Allen Seems Close, Graham Not So Much
The Philadelphia Daily News - Eagletarian
Allen Seems Close, Graham Not So Much
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
Eagles rookies are scheduled to report to Lehigh tomorrow afternoon. Indications today, from a source close to the situation, are that second-round safety Nate Allen might be signed by then. First-round defensive end Brandon Graham probably will not be, a source said.
As you would expect, there have been more second-round signings than first-round signings so far, including today's 
inking of Patriots' second-round tight end Rob Gronkowski. The Pats reportedly got around the logjam that has emerged over the payment of option bonuses in a league that has no CBA beyond this season by giving Gronkowski a playing-time incentive; perhaps we can expect something similar in an Allen deal. Allen agent Todd France has not responded to a request for comment. Gronkowski was selected 42nd overall, Allen 37th.
In the second round, DT Brian Price, taken 35th overall, has signed with the Bucs, as has 55th selection Sean Lee, the Penn State LB taken by the Cowboys. Dallas WR Dez Bryant, drafted 24th, is the only first-rounder to sign so far. Because the first-round framework seems far from set, the Eagles' discussions with Graham's agent, Joel Segal, have so far been preliminary. Segal has not responded to a request for comment.
Graham is expected to compete for the DE spot opposite Trent Cole. At minicamps, he flatly declared he would be signed when camp started, a stance he later had to adjust. Graham later said he would report and attend meetings but just not take the field if he remained unsigned. Unfortunately, that isn't allowed, as Segal no doubt has subsequently informed his client.
Getting Allen on the field right away is probably more crucial, given that he is the presumptive starting free safety heading into training camp, after Marlin Jackson's season ended in minicamp with an Achilles' tear. Allen also plays a more complex position in the Birds' defense than Graham. Graham can probably miss a week or so, as first-round WR Jeremy Maclin did last year, without seriously damaging his chance to play a lot as a rookie. Anything more than that could be a real problem, especially with free-agent newcomer Darryl Tapp intent on proving his mettle as a potential starter.
Among those expected to report tomorrow afternoon are the team's quarterbacks, including embattled Michael Vick, who has not yet spoken to reporters about the situation at his 30th birthday party last month in Virginia, where a former dogfighting codefendant, Quanis Phillips, was shot in the leg. Police have said Vick will not be charged in the case. NFL commisioner Roger Goodell has not released the findings of the league's investigation, but the Eagles do not seem to expect Vick to be suspended.
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To see our previous post on Winston Justice's new addition, plus updates on Cornelius Ingram, Michael Vick and Brian Westbrook, click here.
It is great to hear that Nate Allen is close to signing because he is going to have to have a big year for the eagles. The Eagles have not found that replacement lefy by dawkins and allen seems like he is that guy. As for Brandon Graham, I would love to see him in camp on monday but it is not going to happen. He is going to have to have a big impact on the eagles pass rush in 2010 so he needs to sign soon to so he can learn the defense and get those snaps against the offensive lineman.— briandawkins20
What we have ourselves here is a teachable moment. Come learn all you GM's how the Eagles' Front Office helps the player find his pen.— mccloudmj- This defense is going to be terrible. Our D-line has one stand out (Cole), L.B.'s are weak(until Bradly can cover a R.B. and T.E. you can't consider him a great L.B) if Sammuel is not getting a pick, he's getting burnt and any backfield with Macho Harris in it is a bad backfield. Long season ahead
it seems that rookies not signed on the eagles pretty much never recover the whole season. they wind up missing too much and take forever to get up to speed. even guys that just miss a couple days wind up way behind. and although the eagles say no, it feels like they are in a tiny dog house because of it. unless this guy comes in a reggie white reincarnated, he's gonna suffer.— Evilvet- Long season for the D, i agree. If Hobbs is a starting CB it is bad. Offense will have to score 30 a game cause the D will give up 28 easy.— hititwheretheyaint
You guys are morons. Last season the linebacker position was revolving door of special teams guys and retreads like Trotter who had no business being on the field. The DB's were also injury ridden. Hobbs, Samuel, and Brown were all hurt at some point, and Hanson was suspended. The team was vulnerable to a power running game, but the return of Bradley and addition of Sims should help resolve that issue. Hobbs and Samuel were the starters on a Patriots team that went 18-0! Seriously, you think they can't play? The team went 11-5 last season while just about every importantant player got hurt. )McNabb, Westbrook, Jackson, Bradley, etc) They have reloaded the D with good players, like Sims and Tapp, plus drafted a truckload of young defensive players. As long as Kolb doesn't turn the ball over too much they will win at least 10. If he plays up to the potential that guys like Jaws, Baldinger and others talk about they could win 12-14.
Comment removed.- Way too early to be dumping on the D. Hard to evaluate with all the new faces and rookies, but how could it be worse than last year? Let's see what they have on the field before we bury them. Agree Graham and Allen need to get to camp this week latest.— Z-Force
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- The Eagles will have one of the best defenses in the nfl in 2010 and the Eagles can easily wil 12-14 games because the offense and defense is that good. The Eagles will also have the best defensive line in football.— briandawkins20
- Samuel only playmaker in D but he does not wreck havoc ala an LT of old or Butkus. Still think the philosophy of small and speedy translates into soft and weak— davi
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I don't know what's worse: "briandawkins20" thinking the eagles will win 12-14 games, or "McNabbtoMoss" thinking the Eagles will be one of the worse. Both of you must be on drugs.— TheBlank- Cliff Lee would be great at free safety— Larry G
