Bottom line: Eagles should swing big
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Bottom line: Eagles should swing big
Jonathan Tamari
I’ve probably written more words this week about things that might or might not happen than at any other time in my reporting career. Buried somewhere in that analysis was a point a tried to come back to, one probably obscured by an avalanche of my own speculation. So, hours before the draft kicks off and we can start talking about what actually does happen instead of what might, here is my last word on what, to me, would make for a successful first round for the Eagles: go aggressive, and go big for defensive difference-maker.
To me, the first choice would be a defensive tackle such as Fletcher Cox, because defensive linemen can have such an impact on every single snap, especially when it comes to pressuring the top-flight quarterbacks you need to beat to get to a Super Bowl. Cox would seem to fit with exactly what the Eagles want to do up front; that’s why I have the Eagles trading up for him in my mock draft. Even if he didn’t start immediately, the Eagles play all of their defensive linemen in their high-energy rotation and he could be a terror for years to come.
But only the Eagles really know what they think of Cox compared to the other prospects on the board, and if there is another stud they like better – be it cornerback Stephon Gilmore or one of the draft’s many edge rushers or safety Mark Barron – and they can get him at 15, great. But if it takes a move up to get a defensive playmaker near the top of the team’s board, go get him. Find someone who can stand out in coverage or as a pass rusher against Eli Manning and Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton and Robert Griffin, III.
When you look over the Eagles defense, there are only two players who really scare the opposition: Jason Babin and Trent Cole. After that there’s a list of nice complementary pieces, but no one who consistently changed the game, at least not last season. There is depth. There are solid guys who can help. Now is the time to go for a big weapon who can drive the defense while the Eagles have a core of players at or near their primes.
There’s a time to carefully plan for the future and time to go for it. The Eagles have used the past few drafts to stockpile young prospects who can contribute and amassing draft picks that can be valuable trade chips. Now is the time to use them. This is not a year to sit back and try for a solid double. With Mike Vick soon turning 32, with Andy Reid entering year 14, with veterans such as Babin, Cole, Cullen Jenkins and Nnamdi Asomugha nearing the end of their prime years, swing big. If the Eagles do that tonight, if they find a way to make a bold move for a player who can change the complexion of games and cause havoc for the NFC’s high powered offenses, it’ll be a good first round.
Swing and a miss!— Joe at the shore- BIG swing and a miss! Strike two! — Joe at the shore
- After trading their first round and two second round picks to move up in the draft, the EAGLES are on the clock in the third round with an 0-2 count. — Joe at the shore
- Wait! here comes the name. The guy is not on anybody's list. ESPN is in disbelief.
Apparently only the EAGLES worked him out. He is a special teamer from Nowhere Colege USA. Strike Three!— Joe at the shore - You guys are so clever.ha!baseball analogies.how DO u come up with this stuff.u should be really impressed with urselves.ha!strikes!u guys are something else.reeeeally cool how u talk more trash about ur own team than rivals.thats a real fan!reeeaaaly clever and cool. — Sean s.
- Well go buy their jersies then u fairweather fan.i love my team no matter the situation. — Sean s.
- I would be extremely happy if they get Cox, Kuechly, or Barron in the first, then LaMichael James in the 3rd or 4th to complement Shady, and then Burfict in the 5th or later.— JMick1215
- I agree Jmick on my three top picks who can help right away. But I would go all out and go foe all three. Think about it for a min. Why not right? If The redskins can gice 3 #1s plus a 2nd I think that deal eas, why can't we? Cox @ 6 I like 1 & 2 ? Barron @ 10 1 & 2 or 3 ? and @ 15 i take either linebacker Keuchy or Hightower. Come on Andy swing for the fences my man lets go for it! I think we can do it if we try , hey people come on let's get Andy to swing, I don.t want bunts or sacrificies I want to swing for the fences now.!!!!!!— wildgreenman
- AR doesn't draft well on defense. He has had some success selecting DBs. If he selects another DLmen that would be 7 of 14 initial draft picks invested in DL. Of that 7 patterson is the only current serviceable contributor. Cox is a one year wonder and could be a complete bust and then where would that leave the Eagles? A knowledgable experienced GM would tell you, YOU NEVER TRADE UP TO SELECT ONE YEAR WONDERS!!! Despite the can't miss status associated with Cox he is high risk! And if he is a bust once again, that would leave the Eagles dipping into the owner cash to sign expensive FAs on defensive. Seen this movie before. Just select the best guy at 15 or move down!— thegooddre
- I also want a real dominating fullback.. are there amy i did not see any names any where. Our offense was better with a real fullback. God gave us one but he taketh away real fast after 1 year what a shame..— wildgreenman
- Yeah a dominating fullback is exactly what our pass heavy offense needs we can take out a wr or te to put him in for one or maybe even two plays a game.to dominate of course — Sean s.
- like to see them come away with:
Cox or Barron in the first
Janorus Jenkins in the 2nd if possible!
LB in the 3rd
RB in the 4th-james
LB in 5th-Burfit maybe— connorjr - Just saw the news and it looks like they'll be drafting Michael Brockers.— Bardock
