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What they're saying about the Eagles

Here's a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles this week:

Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com lists Jason Babin's contract as one of the best 11 in the NFL:

Criticize the Eagles and their Dream Team all you like, but everyone except for Nnamdi was signed to very cap-friendly and team-friendly deals. Defensive line coach Jim Washburn knew Babin well from his days at the Titans, and all this guy did was go out and challenge the NFL's single-season sack mark in his first year in Philly. The deal remains very cap-friendly and even in the event of injury, the cap prorations are set up so that the Eagles are protected and the team's cap is in great shape moving forward. Some of those moves from a year ago didn't work so well on the field, but this one certainly did (and Cullen Jenkins' deal is set up similarly as well, and Vince Young was only there for a year, and clearly trading Kevin Kolb made sense, too).

Russ Lande of The Sporting News is hearing good things about Eagles rookie Brandon Boykin:

Throughout organized team activities, Boykin displayed the ability to close fast on passes and the ball skills to break them up. Boykin, a former Georgia cornerback, has high-end speed to run with any receiver, which allows him to play at a high level despite his height. Sources tell us Boykin's performance so far has him entering training camp as the Eagles' primary kick returner and leading in a battle to be their nickel cornerback.

Excellent feature on Eagles undrafted free agent wide receiver Elvis Akpla by Les Carpenter of Yahoo Sports. Akpla got noticed with one great catch at Montana State and plans to become a doctor if football doesn't work out:

Can a highlight really make an NFL career? The Eagles didn't sign Akpla because of a highlight; they seemed to fall in love with him when they scouted him and called about his workouts. Several teams asked Akpla to interview and work out for them before the draft, but only Philadelphia sent Akpla a letter before the draft saying that if he wasn't picked, the Eagles would love to sign him.

Gary Horton of Scouts, Inc. lists Trent Cole and Babin as the No. 2 dynamic duo in the NFC, behind only 49ers linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman:

These guys really flourished in the Eagles' wide-9 defense in 2011, combining for a staggering 29 sacks from their edge rush positions. The Eagles' defense really stretches the offensive blockers, which leads to good matchups in space where they can simply out-quick the O-line. Both Cole and Babin are relentless rushers, with speed and quickness, and because they are part of a deep defensive-line rotation, they are able to stay fresh. They also can hold up against the run, making both edges of Philadelphia's defense strong.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com lists what each team needs to do to make the Super Bowl:

They will be in the Super Bowl if ... quarterback Mike Vick can play more like he did in 2010 and less like he did in 2011. One more if: if any player says the phrase "Dream Team" fine them $50,000.

Marc Sessler of NFL.com thinks linebacker Mychal Kendricks could shine as a rookie.

According to Brian McIntyre of NFL.com, the Eagles have $15,879,570 in cap space, sixth-most overall and most in the NFC.

ABC has video of DeSean Jackson rapping. Thoughts?

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