It’s good to see that my man over at NFL Draft Countdown change his pick for the Eagles in his mock draft. Perhaps he heeded to my feedback that the Eagles simply do not draft linebackers in the first round. He previously had the Eagles taking Missouri LB Sean Witherspoon, who he now has going #19 to the Atlanta Falcons.
In his updated mock draft, he has the Eagles taking USC DE Everson Griffen with the 24th pick and I think he got this one on the money.
Griffen is a guy the Eagles could really use to boost their DEs and Griffen has killer speed, which would could form into a nice pass-rushing duo with Trent Cole on 3rd down. I could see Abiamiri being the 1st and 2nd down DE with Griffen coming in on 3rd down.
Griffen comes in at 6’3″, 273 lbs., and the guy ran an impressive 4.64 at the combine. That ranks 2nd amongst DEs an a mere 0.02 behind Dexter Davis.
Here is his summary for the Eagles 24th pick in the 2010 draft:
Over the past decade or so it has become quite obvious that the Eagles place a high priority on their defensive line, having spent considerable resources in both the draft and free agency on ends and tackles. Statistically speaking the Iggles ranked among the best in the league when it came to sacks in 2009 but word is they are motivated to bring in an upgrade at defensive end. USC’s Everson Griffen was a big-time recruit coming out of high school who underachieved his first two years with the Trojans. However, Griffen finally began to hit his stride as a junior and opted to strike while the iron was hot and go pro. A terrific athlete with a great blend of size and speed, Griffen will likely be selected based more on his untapped potential than actual production but there is no denying that he has first round talent. Philly could also use some help at linebacker, where they’ve been mix and matching mediocre youngsters and washed up veterans for years. However, even though Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon would appear to be a perfect fit for Philly here the team just hasn’t seemed inclined to make a substantial investment in that position for some reason. Don’t rule out an offensive lineman either because they still have some question marks there and that is another position that the Eagles have tended to target early and often.
I don’t think linebacker is a priority for the Eagles in the draft. Period. Stewart Bradley will be back and healthy next season. Akeem Jordan, Omar Gaither, and Chris Gocong are all viable starters. Don’t forget about Joe Mays, Tracy White, and Moise Fokui, who are all solid reserves. Unfortunately, Will Witherspoon is now a Titan, but the Eagles have 7 solid linebackers on their roster so there’s no need to draft a linebacker in the first three rounds.
The priority for the Eagles going into the draft will unquestionably be offensive line, defensive line, and secondary. I see the Eagles wanting to boost their offensive line after countless injuries and giving up way too many sacks to the Cowboys as their #1 priority in this year’s draft.
I could also see the Eagles drafting a CB or DE in the first round if the right player falls into their lap.
Let’s learn more about this Everson Griffin kid. If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then a video must be worth 10,000. Let’s take a look at the game tape. Some impressive highlights from the guy who had 8 sacks this past season. However, a look at his Oregon game doesn’t make a compelling case.
– The Eagles have signed veteran tight end Alex Smith to a one-year deal worth $1 million. Smith was released by the Patriots on Sunday. The Eagles released tight end Tony Curtis to make room for Smith, who is a third-round pick of Tampa Bay in 2005. He’s been in the area of 250-400 yards and 3 TDs per season in his last 4 seasons with the Bucs. Curtis was more of a blocking TE, whereas Smith is more valuable for the Eagles in the passing game.
– Macho Harris and Omar Gaither have officially been announced as the starters this Sunday.
– The Eagles are 2-point favorites this Sunday against the Panthers.
The Eagles roster has been set. A.J. Feeley was released this morning. Fenuki Tupouhas been placed on IR.
The loss of Stewart Bradley now becomes glaring on the depth chart with a few new names at the LB position. Here’s a good read on rookie LB Moise Fokuo, Fokou who? Word is also going around that Macho Harris may have the starting FS role over Quintin Demps.
It’s also good to know that Danny Amendola and Jack Ikegwuonu have been added to the practice squad. The practice squad also includes guards Paul Fanaika and Mike Gibson.
Quarterbacks (3) – Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb, Michael Vick
Running Backs (3) – Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy, Eldra Buckley
Fullback (1) – Leonard Weaver
Wide Receivers (7) – DeSean Jackson, Kevin Curtis, Jason Avant, Jeremy Maclin, Reggie Brown, Hank Baskett, Brandon Gibson
Tight Ends (2) - Brent Celek, Tony Curtis
Offensive Lineman (10) - Jason Peters, Todd Herremans, Jamaal Jackson, Stacy Andrews, Shawn Andrews, Nick Cole, Max Jean-Gilles, Winston Justice, Mike McGlynn, King Dunlap
Defensive Lineman (9) – Trent Cole, Brodrick Bunkley, Mike Patterson, Victor Abiamiri, Chris Clemons, Juqau Parker, Jason Babin, Darren Howard, Trevor Laws
Linebackers (6) – Chris Gocong, Omar Gaither, Akeem Jordan, Joe Mays, Moise Fokou, Tracy White
It’s official, Steward Bradley officially has a torn ACL and will be out for the season. What a loss that is to a defense that has already lost you know who. I’m confident Joe Mays or Omar Gaither will step up, but Bradley was due for a Pro-Bowl season this year.
In a Jeremy Maclin update, he is still unsigned, but the Broncos have inked their 1st-round draft pick, Robert Ayers. Ayers was selected 18th, just a pick ahead of Maclin, so the Maclin deal should be coming soon.
Sheldon Brown Demands Trade [The 700 Level] — I’m so sick of pro athletes complaining over contracts. You’re being paid 8 figures to do something you love. When you sign a contract early in your career, you have to realize that your accepting financial security over giving up some money in the event that your talent hasn’t been fully reached. It’s natural for the guy who signs a contract after you to get paid more money, especially if there is a high demand for that position. Get over it. Shut the fuck up, cash your $5 million check for one season, and play. If you want to blame someone, blame your agent.
Now, I love Sheldon Brown. I love his play on the field and I particularly love his blunt and candid interviews. Good thing the Eagles said they will not entertain a trade whatsoever. Asante and Sheldon could be the best CB tandem in the league. Let’s hope this doesn’t blow up into a distraction this season.
Eagles may trade up to draft Moreno [Bleeding Green Nation] — YES! Potential trading partners would be New Orleans at 14 or Houston at 15. We need to make sure that we draft before the Chargers, Broncos, and Jets at 16, 17, and 18. I’m wondering what the cost would be. I don’t see the Eagles giving up the 21st and their 3rd-rounder to move up 6-7 spots to grab him. Or maybe they would. I would be extremely satisfied with Knowshon Moreno and Chase Coffman on Day 1 of the draft, but we’ll be without any 3rd and 4th round picks. However, we will have 4 5th-rounders. Would a deal of the 21st pick, a 2009 5th-round pick, and a 2010 4th-round pick be enough to move up to 14? I don’t know. Somebody go grab an NFL value chart and let me know what it would take to get a deal done with New Orleans at 14.
Possible Trade Bait [Inside the Iggles] — Could Juqua Parker, Omar Gaither, Reggie Brown be used in a deal?
Do we have to worry about Shawn Andrews? [Iggles Blog] — You know contracts are a bitch when you’re arguably better than your brother and your college roommate, but they’re both making more money than you. Shawn Andrews signed a 10 year, $35 million deal back in 2006. Do you think he’ll start speaking up about his contract? When your undrafted college roommate (Jason Peters) is almost making twice than you and you’re a first-round pick, that could be pretty annoying. Let’s hope Shawn is cool with it.
Walter Football DOES NOT like the Peters Trade [Walter Football] — The guy did give up 11.5 sacks in 13 games last year. Let’s hope that’s because he missed some camp and was unhappy about his contract and that he returns to his 2006-2007 form.
Andy Reid’s Play Chart REVEALED [The 700 Level] — My favorite: Greg Lewis (Token Catch). Buckhalter (Let him on field 1-2 snaps). Baskett (Fade, use sparingly).
“I guess he felt his normal mild-mannered self wasn’t working,” linebacker Omar Gaither said. “With Coach Reid, when the volume goes up and he starts turning red, you start paying a little more attention.”
Jay’s Day 1, Morning Practice Review: A perspective other than Dave Spadaro. Donovan McNabb/DeSean Jackson:
After viewing the Eagles morning practice today, I was pretty impressed with what I saw. I began the day, obviously, by watching Donovan McNabb in action to see how our franchise player looked. He began his practice by throwing some quick outs and flare patterns, followed by launching some deep balls to the rookie wide receivers including DeSean Jackson. I mention Jackson specifically, since his presence on the field was very apparent to the point that it almost seemed as though McNabb was targeting the first year rookie, out of California, during the drills. This is great to see since good QB/WR chemistry (especially with a rookie WR) is a huge factor in determining how well the offense will get things done this coming season. Although McNabb’s knee injury seemed not to bother him, I couldn’t help but notice the signs of rust from his shoulder injury that he and the team have been calling a “non-issue” during the QB drills. But it was not only me who felt this way. Perez and Jordan from Downingtown, Pa said, “He (McNabb) seems to be in the best shape we’ve seen him in the last three years. His arm strength was great, but his throws seemed to come out a bit wobbly”. Jeff of Emmaus, Pa added, “Donovan looked to be in great shape and threw some great deep balls to DeSean Jackson. I must admit, however, that he wasn’t throwing a very pretty ball”. Like Jeff, I was a bit discouraged by #5′s throws but was amazed by the pure speed and agility of DeSean Jackson. The only knock on the rookie today was the many drops I witnessed during his workout. Let’s hope these drops only last another few days until he learns the “ins and outs” of Marty Mornhinweg’s offense. Joe, a veteran Eagle fan from Philadelphia said of Jackson, “Although DeSean looked good and had some spectacular moves and catches, I’m afraid he’s gonna turn out to be a ‘hot dog’ on the field”. When asked what he thought about the Eagle QB situation Joe replied, “McNabb may have looked rusty, but that’s normal. He is a proven veteran and leader and will be ready for opening day. But what really stood out to me, was how good Kevin Kolb looked. To me, he had just as much zip on the ball as Donovan, and at times seemed to outplay him (McNabb) and Feeley on this first day of training camp”.
The Linebackers:
After watching the offense for a good 35 minutes, I got up and walked over to where the rookie linebackers were getting some work in. I must say that I was completely blown away by how good our young LB corp looks. The presumtive starters at the LB position include 2nd-year man Stewart Bradley, Omar Gaither and Chris Gocong, but any of the other six LBs could fill the void if one of the starters were to go down. The only problem I can think of concerning the LBs is that there is no possible way that we will be able to pay and/or keep all of these young studs, and will inevitably lose some of these guys to other contenders in the NFL that need help at the LB position. The Eagles must decide decisively and quickly which of these linebackers they need to keep around the huddle.
To conclude, practice ended a bit early, around 10:25am, just as the heat began to wear down not only the players, but the spectators as well. Afternoon practice is scheduled for 3:30pm.
It’s good to see that my man over at
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