Experts weigh in on Cox
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Experts weigh in on Cox
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Here's what some analysts had to say about the Eagles' trade and selection of Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
Mike Mayock, NFL Network: "This is another rare cat right here. People talk about a 300-pounder, he ran 4.76 at 300 pounds at the combine. And here's the deal with him. He'll be a 21 year old rookie. You can play him inside, you can play him outside. Remember Jim Washburn... with that wide nine, here's what the wide nine means, Jason Babin lines up in Avalon, New Jersey. On the other side, they line up in Los Angeles, California. And somebody in the middle's gotta handle all that space. And that's what this cat's gonna do for them. And it's a great call and a nice move-up by the Eagles."
Mel Kiper, ESPN: "He's a penetrator, he gets into the backfield, not a stay-at-home type, this kid can complement what they're doing at defensive end and get after the quarterback."
Jon Gruden, ESPN: "I think he's really going to complement this defensive line in Philadelphia. ... They need an inside pass rush presence like Cox so quarterbacks can't step up. They also need a defensive lineman that can go chase Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins. This kid plays gap to gap at Mississippi State. He's moving all the time, he's slantin', he rarely comes off square. I think that's what he's going to do at Philadelphia. ...Come off the ball and get after opposing quarterbacks. I like this pick by Philadelphia."
Greg Cosell, NFL Films (Note: This is what he said about Cox during a Yahoo Sports podcast last week): "He's incredibly athletic. He's got terrific body flexibility. He's got great quickness off the ball. He's quick and light on his feet. There are times he does not look like a 298-pound man. I think he has natural strength. He showed the ability to go from speed to power as a pass rusher. The thing that really stood out to me as well was how he was used at Mississippi State. There were times they lined him up at defensive end, and if you didn't know who he was and just watched him rush the quarterback from D-End, you would have said this guy can play D-End in the NFL and rush the quarterback. So, I think Fletcher Cox, to me, is the best defensive tackle prospect in this draft, and I'm not sure it's even close."
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Mel Kiper's quote is classic, "Cox is a penetrator..." LOL.— mknphotos- This kid is a stud. He is 298 at 21 yrs old at a 4.78 40. This means he can go up to about 310-315 naturally and not lose that much speed. He will be a beast. Now, go and get an OLB, David or Brown, and a big WR or TE like Jeffrey or Fleener (both will probably be gone, though). Let Cousins go...not worth a 2nd rdr.
- No wide 9 gimmick defense has ever won a thing! Really, is Babin a top flight NFL player or just part of a gimmick; take your pick— JBinPA
- Wide 9 is a scheme, not a gimmick. It's a scheme that puts pressure on the LBs. And what you posted...there is no pick. Your post is bogus. — DelValLifer
- This is for all the whiner's in this town. Go sit on the pot, and remember reading is fundamental. This is a great pick....all in or get gone you haters— jazzy50
- Best D-lineman in the draft, no question. Now get the best 4-3 OLB, Lavonte David. It sure would be nice if the Eagles could cover a TE for a change. David's perfect for the WILL.
An here's hoping they eventually find a replacement for Runyan, allowing Herremans to slide back inside. Martin or Massy. Trade the 3rd round pick and move up, OLB and OT.
That'll also give Andy 24 hours (with no 3 or 4) to restock the war-room fridge! Talk about necessity!— montgomeryhopkins - Still lots of holes before we go proclaiming the Eagles as NFC favorites - namely a big receiving target, a quality safety, a strong side linebacker, a decent backup running back and a good kick returner. Also, there is the elephant in the room also known as Michael Vick who has to step up his game in a major way or all of this is for naught.— guyguy4
- If they can someone grab Jenkins/Hill/Still with one of their second round picks, I'd be happy. Remember that Jenkins is likely in his last year with the team, Dixon is coming back from a year ending injury, and Patterson the same, coming back from brain surgery. All three guys could not be on the team next season, so Still would be a wise choice at 46. Lito and Sheldon all over again.— beegal99
- Who are the 157 MORONS who voted "no" in this poll?— croozn
Comment removed.- 298 pounds? Yep very impressive! LOL! — DelValLifer
- 175 people voted that Cox isn't good for the Birds. Haters or morons?— DelValLifer
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