Cam Newton, DeSean and Chris T. Jones
There has been much discussion in the past 48 hours about a Cam Newton scouting report from Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly.
Here's what Nawrocki wrote:
Very disingenuous — has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup. Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them. Has an enormous ego with a sense of entitlement that continually invites trouble and makes him believe he is above the law — does not command respect from teammates and always will struggle to win a locker room. Only a one-year producer. Lacks accountability, focus and trustworthiness — is not punctual, seeks shortcuts and sets a bad example. Immature and has had issues with authority. Not dependable.
He goes on to say Newton is "overhyped" and has a "glaring bust factor."
Keep in mind that Nawrocki's job is to write what he thinks, based on what he's seen and conversations he's had with people in the league.
But also keep in mind that teams do their own research on every potential draftable player. In the end, scouts, coaches, GMs and owners have to decide whether talent and upside outweigh potential character and personality concerns.
Michael Tanier, who writes for Football Outsiders, the New York Times and other outlets, dug up Pro Football Weekly's scouting report on DeSean Jackson from 2008. Here's part of what it said:
Immature. Not a great worker. Difficult to manage. Talks too much and thinks he is better than he is.
Not exactly a ringing endorsement. Jackson has had his immature moments for sure, but there's no denying that the Eagles got a steal by taking him with the 49th overall pick.
One prospect this season to keep in mind with all the character/personality concerns is Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith. According to Tony Pauline of Draft Insider/SI.com, a number of teams have taken Smith off their boards. However, several mock drafts have the Birds going with Smith at No. 23.
Greg Cosell of NFL Films had high praise for Smith yesterday, Tweeting:
Definite similarities between Colorado CB Smith and Revis coming out of Pitt. Physical, challenging, aggressive. An NFL corner.
Again, if the Eagles think the character/personality issues have been overblown, and if they agree with Cosell about Smith's potential, the decision could be an easy one. But if they think the issues are warranted, then it becomes a more difficult decision, and the risk becomes greater.
CATCHING UP WITH CHRIS T.
Switching gears, ever wonder what Chris T. Jones is up to nowadays? OK, I didn't think so, but I know MTC readers always enjoy a little trip down memory lane, so I thought I'd pass along a link.
Jones, a third-round pick by the Eagles back in 1995, is making the most of his post-football career. He was recently inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame and works with abused and neglected youngsters in Florida.
Jones played three seasons with the Birds. In 1996, he caught 70 balls for 859 yards and five touchdowns. But an injury the following year during a preseason game derailed his career.
"I was going for extra yards against the Ravens," Jones told the Palm Beach Post. "Ray Lewis and another guy came on top of me and all of that weight came down on the knee."
Jones is 39. He played his college ball at Miami.
Thanks to Bleeding Green Nation for the link.
You can follow Moving the Chains on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Get it here.