Archive: February, 2013
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
Entering the player acquisition period of the offseason, it's worthwhile to focus on the defensive line. By releasing Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson earlier this week, the Eagles have only three surefire, true defensive linemen for the 3-4 defense/4-3 under they're expected to play. (Brandon Graham, Trent Cole, Vinny Curry, and Phillip Hunt are likely to become pass rushers in the new defense and must also drop back in coverage. However, nothing is set it stone.) So these are the three players to pay attention to, and how they fit:
FLETCHER COX -- There is no player on the defense who generated more excitement from those in the Eagles organization than Cox, a a 6-foot-4, 298-pounder who can play in any system. Cox would like be the "three-technique" tackle, and he'll line up between the guard and the tackle. (This could also be an end in the 3-4.) "He can be an end, a 3-technique, a nose tackle, he can be a 5-technique,a 4-technique," general manager Howie Roseman said. "He's got an incredible skill set. He does all those things really well. I think you're looking for a jump from him year one to year two."
Cox recorded 5.5 sacks last season. The Eagles love his versatility, his size/speed combination, and his personality. He's also notably young; Cox will not turn 23 until December. By comparison, Star Loutlelei is already 23, as is Ziggy Ansah. And Dion Jordan will be 23 when next season begins.
You can put Cox into the starting lineup with a pen.
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
The NFL Scouting Combine has concluded, and now teams will go back over their pre-combine draft board and have a better idea of the prospects based on medical examinations, interviews, and physical testing. In some cases, players move up and down. In most cases, the Combine is a way to verify what is deduced from scouting.
After talking with prospects, coaches, executives, and more, here are five observations from the Combine:
1. Protect the passer, rush the passer
Philly.com Sports
The Eagles released Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson Monday, clearing up cap space. The Inquirer's Jeff McLane and CineSport's Noah Coslov discuss which free agents the Eagles should target.
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Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
INDIANAPOLIS -- Potential Eagles draft prospect Dion Jordan, a pass rusher from Oregon, will miss 3-4 months because of shoulder surgery. Jordan is expected to undergo surgery after he leaves the Scouting Combine to rectify a labrum injury sustained in the middle of last season.
The injury could theoretically affect Jordan's draft stock, although he'll likely be back in time for training camp. Jordan has not yet met with the Eagles in Indianapolis, although the Eagles coaching staff already has a good idea about Jordan and his personality.
Jordan, who measured at nearly 6-foot-7 and 248 pounds, started his career on offense before he was moved by Chip Kelly. His position coach was Jerry Azzinaro, who became the defensive line coach with the Eagles.
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Oregon running back Kenjon Barner did not sound surprised that Chip Kelly added a sports science coordinator. Barner said science was a consistent emphasis of Kelly's at Oregon.
“Everything that we did at Oregon was based on science,” Barner said. “How we practiced, what time we practiced, what time we started practice, what time we ended meetings, how we ate, how we rehabbed. Just everything was based on science. He was always looking something up, always bringing some type of fact or number to us in a meeting.”
Barner is a self-admitted "night owl" who was curious about the need for more sleep. Kelly would often ask what time Barner went to sleep the night before.
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
When Syracuse offensive lineman Justin Pugh played Temple this season, he had 220 friends and family from Holland, Pa., representing the "Pugh Crew."
"They definitely want me to go to the Eagles," said Pugh, a promising offensive lineman who went to Council Rock South.
Pugh met with the Eagles on Wednesday night and was due to meet with them again on Thursday. He projects as a tackle or guard and is hoping to sneak into the first round.
Philly.com Sports
Are Nick Foles and Nnamdi Asomugha in Chip Kelly's future plans in Philadelphia? The Inquirer's Jeff McLane tells CineSport's Brian Clark from the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
INDIANAPOLIS -- If the Eagles switch to a 3-4 defense, it's expected that Fletcher Cox and Mychal Kendricks will be able to adjust. But there are more questions about other players on the roster.
One of the key positions is nose tackle. Antonio Dixon, who is 6-foot-3, 322 pounds and 27 years old, would seem a potential candidate for the spot. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman sounded confident on Thursday that Dixon could play that spot.
“I don’t think any question about it," Roseman said. "That’s his skill set. He has good use of his hands. He’s a run stopper. He’s what you’re going to look for if you’re going to look for a nose tackle.”
- Poll: Which QB fits best in Chip Kelly’s system? (3378 votes)
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
INDIANAPOLIS -- Whether the Eagles are trying to raise the price or are genuinely excited about Nick Foles, both coach Chip Kelly and general manager Howie Roseman were outspoken in their support for the second-year quarterback
"I want to coach Nick and I want to get a chance to spend time with him and see him," Kelly said. "I’ve said it before, I was a big fan of his – the way he plays the game, his toughness, his ability to throw the ball very accurate. So hopefully I get a chance to get him out on the practice field and we can see what Nick has.”
Kelly also said there have not been any internal discussions about trading Foles. Foles has been linked to the Kansas City Chiefs, where Andy Reid coaches. Reid said Foles is a member of the Eagles, and noted that Roseman drafted Foles, too.
