A case for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
The highest profile unrestricted free agent on the Eagles is Dominqiue Rodgers-Cromartie. The Eagles did not use the franchise tag on Rodgers-Cromartie, and there's a wideheld perception that the team will move on from Rodgers-Cromartie.
A case for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
The top free agent on the Eagles is Dominqiue Rodgers-Cromartie. The Eagles did not use the franchise tag on Rodgers-Cromartie, and there's a wideheld perception that the team will move on from Rodgers-Cromartie. If that's the case, few will question the decision. Rodgers-Cromartie has been wildly inconsistent in his two seasons in Philadelphia, and as part of the high-profile acquisitions of 2011, he's one of the faces of the team's recent struggles.
But consider the very nature of free agency. It's rare that an elite player hits the market. In most cases, a free agent has some type of shortcoming that prompts a change in teams (production, system fit, age, money, etc.) -- and his current team is willing to live without him for a different player at a different price.
While there are solid cornerbacks on the market -- Sean Smith and Aqib Talib will be two of the top targets -- there is no unquestioned Pro Bowl-caliber player. And frankly, the last time one hit the market at that position (Nnamdi Asomugha), it did not work out so well.
With that said, it's worth reconsidering Rodgers-Cromartie. There will undoubtedly be a market for him. He's 6-foot-2 and 182 pounds with top-end speed that included a 4.33 40-yard dash at the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine. In terms of size/speed, it's hard to find many players who fit the prototype better than Rodgers-Cromartie.
Then look at production. He was a Pro Bowler in 2009 who has 16 career interceptions, including four touchdowns. He only had three interceptions during his two seasons with the Eagles, and two came in the same game (Sept. 9), which should be a concern. But there's also film of demonstrated production.
That's where the inconsistency comes into play. Depending upon which game one watches, you can see a prototype Pro Bowl cornerback, or a head-scratching underachiever. Of course, the same could be said other players on the market.
Then look at age. Rodgers-Cromartie will be 27 next season. That's a fertle age for a football player, right amid his prime. You can sign him to a four or five year deal, and get three strong years out of him. He has only missed three games in his career, so he does not have an injury history that raises an alarm. He enjoys Philadelphia and the Eagles organization, which is another plus.
The key for the team is to determine whether the past two seasons was an indication of the type of player Rodgers-Cromartie truly is, or whether that potential can still be maximized. He has warts, no doubts, but so do the other cornerbacks on the market. If he's going to flash his potential for a few games each season and struggle during the other games, that's not worth the price tag. But if the whole package can come together, then it is.
The Eagles can move on him from him and aggressively pursue Smith or Talib or Keenan Lewis or Derek Cox or Antoine Cason, but it's entirely conceivable that Rodgers-Cromartie can become the best cornerback from this class. In that respect, it's worth determining whether a new coaching staff and scheme -- a fresh start without a new address -- can benefit him. In fact, Rodgers-Cromartie's defensive coordinator during his Pro Bowl was Bill Davis, who is now the Eagles defensive coordinator. Perhaps Davis can maximize Rodgers-Cromartie's talent and find a way to rediscover that 2009 form.
When I was discussing Rodgers-Cromartie with the other cornerbacks on the Eagles roster, one thing Brandon Hughes told me really stuck out:
"He can be a Hall of Famer. I tell him that every day," Hughes said. "You don't get too many guys that can cut, break, quick as a cat, with ball skills. He can press you, he can play off. . . . He really doesn't lack a skill that you need to be successful at corner."
Those skills are not always applied, which is the trickiest issue. But someone who has those skills will be in demand.Maybe another team offers a Rodgers-Cromartie a deal that is too rich for the Eagles, or maybe the Eagles simply want to move on. Both would make sense. But if Rodgers-Cromartie fulfills his potential elsewhere, the Eagles will be left wondering what might have been.
So the Eagles believe they have to choose to keep either DRC OR Nnamdi. I vote neither, but they may believe they have to turn over too many other players & feel they should keep one.
Their choice is between a talented, too-occasionally disinterested younger player or a talented, too-occasionally disinterested older player.
DRC got his Pro Bowl invitation with Davis, but it was intersting to see Davis wasn't so hot to keep him. Keep DRC, but NOT if it involves a bidding war.— yobill626- Draft Dee Millner and the other corner spot won't be so important. A solid FA is all it will take. Dee has all of the skills speed & work ethic. Draft him and the other team's #1 receiver is covered for years to come.
- based on last year they both deserve to go but based on other needs we do not have that luxury. — dfc1234567
- Resign DRC, and bring back Nnamdi at a lower price. Focus attention on getting safeties! With proper help over the top, the corners will be perfectly fine.— macd41144
- when a cornerback pretends to not be able to fight off a block just so he can avoid making a tackle, he isnt capable of being an eagle.
case closed.
adios drc.— bloodymess - I second your motion to dismiss. Nnamdi and DRC's avoidance of tackling was disgusting. No team should want players like that. — fammarlin
- Unless you want Curtis Marsh and Brandon Hughes as your starting CB tandem, you need to keep DRC. Then draft Dee Milliner with the #4 pick. This draft has 6 offensive tackles who can start day 1. No need to go after Joeckel or Fisher with the Eagles' top pick. Lane Johnson in the 2nd round or Terron Armstead (4.7/40, 31 bench reps)in the 3rd.— EmanuelP
- the problem that i have with that is that we still don't have a QB. use #4 for CB, we will have the turnover machine at QB until the inevitable broken ribs...QB comes first — dfc1234567
- News flash: we aren't winning the Super Bowl this year. This is a rebuilding year. And nothing needs more rebuilding than the defense. Better QBs for Chip's offense coming out next year.
— EmanuelP - I don't think DRC is an elite player. Once in a while he plays like one, but usually he's mediocre. The main point is that DRC is not fulfilling his potential HERE, for reasons that have nothing to do with the Eagles. If he can do it elsewhere, fine. The Eagles would be much better off signing someone with a better attitude.— p-diddy
- I'm still puzzled as to why the Eagles hired Billy Davis as the d-coordinator. If Reid had made that move, people would be up in arms.— p-diddy
- p-diddy-At least Kelly hired an actual d-coordinator.— eaglesondefense
- I went to high school with Bill Davis.
That dude is football 24x7x365 even when he was 17.— 1000hugs - That doesn't make him a great defensive coordinator.
I am sex 24x7x365 especially when I was 17. Doesn't make me Warren Beatty.— kavorca - Seen enough of DRC and Non-d Dumpty...Marsh or Hughes can make the same mistakes at a lower price.— tpizza
