When It Comes to the Draft, It’s Okay to Covet

Posted: May 7th, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 51 Comments »

I like WR Mike Evans. A lot. He’s huge at 6-5, 231. He is a good athlete than can make some spectacular plays. You’ll see him make an incredibly difficult catch on the sideline or catch a pass over the middle and then race down the field for a long TD, with no one able to catch up to him.

While I like Evans, I don’t covet him.

Sammy Watkins is the WR I covet.

I think Watkins has a chance to be a great player. Not just a chance, actually. I believe Watkins will be a great player. I’ve watched a lot of him at Clemson and he’s impressed me for 3 years. He is the complete package. Watkins can beat you with size/strength, athleticism, skill and effort. Few players are as complete.

Watkins is a player I would pay a steep price for in a trade-up scenario. For Evans, the price would have to be right.

The Eagles like both players and are making calls about them, but it isn’t likely that anything happens. One, or both, will be gone very early. There is some chatter tonight that Evans could actually be the first one of the duo to get picked. That would blow me away. I can see where some teams might fall in love with Evans size. Huge WRs that have good athletic ability aren’t easy to find and they can be major difference-makers.

The difference for me is that I believe in Watkins. I expect him to be great. I think Evans has that potential, but I don’t feel the same sense of certainty.

As much as I would love to get Watkins, I can’t envision a realistic scenario where the Eagles can move up for him without making a ridiculous offer. Evans could slide just outside the Top 10. If that happens, maybe you get him by simply giving up your 2nd round pick from this year. There are some teams short of picks that might be willing to accept a lesser deal to move back.

I would prefer that the Eagles not give up a 2nd rounder to get Evans, but I won’t complain too much if they do. I trust Chip Kelly and if that is a guy he covets, so be it.

It can be tough to figure out who you like and who you covet. And not every player you covet has to be a 1st rounder. Part of loving a player could be the fact that he would be good value. There aren’t any guys like that in this draft. Lamarcus Joyner is the closest one for me. I just wish he had gone to the Combine at 195 pounds instead of 184.

* * * * *

I wrote a piece for BGN on the Eagles and their RB situation. I’m not a huge fan of adding a runner early in this draft, but Kelly and the Eagles might just do that.

* * * * *

Here is my All Tommy Team. I choose this every year. It is a list of my favorite non-1st rounders. Normally there are more small school guys than this on the list, but I wasn’t able to watch as much I-AA football this past season.

The fact I like these guys has nothing to do with the Eagles. I just enjoyed watching them on tape. They’re all tough, physical and competitive. A couple are undersized. Chip Kelly may not want those guys, but they can be a lot of fun to watch.

WR Shaq Evans – UCLA
WR Robert Herron – Wyoming
WR Jeremy Gallon – Michigan
QB David Fales – San Jose State
RB Tre Mason – Auburn
TE Arthur (Don’t call me Sam) Lynch – Georgia
OT Matt Patchan – Boston College
OG Gabe Jackson – Mississippi State
OC Tyler Larsen – Utah State
OG Brandon Linder – Miami
OT Michael Schofield – Michigan

DE Chris Smith – Arkansas
DT Khyri Thornton – Southern Miss
DT Shamar Stephen – UConn
DE Scott Crichton – Oregon State
LB Kyle Van Noy – BYU
ILB Chris Borland – Wisconsin
LB Jordan Zumwalt – UCLA
S Lamarcus Joyner – FSU
S Dion Bailey – USC
CB Baushad Breeland – Clemson
CB Terrance Mitchell – Oregon

_

51 Comments on “When It Comes to the Draft, It’s Okay to Covet”

  1. 1 Jamie Parker said at 8:48 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    If they could somehow make a trade up where they could land Watkins and keep their 2nd rounder to draft Attaochu, I’d be stoke as Hell. They’d have to give up picks next year too. Maybe pull off a mini Dikta.

  2. 2 Jack Waggoner said at 12:08 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    I’m not even sure a full Ditka would do it.

  3. 3 Charlie Kelly said at 8:55 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    im ready and willing to use future picks to move up for either sammy or evans… have some balls eagles!!! Getting Sammy would be…. WOW!!!! Chips AND Sammy??? MUST SEE TV!!!!

  4. 4 Cafone said at 9:10 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    I agree. Why not make a ridiculous offer? If this guy is going to be one of the best in the NFL, trade the whole draft for him and fill in the other pieces via free agency.

  5. 5 Insomniac said at 9:53 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    That’s how you end up as the Falcons last year.

  6. 6 Neil said at 10:23 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    Or Washington.

  7. 7 Jarrod said at 8:16 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Washington has alot more issues going on than just trading up for RG3. And I used the Atlanta argument before but has that trade really been bad for them? Record since they acquired Julio Jones

    2013 – 4-12 (Julio Jones only played 5 games)
    2012 – 13-3
    2011 – 10-6

  8. 8 D3FB said at 11:25 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Yes it left them without picks to help fix other positions with young talent. Their defense last year was basically all rookies, several of them UDFA’s. Their OL is a hot pile of crap. They need a bellcow RB.

  9. 9 Jack Waggoner said at 12:11 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    He’s known as Big Balls Chip for a reason…

  10. 10 A_T_G said at 9:15 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    I don’t like the idea of future picks (partly because this time of year would suck in the future) but I am warming to the idea of packaging picks to move up. We have seen plenty of moving back and being smarter than everyone else. I could live with going and getting the guy everyone knows is great.

  11. 11 Charlie Kelly said at 9:21 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    well next year we can compensate with FA. Lets take a shot… plus if we use future picks we still have picks in this draft AND we have guys to trade for some more picks… LETS DO IT!!!

  12. 12 Tumtum said at 11:45 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    I dunno finding a team that is a willing trade partner to get into the top 5 for Watkins would be tough in and of itself. Also history has not shown great results to those who sell their souls for one player.

  13. 13 dislikedisqus said at 9:15 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    Thanks Tommy for all your work this draft season. Really have enjoyed the posts. Looking forward to the next 72 hours.

  14. 14 A_T_G said at 9:15 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    So, the all-Tommy team still runs a 4-3, huh?

  15. 15 TommyLawlor said at 9:25 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    Yep. I ain’t runnin’ no stinkin’ 3-4.

  16. 16 Weapon Y said at 9:33 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    Big people beat up little people.

  17. 17 anon said at 9:41 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    I think you forgot Jarvis Landry

  18. 18 Insomniac said at 9:54 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    Tommy is anti-Landry.

  19. 19 Jamie Parker said at 10:15 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    Unless it’s Tom or Derek…

  20. 20 Arby1 said at 10:02 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    I’m hoping for an Eagles Shaq attack in the 7th round

  21. 21 Raul Estrada said at 10:36 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    Watkins? Let’s all hope he’s not related to a guy named Danny and if he is, he’s got the good genes.

  22. 22 Jerry Pomroy said at 11:43 PM on May 7th, 2014:

    I am very much in wait and see mode. I’d prefer a trade back to late 1st, high 2nd & picking up and extra 4th. Then my first pick would be Marcus Smith, followed by the best big WR on the board at 54 (hopefully that’s Robinson). In the 3rd, I’d be looking for Tre Mason & 4th I’m looking ILB. Maybe vice versa 3rd/4th.

  23. 23 PK_NZ said at 12:01 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Tommy keeps selling us the idea of a RB being drafted early…

    Perhaps he’s actually more connected than we know and the organisation has told him to ease the blow to the fan base. Because I’m sure they know how Igglesblitz is the site every Eagles fan that matters is following…

  24. 24 Jack Waggoner said at 12:16 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    I’m not opposed to making the big play trading up but I would never do it for a wide receiver.

  25. 25 SteveH said at 12:17 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Sticking to my guns, its gonna be Latimer.

  26. 26 Jack Waggoner said at 12:24 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Wouldn’t be surprised in the least.

  27. 27 Jack Waggoner said at 12:20 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Clowney is on Fallon now.

  28. 28 laeagle said at 12:27 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    “What does he do, this Tommy Lawlor of yours, Clarice? He COVETS.”

  29. 29 Jack Waggoner said at 12:29 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    How many QBs do you think will be taken before the Eagles pick?

  30. 30 Malcolm Jones said at 5:32 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    3- Vikings, Bucs, arizona, if i am there I am not letting these guys slip to the idiots who decided they can wait til round 2.

  31. 31 Aaron said at 12:50 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Being a SJ State Alumni, Its great to see you picked David Fales. It would be nice to see him in an Eagles uniform

  32. 32 SteveH said at 1:45 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Tommy! Give is a draft game! the Igglesblitz first annual draft challenge or somesuch. Someone’s gotta have bragging rights for the next 365.

  33. 33 Phils Goodman said at 1:53 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    If the Eagles make a big move up, drafting a WR wouldn’t make sense to me. The quality in this class runs 10-11 prospects deep (which is possibly into the 3rd round), while the release of Desean Jackson indicates a good level of faith in the system. I also don’t see why the Eagles would broadcast their intended target.

    On the other hand, a move up for a blue chip OLB when there’s such a big drop off after Mack and Barr looks more logical from here. An edge rusher like that would be a building block in the transition to the 3-4, making a costly trade up much more understandable.

  34. 34 eagleyankfan said at 7:36 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    But — the talent of those two wr’s are levels above the rest of the WR’s. IF(notice caps because it’s a big if) those WR are truly that talented, you may not see that talent come along for quite some time. You wait and draft an “ok” wr — well, that’s all you’re going to get. Stuck being mediocre ….
    Its funny that people say — no don’t move up for a WR because he’ll be a bust — but move up to get a (any player) because he’s worth it. Well, how do you know that player wouldn’t be a bust?

  35. 35 Anders said at 4:59 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    After watching more of Tre Mason, I want him on my team. Perfect backup to McCoy.

    I could see something like the below happen tonight.

    1st: Cody Latimer

    2nd: Troy Nicklas
    3rd: Tre Mason
    4th: Trai Turner

  36. 36 Insomniac said at 5:07 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    http://www.diamondenvy.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/michaelscott.jpg

  37. 37 Anders said at 5:09 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Just saying there is a great chance that a couple of the first picks are offense.

  38. 38 Insomniac said at 5:14 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    I know but just not Niklas and Mason. Sure Niklas could eventually replace Celek but is he worth picking over a more premium position? Mason will hardly get carries and snaps to have an impact unless Chip wants to do finally get a RB committee together.

  39. 39 Anders said at 5:19 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    My problem is I think there is a great chance guys like Attaochu and Smith are gone by 54 and I think Niklas can be the best TE in this draft.

    I do think Kelly wants to reduce McCoy’s carries, but he would only do it if he trusts the backup enough.
    The backup RB could easy see 100+ carries next year.

  40. 40 Insomniac said at 5:34 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    It doesn’t necessarily have to be an edge rusher. We need depth everywhere except RB. If Chip wants to handpick a RB2, I’m going to have to question Duce’s and Chip’s coaching. They already have a guy that could be refined into a top 10 RB in the league and not to mention Sproles now.

  41. 41 Anders said at 6:03 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Tons of players with talent never reaches it, not always the coaches fault.

    I really like Brown, but maybe Chip do not trust him enough?

    Also take the Hawks or the Niners, they are run based teams and keep drafting RBs despite have Gore and Beast mode and good potential backups.

  42. 42 Insomniac said at 6:48 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Everything would point towards Chip not having enough faith in any of our backup RBs. Maybe another year will give him the whole picture of what they can/can’t do well.

    And they all have been mediocre so far. They might be running teams but they don’t really have the traditional game manager you would expect from one. The Giants with Bradshaw/Jacobs/Ward were the only recent team that comes to mind that did it well.

  43. 43 Scott J said at 6:42 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Moving up falls into the category of filling-a-need and win-now mode, so I don’t think Roseman will do it for pick 22. He’ll stick to his take the best player available philosophy.

  44. 44 tball_man said at 7:07 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Thou shalt not trade up to acquire a wr for he shalt not become a difference maker. Thou shalt sh*t a brick of supreme bliss should thy Eagles trade up for thou coveted OLB in from front of thou cowgirls.

  45. 45 Poppi said at 7:26 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Why isn’t anybody talking about Dee Ford in the first round?

  46. 46 eagleyankfan said at 7:31 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    cause he’s not a first rounder…

  47. 47 D3FB said at 11:19 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Played LDE. Feasted on bad SEC RT’s. Wasn’t consistently productive. Played very little in two point stance and loses most of his burst from it. No experience dropping in coverage. Not a technician. One dimensional speed rusher. Gets killed in the run game. Short with average to subpar arm length. His “stock” was way too high from senior bowl practices.

  48. 48 eagleyankfan said at 7:41 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    My vote is that Chip gets the job done. If that’s blowing the next 2 year draft picks to get the WR talent HE thinks is worth it, I’m on board. What I’m tired of not winning, pure and simple. I want a draft that puts us on the path to the SB. It’s like keeping Nate Allen. If you want to stop teams like the Saints — Nate Allen is not going to help. Get the right players please.

  49. 49 GermanEagle said at 7:57 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    ***Radio City Music Hall Roll Call***

    Anyone up for attending the Draft on Friday?!

    Since I moved to New York I am seriously considering watching it LIVE this year. As I understand from GEAGLE he may be coming too.

    So unless the Eagles trade away all of their second day picks for Sammy Watkins there’s the once in a lifetime chance for a ‘meet & greet’ with GermanEagle.

    #flyeaglesfly

  50. 50 Larry said at 8:27 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    Tommy, I agree with you about Watkins. I follow Clemson and for 3 years I’ve been hoping there was a way we could draft him. With him on our team, fans would forget about Jackson in a nano-second. Defensive coordinators on teams we are playing this year would hand in their resignation tomorrow.

  51. 51 bill said at 8:44 AM on May 8th, 2014:

    (Maybe not so) Bold prediction – the Niners trade up with the Cowboys and grab a WR (ODB?) Cowboys’ first draft pick will be a RB.