Eagles draft buzz
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Eagles draft buzz
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Before we update some of the most recent draft visits and workouts, a couple notes on potential first-round options for the Birds.
I got a chance to take a closer look at Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox, who many are mocking to the Eagles with the 15th pick. And I really liked what I saw.
In the games I watched, Cox (6-4, 298) consistently made plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. He finished 2011 with 14.5 tackles for loss, third-most among SEC defensive linemen. I'm guessing Jim Washburn is drooling over Cox's athleticism and versatility. He lined up at both tackle and end at Mississippi State. I even saw Cox drop back into coverage once (not that he'd be asked to do that under Washburn, but it still shows his athleticism).
I know the mock drafts generally swing and miss at the Eagles' pick, but if Cox is there at 15, I have to think there's a strong possibility the Eagles snag him.
If you're wondering about the other defensive tackles, I'm going to try and take a look at them in the next couple days and will offer up my impressions in future blog posts.
Another guy I watched recently was Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick. Cornerback is an extremely difficult position to evaluate off of TV because camera angles often only show the player when he's thrown at or makes a tackle. But Kirkpatrick (6-2, 186) is definitely a physical player who runs to contact, instead of away from it (which we saw a lot of with the Eagles last season).
But the Birds would likely have to get creative in how they used Kirkpatrick in his rookie season. From the games I watched and the scouting reports I've read, there's no indication that he'd be effective as a slot cornerback. He could probably be used to against tight ends, or at right cornerback if Nnamdi Asomugha covered tight ends. Some project Kirkpatrick as a safety, so he does have versatility.
As I've mentioned multiple times, Asante Samuel will likely be traded, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie enters the final year of his contract. Asomugha will be 31 when next season starts. The Eagles spent a third-round pick on Curtis Marsh last year, but Kirkpatrick could provide depth and versatility, while eventually working himself into a starter's role.
DRAFT VISITS AND WORKOUTS
In my post yesterday, I wrote that it wouldn't surprise me if the Eagles drafted a playmaker on offense in the first two rounds.
One of the top wide receiver prospects on the board, Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill, told Sirius XM NFL Radio that he's visited with the Birds (thanks to BGN for the link).
Hill (6-4, 215) ran a 4.36 40 at the combine, which was tied for the fastest time among wide receivers. Playing in Georgia Tech's run-heavy offense, he had only 28 catches as a senior, but made the most of them, averaging 29.3 yards per reception. Mike Mayock of NFL Network has Hill ranked as his fourth-best wide receiver prospect.
Because of the system he played in, Hill is a difficult player to evaluate. Combine that with the fact that he's coming out as a junior, and it makes sense that the Eagles and other teams would need to do extra homework on him. But if the Birds go wide receiver early, my guess is they'd want someone to complement their current weapons a little better. Based on the scouting report on Hill, it seems like he'd be primarily a vertical threat, like DeSean Jackson, except that he has excellent size. He is expected to be taken in the first two rounds.
Meanwhile, Utah State linebacker Bobby Wagner has visited the Eagles, according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com. The Eagles also sent linebackers coach Mike Caldwell to his Pro Day, per the report.
Wagner (6-0, 241) was named MVP of the North team at the Senior Bowl, but did not participate in the combine because he had pneumonia. He was a four-year starter in college and three-time All-WAC selection. The Eagles added DeMeco Ryans to play the middle, but they've made no upgrades at SAM or WILL. Wagner could be a fit there. He is expected to go in the second or third round.
The Eagles are also scheduled to host Wagner's teammate, running back Robert Turbin, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Turbin (5-10, 222) ran for 1,517 yards and averaged 6.1 yards per carry as a senior. He also caught 17 balls for 171 yards and accounted for 23 total touchdowns. Per the report, he suffered a torn capsule at the bottom of his big toe in 2007 and a torn ACL in 2010. He's expected to be a mid-round pick.
Digging deeper, the Eagles have held a private workout with small-school wide receiver Cody Pearcy, according to The Montgomery Advertiser. Pearcy (5-11, 160) played his college ball at Division III Huntingdon College. At his Pro Day, Pearcy was clocked at a 4.31 40 and had a vertical leap of 44 inches, per the report. He's looking to catch on somewhere as an undrafted free agent.
The Eagles also held an individual workout with Wisconsin offensive tackle Josh Oglesby, according to the Badgers' Web site. Oglesby (6-7, 338) has battled knee injuries and is expected to be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
"A few teams in Indy said it was up to their medical staff on whether or not I'm slotted in the draft,'' he said "Hopefully someone can put aside the knee problems and just grade the player. It all depends on who's willing to take a chance."
Oglesby was a first-team All-Big Ten selection last season.
I will be updating my master list of Eagles draft visits and workouts later today.
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This guy who weights "A Buck Sixty" 160Lbs, 4.31? Is that a misprint! Sounds interesting.
Defensive Tackle and Defensive Ends overwhelmingly are the best positions in this draft. The Eagles save Jenkins have weak Defensive Tackles. It's the middle of the defense that holds the problem for the Eagles.
Why draft any other position with pick 15?— Dexter- Always interesting to read the buzz and then see what happens.
- one name dre kirkpatrick. we have a weak secondary assent is all but gone drc couldn't cover toast if he was butter and thats when he's healthy we have nnamdi, nate alen, and who else? DRE KIRKPATRICK> lets not make the same mistake we did 2 years ago passing on earl thomas, who by the way is a pro bowler. And can play both corner and safety. Just like kirkpatrick who is also 6'2 and physical— phillyboyda1
- hey bro props for that earl thomas tid bid. I wanted that guy bad. but we got allen... yyyup that was a big f up. don't know if he's like kirkpatrick but similar. i though thomas was smaller. — jonathan_c3
- tneagles fan you are right i see someone is paying attention instead of worrying about positions where we have competent players we need to address the return game kickoff and punt ..need a good sub for jackson he runs all the deep routes def needs a breather at times...just need a impact player in the draft maybe not a starter but at least a solid rotation player— positive eagle
- This is how I would draft for the Eagles. 1st i would evaluate the position we need most help at and that is secondary considering we picked up Demeco Ryans to klog up the middle. Safety is most important and evaluating that position is extremly hard considering the camera can only pick up certain parts of that position during the game, but if we are evaluating each player and each position then i would have to say I look at the Coach and conference like Alabama Nick Saban is a defensive college freak he gets the best players on D and they play hard noise football. Dre Kirkpatrick, Barron, Hightower are those type of players that we need, if we are considering Kirkpatrick then great cause he is physical and nasty at his position.— bernie27
- Don't want Poe, he looks like a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. If Cox is not available, take Barron, and try to get the d-tackle in the second round (Still?) Agree with other posters that the middle of the Eagles defense is the weak spot on the team, and any of these picks would help to resolve that.— blaqjaq
- what do you guys think of Melvin Ingram. I think he could play outside WILL position and d end. Kid is a terrific athlete. He just makes plays. He is suppose to go earlier then 15. could drop a little but we might be able to trade up and get em.— jonathan_c3
- I think the Eagles are wishing for Cox, but expecting Brockers or Poe at 15. The team needs to score with those two 2nd round picks. This is so simple go for players who were productive in college, who went up against top competition and have the measurables. Cal Linebacker Mychal Kendricks epitomizes this. He should be a target. His size/speed combo is ridiculous. I'd go for UCF cornerback Josh Robinson with the other pck for the same reason. He'd be a great nickel corner and help the defense get off the field on third downs.— MrMiles1
- As a former collegiate DT, IMO it's not about making plays behind the LOS. A good DT needs to get off the ball quickly, needs to engage blockers with his hands, and needs to have good enough hands to help play off the block. That said, it all has to be done at pad level. Guys who play in the backfield tend to watch the ball, instead of reading the block. With that, I'll take Devon Still over all, although I wouldn't be upset over having Brockers and Cox. Note, I despise PSU.— beegal99
- I guess you didn't possess any of those qualities since you're not a former "NFL" player.. ahhh, just butin ur balz.... But really, good insight by you, and I agree, I too love Devin Still out of PSU. I was wondering why I haven't heard much about him in draft talk. Seems to be a PLAYER to me. Just hope that Andy doesnt just look for a "HIGH MOTOR" guy. — hawaiiphillyfan
- From what I've read, rumors are that the Eagles like Still, have already worked him out in private. A guy like him, who gets off the ball quickly, automatically makes the LBs better, because he's disrupting the interior line play by the offense. He may get washed down the LOS, but he'll never get pushed back into the lanes of the LBs. Watch the tape of Cox and Brockers, and they both allow that to happen. He plays alot like Jenkins, which is a good thing. — beegal99
- Draft offense . Eagles can draft defense so don't e en try.— Fritz and Alice
- http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/dave-spadaro/article-1/What-Do-Eagles-REALLY-Need/1cf6e3d5-86be-4189-acb5-e6880de8dc4c#commentSystem
check out these floyd highlights. He reminds me of Margues Colston. Big target down the field. Playmaker!— Yes_General - Better link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx8qek1bQxY&feature=player_embedded - As usual the eagles are looking for another WR project meanwhile the 49ers,Giants,Packers are locked and loaded at WR ready to push for another ring. The eagles are looking for another olympic skier in the 3rd round. If we dont trade up for Blackmon or grab Floyd at 15 this will be another typical off season. Elite defense and more of the same on offense.— Yes_General
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