3 Eagles draft thoughts
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
3 Eagles draft thoughts
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
In no particular order, here are three thoughts that pertain to the Eagles and this month's NFL draft.
1. SCOUTING THE QBs
Over the weekend, I linked to a report that said the Eagles have worked out Arizona quarterback Nick Foles.
In one way or another, the Birds have been connected to Foles, Baylor's Robert Griffin III, Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill, San Diego State's Ryan Lindley and Wisconsin's Russell Wilson. The reports of private workouts and draft visits have led many to believe Andy Reid, Howie Roseman and company are serious about finding Michael Vick's successor in this month's draft.
But taking a closer look, this year isn't really much different than last year, in terms of doing due diligence on quarterback prospects. At this time last year, the Eagles had been linked to Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, Jake Locker, Greg McElroy, Tyrod Taylor and T.J. Yates. They ended up not selecting a quarterback at all.
Looking at the Eagles' current roster, picking a QB only makes sense if the personnel people believe the prospect has a high ceiling. In other words, do second-tier prospects like Cousins or Wilson have a significantly higher upside than Mike Kafka when you look two or three years down the road? That's the question the Eagles have to ask themselves. But my guess is the answer is probably no.
On the flip side, I tend to believe the murmurs that the Eagles at least considered making a move for Griffin. And if they view Tannehill to be a franchise quarterback, it's not out of the question that they'd try to trade up for him, although that seems unlikely. If they're going to spend a draft pick on a quarterback, the prospect has to be one of the few with a high ceiling. Drafting a second-tier prospect really doesn't get them anywhere.
NOTE: As Sam Lynch of IgglesBlitz.com pointed out on Twitter, Kafka is a free agent after 2013, so the Eagles could look to draft his replacement. Of course, if they go that route (and keep both QBs on the roster behind Michael Vick), it would indicate Kafka is the backup this season.
2. PLAYMAKERS ON OFFENSE?
While the Eagles' defense clearly could use a few more pieces, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Birds use a first- or second-round pick on another playmaker on offense.
They have some wiggle room at wide receiver. We know DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin are the starters, and while I appreciate everything Jason Avant brings as a slot receiver, the Eagles could upgrade there if the opportunity presents itself. According to Pro Football Focus, 19 of Maclin's 94 targets (20.2 percent) last season came when he was lined up in the slot. Not a huge percentage, but if the Eagles see a talented wide receiver who's better suited for the outside, maybe Maclin sees increased time inside.
The Birds have reportedly held a private workout with Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd, who's expected to be a first-round pick.
And then there's running back. LeSean McCoy played 894 snaps last season, the most of any running back in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. At the owners' meetings, Reid told reporters he might want to lighten McCoy's load a bit going forward. The problem last year was that Ronnie Brown simply wasn't very good, and Dion Lewis was a rookie who the coaches obviously didn't trust to play significant snaps.
But don't forget that reports indicated the Eagles had serious interest in Darren Sproles before he signed with the Saints. If they can find a versatile running back in the early rounds, perhaps they'd go that route.
Greg Cosell of NFL Films recently said on Twitter that Oregon's LaMichael James is a less physical version of Sproles. James had a combined 2,015 rushing and receiving yards last year, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. He is expected to be a second- or third-round pick.
The Eagles have also reportedly worked out Florida's Chris Rainey, who's expected to be a mid-to-late round pick.
By the way, don't rule out tight end, either. Brent Celek had a very good season, and while Clay Harbor has improved, the Eagles could look to bring someone in to compete with him, especially if they want to go to more two tight-end sets.
3. WHAT ABOUT CORNERBACK?
I've noted before in this space that cornerback could also make sense for this team. Asante Samuel is expected to be traded, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is entering the final year of his contract, and Nnamdi Asomugha will be 31 when the season starts.
But one name I haven't mentioned much is Joselio Hanson.
According to Football Outsiders' charting numbers, Hanson's production dropped off in 2011. Below is a chart comparing his 2010 to 2011. A reminder that success rate is defined as the percentage of passes that don't manage to get at least 45 percent of needed yards on first down, 60 percent of needed yards on second down, or 100 percent of needed yards on third down.
| Targets | Success Rate | Yds./Pass | Avg. YAC allowed | |
| 2010 | 48 | 63% | 5.0 | 1.4 |
| 2011 | 39 | 49% | 7.6 | 3.3 |
As you can see, his numbers got worse across the board. The targets are a little misleading too. He was on the field more in 2010. Last season, Hanson was targeted about 13.8 percent of the time he was in coverage. In 2010, that number was 10.7 percent.
The point here is not to rip Hanson. He's a decent player and the Eagles' best tackling cornerback. But remember, the team initially cut him before the season.
If they decide to upgrade Hanson's spot, a couple names to keep in mind: Alabama's DeQuan Menzie and Georgia's Brandon Boykin. Cosell has them pegged as two of the top slot corners in the draft. Both are expected to be mid-round picks.
While there is a perception that the Eagles completely changed how they used Asomugha and allowed him to stay on the right side as a press corner at the end of the season, that's not really true. Juan Castillo continued to use him in a variety of ways, including inside against tight ends. If that continues in 2012, and Samuel's gone, the Eagles need to make sure they have another talented corner they can trust at times on the outside.
In the first round, a couple corners expected to go in the second half of the first round are Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick and South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore.
You can follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.
Sheil, in terms of another wide receiver don't forget Rueben Randle. He's another good prospect who brings excellent speed to the outside. I think he's more impressive as a playmaker than Floyd.— soulman386- Absolutely agree with the QB assessment. Right on the money.
And while a DT (Poe, Brockers, Cox) or WR Floyd seem like "obvious" choices, I still would like to see them go after Kuechly. It would appear that he has the greatest potential to make an impact on the team this coming season. Putting him at the Weakside with Ryans in the middle (and Kuechly backing up in the middle), turns a weakness (LB's) into a strength.
Of course the Birds could fool us and go all in on Tannehill ... all TBD ...— FishFryFrank - Eagles need a decent return man, especially if DeSean is not going to do it on a regular basis.— willthethrill11
- its gotta be kuechly or kirkpatrick in the first.a red zone wr and dt in the second and fs to back up allen in the third.then maybe a backup rb.— Sean s.
- They need a replacement for, not backup to, Allen. I can't take watching him run his awful angles to the ball carrier. How many more times do we have to see him chase a guy from behind that he could have easily cut off. The guy constantly runs to where the ball carrier is, not to where they're going.
- Agreed with willthethrill, Birds need a KR that can double as a slot WR or back up RB.— FABER
- Randle is a sleeper pick. Reminds me alot of Andre Johnson, except less physical. Seems adept at crossing routes and YAC. In terms of the draft, there is no need for the Eagles to reach in the first 2 rounds. Best player available.— beegal99
- Any DC's available in this years draft?— ej610
- i woudnt say they have no needs sam will cb punter id say are needs— Sean s.
- Too difficult to determine first and second tier QBs. Outside of very few QBs, Its a crapshoot that is only hedged by opportunity and coaching by a given team. Brees and Brady were "second tier."— Sports4Life
- I think they need a running back to complement McCoy. What if he gets injured, then what happens? A large power-running back that can block would be a great addition. The need for a return man is obvious, also. The sense I get reading these posts is that mid round talent is pretty good, so the big choice is first round.— jerseyshorefan
- Hard time justifying picking a LB in the first round. On third downs, it is more likely that 1 LB will be on the field. Michael Floyd is intriquing, his leaping ability has been compared to Plax and Derrick Rose. They need a cover CB. As Sheil mentioned, on 3rd downs, Namdi lines up on the TE much like a Safety would and then 3 more CB's and 1 safety. Safety and LB are less important in today's NFL, but it doesn't mean they won't draft one in the mid-late rounds.— SilliBilli
- Don't be shocked if the Birds sign CFL star Gizmo Williams.— MidgeLavinsthighs
- They will take a DT with first pick. Thats a gimmie. Altough I like the floyd pick if he is there.— jersey shore drunk
- What happened to last year's 3rd round pick CB Curtis Marsh, with his two...total...career tackles? And who was picked three slots before All-Rookie Safety Chris Conte of the Chicago Bears?— chesapeake
- Maybe they bring in QBs to make assessments for if/when they'll face them during the season. Also, maybe Kafka has more trade value than we perceive.— T
- @— MidgeLavinsthighs
"like"— osi is hurt boohoo - 8-8 team that had to go 4-0 against mongrels in the final four to get there has no needs...intereesting...The Tonner knows, it was because the Eagles were the only team in the league that was negatively affected by the lockout.— hunglikeaton
- I agree that LaMichael James is a less physical version of Sproles. If he were Sproles, I'd say take him as high as necessary, including #15, even with McCoy right there. Since he's not, is he any better than Dion Lewis?— armchairGM
Coby Fleener, TE from Stanford. 6'6 (perfect big redzone target) and ran a 4.45. He can line up outside in certain sets while Maclin hits the slot. Versatile players are incredibly valuable, especially on offense. He lined up as an H back many times for Stanford, and he can block. Move Clay Harbor to FB.— EmanuelP- They should pick Michael Floyd if available,the NFL is becoming an offensive minded league with less emphasis on defense. That's why the Giants won last year, because they had a less mediocre defense than all of the teams that they played, except San Fran, and they should have lost that game!The more ways you have to put up points,the more likely you are to be successful in todays NFL.The Reggie White/Jerome Brown/Wes Hopkins and the rest defense set records, finished first in the NFL and did not even make the NFC championship game! The last true defense to win an SB was the Ravens,the last 2 times the Giants won, not taking anything away from them BECAUSE THEY WON, but they were mediocre and plain sorry at certain points of the season. They won because they played offensive minded teams with no D, and a defensive minded team with no offense! If you are not able to at least have the capabilities to outscore the other teams, then the season is over before it starts!— antmry312
- Can we please stop trying to find a guy from some small school buried in the fifth round and get some proven talent from USC, Bama, LSU, PSU, OSU, etc? Get em big and fast and tough.— psuwelsh
- GET A— teebone40
- Knowing how Reid likes to draft linemen... I have a feeling our pick at 15 just might be a DT who is taller than the rest of our guys..Our DTs are more of the short bulky guys. Here's 2 guys who could be there for us.. Brockers from LSU who is 6'6 and Coples from N.Carolina who is also 6'6.. Coples can play DE and can shift inside on passing downs sort of like Justin Tuck does for the Giants. He was once thought of as a top ten pick and may have slipped some and just might be there for us..Having a tall guy who can rush from the inside like Coples might be a good move for us.— bradco
- AR will trade back, giving up his first this year for a first next year, the year he gets his franchise qb. He'll also pick up an extra 2nd rounder this year in the deal, selecting a DT. 2012 record: 3-13, brown grocery-bags over embarrassed fans heads, so that the ARrogant control-freak HC is pink-slipped out the door.— mccloudmj
- @_mccloudmj...I dont think thats such a bad idea especially if you get the first someone like the Rams or Browns...an additional second and maybe a fourth for the 15th. I wouldnt object to that.
— LB817 - mccloud, I like your reasoning and based on the fans hate of Reid, you would think that would work out well. I prefer they draft a corner or safety but best player available is the smart move most of the time.— peteike
- If they stay at #15, it will be Cox, Brockers, Kuechly, or Floyd. If they move up, it will be Tannehill.— ol duke
- Definitely time to get serious about replacing the QB. Vick is a 100 million dollar disappointment.— matman1
- The Florida RB is supposed to have huge upside, could be good pickup in middle rounds.— peteike
- We need a high motor fast little guy. Whoever they pick will be a loser.— Ssteve115
- trading down in this draft would be smart. odds are, they can get the same quality player with a mid first round pick, or a late first round pick. i like them to trade down and pick up guys like alshon jeffery and zach borwn, if not mark barron or cox with the pick at 15. it would be even better to trade for a first round pick next year, the qb class should be stacked.— HDemetriou
- you are a good reporter keep it up!— kensington
- This draft isn't stocked with top tier talent. There are two Quarterbacks, 2 Wide Receivers and 7 Defensive Linemen and one Running Back and Offensive Tackle who are considered difference makers.
There's talk as to if the Running Back is worth First Round Money.
After Luck and RG3, the Tackle, no teams wants to come off of first round money for the remaining talent on the board. It's that reasoning teams are willing to trade down and out of the first round.
Offense wins Super Bowls, you can get by with a sub-par defense. You have to have coverage on the outsides at the Corner Back position and some kind of reliable safety, the Tight End is becoming a threat.
On offense, Shady is as good and productive as he appears solely because of who is out in the route for the Eagles. Maclin benefits also because of the coverage on Jackson. If the Eagles had another reliable receiver to Challenge Maclin on the outside and who could play from the slot, the Eagles passing attack would be that much more lethal.
Right now the Eagles middle defense from the Tackles back to the Safety is soft. That needs to be fixed. They may not need a pro bowl player but they need someone more reliable through the middle of the defense.
— Dexter - If the safeties played better, we wouldn't need to put Asomugha on the TE so much. A big question this season is finding out what we really have in Nate Allen.— p-diddy
- Keuchly could still be a big help to the Eagles, but it won't happen. Same goes for Mark Barron. The pick will be DT. If they use that first pick on an offensive player I'll barf.— p-diddy
- isnt boykin a lock for the second...even top half of the second round...rather than a mid round pick?— the ghost of leonard tose
- The most worrisome aspect of the Eagles' situation is that this current regime hasn't shown the ability to find top notch defenders (Cole and...?) in the draft. Overall, they've been excellent with offense (WR being the glaring exception pre-DJax), but we really need Ray Rhodes as a consultant when it comes to defensive playmakers.— KNuff
- I dont want Floyd going to the Jets or even worse the Bears. Im just hoping no one trades up for Floyd. Sometimes i dont think some Eagles fans really watch our games. Comments like i will barf if we grab one of the best receivers on the board seems odd after we didnt make the playoffs last year mainly because our offense could not score in the red zone. On offense we have a lot of regular season warriors but lack true fire power for the playoffs. Yes our defensive can improve and they will. We can grab a safety,corner or linebacker in the 2nd round. The Giants won several superbowls now with an adequate defensive and True CLUTCH playmakers on offensive. the 49ers lost to the giants for that same reason. Great defensive but lacked fire power. So they went and brought in Manningham and Moss. If we're going to compete against the Bears,Giants,49ers,Packers we need another legitimate play maker. A former Olympic skier wont cut it for another season.— Yes_General
- If you consider the need of a cornerback and are also in need of a Kick Returner it would be hard to pass on Boykin from Georgia. I only saw him play once but he was impressive in both roles in Georgia's bowl game last January.— mtbill
- - Yes_General - Small problem with your math. The Giants' ace Wideout Cruz was an undrafted rookie and not a 1st round draft pick! It was the Giants' defense that stopped the Pats' offense and that's why they won the Super Bowl. The first and the second time. Brady was taken completely off of his game each time.
We have plenty of O, we need to stop other teams from running the ball down our throats!— Laughingaloud123
Follow
Sheil on Twitter. And become
a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.
Download our NEW iPhone/Android app for even more Birds
coverage, including app-exclusive videos and analysis. Download it here.
