Mock draft roundup; Jenkins' future
News blogs, sports blogs, entertainment blogs, and more from Philly.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News.
Mock draft roundup; Jenkins' future
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Too early to take a look at some mock drafts?
Never.
ESPN's Mel Kiper released his first mock today. He has the Eagles taking Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly at No. 15:
The Eagles were really weak up the middle in 2011, and Kuechly is the top interior linebacker available in the draft. Since Brian Dawkins departed, safety has also been a perpetual question mark, so I could see that being considered here. But in Kuechly you get a player who can fill a massive void in the defense. He's a guy who can come in and start immediately; he's got exceptional instincts, is a very good athlete, demonstrates great form and can fly around making tackles in the middle of the field. He's just a machine. Last year, few teams were forced to utilize lesser talent at linebacker than Philly, and Kuechly can help fix that problem.
Meanwhile, several NFL.com writers put out mock drafts this week. Elliot Harrison has the Eagles taking Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict:
The Eagles were eyeing Kuechly because they need a linebacker like a math major needs "Star Trek." But with Jerry Jones not exactly being a wingman, Andy Reid has to take Burfict instead.
Note: Harrison has the Cowboys taking Kuechly at No. 14.
Chad Reuter of NFL Network has the Birds taking Kuechly:
Head coach Andy Reid typically does not address the linebacker position this early in the draft, but the team's problems in the middle of the defense -- and Kuechly's production and instincts -- may be too much to ignore.
And finally, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has the Eagles going with Baylor wide receiver Kendall Wright:
The uncertainty surrounding DeSean Jackson's contract status could prompt the Eagles to snatch the most explosive WR in the draft.
NFL.com has a few other mocks up if you go to their landing page.
BRINGING JENKINS BACK
The Eagles made several free-agent additions last offseason. Among the most successful was the signing of defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins. Jenkins finished the season with 5.5 sacks (third on the team) and 24 hurries (tied for third).
He also played the run well and provided a much-needed veteran presence.
I remember Jenkins being surprised at Lehigh that there wasn't a bigger market for his services. During last weekend's broadcast, Troy Aikman mentioned how much the Packers missed Jenkins this year. And several Packers players and coaches echo those sentiments in a story by Jason Wilde on ESPN Milwaukee.
Jenkins is reportedly due a $5M roster bonus in March. Wilde asked him about the possibility of being released and returning to Green Bay.
"I’m going to stay away from even commenting on that one," Jenkins said. "You kind of move on. Right now, I'm an Eagle, and that’s my mindset. I'm going to continue to be an Eagle until they don't want me to be an Eagle anymore. That's my main focus right now. I'm not worried about any of the other ifs, ands or buts."
My take? I'd be surprised if the Eagles even considered letting Jenkins go. He was one of their best defensive players last season and has shown he can thrive in different schemes. The Eagles' defensive line, with Jason Babin, Trent Cole, Jenkins and Mike Patterson, was one of the biggest strengths of this defense in 2011.
I'm guessing whoever the coordinator is will find a way to use Jenkins.
THE VIKINGS FILL AN OPENING
The Vikings are expected to make Colts defensive backs coach Alan Williams their new defensive coordinator, according to a report by NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.
There had been some talk last week that the Vikings could take a look at Juan Castillo or Steve Spagnuolo for their opening, but it appears they've found their man.
And if you missed it from earlier, the Eagles reportedly worked out quarterback Trent Edwards earlier this week.
You can follow me on Twitter or become a fan of Moving the Chains on Facebook.
In 13 seasons Reid has not valued the LB position in free agency nor the draft. His most talented LB was a holdover from Rhodes (Trotter). Reid has shown a complete unwillingness to change his plan (you know, the one that's worked so well), why would he do it now?— THE-KID (WI)- If they take a receiver in the 1st round, I may just go insane! Maybe start shopping for those Romo jers...nope, can't even finish that thought!— gdibig
- Kuechly is undersized at 237 for the wide 9. (Lewis and Urlacher go about 15 pounds heavier, Fletcher goes about 8 pounds heavier despite being 5 inches shorter))
So it's almost a certainty that the Eagles trade up to get him!— banned - LOL, sad but true, I'm inclined to agree with you about the Eagles trading up to get the undersized Kuechly. My only hope that they will not is Mel Kiper thinks the Eagles will choose him which pretty much cements they won't. — Eaglehaslanded
- Burflict is the biggest character question mark in the draft. He couldn't even get on the field during their last game. By all accounts, a bad person. During bowl week the draft gurus were going on and on about how much his draft stock has slipped because of his attitude. Buyer beware on that guy.— CornerPretzelGuy
- The Eagles will regret picking over Vontaze Burflict if he is available. THe guy s a stud! The Eagles should do some background checking on him. Percy Harvin dropped also. A lot of teams are kicking themselves for not taking him! — reveugene
- Sheil, it's not a good idea to COUNT ON the draft to fill an immediate need. Sometimes it works but usually it doesn't. Organizations should look to free agency to fill immediate needs. The Eagles need to make cap room to go full barrel after Stephen Tulloch. He's an exceptional, proven MLB behind a wide-9 scheme. The Lions are having cap problems because of the high draft picks they've had so it's the perfect opportunity to outbid them for Tulloch. With regard to the draft teams would be wise to stick with their board and try to get good value.— soulman386
- Tulloch is overrated. — bc3030
- I think Lofton from the Falcons at 6 foot 240 is a beast, only 25 years old. He's available if the Falcons are stupid enough to not resign him. Eagles should go after Zach Brown from NC in the second round as an outside linebacker with the first second round pick and either T.J. McDonald from USC or Barron from Alabama (though probably gone by then) with the second second round pick— EricSpin301
- The Eagles will live to regret picking over Vontaze Burflict if he is available. He is a stud!— reveugene
- I have been on this site ranting and raving about how the Eagles need to take a linebacker with the 15th pick (Vontaze Burfict or Courtney Upshaw), but not Luke Kuechly. I'm at peace now because so many draftniks have the Eagles taking Kuechly, now Mel Kiper does. Ahh yes, Mel Kiper has given me peace of mind because he never gets the Eagles selections right. Thanks Mel! :-)— Eaglehaslanded
- Kuechly def. looks small. Regardless of past action, it seems impossible that the Eagles od not pick a Lb or Safety with the 15th pick. I don;t think it has to be a middle LB. They could choose an OLB and try and fill the MLB via free agency.— UncleStosh
- There's no way they use a 1st round pick on a 4-3 OLB. — bc3030
- There has to be a smallish, high motor DE that Howie can move up 2 or 3 spots and nab with the 15th pick and say a 2nd rounder. Look how good Graham (led the IR squad in Stationary Bike Reps) was, and for only 2 third rounders. As Andy would say, there are plenty of talented LBers in the 4th and 5th rounds that we have our eyes on but the guys up front really drive home what we do. Kelce, Henery and maybe Allen, aside, what has the last 2 drafts (24 picks) done for the Eagles, except supply them with Special Team players? Why would anyone think this year's draft will be different?— younged
- How can there possibly be any discussion whatsoever of letting Jenkins go? That is shear lunacy.— Penfold18
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.
