Roseman on Mikell, Asomugha, Jarrett and the draft
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
Roseman on Mikell, Asomugha, Jarrett and the draft
Jonathan Tamari
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman talked to us about a wide range of issues Tuesday, including outside criticism of Jaiquawn Jarrett’s ability in pass coverage, thoughts on Curtis Marsh and the future of Quintin Mikell. Some of that, which didn’t fit into today’s story, is below.
For the most part, though, our focus was the draft, how he decided on Danny Watkins and whether the Eagles tried to move up in the first round, specifically to get Prince Amukamara, who fell all the way to the Giants at 19.
What emerged was Roseman’s telling of how the draft came together, which I wrote about today. We thought it was worthwhile to get the perspective of one of the team’s top decision makers, even though it comes with an obvious pro-Eagles gloss.
It wasn’t surprising that Roseman talked about how much the team liked Watkins all along. What would have been stunning would have been if he, or any GM, said, ‘actually, we really liked this other guy but couldn’t trade up and so we settled.’
Still, that doesn’t mean Roseman doesn’t like the Watkins pick. He made a convincing case, to me at least, that if the Eagles were going to choose at 23, they were thrilled to have the Baylor guard.
“That doesn’t mean there weren’t other guys that we really liked in this draft, but we were really excited to get him with our 23rd pick,” Roseman said.
What was less clear was how hard the Eagles pursued a move up in the first round, to either get Amukamara or one of the pass rushing defensive ends that came off the board. I think you can be pretty sure that the team, which loves to make moves, at least poked around to find out what the going price was for a higher pick. It can be true that the Eagles liked Watkins at 23 (which Roseman said) and also true that they checked into moving up (which he was less clear about).
“You always look into what things would cost to get up there, but we felt very comfortable,” picking at 23, Roseman said.
Which could mean one of several things:
-- the Eagles tried to move up and couldn’t find a willing trade partner
-- the Eagles looked into moving up and decided they liked Watkins and their full complement of later picks better than the guys in the 15 to 22 range -- which would imply that they weren't enamored with any of the guys there, including Amukamara.
Getting anyone in the organization to say this close to draft day that they tried to move up is unlikely: it would require them saying they attempted a move and failed, and send a signal that Watkins was a fall back option.
“We felt comfortable where we were in the draft about getting a good player (Watkins) and we really liked having the flexibility of having a bunch of these picks,” later, Roseman said.
On other issues:
Roseman on the questions about Jarrett’s speed and ability to cover NFL receivers:
“He’s got a great feel for routes, so he’s positioning himself where that’s not an issue. You didn’t see it on the field.”
There’s a lot of debate about whether Jarrett could have been had later. It all hinges on how he plays. If he turns out to be great, no one will complain that Roseman should have waited until round 3 or 4 to pull the trigger – fans will just be happy to have him on their side. If he plays poorly, the mistake will be magnified.
On Mikell’s future:
When we asked about safety, Roseman listed every player at the position – naming Jarrett, Nate Allen, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson and even Jamar Adams – before he got around to talking about Mikell.
“Obviously at some point he’s going to be a free agent, and when you have an opportunity to get a player that’s the best available player at that position, that’s something that we just felt we had to do,” Roseman said. “We have a lot of respect for Quintin Mikell as a player and as a person.”
But it didn’t sound like they have much interest in keeping him on the team.
On Curtis Marsh and his relative inexperience at cornerback, having just moved to the position in 2009:
“You don’t watch the tape of Curtis Marsh and feel like this is a guy who’s not an experienced player.”
While the Eagles passed on Miami corner Brandon Harris, considered small for the position, Roseman said Marsh has “prototypical height, speed, athletic ability, length.”
“You put on the tape and he’s got a feel for the game … it’s hard to get corners in any round that can do that sort of thing.”
On potentially spending big money for Nnamdi Asomugha, with the team already paying a big salary to fellow cornerback Asante Samuel:
“Everything’s a trade off. If you’re going to put a lot of resources at a particular position, then obviously you’re not going to be as strong elsewhere. You’ve just to go think about your team and think about what your priorities are.”
do people really think typing joe "nickles" banner is funny? it's an old name that makes ZERO sense. Esp to anyone who has followed this team. Do you people forget the Javon Kearse signing? What about Asante? This guy is more then happy to spend money when he thinks the player is right. I f-in love Brian Dawkins, my favorite Eagle of all time...but as bad as it hurt then, i'll be the first to say Banner made the right move letting him walk. this is a young man's league and our D is built around speed. Dawkins had neither of those traits going for him.— cheesesteak17- Failing to sign Dawk was an epic failure that all experts agree on. He would never have gone to Denver if they showed him the respect he deserved and they offered a fair contract. REMEMBER, they were trying to resign...but at their cheap price. apox on em— greenflyer
- Dawkins was one of my favorite all time players, but it was the RIGHT move to let him leave. They DID offer him a fair contract, but the Broncos offered an INSANE contract. He played decent his first year in Denver and his play declined last year. It was the right move. The DUMB move was letting Sheldon Brown leave before having a suitable replacement!— irish72
Yes Boy Roseman will offer you nothing but what the company wants you to hear...This interview was a complete waste of time.— citysims- Yes, this article was a re-hash. And, yes, Howie isn't a GM anywhere there isn't a power coach like Andy running the show. If Andy ever goes, and they don't give max authority to next coach, then we are in serious trouble w/ a "football man" like Howie calling the player shots. Brrrr . . . that thought just gave me a cold chill!— wordsword
- I don't care of they sign another top CB. what they need to do is get a pass rusher that can put pressure on the opposing QB. We already know they are not going to throw to asante's side. That leaves a QB under pressure throwing to half of a football field. We don't have the DBacks to cover half of a field? Get a pass rusher!— penncrow19
- They are not going to give 20 % of their salary cap to 2 players in the same position. Do not get your hopes up.— SlinkTMP
- The Eagles should simply trade Kolb to AZ for DRC and a third, killing two birds with one stone and if they land Nnamdi trade Asante if it gets too expensive.— aalston21
- Geez people. The football people have nothing to write about just now. It ain't football season. Just have to write something to stay employed.— ACBaughman
- Don't get your hopes up for this season. The ending will be typical for them. They will lose to a team stocked with good and great players.— rustypop58
- Nooooo Keep Kolb I like him— Mustang35
- Fun stuff, who knows until the season really gets underway. Just hope we get some jazz from these new guys. Usually disappointing. Looking for more D,need more fast and nasty on D.— Eephus
- Cheesesteak, couldn't agree more. I'm tired of hearing about dawk. Love the guy,but get over it people. Allen was playing pretty good for a roookie until he got hurt. By the way people,Dawk only played in 11 games last year and didn't exactly kill it. Bottomline is he was offered a contract that he couldn't refuse. McDaniels had to have him...now look who's gone!? Thats what happens when you get rid of your best young talent for ageing veterans. Cheese lets not forget about OWENS,RUNYAN,PETERS,WEAVER,and the list goes on. Some of you make it sound like they really don't want to win a Super Bowl. I can't seem to find the logic in that arguement though. People are so quick to talk trash about what the eagles are gonna do or not do before it even takes place. Then theres the draft bashers..taking there shots because we didn't get a starting CB,we didn't get a pass rusher, we didn't get value...RELAX!!! theres still free agents and undrafted free agents to improve the roster before the season. Back to the value thing...nobody really knows what kind a value a player presents until they get in a actual NFL game. Everyone is so quick to jump on the bandwagon of the draft analyst's Picks. If Todd McShay,Mel Kiper Jr.,and Mike Mayock were such great personel guys they would be getting paid millions by some NFL team to make all there picks. I liked the draft and I think we'll get some impact players in free agency...CAN'T WAIT!...GO EAGLES!!!— Eaglecheesehead
- Good article, good information and analysis. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.— PHLtoLAX
- I love the Philly know it alls .... guys in their mommys basement talkin about how this can't do this or that guy can't do that ... blah blah blah ...... the truth is Andy and co are one of the better drafting teams as far as value ... i have seen a chart don't remember where use google and look it up ..... As far as this draft i liked it. Watkins is solid and will allow Herrimens to move to RT where he should have been years ago. They got a safety IMo will be very good. and they got a bunch of depth and a really talented LB for once. all good job Andy for the draft. Now as far ad free agency goes i wouldn't take Nnamdi .... I would sign a cheaper player like Richard Marshall or 22 from the bengals his name aludes me but i really really like him. And as far as pass rusher .... I think they are fine. I love Ricky Sapp especially with the Dline coach they have ... and the kid from canada is going to be great at either backer or line but as a passs rusher look up his high lights seriously hes going to be good. I think they are going to trade kolb for the DT from Arizona i can never remember his name .... but he plays the 5 for them he will play the 3 or 4 for us and give us the rush up front. All in all with few moves when the lock out ends they are every bit as good as the Packers with maybe a more dynamic offense. I look forword to the playoff rematch with the pack and hopefully a win this time for us. Go Vick Go Andy Go birds— andyreidisfat
