Eagles mocks, draft thoughts
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Eagles mocks, draft thoughts
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
A few new mock drafts have been released since the Eagles traded for DeMeco Ryans earlier this week.
And yesterday, Paul Domowitch of the Daily News wrote about how the acquisition of Ryans could affect the team's plans.
Below is a mock roundup, broken down by position. I have also offered some thoughts on what I think the Eagles might do with the 15th pick.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has the Birds selecting Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox:
Cox is the kind of potential three-technique who can create behind the line of scrimmage and stop plays before they start. The Eagles don’t have a huge need at DT, but Cox could still mature into a playmaker inside, at a position where Philly lacks an impact guy.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com also has the Birds taking Cox:
The Eagles' struggles against the run have been pinned on the young linebackers, but the inability to control the interior triangle was due to their inconsistency at defensive tackle. Cox is a high-motor playmaker with outstanding athleticism to give the Eagles' defense a jolt.
Chad Reuter of NFL.com has the Eagles taking Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe:
Given that the Eagles made a move to acquire DeMeco Ryans from the Texans, GM/coach Andy Reid might decide to address his defensive line in the first round for the fourth time in eight years. Poe's combination of size and athleticism are formidable.
My take: Defensive tackle should absolutely be considered at No. 15. Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins are both coming off very good years, but as I have explained before, the Eagles will play four different guys inside. They re-signed Antonio Dixon, who is a legit run stopper, even if he hasn't shown much as a pass rusher. That potentially leaves one spot open, which could go to Derek Landri or Trevor Laws, if either guy is re-signed. Laws visited the Patriots last week, per ESPNBoston.com. Landri was a better player last season.
If the Eagles spend an early pick on a defensive tackle, the thought process is simple. He plays about 40 percent of the snaps as a rookie, spelling Patterson or Jenkins. He gets a chance to start if either guy suffers an injury (or if he just proves to be a better option). And next year, he competes for a larger role.
SAFETY
Charley Casserly of NFL.com has the Eagles taking Alabama safety Mark Barron:
Philadelphia's Wide 9 defense needs a physical downhill safety.
Rob Rang of CBSSports.com also has the Birds taking Barron:
The Eagles invested a pair of second-round picks and a seventh in safeties over just the past two years but still haven't found a starting combination that has played with any consistency. Barron is the unquestioned top prospect at the position this year and is both physical against the run and a ball hawk. Considering the passing attacks in the NFC East, investing in an all-purpose defensive back with Barron's instincts and pro-readiness seems like a good fit.
My take: This is a tough position to figure out for the Eagles. I'm comfortable penciling Nate Allen in at free safety. His performance at the end of last season was encouraging.
The strong safety spot, however, is up for grabs, and Jaiquawn Jarrett is the X-factor. I'm sure the Eagles would like him to win the starting job, but Jarrett was unable to do that as a rookie. Are they confident he'll be ready for that role after a full offseason? We'll likely find out based on what moves they make at safety in the rest of free agency and the draft.
Kurt Coleman is a decent backup option, and if the Eagles don't upgrade at the position, he'll likely compete with Jarrett for a starting spot.
If the Eagles really like Barron and have questions about Jarrett, it makes sense to consider him. But my guess is they won't draft a safety early.
CORNERBACK
Evan Silva of Pro Football Talk has the Birds going with South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore:
The Eagles are prepared to part with Asante Samuel; Gilmore replaces him.
My take: Heading into training camp last season, the Eagles were stacked at cornerback. But now, drafting a corner early makes a lot of sense.
Asante Samuel is likely to be traded this offseason, and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is onliy signed through 2012. The Eagles could take a chance and extend Rodgers-Cromartie (turns 26 in April) before the season. They could surely get a better deal now than they would after the season, if Rodgers-Cromartie plays well. Then again, he didn't do a lot last year to warrant a significant investment from the team. Yes, Rodgers-Cromartie looked more comfortable playing outside than in the slot, but his poor tackling and failure to play to the whistle are concerns.
Also, Nnamdi Asomugha turns 31 in July.
The other guy to consider here is Joselio Hanson. In the final two weeks of the season, with Samuel out, Hanson played 58 percent and 73 percent of the defensive snaps, respectively, per Pro Football Focus. Overall, he had an OK season, and was the team's best tackling corner, but if the Eagles see a prospect with the ability to play inside, they would probably consider upgrading.
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Poll: Will Ryans make a huge difference as an Eagles LB?
MidGreen, I like your thinking. If they can't get Kuechly, maybe they get Zach Brown, who is the most physically gifted LB in the draft this year. I think that guy is a future Pro Bowler. Elite speed, closes on ball carrier, exceptionally adept at playing in space. IMO, they take Cox at 15, and would do themselves a favor by moving up in the 2nd to take Brown.— beegal99- What are they waiting for in signing Landri. He had a pretty good year, and would help solidify another unit, just like the OLine is solidified.— watsonmr
- When the Eagles D plays nickel and dime, which is a large percentage of the time...Ryan and Kuechly would look quite nice out there together since they only play two LBs in those formations.— MidGreen
- If the Eagles don't make a -major- upgrade at safety it will haunt them all year. It's mistake being "comfortable" filling two positions with three options whose achievements to date can be described as "encouraging" play at the end of a bad season, "unable to [win the starting job] as a rookie," and "a decent backup option." If Barron is a stretch at 15, then take the best available player. But find a legitimate safety somewhere. Good defenses don't have non-NFL caliber players at -two- key positions.— PhillyExpat
- DO NOT LET A.R. DRAFT ANYONE ON DEFENSE WITH ANY OF THE TOP THREE PICKS! He is actually pretty good on offensive draft picks, but I struggle to find any head coach with as poor a defensive draft record as Reid. Now he wants MORE control— yourdaddy!
- Floyd is rated just slightly behind Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon in the estimation of many scouts. We need serious competion in the WR area. Too many dropped passes. Look at the ravens. Elite defense but if the offense cant covert on 3rd downs then whats the point. Round 1 Michael Floyd. Great Hands, tall, Physical could compete and possibly be our number1 receiver.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/don_banks/03/23/2012.mock.draft.3/index.html#ixzz1q3mlelh7— Yes_General - To call Jarrett "the Mike Mamula of safeties" after 1 year, with essentially no training camp, and limited reps is nothing short of absurd and moronic. Jury is still out and to argue otherwise is laughable. Also, Babin was basically the only Eagle who looked really good in Castillo's wide 9. The scheme is grossly flawed.
- Hey bonehead. He couldnt get on the field because he was too slow. He can have as many reps possible, and that don't fix slow. He will never be a hitter in this league, because you have to be able to catch up with the offensive player before he is in the end zone to hit him. — Bobphxville
- the only thing being mocked is the eagles fans.— Ryan
- If "their guy" is not available, trade down and get more picks to add depth and competition.— crabbyal
- they wont draft a safety as that would be admitting a mistake too soon- not the Eagles m.o. Of course we have to figure on the Eagles trading up or down somewhere early on because they cant resist that. and i dont think Andy will be able to avoid picking a QB somewhere to be his new project. A 26 year old qb in second round to go with our 26 year old first rounder lineman last year seems logical.
unless a red zone receiver falls into your lap, push that off until next season.— jim715 - amg: There's "plenty of guys just like Kuechly on the roster already"? What a boneheaded comment. I'm not even saying the Eagles should draft Kuechly. The guy had the most tackles in the nation, and won every linebacker award there is. There's no Eagles LB with that kind of background.— p-diddy
Kuechly, Cox, Tannehill all reasonable choices. Not a fan of Poe for the Eagles.— ICDogg- I am not so sure about Cox. Looking at highlights, he seems pretty unimpressive for a first round pick...— Bobphxville
- Cox or Still work for me. Cox can play inside or out. Still is consistent and disruptive. If there is a QB there, even if we have to over value bit take him.— oldBird
- I say go with Michael Floyd and let Maclin walk Next year.— LGbalsac
- I'm a little suspicious of Poe. His college footage sucks.— MrMiles1
- Isn't Brandan Weeden about 29 years old already? And you want him to sit behind Vick for a year or so, and what become a starter at 32? Wow! I'm excited!— ol duke
- dt is a need but just because we have one new lb dpenst mean we still dont need another. one lb is not enough for a team that had none. we still need to start three lbs.— psualum
- Decent insight Sheil. No way should the Eagles use pick 15 on a linebacker. Floyd, or one of the Defensive Tackles, and not Poe. The Eagles have enough picks in the Drafts to come out of this with quality a DT, a WR, a quality QB, and Corner and everything else is gravy. Keep the offense tuned, and the Defense maintained while maturing.— Dexter
- amg made a ton of good points – I’ve been high on Poe because the guys is a monster; size, speed and strength wise. That being said Cox is the engine that just doesn’t stop (a la Sapp). I think either of those guys would be helpful at the later part of the season having learned along side of Patterson and Jenkins.
Eagles should use their available cap room to extend Shady and re-sign Landri then hope like hell there are a few truffles hiding in the ground!
Go Eagles!
— Laughingaloud123 - trade nmandi.. hes a stiff and clearly cant play in the NFC... hopefully they learned their lesson. forget mamula, draft picks are always risky. This guy may be the worst big time free agent pick up since albert haynesworth.— stevejones
- I swear I read somewhere that Barron is coming off an injury and hasn't even completed any pro workouts out. I might be wrong, but if that's the case, then I would stay away. If that's not true, then he would be a great addition, but I don't think they go with safety in the first round.— Penfold18
- He had surgery for a hernia which in no way will affect his play in the future. — UncleStosh
- I like the idea of a good run-stuffing D-tackle in the first. Then packaging our two 2nd rounders (or a 2 and a 3) to move up and get a LB.— gdibig
- First three picks need to be defense.— greenflyer
- Guess everyone on here is sold on our receivers. We have plenty of physical, clutch WR's who play physical and teams game plan hard against. Dropped passes and fumbles were not an issue last year with our receiving core. The eagles redzone offense was great last year. No need to pick up a top WR in the draft that has the potential of being our number1 receiver. Meanwhile San Fran who killed us with Crabtree and Vernon davis. Now have Randy moss and Mario manningham as well. I dont have to mention who Green Bay and Giants have. But thats okay Avant and Riley cooper will step up this year. If the eagles traded up for the best WR on the board or picked up Michael Floyd we go to the superbowl its that simple. We need more competition there. Cruz stepped in day 1 and led his team to a superbowl. It doesnt take multiple preseasons and games to see what a player has to offer. Guess we'll see who the offense gets. Hope we dont neglect this area for another season.— Yes_General
- Take the best CB on the Board....Namdi has been suspect ever since he set foot in Philly and Cromarte is a FAILED project, Cant even count how many times this guy was burned last year. Invest in the future and get a CB.— citysims
- If Poe is still there when the Eagles pick, I'd LOVE them to take him! He's a beast in the mold of Suh...Plug him into the middle of the D_Line and watch how much the secondary will improve! Plus the combo of Poe & Ryans should discourage RBs from running up the middle...Let Poe collapse the middle of the line and let Cole/Babin clean up! If he's gone, then take Cox— drjimmy
- i definitly would prefer mark barron with the 15 pick, he would finally bring the intensity from the safety position that has been missed since brian dawkins(if healthy). there is enough dt talent that they might be able to make a good pick up in the second round (thompson, still) and then maybe they could steal someone else like alshon jeffery or zach brown with the other 2nd round pick— HDemetriou
- How about taking a wild guess and say the Eagles draft QB Brandon Weedeen out of Oklahoma with 15 pick. Let him sit behind Vick for 1 year and start him next year when MV7 fails again. I don't mean to sound pesimistic but I truly think that the QB position is the weakest spot on our team, from starter to backups. MV7 has been in the league since 2001 and has been to the NFC Championship once (which is no small feat but). I had no shadow of a doubt in that game that we would win it. Guess what happened? MV has bottled up by the DLine and B. Dawkins turned Alge Crumpler into pile of scraps. Ah the good old days! Anyways, although very entertaining the man has serious QB flaws. I know it's easier said than done but I've been following this team for 10 years straight and I can't stomach anymore Giants & Patriots Superbowls and I would hate to ask those old timmers that have been following them since the days of the Vet. I will die bleeding green but I only have so many pints in my body! Come On Joe Banner! We need all that brain power, make it happen and I won't say anything else about the FO in the papers.— Canadalovesphilly
- Mark Barron at 15 please. Then, trade up into the 20s for a DT.— Warhound
- a linebacker coming off a serious injury is not the answer....draft the future all pro linebacker and groom him.....or Poe ......and don't worry about finding a safety that can tackle....the mailboy has his eye on some junior college and Divisison III players that he can grab in the 6th and 7th round (remember he actually watched film for 2 hours this week so he is ready)— nuggett
- Gilmore is a beast one of the best tacklers at SC. Alshon Jeffery could solve all of redzone woes. Great hands and very strong. Two Gamecocks on the Eagles!!!!! Yea Baby.— adipaolo
- We all know about Andy Reid's obsession with defensive linemen in the 1st round, but what do you guys think about Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd at #15? He's everything that DeSean Jackson isn't, and would provide the red zone threat this offense lacked last year.— PhillyGuyinTN
- Of the DTs rated as 1st round talent, Fletcher Cox is the smallest (by far), so he's an obvious fit for Andy and his never ending desire to find more "fastballs".— Only in Philly...
- Andy Reid quoted by AP as of 8 am this morning:"We are trading all of our first and second round picks to Dallas in exchange for 5 Big Mac meals and a Mister Softee double ice cream cone. We feel that would get the best bang for our buck. I just hope they super size the fries." (HTML deleted)
- Andy Reid quoted by AP as of 8 am this morning:
"We are trading all of our first and second round picks to Dallas in exchange for 5 Big Mac meals and a Mister Softee double ice cream cone. We feel that would get the best bang for our buck. I just hope they super size the fries."
- Poe is a marshmallow who got single blocked by average to below average guards and tackles all season. His motor is stuck in neutral and he'll never be an impact player in the NFL because for all of his size he has no heart.
Kuechly most likely will be gone but even if he isn't let him go. You have Ryans in the middle and plenty of guys just like Kuechly on the roster already. Drafting him now makes no senses.
Barron would be a nice fit here. I thought they should have drafted Earl Thomas, who went to the Pro Bowl. Barron is very similar to Thomas and would be a huge upgrade.
Cox would be the best DT to draft who would fit this type of scheme. He's relentless and quick.
Barron or Cox, either guy, otherwise, just another year of average picks who make little or no impact on this roster.
Oh and the Mamula comment shows the continued ignorance. He was an OLB best suited to a 3-4 defense. He played DE end here and played as well as could be expected given his size and skill set. It's not his fault he was drafted to play the wrong pro position but he never quit, always worked hard and was a good teammate. It would do you well to remember that.— amg - amg...I can still remember Ray Rhodes words after the Birds passed on Warren Sapp and drafted Mike Mamula..."We're going to move him all over the defense and create mismatches". Mamula was too slow to play any of the backer positions in the 4-3...of course you've stated that he was best suited to play the 3-4; but at that time, it was said that Mamula felt more comfortable with his hand on the ground. — hope55
- In the 2nd, if Cousins is there, take him too.— Koons
- My choices are DT in round 1, then a big-bodied RB later, and a tall WR. The RB should be capable of carrying the ball 20 times a game because when Vick goes down, the Eagles will need to run the ball (since they don't have a quality backup).— 4thand10
- With the acquisition of Demeco Ryans, I'm ok with the birds taking Luke Kuechly (not that they need my blessing. I think he would be an upgrade at the SAM. If not him, then Poe, Cox or Brockers will be selection I hope!!!— Eaglehaslanded
- I don't think Kuechly will be available at #15, but if he is - take him; he'll be essentially ready to play right away. if not, I love the idea of Poe - huge, athletic, and mean.— CTL
- Whoever we draft will most likely be a backup this year, so they should take the best available player.— ej610
Comment removed.- Jaiquawn Jarrett is the Mike Mamula of Safety's - a day late and a dollar short - always a step or two too slow to make the play.— Bobphxville
- In terms of safety, I would bring in either Otogwe or Bell on a one year deal. Both are better than Coleman and would provide insurance if Jarrett fails again in training camp.— beegal99
- I think the order should be the following at 15: Poe, Kuechly, Cox. I don't think they can't go wrong with any of these guys. The defense needs talent and athleticism. Kuechly and Ryans are good enough athletes where either can play the outside. If they go DT in first round, I would be okay if they moved up in second to get Zach Brown. The only scenario that may trump the one I listed above is if Tannehill somehow goes unpicked. Then I would absolutely snap him up at 15. No way in Hades should they overthink the 15th pick and get cute...but history proves that will likely happen.— beegal99
- If we're talking only about the first pick -- #15 overall -- that player should be someone who could play immediately. There are only a couple of places such a player is needed, now that Ryans is in the fold. They won't take a safety this high, there's no way they take a corner this high, nor a running back, QB, O-lineman, or wide receiver. LB is a possibility, but with so many young guys to compete for the OLB spots, I don't see it. That leaves defensive end or defensive tackle, both of which could use some depth. Consensus is that this is a weak draft for quality DEs, which leave DT -- OR they could simply trade down and out of the first round altogether, something the Eagles don't have a problem doing.
I think that they will take a safety, at least, in the later rounds, along with a QB (Brandon Weeden, please!!!), and maybe a WR to handle kickoff and punt returns. Definitely a DE later, and depending on whether they bring in another RB or CB in free agency, they'll draft one of each.
First round, though? That belongs to the DT.— critias - Good stuff as always Sheil. I really like all four DTs if they resign Landri, and I agree with your point on Barron at 15. But as long as we're talking "estate-planning" for Asomugha, Patterson, and Jenkins, shouldn't we also think about a long term replacement for Peters? If three QBs go in the top 9, we could be looking at a quality O-line prospect falling to 15.— dragoon6
- I'm warming up to taking a DT in the first round...but if the BC kid is still there at #15 or we have a chance to move up a couple spots to grab him and then play him at SAM...I'm all for that as well.— THE-KID (WI)
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