3-cone time of 7.40. Lotulelei ran the 40 in 5.31 and had a 3-cone time of 7.66. Floyd is 14 pounds lighter, but that doesn’t account for the difference in those numbers. Star is a guy that can explode off the ball, but he’s best in a short area. Floyd is the guy who can chase the play down. Star had 4 fewer solo tackles despite playing significantly more downs. It isn’t a question of motor. Both guys play hard. Floyd is just faster. His agility also made him an effective pass rusher off the edge. Lotulelei is going to struggle with that.
The Eagles have choices on the DL. We just have to see which players they have targeted, what skills/traits they are focused on, and how they want to align everyone.
_
Tommy
Where would Ziggy Ansah project in our D-line? I’ve got a bet going with my fellow German Eagles fan who is pretty sure that Ansah would either project as a normal DE in a 4-3 or OLB, while I am saying that he would stay at DE/DT in the Eagles 4-3 under or 3-4. Who’s right?!
Originally I had him as an OLB, but I’ve now moved and started thinking of him as a 5-tech DE. Could slide inside and play DT in the Nickel.
Could he bulk up to 290lbs without losing any speed though?!
I wonder if Ansah would need to size up too much. Forgive my very simplified thinking but here goes: he’d have Sopoaga inside him – big for his position (compared to say a Jay Ratliff), and he’d have Barwin behind him – pretty big for a SAM. Could the size of those 2 make up for Ansah’s relative lack of size? And how big would he have to be before he’s the ‘right’ size?
And I wonder if Tank Carradine could do a similar thing, but if taken in round 2. If not, then who would be the ideal 5-tech in the first 2 rounds?
One thing I’m wary of is drafting a guy like Floyd, who seems exactly the same positionally as Cox. Sure, Cox could play 5-tech in this new scheme to ease any logjam, but what about if a shift is made back to 4-3 at any stage, both would be 3 techs. That’s one reason why versatility is still important in my view, because we’re not sure of the scheme – nor how long it will last. The cynic says that Bill Davis hasn’t lasted real long in his NFL jobs thus far, why draft a guy to play 1 position in one particular defense?
Ansah could play DE at 285 and probably be okay. He’s 6-5. He’s naturally strong and physical. He would sacrifice speed at 290-95, but would still be a terrific athlete for his size.
I think you’re right on with Miami being the most likely candidate. My good friend bleeds aqua & orange (boy, does that sound lame) and OT is likely their target. Wait and try to get Lane Johnson or move up for Fisher? All speculation, like with everyone, but there are plenty of rumblings going on in Miami also.
“Bleeds aqua & orange” does sound lame. Also have constipated Flipper on the side of their helmet. Not very scary.
Just curious, is that referring to the new dolphin that is to debut next season, last season’s, or both. 😀
http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/50dc7c92eab8ea485000001b-1200-288/2-444.jpg
Ugh.
The more I look at this, the more I’m convinced that trading back is absolutely the way to go. We still wind-up with a top notch OT, Defensive Lineman or CB and we will likely get second and/or third round picks that are loaded with Safeties and offensive linemen. I think you are correct that the ‘fins are the team to watch. With the stadium ballot on deck, it pays (literally) to be aggressive as possible.
If you are going for a BPA, at # 4 there are seriously 6 or so players that make it really hard to chose. You can trade back to 8 or 10 and still get one of them. The hope is someone in that range would trade with us because they are dead set on getting their choice of c one of them in particular.
Remember that the Eagles could be substantially narrowing things down through this process and by the end of it they could have a smaller group of players that they prefer, lessening their incentive to move back.
I really want to move back.
if we move back can we get tavon austin.. pwetty pwease lol
Amen brother. I’ve been trumpeting that move back for Austin for ages now. And from the jump I’ve been told I am an idiot/pipedreamer/ & far less flattering adjectives on here. I know we have plenty of other needs, but imagine him in the slot? Avant-garde is a great guy & leader but he sure isn’t leaving vapor trails behind him. Not to mention his return abilities! I’d sure love to see what Chip could do with him! And if we pick up an extra pick by trading back, AWESOME! MAN I Want him in Kelly er midnight green! :))
i also like him in the backfield at RB, maybe in some 2 back sets with lesean. people like to say hes the same type of player as desean, i disagree completely. while austin is very fast, going deep isnt his thing, and desean isnt lining up at RB and taking snaps. Those two can make a good team working together. slash that, GREAT team working together!!!!
That WOULD be great. I also had visions of the nightmares D.C.’s would have facing our healthy (god willing) O line with Brown and McCoy as split backs and Jackson, Maclin and Austin on the slot. THAT would give guys like Monte Kiffin the vapors I would think! :}
totally!! or toats mcgoats as paul rudd would say hahaha lmfao
Re: Kelly & The Coaching Tree [reposted]
T_S_O_P asked a question I’d been wondering, too . . . “which coaching tree(s) does Chip Kelly have ties to?”
The answer is, in the traditional sense, one RIP ENGLE — the great Penn State coach whom Joe Pa succeeded in ’66.
When Kelly played college football at New Hampshire, his head coach was a guy named Bill Bowes. Bowes played at Penn State from ’62-’64. As UNH’s head coach, Bowes — like Joe Pa’s many great Penn State teams of the late ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s — ran his offense using the I-formation.
[Who can forget the ’79 Sugar Bowl, when Joe Pa called three straight power dives out of the I-formation to Mike Guman from the Alabama 1-yard line, with Guman getting stoned every time by future NFLers DT Marty Lyons (Jets) and MLB Barry Krause (Colts).]
Kelly coached under Bowes for at total of 6 seasons as RB and OL coach.
In 1999, Bowes retired. UNH’s new head coach was a UNH grad named Sean McDonnell.
McDonnell turned the offense over to Chip Kelly, making him the OC that year.
Kelly picked up where Bowes left off . . . using the I-formation.
But, as we’ve all learned, Kelly began to tinker with the offense. And eventually he added the “Pistol Formation,” picked up from the great U-NV coach Chris Ault, to the UNH playbook.
By the time he went to Oregon as OC under HC Mike Bellotti, Kelly’d already developed the better part of the offense we’ve seen the past 5 years at Oregon.
[Kelly’s brief time as an ass’t coach at Columbia-U was under HC Ray Tellier, who had no particular connections to anyone in the NFL or big-time college football. Tellier, a great HS running back, played at Connecticut in the early ’70s. In his one season as Johns Hopkins DC, Kelly coached under Jim Margraff, a grad of Johns Hopkins himself in ’82.]
Bottom line . . . Kelly’s coaching tree-connection is most directly to Rip Engle and the I-Formation running game.
That said, it seems like Kelly’s borrowed from everyone from Knute Rockne to Mouse “Chuck and Duck” Davis.
Kelly’s very much the Renaissance Head Coach.
But I think deep down, that I-Formation is still the foundation of his offense — revamped to be sure. But the keystone in the corner to his playbook. Kelly seems, after all, to be a coach who likes to run the damned ball.
Great info.
Im really excited to see how bring Kelly in as the HC improves Lesean’s career…dont get me wrong Shady has played great so far but i think under Chip he can really imporve… I can see Chip feeding Shady way more then Andy did..Also hopefully Chip can fix Browns issues with holding onto the ball.. I trust Chip and i really hope he gets the most out of all our players not just the RB’s
Also a quick side note i went to School with Mike Gumans daughter for years hes a really nice guy…he always helped the football team out when i played
Reported reply
Thanks. Does that Renaissance stuff have any ties to Joe Gibbs? We have a zone blocking scheme and incorporating the use of a H-B or F-B which came from Allen and then onto Gibbs.
Great question.
I think the Redskins’ H-Back scheme was installed in 1982, in Joe Gibbs second season. (Gibbs had replaced Jack Pardee, who later brought the run-and-shoot to the NFL as the Oilers’ HC).
Pardee replaced his mentor, George Allen, in 1978. Under both Allen and then Pardee, the Redskins ran a pretty conventional offense with a FB and HB, a TE and 2 WRs. As did Gibbs in his first season.
But in the strike-shortened ’82 season, Gibbs installed a 2-TE or 1 TE/1 HB offense.
Gibbs had 4 TEs on the roster: Rick Walker, Don Warren, Clint Didier, and Mike Williams. They all played.
His principal RB was John Riggins. On 3rd downs, Joe Washington would come in. The other RBs on the roster was essentially special teamers, like Otis Wonsley and Clarence Harmon.
Gibbs’ H-back scheme was before Kelly’s time as a young coach.
But there’s no doubt that Gibbs was a great offensive innovator — like his mentor, Don Coryell. (Gibbs also spent time at USC learning power-football from the I-formation under the great John McKay. Gibbs also spent a couple years asst coaching at Arkansas under the legendary Frank Broyles, when the Razorbacks were still using the classic T-formation.)
But I think it’s a fair assumption to argue that Kelly’s borrowed freely from the H-Back concepts created by Gibbs.
So is Johnson a great football players as well?
Earlier this week the PE.com guys were projecting the starting line-up, Bo or Chris(maybe even both) had us drafting an OL and sliding Todd inside, but instead of RG they moved Mathis there and had Todd at LG. What are your thoughts on this?
Johnson has the upside to be great. He isn’t just an athlete. Was great at the Senior Bowl. He’s mean. Good run blocker. Love him.
I’m envisioning a more athletic John Runyan… and as i sit here trying to keep focused on tax returns and drinking a coke… well, I like that idea a lot.
Keeping in mind that the draft may change things, what do you think of this?
Cool graphic. Can’t see anyway that Trent Cole plays 5-tech DE. That role will be filled by a rookie or Ced Thornton.
Wondering if Cole plays mostly in the Nickel as RDE.
This is going to be a rough season for Cole. Bad time to be declining in skill level. I hope we can swing a trade for him, even if it’s for a late round pick.
Oh, I thought he meant Nick Cole. I was going to suggest he seemed more of a NT build if we was going to revive his career as a defensive player. After all, he knows a lot about pressuring the QB…
Could you post a template of that?
It’s from this article: https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/08/03/hyping-the-hybrids/
Thanks. Now I realize why it looked familiar.
I can’t stop myself from thinking that Lane Johnson may end up being the most valued player by the end of his career out of all the potential top 12 or so guys… I have absolutely no problem with the Eagles taking him at #4.
Potential to have the 2 most athletic OTs in the NFL… yes please.
Re: SB Teams & O-Line Draft Selections
T-Law:
Here’s the data on SB teams with a No. 1 pick on the O-line since 2000. Winning team listed first.
It seems sort of hit or miss. Naturally, of course, the stinkin’ Giants have won 2 SBs with zero 1st rounders.
_____________
This year’s 49ers team had 3 1st-rd picks on the O-line in LOT Thomas, OG Iuputi, OT Davis. The Ravens had only 1st Rd ROT Michael Oher.
In 2011, the Pats had 1st Rd G Logan Mankins. The G-men had Zero 1st Rd’rs.
2010 had the Packers w/ 1st Rd’r ROT Buluga. The losing Steelers had 1st C Pouncey.
In 2009, the Saints had Zero 1st Rd’rs. The Colts had zero also, using 3 free agents, a 4th Rd’r and a 6th Rd’r.
2008: Steelers – 0 1st’s. Card’s one 1st Rd’r in ROT Levi Brown.
2007: Giants – 0 1st’s. Patriots one 1st in G Logan Mankins. AGAIN.
2006: Colts – one 1st in LT Tarik Glenn. Bears – one 1st in G Ruben Brown (drafted by the Bills in ’95, signed as FA w/ CHI in ’04)
2005: Steelers – THREE 1st Rd’rs in G Kendall Simmons, G Alan Faneca, C Jeff Hartings (drafted by Lions in ’95; signed w/ Pitt in ’01). Seahawks – Two 1st’s: All Pros LT & LG Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson.
2004: Pats – No 1st Rd’r. Eagles – two 1st’s: LT Tra Thomas, RG Mayberry
2003: Pats – one 1st in LOG Damien Woody. Panthers – two 1st’s: LT Jordon Gross; RT Todd Steusie (drafted by MN in ’94, signed in ’01 w/ Carolina)
2002: Bucs – one 1st in LT Kenyatta Walker (whom Hugh Douglas owned). Raiders – two 1st’s in LG Mo Collins (a converted OT), and RT Lincoln Kennedy (drafted by Falcons in ’93, signed with OAK in ’96)
2001: Pats – one 1st in C Damien Woody. Rams – one 1st in LT Olando Pace
2000: Ravens – one 1st in HOF LT Jon Ogden. Giants – two 1sts in ROT Luke Pettigout, LOT Lomas Brown (drafted by Lions in ’85, signed with Giants in ’00).
2011 – Patriots had 1st round pick Nate Solder as well.
Thanks. Bad miss.
Correction’s been made.
I like Johnson and everything, but I am very concerned about his pass blocking. He doesn’t look as comfortable or as smooth as Joeckel or Fischer. Maybe I just got so enamored with Fischer because of the way he uses those can’t-lie-hips of his but Johnson’s sloppiness became a real sticking point for me.
How easy is it to adjust pad level problems? I’ve also heard that Johnson has issues with pass rushers who can change direction on him. Does that concern you?
Think we have any interest in Rolando McClain now that he was cut
I’d be very happy if we end up drafting Floyd in the first, but I am surprised that you put him at the 3-tech DT instead of the 5-tech. You mentioned that you don’t see him as being a great pass rusher but that the 3-tech is the guy who you want to be a playmaker. I don’t want to take anything away from TFLs, but rushing the passer to me is where big plays are made. Cox seems like he would be a perfect fit for that role.
Is your logic for putting Floyd at 3-tech DT more that you think he is better suited there than at 5-tech DE, or is it that you think Cox is the more versatile player and could thrive at either spot?
I know you have said Cox “could” play at 5-tech many times. My question really is ignoring Floyd, where is he best suited? If he can be equally effective on either side, that is one thing, but if he is best suited for the 3-tech spot, even if he is capable of playing 5-tech at a quality level, it seems that you are taking away a bit of what you already have with Cox if you move him to the 5-tech.
Forgive me for answering on Tommy’s behalf, but the way I see it is this:
Cox and Floyd are both best suited to be 3-techs. Cox can also play 5-tech but Floyd cannot. Some people think Floyd is a better 3-tech than Cox is, therefore the Eagles are improved by drafting him and moving Cox.
I don’t necessarily agree with that assessment, but it’s the logic behind putting Cox at 5-tech.
Star is one of those players I’m really struggling to understand. When I watch tape of Star, I honestly don’t see anything more than I see from Johnathan Hankins but the former is being discussed as a top-5/top-10 pick and the latter isn’t even a lock to go in the first round. If I’m being frank, I actually think Hankins is a better pick in terms of current ability, potential and fit.
I’ve also compared the combine/pro-day measurements of the top-4 DTs in this draft with those of Cox last year:
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g60/deg0ey/ScreenShot2013-04-05at162417.png
What I’m taking from all of this is that having Cox and Hankins as my DEs is pretty much my dream scenario.
Also worth considering is that Davis has mentioned his players stick to one side and don’t change depending on the offensive alignment (with regard to the SAM/Predator following strong/weak side of the play for example) meaning that the players on each side need to be able to play both positions.
Would the same apply for the DL? If we’re going with RDE and LDE designations where they play either 5-tech or 3-tech depending on which is the strong side then Cox’s versatility works well for us, but would be something to consider when drafting someone for the opposite side.
I’ve wondered the same thing in terms of LDE and RDE. If we are sticking to a side, Floyd seems to gain value in my mind over Star because while Star could play all three spots, I think he is probably best suited for 5-tech and NT. Floyd would fit in better with switching from 5-tech to 3-tech on any given play based on where the TE lines up (based on my untrained eye/opinion). On the other hand, if they are going to primarily play a specific technique rather than a specific side, Star seems like he has more potential as a 5-tech than Floyd and you could keep Cox as the 3-tech (hopefully that makes sense).
Floyd at 3-T and Cox at 5-T. I’m sold. But I am starting to love these OTs more and more too.
Let’s say it goes:
1. Luke Joeckel
2. Geno Smith
3. Star Lotulelei
Floyd vs Fisher vs Johnson. That’s tough…
Do you think Vinny Curry has the potential to move inside and play a 5 technique DE? He does lack the height but he’s not that far off from Justin Smith in terms of size he’s 6’4″ but was about the same weight coming out of college as Curry. Also Curry’s arm length is 32 3/4″ which isn’t that different from Watt’s (34″).
I find it hard to fathom. But who knows.
Re: DT Sheldon Richardson . . . Paging Austinfan
AUSTINFAN . . . I think you’ve argued for SR over Floyd and Star.
Do I have that right?
If so, how far down do you think the Birds could trade — assuming a willing partner — and still get Richardson?
I would be happy drafting Fisher, Joeckel, Floyd, Lotulelei, or Milliner at #4, and/or dropping back a few spots and taking someone like Lane Johnson later in the top 10.
The more I think about it, the more I absolutely hate the idea of drafting Geno Smith, however. I think the upside for him is Alex Smith, and I think it’s just as likely likely that he ends up being J.P. Losman or Blaine Gabbert – i.e., a quarterback who gets picked way too high because of perceived need and because he’s the tallest midget in the circus in a bad quarterback class, and ends up setting back the team 2-3 years and/or costing the coach/GM their jobs in the process. If any of those other players turn out only to be average starters rather than stars, they can at least still be useful, because an average starter at RT or CB or DT won’t kill you. But an average starter at QB is worthless, because you only have one starter and it’s the only position at which it is very hard to be a contending team unless he is above-average to elite. I don’t see a guy who was never elite in college suddenly putting it together in the pros, and indeed the track record for such things happening is pretty scant.
i was listening to warren sapp talk about cox and the eagles on one of them channels and he pretty much was saying the opposite about cox that you are, sometimes i think does sapp even have a clue about what he is talking about? He said cox is strictly a 3 tech. smh
3-tech is probably the preferred position for him.
Interesting thing with Sapp is that Oakland tried to use him as a 4-tech/5-tech and it was the worst year of his career, so Sapp may be projecting.
if i was in charge id trade back and draft 2 WRs, buts thats just because i love WRs. oh what WRs you ask, well tavon and one of justin hunter or da’rick rodgers.
Tommy, I told you last year that Bryce Brown would be the stud. So this year am giving you new stuff. Go long on Eric Fisher as 1st round pick; we need strong, athletic left tackle as 1st pick. I don’t see Eagles trading cause if Fisher is gone, they go Lane Johnson from OK. Okay, I hate being right two years in a row so just send me gift cards to Home Depot or something… So by the way, my picks for 2nd and 3rd rounds are: …. 2nd round J. Cypren, FSU; 3rd round V. McDonald., Rice…
From there, I give up… Everything is a bonus!!! Just draft for depth……
Regards,
J. Sullivan
Tommy:
Just wanted to send my condolences and wish you the best in these difficult times. Just like many others, I too was constantly hitting refresh wondering what in the world was going on. I was experiencing some Tommy withdrawal!
I am an avid sports fan, but have always had an extra special affinity for my Eagles. Since I discovered your writing a few years back, you have been my fix and go to #1 source for in-depth and objective analysis of my Eagles. I think it speaks volumes to your expertise and personality that so many of us were anxiously awaiting for you next Eagles-related post.
One draft question I have: Do you think Gus/the Jags are seriously interested in Dion Jordan or is that just a smokescreen? Like others, I do believe the Chiefs are a lock to select an OT with that first pick. In the situation that the Eagles are unable to trade out of their pick, who would be your top guy(s) if the following are selected picks 1-3: Joekel, Jordan, Fisher ????