April 30, 2007
Korn on the Kolb
WHHHHY???
I hate this pick, and I think this means the end of McNabb is closer than a lot of people think. Not only did they pass on a lot of good players, but they let a divisional rival trade up to get a good player. Then they take a big reach on a QB, who probably would have not gone for another round. I like the rest of the draft, but this pick sucked.
Eagles look to future at QB
By JEFF OFFORD phillyBurbs.com
PHILADELPHIA — Don't read too much into it, Andy Reid said Saturday.
That won't be easy.
The Eagles made a deal with the devil on the first day of the NFL draft, then made a move that two years ago would have sent hell freezing over.
With all of their coveted defensive players already gone, the Eagles traded the 26th overall pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a second, third and fifth round pick Saturday. Moving down to the No. 36 slot, the Birds selected University of Houston quarterback Kevin Kolb.
The decision to take Kolb so early in Saturday's draft doesn't mean the Donovan McNabb era in Philly is over, but it seems clear now the franchise is preparing for life after McNabb.
The Eagles seemed set at quarterback for at least another decade after McNabb led the team to the Super Bowl following the 2004 regular season. McNabb was considered one of the best — if not the best — QB in the league then.
Times have changed.
McNabb, 30 years old and with a contract through 2010, has been injury prone. He suffered a sports hernia in 2005 and tore his anterior cruciate ligament last year. Both injuries were season ending.
Because of McNabb's history of injuries — he also suffered a broken ankle in 2002 — there has been some talk recently that the team would eventually draft a quarterback and groom him to replace McNabb. However, most NFL experts thought that probably wouldn't happen for at least a couple of years.
“For the first time since I've been here we've been able to sit there in the draft and take the best player available on the board at that time and that was Kevin,” said Reid, in his ninth year as head coach of the Eagles. “I'd like to make it very clear that this is not about Donovan McNabb and his progress. He's doing great and he will continue to do great. He's going to have a heck of a year. This was strictly with sticking with what we had on the board and taking the best player at that time.”
Kolb is a 6-foot-3, 221-pound right-hander who threw for a Conference USA record 12,964 career yards. That number also ranks fourth in NCAA Division 1 history behind former Eagles Timmy Chang and Ty Detmer, and Philip Rivers.
According to draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., Kolb is the perfect fit for the Eagles. Kiper said Kolb benefited from playing in the same system in college that he did in high school but that he has “the necessary skills throwing the football, but will need some time to adapt to the pro system.
[Kolb] is the type who could pay some dividends down the road to a patient organization.”
It remains to be seen how patient the Eagles will be. Quarterbacks drafted as high as Kolb usually don't stay understudies forever, especially if they show talent.
Kolb said Saturday via conference call from his parents farm in Texas that he has no doubt that when he gets his chance, he'll be ready.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Kolb said. “That is the reason they took me, that's the reason they had faith in my skills in what I do and I am anxious to get behind these older guys and get to learn from them over the next however long. I want to learn the ropes and get them to teach me and soak up everything I can. Be a sponge for however long it takes to get my turn and then get in there and win ball games when I get the chance.”
Reid tried to call McNabb after picking Kolb but received no answer. He left a voice mail telling McNabb not to worry.
Before the draft, it seemed like McNabb had little to worry about besides recovery from his torn ACL. Jeff Garcia, who led the team to the playoffs in McNabb's absence, signed with Tampa. A.J. Feeley and Kelly Holcomb, acquired in the Takeo Spikes trade, were backups.
With the 26th pick, most experts had the Birds picking a defensive player — a safety, corner or linebacker.
The Eagles liked Florida safety Reggie Nelson, Texas safety Michael Griffin and Miami safety Brandon Meriweather. But all, including Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss, were gone by the 26h pick.
That's when the Eagles decided to make the deal with Dallas. For the 26th pick the Eagles received the 36th pick, the 87th pick and the 159th overall selection.
Jeff Offord can be reached at jofford@phillyBurbs.com.
April 29, 2007 8:56 AM
April 28, 2007
Meriweather could give Considine a run at safety for Eagles
By BOB GROTZ, bgrotz@comcast.net
04/28/2007
PHILADELPHIA -- When the NFL draft begins at noon today, the teams that have spent the past few months blowing smoke must put up or shut up. Even casual fans can see through the camouflage and decipher the spin when players come off the board fortifying positions of need.
The fiscally prudent Eagles don’t pour a ton of money into the draft to waste picks on guys that have no shot of pushing for a starting job.
How do the Eagles really feel about their safeties, cornerbacks, linebackers, defensive ends and the rehab of quarterback Donovan McNabb?
The draft, like the eye of the camera, doesn’t lie.
"We don’t want to draft a guy we don’t think has the ability to start in theAll of that said, Heckert’s vision of a wheeling-and-dealing first round appears to be on the mark. Draft buzz was at a frenzy all of Friday.
NFL," Eagles general manager Tom Heckert said. "We don’t want to draft a guy as
a backup. Now, you do have late-round guys. But since I’ve been here I think
we’ve drafted maybe two guys that we had worse than a fifth-round grade on."
The Oakland Raiders control the board. With the first pick, they have made full use of their leverage by conducting preliminary negotiations with the agents for quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn as well as wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The reward for taking fewer dollars, of course, is being the first overall draft choice. What’s a few million in Monopoly money anyway?
The Raiders also put the word out that franchise wide receiver Randy Moss can be had for the right price, according to a source.
If the Raiders bypass Russell to draft Johnson, widely viewed as the top player in the draft, the wake could swamp other draft boards because Russell has been almost everyone’s choice to go first. Several teams are interested in trading up and down, according to reports.
Elsewhere the Washington Redskins still are trying to ship the sixth overall pick to the Chicago Bears for franchised linebacker Lance Briggs, according to a source who feels the deal is close to happening.
The source also said the Denver Broncos desperately want to trade up and land middle linebacker Patrick Willis of Mississippi.
The buzz surprises even longtime NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, a 10th-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1981 who later played defensive back for the New York Giants and settled in Newtown Square.
A few restless hours after getting to bed early Friday morning, Mayock tore up the mock draft he had meticulously crafted for months."This is the most interesting draft I’ve ever seen," Mayock said. "My gut still tells me JaMarcus Russell will go first but if the Raiders try to move Moss they’re doing it for a reason; probably for Calvin Johnson. There are a lot of things that can happen, a lot of variables all the way through."
In a wild first round the Eagles could benefit when draft boards are adjusted for some players almost certainly will drop during runs at such positions as defensive back and wide receiver.
If the Eagles stand pat, Mayock suspects the draft will unfold to the point where they draft safety Brandon Meriweather of Miami, off-the-field warts and all. Mayock thinks Meriweather is more than talented enough to take a starting job from Eagles safety Sean Considine, Heckert’s unending praise of his 2005 fourth-round draft pick notwithstanding.
Reggie Nelson, the athletic safety out of national champion Florida, would also be a consideration if available, according to Mayock, although he has the Gator going to the New England Patriots a couple of picks earlier.
"I think the Eagles’ position stays the same," Mayock said. "They’re fortunate in that their needs line up with the positions that figure to be there when they pick. They can upgrade with a safety like Meriweather and if he’s not there they take a corner like Chris Houston or Aaron Ross."
The Eagles also could trade out of the first round for picks either this weekend or next year, and land a serviceable cornerback in the second round. They entertained Marcus McCauley (6-1, 201) of Fresno State, once a first-round type of talent who ran a 4.39 at the combine and has safety size.
The Eagles could fortify the middle linebacker position in the second round with a prospect like David Harris (6-2, 245) of Michigan, the second-rated inside ’backer. The Birds visited with inside linebacker Desmond Bishop (6-2, 240) of California, considered more of a second-day pick.
Running back/fullback Brian Leonard of Rutgers is a late second-round possibility for the Eagles according to a team source.
The Eagles visited with hulking wide receiver Roy Hall (6-2, 229) of Ohio State, who ran a sizzling 4.49 in the 40-yard dash at a personal workout to vault into first day draft contention.
Likewise wide receiver Jacoby Jones (6-3, 210) of Lane College is a sleeper first-day pick, a Kevin Curtis-type late bloomer who also excelled at basketball and track. Jones visited with the Birds after running a 4.50 at his pro day.
Finally, don’t be surprised if the Eagles come out of the draft with another quarterback. They like John Beck (6-11/2, 215) of Brigham Young University and Kevin Kolb (6-3, 220) of Houston, among others, having visited with both.
A pack of quarterbacks likely including Trent Edwards (6-3, 225) of Stanford and Drew Stanton (6-3, 226) of Michigan State likely will come off the board in the first day, possibly somewhere in the second round.
For Jeff Garcia fans, the Eagles worked out Jared Zabransky, the Boise State quarterback that reminds scouts a lot of Garcia.
Zabransky (6-2, 219) most recently led BSU to a Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma. Like Garcia, he’s also deadly accurate and mobile.
©DelcoTimes 2007
Here are 10 candidates on Reid’s draft list
By REUBEN FRANK phillyBurbs.com
The draft hasn't taken place yet, and Eagles fans are probably already sick of hearing about Michael Griffin, Reggie Nelson and Chris Houston.
Today, finally, all the speculation ends, and Andy Reid will make his ninth first-round pick as head coach of the Eagles.
So far, Reid has taken one quarterback, one wide receiver, one cornerback, one defensive end, one offensive lineman and three defensive tackles. And no running backs, no tight ends, no linebackers and no safeties.
What's next?
Here's a look at 10 candidates — some realistic, some longshots — for the Eagles to select if they stay with the 26th pick in today's first round of the draft.
* Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida
It may be tough to imagine the Eagles taking a defensive end since they have so many high-priced guys under contract, but they could certainly use one. Eagles haven't drafted a defensive end who played in the Pro Bowl in an Eagles uniform since Clyde Simmons, 21 years ago.
DisplayAds ('Middle');
The Measurables: 6-6, 250, ran 4.73.
The Positives: Quick, active and mobile.
The Negatives: Do the Eagles need yet another undersized defensive end?
* Michael Griffin, S, Texas
Seems like a perfect fit. He could replace Sean Considine if he struggles at strong safety or he could replace Brian Dawkins whenever Dawkins decides to end his brilliant career.
The Measurables: 5-11 1/2, 205, ran 4.49.
The Positives: Smart, instinctive and productive.
The Negatives: Not a great run supporter.
*Brandon Meriweather, S, Miami
The Eagles demonstrated last year that they won't let minor character issues prevent them from picking a player they like Brodrick Bunkley, Winston Justice. But Meriweather's past may be too checkered for Reid.
The Measurables: 5-10 1/2, 195, ran 4.56.
The Positives: Productive and versatile.
The Negatives: Character issues and size.
*Chris Houston, CB, Arkansas
Houston put himself on the map with a monumental combine performance. A corner makes sense for the Eagles, who have two solid starters but are missing that lights-out nickel that Jim Johnson loves to have (Al Harris, Rod Hood).
The Measurables: 5-10, 185, ran 4.39.
The Positives: Played well against some of nation's top receivers, tough vs. run.
The Negatives: Size and lack of experience playing zone.
*Paul Posluszny, LB, Penn State
A question mark coming off an average senior season following knee surgery. Posluszny is the first choice of a lot of fans, but defensive players taken in the first round out of Penn State rarely are worth it.
The Measurables: 6-1, 240, ran 4.70.
The Positives: Typical Penn State linebacker — tough, inspirational, fiercely competitive.
The Negatives: The knee.
* Greg Olsen, TE, Miami
L.J. Smith is under contract only through 2007, and there's a good chance he won't be back. Olsen is the only first-round tight end, and if he's on the board when the Eagles pick — which is unlikely — they'd have to consider him.
The Measurables: 6-6, 250, ran 4.55.
The Positives: Great hands, athletic and can produce big yards after the catch.
The Negatives: Junior eligible. Not particularly strong and not a polished blocker.
* Aaron Ross, CB, Texas
Only started one year, thanks to the ridiculous array of talent that Texas piled up in front of him, but made most of that year. Reid loves to draft at positions of strength, and a Lito-Sheldon-Aaron Ross cornerback lineup would certainly be formidable.
The Measurables: 6-0, 195, ran 4.54.
The Positives: Smart and instinctive, likes to support run. Can return punts.
The Negatives: Sometimes gives up big plays going for interceptions.
* Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
Even with the Kevin Curtis signing, the Eagles could still seek help at wide out. One more playmaker on offense certainly couldn't hurt.
The Measurables: 6-2, 217, ran 4.48
The Positives: Smart, consistent, knows how to work corners.
The Negatives: Not explosive down the field
* Anthony Spencer, LB-DE, Purdue
Comparable player to another Purdue tweener, Willingboro High School's Shaun Phillips, who has become a terrific player for the Chargers.
The Measurables: 6-3, 266, ran 4.63
The Positives: Big, fast, productive pass rusher with outstanding technique.
The Negatives: Needs to become stronger and may be better fit in an odd front.
* Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Nelson is versatile enough to play corner and a true playmaker, something the Eagles can sure use in a secondary that at some point in the near future will have to continue on without Dawkins.
The Measurables: 6-0, 193, ran 4.37.
The Positives: Big hitter who doesn't shy away from contact. Instinctive and savvy, always around the ball.
The Negatives: Doesn't have great tackling form.
E-Mail: REUBEN FRANK
April 28, 2007 5:27 AM
McDougle: Birds worst pick ever
According to a fan poll from http://www.philly.com/
What an awful list to look at. I want to think that Mamula, or Ex Fred were worse, but at least they played. Only thing McDougle has ever done exciting, is get shot.
Draftniks' big day is finally at hand
By Bob Brookover
Inquirer Staff Writer
MICHAEL CONROY / Associated Press
Should the Eagles pick a safety, Miami's Brandon Meriweather might be the choice. They
believe he can play either safety spot.
TGIDD.
Thank God It's Draft Day.
The last chance for mock drafts has gone.
Now, it's time to select those college players NFL teams think they need so, so bad.
After months and months of scrutinizing players at all-star games, scouting combines and pro workout days, the Eagles and every other team in the league will finally get a chance to turn their picks into actual people.
If you're interested only in what the Eagles do in this draft, you are going to have to wait a little while longer, because if the Eagles stick with their allotted 26th overall pick in the first round, they will not make their selection until after 6 o'clock tonight.
Anyway, here's one final look at what the Eagles might do with their first-round selection:
A. Draft a safety.
B. Draft a cornerback.
C. Draft a defensive end.
D. Draft a linebacker.
E. Trade down and get an extra pick in the third or fourth round.
F. None of the above.
If the answer is A, the safety options appear to be Florida's Reggie Nelson, Miami's Brandon Meriweather, Texas' Michael Griffin, and Virginia Tech's Aaron Rouse.
Most draft experts project that Nelson will be gone by the time the Eagles pick, but the three other players on that list should be available.
Eagles general manager Tom Heckert said he believed that Meriweather, Griffin and Rouse could play either safety spot. Nelson, meanwhile, was more of a centerfielder at Florida, patrolling the secondary for interceptions rather than approaching the line of scrimmage to stop the run.
"I wouldn't call that a concern," Heckert said. "It's something you have to think about because you don't get to see him do it. I think he's tough enough and he comes up and tackles, but he has not been a box guy."
If the Eagles opt for Meriweather, it will be a fascinating selection just because of his controversial involvement in an ugly brawl Miami had during a game with Florida International last season.
"That's something we're really investigating," Heckert said.
Should the Eagles elect to go with Option B - and take a cornerback - they should have an opportunity to get a good one late in the first round.
"I think it's a pretty deep draft at cornerback," Heckert said, adding that he believes a total of five cornerbacks could be selected in the first round.
The two best that figure to be available for the Eagles are Texas' Aaron Ross and Arkansas' Chris Houston. Ross, at 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, is bigger than Houston. The kid from Arkansas, however, showed that he could be outstanding in press coverage at the line of scrimmage.
"There's one guy, you don't see him do anything but press [on film]," Heckert said of Houston. "That's why there's probably mistakes made with corners because you don't get to see them do everything you need to see."
Heckert said that was particularly true with players like Houston, who entered the draft after his junior year. Only seniors are showcased in all-star games, where NFL scouts can ask to see players in multiple roles.
Option C - defensive end - could happen if one of the higher-rated players slips to the 26th spot in the draft. It's possible, but not probable, that Florida's Jarvis Moss will be available when the Eagles select. Moss, who weighs just over 250 pounds, can rush the passer, but his size could be a detriment when he has to play the run.
As for option D - linebacker - the Eagles could make a popular pick and take Penn State's Paul Posluszny if he falls to the 26th spot. Miami's Jon Beason and Florida State's Lawrence Timmons could also still be on the board, but it doesn't seem likely that the Eagles will take a linebacker in the first round for the first time since 1979.
Though the Eagles have moved up in the draft twice in the last four years to get a higher No. 1 pick, the more likely scenario in this draft is Option E - trade down. The Eagles probably would be willing to move down a few spots if they could pick up an extra selection in the second or third round and still get a player they think has good value.
"With the new CBA, the end of the first round is a little intriguing just because you can lock those guys up for five years," Heckert said, referring to the collective-bargaining agreement. "The second round, you can't do that anymore. That could be an issue, but I doubt somebody would give you a great pick just to get an extra year on the contract."
And what about Option F - none of the above? This is the NFL draft, so anything is possible. Just be glad you don't have to read or hear any more speculation about it.
TGIDD.
Picking 26th Is Hit or Miss
The Eagles will be selecting 26th in the first round of today's NFL draft. The recent 26th picks have brought mixed results. Here's a look at the last 12 players selected 26th overall:
Year Player Pos. College Pro
2006 John McCargo DT North Carolina State Buffalo
Made just six tackles during five games before suffering a season-ending foot injury.
2005 Chris Spencer C Mississippi Seattle
Started 13 of 16 games last year for the Seahawks.
2004 Chris Perry RB Michigan Cincinnati
Has started three games in three years.
2003 Kwame Harris OT Stanford San Francisco
Started every game the last two seasons.
2002 Lito Sheppard CB Florida EAGLES
Talk about a great pick - he's a two-time Pro Bowl choice.
2001 Jamar Fletcher CB Wisconsin Miami
Is now with his fourth team, the Texans.
2000 Erik Flowers DE Arizona State Buffalo
Had only six career starts before going to the CFL.
1999 Fernando Bryant CB Alabama Jacksonville
Serviceable player who has played last three years with Detroit.
1998 Alan Faneca OG LSU Pittsburgh
Arguably the best guard in the NFL.
1997 Jim Druckenmiller QB Virginia Tech San Francisco
A bust who played just four games in two seasons.
1996 Ray Lewis LB Miami Baltimore
Likely future Hall of Fame selection.
1995 Devin Bush FS Florida State Atlanta
Played for three teams during an eight-year NFL career.
- Marc Narducci
Inquirer Staff Writer
MICHAEL CONROY / Associated Press
Should the Eagles pick a safety, Miami's Brandon Meriweather might be the choice. They
believe he can play either safety spot.TGIDD.
Thank God It's Draft Day.
The last chance for mock drafts has gone.
Now, it's time to select those college players NFL teams think they need so, so bad.
After months and months of scrutinizing players at all-star games, scouting combines and pro workout days, the Eagles and every other team in the league will finally get a chance to turn their picks into actual people.
If you're interested only in what the Eagles do in this draft, you are going to have to wait a little while longer, because if the Eagles stick with their allotted 26th overall pick in the first round, they will not make their selection until after 6 o'clock tonight.
Anyway, here's one final look at what the Eagles might do with their first-round selection:
A. Draft a safety.
B. Draft a cornerback.
C. Draft a defensive end.
D. Draft a linebacker.
E. Trade down and get an extra pick in the third or fourth round.
F. None of the above.
If the answer is A, the safety options appear to be Florida's Reggie Nelson, Miami's Brandon Meriweather, Texas' Michael Griffin, and Virginia Tech's Aaron Rouse.
Most draft experts project that Nelson will be gone by the time the Eagles pick, but the three other players on that list should be available.
Eagles general manager Tom Heckert said he believed that Meriweather, Griffin and Rouse could play either safety spot. Nelson, meanwhile, was more of a centerfielder at Florida, patrolling the secondary for interceptions rather than approaching the line of scrimmage to stop the run.
"I wouldn't call that a concern," Heckert said. "It's something you have to think about because you don't get to see him do it. I think he's tough enough and he comes up and tackles, but he has not been a box guy."
If the Eagles opt for Meriweather, it will be a fascinating selection just because of his controversial involvement in an ugly brawl Miami had during a game with Florida International last season.
"That's something we're really investigating," Heckert said.
Should the Eagles elect to go with Option B - and take a cornerback - they should have an opportunity to get a good one late in the first round.
"I think it's a pretty deep draft at cornerback," Heckert said, adding that he believes a total of five cornerbacks could be selected in the first round.
The two best that figure to be available for the Eagles are Texas' Aaron Ross and Arkansas' Chris Houston. Ross, at 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, is bigger than Houston. The kid from Arkansas, however, showed that he could be outstanding in press coverage at the line of scrimmage.
"There's one guy, you don't see him do anything but press [on film]," Heckert said of Houston. "That's why there's probably mistakes made with corners because you don't get to see them do everything you need to see."
Heckert said that was particularly true with players like Houston, who entered the draft after his junior year. Only seniors are showcased in all-star games, where NFL scouts can ask to see players in multiple roles.
Option C - defensive end - could happen if one of the higher-rated players slips to the 26th spot in the draft. It's possible, but not probable, that Florida's Jarvis Moss will be available when the Eagles select. Moss, who weighs just over 250 pounds, can rush the passer, but his size could be a detriment when he has to play the run.
As for option D - linebacker - the Eagles could make a popular pick and take Penn State's Paul Posluszny if he falls to the 26th spot. Miami's Jon Beason and Florida State's Lawrence Timmons could also still be on the board, but it doesn't seem likely that the Eagles will take a linebacker in the first round for the first time since 1979.
Though the Eagles have moved up in the draft twice in the last four years to get a higher No. 1 pick, the more likely scenario in this draft is Option E - trade down. The Eagles probably would be willing to move down a few spots if they could pick up an extra selection in the second or third round and still get a player they think has good value.
"With the new CBA, the end of the first round is a little intriguing just because you can lock those guys up for five years," Heckert said, referring to the collective-bargaining agreement. "The second round, you can't do that anymore. That could be an issue, but I doubt somebody would give you a great pick just to get an extra year on the contract."
And what about Option F - none of the above? This is the NFL draft, so anything is possible. Just be glad you don't have to read or hear any more speculation about it.
TGIDD.
Picking 26th Is Hit or Miss
The Eagles will be selecting 26th in the first round of today's NFL draft. The recent 26th picks have brought mixed results. Here's a look at the last 12 players selected 26th overall:
Year Player Pos. College Pro
2006 John McCargo DT North Carolina State Buffalo
Made just six tackles during five games before suffering a season-ending foot injury.
2005 Chris Spencer C Mississippi Seattle
Started 13 of 16 games last year for the Seahawks.
2004 Chris Perry RB Michigan Cincinnati
Has started three games in three years.
2003 Kwame Harris OT Stanford San Francisco
Started every game the last two seasons.
2002 Lito Sheppard CB Florida EAGLES
Talk about a great pick - he's a two-time Pro Bowl choice.
2001 Jamar Fletcher CB Wisconsin Miami
Is now with his fourth team, the Texans.
2000 Erik Flowers DE Arizona State Buffalo
Had only six career starts before going to the CFL.
1999 Fernando Bryant CB Alabama Jacksonville
Serviceable player who has played last three years with Detroit.
1998 Alan Faneca OG LSU Pittsburgh
Arguably the best guard in the NFL.
1997 Jim Druckenmiller QB Virginia Tech San Francisco
A bust who played just four games in two seasons.
1996 Ray Lewis LB Miami Baltimore
Likely future Hall of Fame selection.
1995 Devin Bush FS Florida State Atlanta
Played for three teams during an eight-year NFL career.
- Marc Narducci
April 27, 2007
Bunkley vows to fulfill promise in '07
By Bob Brookover
Inquirer Staff Writer
YONG KIM / Philadelphia Daily News
Brodrick Bunkley acknowledges his rookie season was a disappointment.
"I wish I could take last year back, but I can't."
The Eagles' first-round pick is going to have to make a major impact in 2007, but the second-round pick might not even dress for a game.
No, this isn't about the players the Eagles are going to take in tomorrow's NFL draft. This is about the two players they took in last year's draft.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis two months ago, defensive coordinator Jim Johnson was asked how he thought his defense could most improve, and it didn't long for the words Brodrick Bunkley to come out of his mouth.
"We'll be a better team next year if Bunkley comes through for us," Johnson said. "We're anticipating him coming through for us next year."
Talk about pressure.
Bunkley, the 14th overall selection in last year's draft, said last week that he welcomed the high expectations and acknowledged that he was as disappointed with his rookie season as anybody else.
"It's hard to explain, because I came in with high hopes, and I quickly realized if you don't stay on top of what you're supposed to do . . . you're going to live that tough life," Bunkley said. "I wish I could take last year back, but I can't.
"I came in with a new attitude, and I'm working out hard. I lost a little weight. I'm trying to trim down a little bit and work on my speed, so at least I won't go back into camp overweight like I did last year."
As for the expectations, Bunkley said he's already had some lengthy conversations with Johnson.
"I know I'm going to have to step my game up a lot this year," he said. "I want to impress my coaches because I felt like I kind of let those guys down last year. I kind of let the fans down last year, so now I want to get out on the field and just at least show people I'm capable and worthy of being the No. 1 pick."
Bunkley, according to the coaching staff's statistics, registered just eight tackles and one hurry - it came in the season opener against Houston - during his 15 games. His most notable moment came when he did not dress against Indianapolis after missing the team charter while running a food errand for his teammates.
He said he did get an NFL education despite his limited playing time and modest statistics.
"At least some of the games I got a feel for the game speed when I did get in," Bunkley said. "It's a real physical game, and you've got some huge guys that know what they're doing. Now I'm rid of those rookie jitters and ready to get back into it."
As for the Eagles' second-round pick, all he got was an off-the-field education because offensive tackle Winston Justice never even dressed for a game.
"It was a different experience for me," Justice said. "But I still got to learn a lot from Tra [William Thomas] and [Jon] Runyan. If I had to be in a place where I had to sit and not dress, I couldn't be in a better situation."
With Thomas and Runyan both returning, Justice could go through another year of watching in street clothes.
"That's exactly right," general manager Tom Heckert said. "I think it's a good problem to have. Obviously, I feel bad for Justice, but at least we have him as a backup. I think in the long run we'll be happy we drafted him. He's a very good insurance policy for the immediate future, and we think for the future he's going to be our guy."
Linebacker Omar Gaither had the most impact from last year's rookie class and, along with Bunkley, goes into 2007 with the best chance of being a starter. Heckert, however, said he also would like to see some contribution from third-round pick Chris Gocong, who missed all of last season with a neck injury.
"We're going to put him out there at linebacker and see what he can do," Heckert said. "I don't think there's any question the guy can play defensive end, so to not give him a chance at linebacker, I think would be a mistake."
The Eagles' other picks from last season - offensive guard Max Jean-Gilles, wide receivers Jason Avant and Jeremy Bloom, and defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey - will have a difficult time getting on the field, although Bloom does have a chance to be the team's returner.
Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070427_Bunkley_vows_to_fulfill_promise_in_07.html
April 26, 2007
Inside the Iggles Mock
1. Oakland Raiders- WR Calvin Johnson- Georgia Tech
The Raiders pass on two potential franchise qbs, and take the best player in the draft. The Raiders have two very talented WRs on the team already, but both have fallen out of favor with the team. Al Davis will prefer to find a veteran QB to sign after the draft, and just go for the physical freak in Johnson. Daunte Culpepper has been rumored to be an option, if cut by Miami. This pick will change the entire draft, and really piss off the Buccaneers.
2. Detroit Lions- QB Brady Quinn- Notre Dame
With Calvin Johnson gone the Lions ideas of trading this pick are shattered. There have been very poor QBs for a long time in Detroit. John Kitna, and Josh McCown are really just good backups, and neither has much of a future being a starter in the NFL. Convinced he will fit better into his offense than LSU's Jamarcus Russell, Mike Martz lobbies for Matt Millen to take Brady Quinn.
3. Cleveland Browns- QB Jamarcus Russell- LSU
Cleveland is pleasantly surprised that the once consensus number one overall pick, has just fallen into their lap. Cleveland has also had it's fair share of QB troubles in it's brief team history. Adrian Peterson is also an intriguing prospect here, but Romeo Crenell knows the value of having an elite QB is much better than having an elite RB. Charlie Frye is still young, but he has played very poorly in his young NFL career. Jamarcus Russell will bring new life to Cleveland, and give the Browns a franchise QB.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- DE Gaines Adams- Clemson
The Bucs are also crushed that Oakland has selected Calvin Johnson. Jon Gruden, must really think that Al Davis wants to stick it to them. They are however very happy that Detroit did not select the best pass rusher in college football this past year in Gaines Adams. After addressing the offensive line last year, the Bucs now need to replenish an aging, once great defense. Almost all of the Bucs DEs are near the end, including their premier DE Simeon Rice. Adams is definitely Tampa Bay's second choice, and he is taken with the 4th pick.
5. Arizona Cardinals- OT Joe Thomas- Wisconsin
A very happy Arizona Cardinals team is thrilled to select Joe Thomas. The consensus franchise left tackle in this years draft, falls to number 5. The Cards will not draft Adrian Peterson, because they just committed a ton of money to Edgerrin James last season. Ken Whisenhunt knows that Arizona's main weakness over the years, has been offensive line, and he will bring in the Steelers philosophy of having a great offensive line. Matt Leinart couldn't be happier.
6. Washington Redskins- DT Amobi Okoye- Louisville
Washington is disappointed that Gaines Adams is gone, but they had somewhat expected that could happen. They are now faced with a tough choice of Laron Landry, and a 19 year old sensation Amobi Okoye. In the end, they choose Okoye, because they have gone DB in the first round two years in a row, and their defense got almost no pass rush last year. The Redskins have really paid very little attention to their defensive line, in the recent past, and when they have, they have made mistakes.(Andre Carter) The only way the Redskins can pressure a QB, is with the blitz. Okoye is desperately needed in D.C., and he brings on big expectations with him.
7. Minnesota Vikings- RB Adrian Peterson- Oklahoma
Calvin Johnson is long gone, Gaines Adams is gone, and both top QBs are gone. Chester Taylor did a decent job last year for the Vikings, but he does not have the break away speed that Adrian Peterson has. The Vikings DE's did not produce very much last year, so Jamaal Anderson is really considered here. Leon Hall could be a bit of a reach here, but CB is also a need. Some think Landry would also be a great pick for the Vikings, but I believe that they are really high on second year S Greg Blue. Probably the 3rd best prospect in the draft is there for the taking, and the Vikings do not let him fall any further.
8. Atlanta Falcons- S Laron Landry- LSU
The Falcons like Washington also have needs at S, and DT. Okoye was the DT Bobby Petrino coveted, but he is gone. They shed no tears, as the best safety in the draft Laron Landry is available, and Rich McKay a great talent evaluator, drafts another stud defensive player. Landry is not just the best safety, some think he could be the best defensive player in the draft. If Adrian Peterson were available, the Falcons would have a very difficult choice, because it appears Warrick Dunn is going to be a possible cap casualty.
9. Miami Dolphins- CB Leon Hall- Michigan
The starting corner backs on the Miami Dolphins as of now, are Will Allen, and Andre Goodman. This position is in desperate need of help, and Leon Hall is there to rescue them. This is probably still a reach at 9, so look for Miami to possibly trade down a few spots. Hall is not the only good CB prospect, Darrelle Revis, and Chris Houston will also available later, and I believe both of them are actually better than Leon Hall. Nick Saban has really left this team in shambles. OT, DT, S, WR, and DE are also some needs for the Dolphins.
10. Houston Texans- DT Alan Branch- Michigan
The Texans pass on Reggie Bush, and Vince Young last year, to draft DE Mario Williams. Then the following year, they replace the starting QB, and RB during free agency. To me the Texans are the most confused team in the NFL. They make one strange decision after another. I wonder what they are thinking with these moves. I am sure that they know, that they still have to find a way to stop Peyton Manning, and the Colts offense. They continue to rebuild a weak defensive line by taking Alan Branch. Branch once considered the clear favorite as the drafts top DT, has now slipped due to the Okoye craze. This might be the only thing the Texans do this off season that makes any sense.
11. San Fransisco 49ers- DE Adam Carriker- Nebraska
In a continuing effort to transform the 49ers into a 3-4 defense, the 49ers take the big Nebraska kid. The 9ers had a spending frenzy in free agency, and have addressed needs at CB, SS, WR, and LB. This very young, and talented offense, is trying to now build a better defense. Bryant Young does not have many years left, and Carriker just makes sense in every way for this team. Good pick for the 49ers.
12. Buffalo Bills- LB Patrick Willis- Ole Miss
The Bills have parted ways with both London Fletcher, and Takeo Spikes. Two big losses at LB. Many have Marshawn Lynch penciled in here, but I don't think so. RB is also a very big need for the Bills after trading Willis McGahee to the Ravens, but Marv Levy believes that there will be other good backs in the second round. In Willis the Bills are getting the best LB in the draft, and he would become an instant starter. Willis solidified his spot here, after an excellent senior bowl, and an awesome combine. I am pretty jealous.
13. St. Louis Rams- DE Jamaal Anderson- Arkansas
The Rams have had one area of their team holding them back from becoming a team that goes deep into the playoffs. That area is their defense. They do not stop the run well at all, and I'm not sure if they even practice tackling. The top 2 DTs are gone, Gaines Adams is long gone, Adam Carriker is gone, and Patrick Willis just got snagged by the Bills. So the Rams go with DE Jamaal Anderson. Some question his heart, and athletic ability. Others seem to think he is a poor mans Julius Peppers. To me I look at him as a boom or bust guy. The Rams better hope he does well, because they really can't afford another defensive lineman bust.
14. Carolina Panthers- S Reggie Nelson- Florida
Mike Minter is the Panthers only veteran safety on the team, and he has said he will retire after this year. The Panthers will most likely have to draft two safeties in this draft, and they start early by getting the "Eraser" from the national champs Florida. Other needs include WR, DE, TE, and LB. With Nelson being the best player on the board, and Jon Fox's believe that defense wins championships, they draft Nelson. Other possibilities, are Greg Olsen, Tedd Ginn, Paul Posluszny, and Robert Meachem.
15. Pittsburg Steelers- CB Darrelle Revis- Pitt
Mike Tomlin knows the Steelers have needs at CB, and LB. He does not have to look far to find his guy. Darrelle Revis is considered by some, to be the best CB in this draft, and he seems like an ideal fit for Tomlin's cover 2 scheme. Even though Pittsburgh will continue to run the 3-4 base defense under D LeBeau, Tomlin has hinted that he plans to convert to his scheme. He has even talked about plans of mixing in a 4-3 at times this year. Revis is a good pick, and Pittsburgh faithfuls will be happy with this.
16. Green Bay Packers- RB Marshawn Lynch- Cal
Buffalo passed on Lynch, but Greenbay does not hesitate to select him. Rb is the Packers number need right now, and Marshawn is an ideal back for the Packers offense. Lynch should excel in the zone blocking scheme, and he is a very capable receiving threat. I really doubt that Packers fans would be happy with Vernand Morency as the starting RB. Lynch makes the most sense here at 16, and the Packers will be very delighted to get a very talented football player.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars- LB Lawrence Timmons- FSU
I have seen a ton of mocks that have the Jags going for a defensive end in the first round. I am not sure why, because last year they got very good production out of that position. I see a void at linebacker with Jacksonville. Nick Greisen is a very weak spot on this defense. Lawrence Timmons is one of the best outside linebackers in this draft, and he will thrive in Jacksonville behind that defensive line. This is a pretty solid team all around, and they could choose to go the best player available route.
18. Cincinatti Bengals- LB Paul Posluszny- Penn State
The Bengals lost a very good linebacker, and a team leader in Brian Simmons. The Bengals defense is what kept them out of the playoffs in 06, and to help fix both of these problems, they turn to linebacker U, and grab Poz. Nittany Lions fans wish him well, and watch him make a huge impact on the Bengals team. Paul is not just a great football player. He is a team leader, a great guy, and high character guy. Marvin Lewis wont get any jail phone calls in the middle of the night from Posluszny.
19. Tennessee Titans- WR Robert Meachcem- Tenn
Vince Young needs weapons, and Meachem will provide him with some speed on the outside. Tedd Ginn is also a real possibility here. Both are blazing fast, but in the end Meachem's production at Tennessee is the deciding factor. Titans could consider Dwayne Bowe from LSU, or Dwayne Jarrett from USC as well. Other positions to consider, are FS, DE, RB, and yes CB now that Pacman is suspended for the season. Think after Pacman, they will consider drafting Brandon Meriweather?
20. New York Giants- OT Levi Brown- Penn State
Most likely Brown will be drafted higher than this, but without predicting trades, I have him falling to 20. The Giants should do back flips if he did slip to them. A devastating run blocker, and very good pass protector, Levi could line up at either left, or right tackle for New York. The Giants also must definately consider an outside linebacker here, as they need two of them. Jon Beason from Miami is a very tempting pick here.
21. Denver Broncos- DE Jarvis Moss- Florida
A very pleased Broncos team, gets their guy. Jarvis Moss will bring what Denver needs. Another pass rusher. The entire Browns defensive line was not good enough, and Denver never really replaced Trevor Pryce after he left for the Ravens. Other team needs are DT, LB, S, WR, and OT. Joe Staley, Justin Harrell, both Dwaynes, and Brandon Meriweather could be good options.
22. Dallas Cowboys- WR Dwayne Jarrett- USC
Dallas has not used a first round pick on offense since 1997, when they selected LSU tight end David LaFleur. Ten years later, I think they finally go offense again. Dwayne Jarrett's draft status has really dropped, do to a slow 40 time, and the inevitable comparisons to Mike Williams. I think this is a big mistake, because he had an outstanding college career. A big physical receiver, with great hands, and just a natural football player. the slow time may have scared off a lot of teams, but Dallas will gladly bring Jarrett to Big D. This will give the Cowboys youth at WR, which they need, and a TO replacement.
23. Kansas City Chiefs- WR Tedd Ginn- Ohio State
Kansas City has already prepared for this pick, by trading Dante Hall to the rams. Ginn is an electric returner, and teams are putting a higher premium on returners, after seeing the huge impact of Devin Hester. Ginn is an unpolished wr, but with some good NFL coaching, and Kansas City's high powered offense, he should be able to develop very well. KC also has some major offensive line issues, and do not be surprised if they go after Joe Staley, or Benn Grubbs here. Don't believe the LJ rumors. They wont let him go anywhere.
24. New England Patriots- CB Chris Houston- Arkansas
The Patriots make yet another great move, and draft my top rated CB in the draft. Houston is very tough, smart, agresive, and very athletic. Houston declared for the draft early after having an excellent junior season. He really justified that with his amazing combine performance. This off season has been very unpatriot like, as they have made a lot of moves for big time players, when they have been known to wait for value signings later in June, and August. Houston is a stud, and somehow the NFL lets the Patriots end up with him.
25. New York Jets- LB Anthony Spencer- Purdue
Considered a "tweener", Spencer seems like a perfect fit at OLB in a 3-4 D. Eric Mangini wants to get the right personelfor his 3-4 defense, and Spencer will be the edge rushing linebacker he is looking for. I've heard Spencer comparisons from Trent Cole, to Dwight Freeney. I think he is somewhere in the middle of those two talent wise. Jets fans are just glad they did not draft another tight end. I am sure they will boo the pick anyways.
26. Philadelphia Eagles- S Brandon Meriweather- Miami(Fla)
Meet Brian Dawkins successor. Brandon Meriweather is an all around complete free safety. He is a vicious hitter, excellent in run support, skilled enough to play nickle, and fast enough to even play corner. Dawk is gonna be 34 this year, and he will drop off soon. Considine did play safety in college, but i believe the Eagles like him at SS. I don't see why they would even convert him to SS, if they did not plan to keep him there. Heckert has publicly stated that he loves Considine where he is, and that he felt Brandon Meriweather was not really that bad of a guy. Meriweather's biggest knock, is that he has some serious character concerns, and the Eagles have typically avoided these under Andy Reid. Knowing how well the Eagles do homework on players, I beleive they are pretty good are telling the bad seeds apart from the good ones. Meriweather made some dumb mistakes as a young adult, and he has learned from that. i do not see him being the next Pacman, Chris Henry, or Maurice Clarrett. I also do not see the Eagles wanting Michael Griffin. He reminds me too much of Michael Lewis, and I don't even consider him a first round talent. WR is NOT a need. CB could be chosen here. Anthony Spencer would be an option, if he were to fall. Ben Grubbs could be a possibility, and could they possibly go linebacker? Don't count on it. Meriweather seems like the most logical choice.
27. New Orleans Saints- TE Greg Olsen- Miami(Fla)
The Saints have quietly filled a lot of their team needs this off season. They re-signed DT Hollis Thomas. They signed free agents LB Brian Simmons, S Kevin Kaesviharn, CB Jason David, and K Olindo Mare. They did lose veteran WR Joe Horn, but rookie sensation Marques Colston will be fine there. The Saints had the number one offense in the NFL last year, and now they get this drafts best tight end, to make it even better. Olsen should probably go higher than this, but not many teams are looking for a first round tight end, and hiring Drew Rosenhaus as your agent always hurts your draft stock. Dwayne Bowe, and Aaron Ross should also be considered.
28. New England Patriots- S Michael Griffin- Texas
The Pats look to find a young safety to replace Rodney Harrison. Their secondary has been riddled with injuries, and very thing over the past few seasons. Using both firsts on the secondary is a plan to solidify them in this area. Even though I feel Griffin is not worth a first round pick, the Pats have shown in the past, that they are not afraid of "reaching" for a player that they really want. After Griffin the safety class takes a considerable drop. Inside linebacker is also a need. Look for David Harris as a possibility.
29. Baltimore Ravens- OT Joe Staley- Central Michigan
Baltimore's offensive line has a few questions this year. One question that seems to already be answered, is that this will be pro bowl left tackle Johnathan Ogden's last NFL season. The Ravens are definetely going to look for somebody to draft, to fill that hole. Staley is a former tight end, who has bulked up, and moves very well for a tackle. An excellent prospect, the Ravens get great value at 29. Other needs include G, C, QB, and LB. Anthony Spencer, Ryan Kalil, Benn Grubbs, and Justin Blaylock are some other names to look for here.
30. San Diego- WR Dwayne Bowe- LSU
San Diego is one of the most complete teams in the NFL. They could probably just draft by best player available. If they had a need, the main one would be receiver. Keenan McCardel was released, and now a new number one WR is needed. Vincent Jackson started to show some promise last year, and he looks like he will be a good one. The problem after him there is not much of anything good at the position. Eric parker is the next best WR they have. He has decent speed, but puts up very average production. Dwayne Bowe is another big target for talented young QB Phillip Rivers to throw too, and with Bowe in the mox, it will be near impossible to stop the chargers in the redzone. What can you defend? Gates, Jackson, Bowe, or LT? How did Norv Turner land this job?
31. Chicago Bears- LB Jon Beason- Miami(Fla)
The Bears could use an outside linebacker. They best one available at 20, with Beason. Beason is a great athlete, and could start right away for Chicago. I think he will actually end up being a better pro than Paul Posluszny. Recently Miami has a very good history of producing top NFL line backers, and I think the trend continues with Beason. Also look for TE, G, and DT here. Lance Briggs trade on draft day?
32. Indianapolis Colts- CB Aaron Ross
The super Bowl Champs, have lost CBs Nick Harper, and Jason David to free agency. They will be looking for the best CB available here, and Ross is their man. Ross had a very good career at Texas, but slips because he will be turning 24 in September which is very old for a rookie. He also has problems with off man coverage, and gets turned around pretty easily. Colts could also look at CB Marcus McCauley, DT Justin Harrell, and LB Jon Beason.
Eagles' Kearse anxious to get back in uniform
By LES BOWEN
bowenl@phillynews.com
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070426_Eagles_Kearse_anxious_to_get_back_in_uniform.html
JEVON KEARSE even taped his wrists when he suited up in the new blue-and-yellow "throwback" uniform for the news conference announcing the Eagles' plans for their 75th anniversary season.
"I wanted to wear [football] gloves, but none of the gloves matched. I gotta
coordinate," said Kearse, who entered the gathering exclaiming that, "it feels
good to be back in a uniform."
Kearse, who hadn't pulled on pads since suffering a season-ending knee injury in overtime of Game 2 last Sept. 17, was ready for action, even though the only thing likely to hit him yesterday was a blizzard of confetti the team shot into the air to make the most of its photo op.
"I want to get to the quarterback, man. I'm a quarterback-eater, and I'm hungry.
I need to eat," Kearse said, relating a locker room conversation with strong safety Sean Considine, who had allowed that the current sculpted, 240-pound "Freak" might be better suited for the secondary.
Kearse explained that his rehab regimen has focused almost exclusively on cardio work lately; he's in great shape, but he expects to add 20 pounds or so before training camp opens July 27 at Lehigh.
It will be interesting to see if the Eagles draft a defensive end early this weekend. On paper, there is little room, with Kearse and Darren Howard signed to long-term, big-money deals, along with Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas. Jerome McDougle remains under contract, as well. But the Eagles really need Kearse to stay healthy this year and for Howard to be much better than he was last season, in his initial tour with the Birds. If you aren't confident in those scenarios, then you need a defensive end, maybe even in the first round. General manager Tom Heckert recently cautioned against ruling out that possibility.
There likely will be some intriguing DE talent still on the board when the Eagles select 26th overall Saturday. Perhaps Purdue's Anthony Spencer, or Florida's Jarvis Moss, who is built a lot like Kearse? Maybe Moss' teammate, Ray McDonald.
Kearse recalled his draft day, when the Tennessee Titans took him 16th overall in the first round of the 1999 draft. Kearse validated that selection by notching a career-high 14 1/2 sacks in his rookie season.
"Some people might be happy just to go in the first round, or the first day, but I was a little ticked that I got picked No. 16," he said. "I felt like I was good enough to go anywhere in the top 10 . . . I used that as motivation against the teams that didn't pick me."
Many observers think the Eagles will come out of the first day of the 2007 draft with a safety or corner, a running back and either a linebacker or a defensive end. But even though Kearse turns 31 in September, he feels the team doesn't need to worry about drafting for his spot.
"With 2 or 3 more weeks of rehab, I should be ready to come back 100 percent," Kearse said. "I'm trying to come back 110 percent . . . Me coming back healthy, and if everyone comes back healthy, they can do what they're going to do in the draft, because we're going to already pretty much have the guys here."
He said there was a time, a few months ago, when he felt he'd hit a plateau in his recovery, but he was able to work through those worries. The season also was very difficult for Kearse, especially the stretch when the Birds lost five of six games.
"When we were losing, I was putting the blame on me, because I was injured. I felt there were a lot of things I could have done to help the team out," he said.
Kearse was off to an amazing start last season, having rededicated himself in the offseason. He had 3 1/2 sacks in the two games he played.
"That was the most daunting part of it," he said. "I was off to the best start of my career. But I've been talking to other athletes, former athletes, and they tell me if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. I'm expecting to start right back where I left off."
Last season, the Eagles couldn't get consistent pass rush pressure after Kearse went down and they couldn't stop the run, finishing 26th in the NFL in that category.
"At the end [of the season, when the Eagles won six in a row before losing to New Orleans in the second round of the playoffs] I saw that we do have the talent, we do have what it takes," Kearse said. "It's just a matter of keeping everybody healthy and doing it every game, every play."
Kearse has heard speculation that he is washed up, after turning 30, losing last season to injury, and playing poorly in 2005.
"I can't even talk about how bad I want to get back on that field and prove people wrong," he said. "I've always been a man of action. I'll let my actions speak."
Because he was modeling the new/old uniform, Kearse was asked his thoughts on it. He said he liked the color scheme, and is looking forward to the Sept. 23 game against Detroit in which the Eagles will wear the throwbacks.
"I'm looking forward to any game, really," he said. *
Get well soon FREEEEAK! We really need you. He must dying to play football, if he was excited to put on that ugly UCLA jersey on.
April 25, 2007
Eagles Unveil 75th Anniversary Plans
April 25, 2007
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=67623
The Philadelphia Eagles unveiled plans Wednesday to celebrate 75 seasons of Eagles football in Philadelphia, including a designated throwback game complete with the uniform colors of 1933.
"We will celebrate 75 years of Eagles football and the most passionate fans in the NFL during the 2007 season," Eagles chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie said at a press conference held at the NovaCare Complex.
Joining Lurie was Eagles play-by-play radio announcer Merrill Reese, considered to be the official "Voice of the Eagles." Reese, whose voice has marked some of the biggest moments in franchise history over the past 30 years, shared his favorite memories of the team. In addition, those in attendance were treated to a special highlight video of great Eagles moments, produced by Eagles Television Network.
Here is the throwback Donovan McNabb jersey
"Knowing how much the Eagles have meant to the City of Philadelphia, I am truly honored to be part of the rich history of this team," said Lurie.
Also on hand at the announcement were Pro Football Hall of Fame member and NFL Films senior producer Ray Didinger, author of The Eagles Encyclopedia, and retired Eagles executive Jim Gallagher, who served in the organization from 1946 to 1995.
Here is a look at the plans for the 75th Anniversary Season:
Throwback Game -- Kicker David Akers and defensive end Jevon Kearse modeled blue and yellow throwback uniforms at the press conference, commemorating the color scheme and design worn by the Eagles during their first season in the NFL in 1933. Designed in cooperation with the NFL and Reebok, the uniforms will be worn during the September 23 home game vs. the Detroit Lions.
The blue and yellow colors were the first colors worn by the Eagles, after the Frankford Yellow Jackets went bankrupt and the NFL awarded the Philadelphia franchise to a syndicate headed by former University of Pennsylvania teammates Lud Wray and Bert Bell for an entry fee of $2,500. The Swedes were in Philadelphia before the arrival of William Penn and he incorporated their colors into the City of Philadelphia's flag.
Official 75th Anniversary Merchandise -- Hats, jerseys -- including ones featuring current players like Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook -- and more additional merchandise in the throwback colors are available now for fans.
Virtual Museum -- Wednesday also marked the launch of PhiladelphiaEagles.com's Virtual Museum. The web museum pays homage to the colorful history of the Eagles organization with exclusive, media-rich content dating back to the start of the franchise.
75th Anniversary Team -- Who were the best football players to wear an Eagles uniform during the franchise's first 74 seasons? Fans can help settle the debate by voting for the 75th Anniversary Team in our Virtual Museum. Each week, fans are invited to vote for the best players at a different position. The team will be unveiled before the beginning of the season in September. The nominees for the 75th Anniversary Team were selected by Reese, who will enter his 31st season as the voice of the Eagles, and Didinger, a former Philadelphia sportswriter who covered the Eagles and the NFL for 26 seasons before joining NFL Films as a senior producer. 
Official Philadelphia Eagles 75th Season Logo -- Players will wear this special logo, which was designed in cooperation with the NFL, on the current midnight green and white jerseys throughout the season. The logo will also be featured prominently throughout 2007 marketing, advertising, merchandising and game presentation campaigns.
Television Special -- Philadelphia's 6abc will air a television special featuring some of the greatest moments in Eagles history and members of the 75th Anniversary Team.
My god these are awful! What are they thinking? These ugly things look like a bad combination of the Delaware Blue Hens, and theTennessee Titans jerseys. People must have laughed when they saw this unveiling.
I am all for celebrating the 75th anniversary of the team, but can't they celebrate by wearing the kelly green throwbacks? How about the green and silver from the 80 team? Even the white helmets in the 70s look better than this eye sore.
Is anybody going to buy this jersey? You wont ever catch me walking out my front door wearing that. The sad thing about this is, that Jeffrie Lurie is probably just doing this to sell more merchandise. Next time can somebody please give him a pair of glasses before he approves something like this.
Gocong hopes he meets Birds' linebacking needs
By LES BOWEN
bowenl@phillynews.com
IF CHRIS GOCONG can emerge this year as a starting-quality linebacker, the Eagles might not need to address that position in this weekend's NFL draft.
But the Birds can't really gauge Gocong's readiness until minicamps and training camp. Where in the draft to look for a linebacker, or whether to look for a linebacker, might be their toughest call this weekend.
Gocong would like to make it easier for them.
"My goal is to be the starting SAM [strongside]," Gocong said recently after a workout at the NovaCare Complex. "I'm looking forward to seeing what they're going to do, so we know what's going on in the future."
When they selected Gocong in the third round from Division I-AA Cal Poly a year ago, the Eagles thought they'd have a much better fix on how he fits in by now. But Gocong, transitioning from defensive end in college, got off to a tentative, slow start in training camp, then was dogged by a neck injury that led to him being placed in injured reserve. He never played a snap, even in the preseason.
Obviously, this was difficult for Gocong, healthy by midseason, who noted recently that it was "not like I had some huge, visible injury."
"I almost wished I'd had one - then I would have had something to show for not being able to play," he said. "It was real frustrating, kind of like a redshirt year. But I think I made the best use of my time," attending meetings and learning the nuances of the Eagles' defense.
This offseason, it has been hard to get a fix on what the Eagles think about Gocong. They seem to envision him challenging the much-lampooned Dhani Jones at the SAM; the big offseason acquisition, Takeo Spikes, is working out at WIL, or weakside linebacker, for now. But defensive coordinator Jim Johnson also has talked about moving Gocong back to defensive end.
Gocong's perception is that it is up to him to show the coaching staff very quickly, when minicamps begin next month, that he is now a linebacker. Otherwise, he thinks he could get tossed into the jumbled picture at defensive end, where his route to playing time would be less clear.
General manager Tom Heckert said recently that Gocong's perception is accurate - it will be up to Gocong to convince the Birds he can be a linebacker. Heckert said Gocong, 6-2, 258, will get every chance to do that, but "we know he can play defensive end," where Gocong set a I-AA record with 23 1/2 sacks in 2005.
It's probably fair to say that if the Eagles draft an inside linebacker anywhere in the first three rounds Saturday, Gocong will face an uphill fight to avoid playing with one hand in the dirt. Even though the linebacking corps might have been the team's most disappointing unit last season, and even though Spikes and middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter have hit 30, the Birds have quite a few LBs under contract.
Right now, the starters would seem to be Trotter in the middle, challenged or complemented by promising Omar Gaither, Spikes at WIL, backed up by Matt McCoy, and Jones and Gocong at SAM, with former practice-squad members Tank Daniels, Dedrick Roper and Greg Richmond lurking on the fringes. Indications are that Daniels will be given every opportunity to win a spot. So if you draft a linebacker, somebody must go.
As every Eagles fan knows, finding linebackers who are a good fit for Johnson's defense has been a tricky pursuit. In addition to the litany of failed second-round draft picks (Barry Gardner in 1999, Quinton Caver in 2001, very possibly McCoy in 2005), there are the veterans the Eagles have brought in who haven't been everything they'd hoped. That list includes Nate Wayne, Mark Simoneau, Jones, and even Keith Adams, who played well as a backup, but was a disappointment as a starter.
One factor in all that transience is how the Eagles traditionally have seen linebackers - as less crucial than, say, defensive ends or corners, who tend to get drafted in the first round. Yes, this is the point in the story where we insert the obligatory reference to Jerry Robinson, the last linebacker the Eagles tabbed in the first round, in 1979.
"The positions we have drafted [in the first round] are the positions we feel are really tough to find," Heckert said. "Especially the offensive tackles, the defensive ends, even to a certain extent defensive tackles. Linebackers, in theory . . . the first-round guys might be solid players, but they're not impact players. I don't know if you need all that."
Heckert said the Eagles certainly are open to taking a linebacker when they make their first selection Saturday, 26th overall. That might be right around where Penn State star Paul Posluszny ends up going. Heckert has said only that he thinks Posluszny will be drafted somewhere in the first round. Florida State's Lawrence Timmons probably won't last that long, but Miami's versatile Jon Beason might. If the Birds opt for a linebacker much later in the draft, an interesting possibility is Zak DeOssie, son of former NFL linebacker and long-snapper Steve DeOssie. Zak DeOssie, from Brown, is a middling linebacking prospect but a highly regarded long-snapper, which could interest the Eagles now that it seems Mike Bartrum is retired. That might depend on how they view Jon Dorenbos, whom they signed as Bartrum's emergency injury replacement last season.
Heckert said he doesn't think there is anything about Johnson's defense that is particularly difficult for linebackers. Gocong has a different perception, perhaps because his background is at DE.
"It's just a large volume of things [to keep track of] - it's not really things that are so complicated, it's just high volume," Gocong said. "Especially transitioning from defensive end, it's kind of tough, because you never think about coverages or anything, it's just, 'Go get the quarterback,' 'Go get the ballcarrier.' "
Gocong saw Gaither take over McCoy's starting weakside spot at midseason, McCoy having worn down in the wake of a shoulder injury. Gaither, a fifth-round rookie, ended up being the Eagles' highest-profile first-year player. Obviously, Gocong wished he'd had that chance.
"Definitely. I was watching [even] the kickoff and punt teams, thinking I could be out there hitting people. It kills you; you can't do that every play. It's a long season. I had to stop myself, because it was just hurting me," Gocong said.
Gocong said this has turned into a long offseason already, since his season was pretty much offseason, as well. He's very anxious to see where he ends up. Asked whether he would be more comfortable at end, he said he might be, at first, because he played there so much in college. But he said he would be very disappointed.
"I want to say my role in this defense is at linebacker," Gocong said. *
If Gocong pans out, the Eagles linebackers looks pretty good actually. They also will have a very big group, if Takeo Spikes starts at the WILL, Trotter at MIKE, and Gocong at SAM. That is a recipe for stopping the run. Bunkley will also have to play big, but I really think he will. Then you have Gaither, McCoy, and Daniels as 3 good backups, that will rotate in for different packages. This looks like a pretty good group. I think it's time to part with Dhani Jones. He is just a below average linebacker, who almost never makes a play. When he finally does make a tackle, he brings out that stupid air guitar. Enough of the bow tie guy. Get your banjo, and beat it.
April 24, 2007
As Draft Nears, Eagles Say McNabb Is Their Future
By CLIFTON BROWN
Published: April 24, 2007
PHILADELPHIA, April 23 — Donovan McNabb has had a season-ending injury in each of the last two seasons.
Considering that history, and that McNabb is 30, some believe that the Philadelphia Eagles should select a young quarterback in this weekend’s N.F.L. draft.
Last season, Jeff Garcia filled in superbly after McNabb tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, leading the Eagles to the playoffs and a division championship. But Garcia signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent in March, leaving A. J. Feeley and Kelly Holcomb as McNabb’s backups.
The Eagles insist that they remain comfortable with McNabb as their No. 1 quarterback and say they will focus on other positions with the 26th pick in Saturday’s first round. With only two quarterbacks — JaMarcus Russell of Louisiana State and Brady Quinn of Notre Dame — expected to be selected in the first round, this is not an optimum year for the Eagles to burn a high pick on a project quarterback when they have more pressing needs on defense, particularly in the secondary.
“We think Donovan’s coming back healthy, he looks great, and we have A.
J.,” said Tom Heckert, the Eagles’ general manager, when asked about
Philadelphia’s quarterback situation during a round table with reporters
Monday.
“Even last year, he played great until he got hurt,” Heckert said of
McNabb. “He’s still a heck of a player.”
McNabb is still undergoing rehabilitation, hoping to be on the field when training camp begins in July. Until McNabb returns, nobody can be certain if his recovery from a serious knee injury will be more similar to that of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Carson Palmer or the Miami Dolphins’ Daunte Culpepper.
Both of those quarterbacks sustained knee injuries during the 2005 season. While Palmer was once again one of the N.F.L.’s top quarterbacks in 2006, Culpepper struggled and has not been the player he once was.
The Eagles gambled by not offering Garcia the contract he was seeking, but they say they are set at quarterback after signing Feeley to a long-term contract and obtaining Holcomb, who did not play last season, in a trade with the Buffalo Bills.
On Saturday, the Eagles are likely to consider a cornerback or a safety with their first-round pick. Safety Brian Dawkins remains one of the team’s emotional leaders and best players, but he will be 34 in November.
The Eagles have solid corner backs in Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, but cover corners are at a premium in the N.F.L., particularly on a team like the Eagles that loves to blitz.
Defensive backs that could be available with the 26th pick include safeties Michael Griffin of Texas and Reggie Nelson of Florida and corner backs Jonathan Wade of Tennessee, Josh Wilson of Maryland and Eric Wright of Nevada-Las Vegas. The Eagles may also opt for help on the defensive line because end Jevon Kearse is recovering from a knee injury.
This has been an usual off-season for the Eagles, with Coach Andy Reid taking a leave of absence from Feb. 12 to March 23 after his two sons, Garrett and Britt, were arrested.
Reid has the final say on all personnel matters, but he did not attend the scouting combine in February. But Heckert said that the Eagles’ draft preparations had not been affected because he and Reid frequently communicated.
“We sent him a bunch of tape and we talked three or four times a day,” Heckert said.
The Eagles have never drafted a safety in the first round, and they have not drafted a linebacker in the first round since 1979, when they selected Jerry Robinson. Philadelphia added a linebacker in the off-season, however, signing Takeo Spikes, who arrived with Holcomb in the trade with the Bills.
Philadelphia’s success rate in the draft has been inconsistent since Heckert joined the organization in 2001. His best draft was in 2002, when the Eagles acquired Sheppard, Michael Lewis, Brian Westbrook and Brown. But the Eagles have only one current starter from the 2003 draft, tight end L. J. Smith.
Last year, the Eagles took defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley with the 14th pick, but he reported late and out of shape and was a disappointment. The Eagles hope for more from Bunkley this season, but Heckert acknowledged that some of the team’s recent selections have not worked out as well as the team had hoped.
“We look at things every year,” Heckert said. “Was his work ethic not what we thought it was, did he fit into our scheme?
“If you’re talking about a good football team, it’s tough for any rookie to come out and start. But after two and a half or three years, if the guy’s not playing, it’s probably not going to work out.”
Heckert said that the Eagles probably would not make a deal to move up in the draft, feeling that a player who can help them will be available at No. 26. But with so many possibilities for Saturday, not even Heckert seems to be sure who that player may be.
“I honestly can’t sit here and tell you who we are going to draft,” he said.
But in Philadelphia, drafting a quarterback is still not a top priority.
I'm glad somebody finally writes an article that has some truth to it. I'm tired of all the "Eagles should draft a QB to replace McNabb" crap. McNabb is a very good QB, and the Eagles will sink or swim with him. I am also confident with AJ Feeley as a backup. The team has shown they could win with Feeley in the past, and he just plays well in the Eagles system.
Safety soon to be a Bird?
The Eagles definitely need another safety. Right now the roster consists of six time pro bowler Brian Dawkins, special teams captain Quintin Mikell, and Sean Considine. Considine replaced Michael Lewis mid-season last year, due to poor play by Lewis. I am sure that the Birds will draft a safety in this draft, but the question is who?
Will they place a higher value in this position, like many other NFL teams have? Will they wait, and try to get a value pick in a later round? We'll soon find out.
Here is a story on the safety position in the NFL today, and the top safeties in this upcoming draft.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/draft/2007-04-23-safeties-cover_N.htm
Safeties first: More teams place premium on position
By Tom Pedulla, USA TODAY
In a sense, Rod Woodson laments the day he was born. "It would have been great if my mom and dad would have held out 12 more years to have me," the former NFL star defensive back says.
He might be partly joking. The value of being a safety, one of the positions he excelled at from 1987-2003, is soaring because of the rise of the "Cover 2" defense to counter pass-happy offenses: the two corner backs pressing the action at the line of scrimmage, leaving each of two safeties to cover half of the field deep. 
PHOTOS: Top defensive backs available
The early rounds of recent drafts show the importance of finding safeties with the quickness and speed to cover a great deal of ground on pass routes and the toughness and tackling ability to stuff the run.
Thirty-one safeties were taken in Rounds 1-3 from 1990-96. The total jumps to 60 for that many years in the new millennium. NFLDraftScout.com projects nine safeties to go in the first three rounds this weekend.
"We have never had more than three safeties drafted in the first round. This year we could very likely have four," says Gil Brandt, former Dallas Cowboys executive and current NFL.com senior analyst.
Louisiana State's LaRon Landry is projected as a top-10 pick, followed in the first and second rounds (not necessarily in order) by Michael Griffin of Texas, Brandon Meriweather of Miami (Fla.) and Reggie Nelson, a defensive mainstay for national champ Florida.
NFL draft analyst and former defensive back Mike Mayock says there is a priority on finding safeties because teams are pushing for those players to do more.
FIND MORE STORIES IN: NFL National Football League Pro Bowl NFL draft Pro Football Hall of Fame Teams Reggie Nelson Scot Mccloughan
"They are asking you to cover large chunks of the field … so (you need) great range. They are also asking you to be tough enough and a good enough tackler to assert yourself" at the line, Mayock says. "And they are saying, 'By the way, there will be certain sets where we are asking you to cover a receiver (in the slot) with no help.'
"When you start putting those skills together, that's a special athlete. We are starting to see a recognition, from a draft perspective, that if you can go get one of those guys, you've got to get them."
The 6-2, 202-pound Landry looks to be one of those must-have talents. His physical abilities and grasp of the game were good enough that he started at LSU as a freshman and led the Tigers in tackles in three of four seasons. His 12 interceptions are tied for third all-time in school history.
"I'm very physical out there. I'm a great tackler (at the line). I'm great at taking on the pulling guard," he says. "I was smart back there (in the deep set). I was like a quarterback of the defense."
Scot McCloughan, vice president of player personnel for the San Francisco 49ers, seconds Landry's self-endorsement.
"He's one of the top 10 football players in this draft," says McCloughan, who, with the 11th pick, doesn't expect Landry to be available for the 49ers. He went the free agency route and signed former Pro Bowl safety Michael Lewis.
"Especially picking early, you don't pick for need," he says. "You pick the best football player."
Few in number
Only nine safeties have made the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When Brandt was director of player personnel for the Cowboys from 1960-89, the philosophy was to play it safe in selecting safeties.
"We didn't draft safeties," he says, "and the reason … is because we felt if he couldn't make it as a safety, there was no place to go with him. If you missed on him, you kind of struck out. If you took a corner and missed … you had a second position at safety. It was kind of tried throughout the" NFL.
That has changed. McCloughan sees Lewis, a second-round draft pick, as an every-down player with real versatility in passing situations.
"We really like what he brings" in package situations, when coaches load up the defensive backfield, McCloughan says of the 6-1, 222-pound Lewis. "He has enough size to be a good run player, and he can cover a back out of the backfield. We like everything about him."
Lewis was one of 11 safeties to go in the first three rounds in 2002. That high was matched last April, when Michael Huff (seventh, to the Oakland Raiders) and Donte Whitner (eighth, to the Buffalo Bills) cracked the top 10.
Neither the selection of Huff nor that of Whitner was particularly popular with hometown fans, who tend to prize offensive skill positions. Yet Buffalo general manager Marv Levy regards Whitner as a cornerstone in the Bills' rebuilding.
"He had a fine rookie season," Levy says of Whitner, second on the team in tackles. "He tuned in (to coaching). He was on top of it. There is still a big upside to him."
Buffalo solidified its last line of defense by drafting safety Ko Simpson in the fourth round. He also made great strides (fifth in tackles) and joins Whitner as a promising tandem who can grow together.
"The two greatest things that occurred on our team would be the bonanza we hit at safety and the progress of J.P. Losman at quarterback," Levy says.
Rising profile
Twenty years ago Woodson was taken 10th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was the first to make the Pro Bowl as a safety, cornerback and kick returner and was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary team.
His draft prominence was the exception. "Safety was just a piece of the puzzle, nothing really important," he says of the thinking then. " 'You can always get a safety later in the draft or get a free agent who has kind of been a travel-around guy in the NFL.' "
The performance of the last two Super Bowl champions emphasizes the increased value of a safety fearless enough to stop the run yet fast enough to cover when faced with multiple-receiver patterns.
Troy Polamalu, his hair cascading down the back of his black-and-gold jersey as he raced around to make plays, became one of the indelible images associated with the Steelers when they won it all to close the 2005 season.
Bob "The Eraser" Sanders, all 5-8, 206 pounds, helped make the difference when the Indianapolis Colts, relying on the "Cover 2" defense coach Tony Dungy popularized, won Super Bowl XLI in February. The Colts allowed a league-worst 173 average rushing yards in the regular season, but Sanders plugged those holes upon his return from knee surgery.
The 2004 second-rounder had 15 solo tackles in the three playoff wins that propelled the Colts to the title game, according to the team. His first-quarter forced fumble and fourth-quarter interception helped beat the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
"He was the best tackler on the team, so they needed him in that mix," Woodson says. "He made a lot of plays, and he got everybody excited."
The search for the next "Eraser" is on.
TOP SAFETIES AVAILABLE
Free safeties and strong safeties and where they are projected to be selected Saturday in the first three rounds of the NFL draft, according to analysis by NFLDraftScout.com in conjunction with USA TODAY:
Round Pick Player School
1st 8 FS Laron Landry LSU
1st 20 FS Reggie Nelson Florida
2nd 34 FS Brandon Meriweather Miami(Fla)
2nd 37 SS Michael Griffin Texas
3rd 68 SS Aaron Rouse Virginia Tech
3rd 70 SS John Wendling Utah
3rd 73 FS Josh Gattis Wake Forrest
3rd 76 FS Tanard Jackson Syracuse
3rd 80 SS Michael Johnson Arizona
I know the Eagles have generally gone by the theory that safety is not a priority position in the draft. I think we may see a change in that thinking this year. Reggie Nelson, and Brandon Meriweather are great prospects, and if either one were to be there at 26, I don't think you could go wrong with snagging them there. Safeties do seem to have a much bigger importance around the NFL, and I think the need to replace Brian Dawkins will have the Eagles thinking of going safety early. We will find out very soon. I remember people thinking Donte Whitner was a stretch for the Bills at 8 last year, but he had a fantastic rookie season.
I think they have a lot of those guys ranked low. I see Meriweather, and Michael Griffin as possible first round picks. Interesting that they have Tanard Jackson projecting to safety, and not corner. I have heard a lot about him, and from everything I am hearing, he will most likely be drafted to play corner. They also probably should have mentioned John Wendling Wyoming, and Sabby Piscatelli of Oregon State.
April 22, 2007
USA Today: Eagles Inside Slant
Inside Slant
Posted 4/21/2007 7:46 AM ET
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/eagles/home.htm
DRAFT STRATEGY — The Eagles' main focus in this draft will be improving a defense that slipped to 15th in both points and yards allowed last season.
Their first-round pick, the 26th overall, almost certainly will be a defensive player, probably a safety or a cornerback.
Their Pro Bowl free safety, Brian Dawkins, will be 34 in October and, at this point, can't really be counted on beyond the 2007 season. And the jury still is out on strong safety Sean Considine.
Considine, a 2005 fourth-round pick out of Iowa, replaced Michael Lewis six games into the 2006 season after Lewis's coverage limitations began to become a liability. While Considine did a better job against the pass than Lewis, he's really not big enough to be an in-the-box strong safety, and probably will end up eventually replacing Dawkins at free safety.
Backup safety Quentin Mikell probably is the team's best special teams player. But he is not viewed as a down-the-road starter.
The Eagles like Miami safety Brandon Meriweather, who is considered the best cover safety in the draft. But he's had some off-the-field issues that, in light of the NFL's stricter personal conduct policy, may make teams, including the Eagles, reluctant to take him in the first round.
Cornerback also is a position that will get serious consideration early in the draft. Both of their starters, Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown, are undersized, with neither standing taller than 5-10. That's caused matchup problems against taller receivers, particularly in the NFC East.
Ex-Giant William James will replace departed Rod Hood as the nickel corner and could push Brown, who has been inconsistent the last two seasons. But the only other experienced corner on the roster after that is Joselio Hanson, who was playing in NFL Europe this time a year ago.
If the Eagles can find another capable cover corner, it's possible that they might eventually consider moving Brown, who plays in the slot on passing downs, to safety after Dawkins leaves.
Linebacker is another first-day possibility, though the recent acquisition of Takeo Spikes makes it unlikely they'll go in that direction in the first round. Middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter is playing on degenerative knees that have pretty much turned him into a first-down run-stopper. And things are unsettled at strong-side linebacker, where Dhani Jones needs to be replaced if this defense is going to improve against the run.
The Eagles also need to add depth at running back. They've got Brian Westbrook, who finally proved last season, that he can be a carry-the-load guy, and Correll Buckhalter. But Buckhalter's knees are unpredictable and it's imperative that they bring in a third back, preferably a bigger, short-yardage type.
NOTES, QUOTES
—The Eagles made a major accounting boo-boo last year, overpaying running back Brian Westbrook by $3 million. As part of the contract extension he signed in November of '05, Westbrook was supposed to receive a $3 million roster bonus the next year. To create some extra cap room, the Eagles eventually changed the roster bonus into a signing bonus. But their finance department ended up sending Westbrook both a $3 million roster bonus and a $3 million signing bonus. Apparently, neither Westbrook nor the Eagles realized the mistake until after the '06 season. While Westbrook intends to repay the money, the team filed a grievance with the league so that they wouldn't be accused of pulling a fast one to gain a salary cap advantage. According to Westbrook's agent, Fletcher Smith, the situation "hasn't been adversarial at all."
—The Eagles added another kicker to their roster this week, signing E.J. Cochrane to a three-year contract. Cochrane played in three preseason games for the Eagles last summer before being released in late August. He was claimed off waivers by Green Bay, but was eventually released by them before the season. Cochrane, 26, essentially will be an extra training camp leg so that David Akers won't get overworked.
—The Eagles announced that they will open their '07 training camp at Lehigh University on July 27. Rookies and selected veterans will report on the 27th. The rest of the squad will report on the 30th. The team won't be at Lehigh very long. They are scheduled to break camp on August 12, the day before their first preseason game against Baltimore. They'll continue two-a-day workouts after that at their training facility in South Philadelphia.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
—QB Koy Detmer was signed right before the playoffs strictly to hold for kicker David Akers. He isn't expected to be back.
—RB Reno Mahe is a versatile do-it-all-guy that Andy Reid likes having on the roster. He'll likely be re-signed.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
—RB Correll Buckhalter: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
—CB William James: UFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
—S Quintin Mikell: Potential UFA; 4 yrs, terms unknown.
—DE Juqua Thomas: UFA; $12.5M/5 yrs, SB unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
—WR Kevin Curtis: UFA Rams; $30M/6 yrs, $2.5M SB/$5M RB '07; $1.5M RB '08.
—QB Kelly Holcomb (trade Bills).
—WR Bethel Johnson: UFA Vikings; 1 yr, terms unknown.
—DT Montae Reagor: FA Colts; $8.3M/3 yrs, $2M guaranteed.
—LB Takeo Spikes (trade Bills). 
PLAYERS LOST
—LB Shawn Barber: UFA Texans; $5.5M/3 yrs, $2/2M guaranteed.
—QB Jeff Garcia: UFA Buccaneers; $7M/2 yrs, SB unknown.
—CB Rod Hood: UFA Cardinals; $15M/5 yrs, $2.5M guaranteed.
—S Michael Lewis: UFA 49ers; $30M/6 yrs, $9.8M guaranteed.
—WR Donte' Stallworth: UFA Patriots; $33M/6 yrs, $1M SB.
—DT Darwin Walker (traded Bills).
For Birds, draft is same as always
By Bob Brookover
Inquirer Staff Writer
Nothing has changed this year, and nothing would have changed last year.
That's what Eagles general manager Tom Heckert said when he was asked about the team's draft philosophy now that new NFL commissioner Roger Goodell intends to severely punish players who get into trouble on and off the field.
Goodell, who replaced Paul Tagliabue before last season, made it clear earlier this month with his one-year suspension of Tennessee defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones and the half-season suspension of Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry that player misconduct would not be tolerated.
The commissioner's new conduct policy could force some teams to think long and hard about drafting players who have exhibited questionable behavior during their college careers.
"I don't think it affects us," Heckert said. "We've always been concerned about that stuff, so I don't think it really affects us at all. We'll still do the same things."
That's an interesting statement because the Eagles, with their first two picks in last year's draft, took a couple of guys who got into some trouble when they were in college. First-round pick Brodrick Bunkley was arrested in 2003 for petty theft when he stole a video game at a Florida Wal-Mart. The defensive tackle out of Florida State was forced to pay a fine and perform 16 hours of community service.
Second-round pick Winston Justice was arrested in February 2004 for brandishing a replica gun at a fellow student at the University of Southern California. Justice pleaded no contest to the charge. USC suspended him from the team for the 2004 season, and it cost the offensive tackle a chance to be part of the Trojans' national championship team that year. He also was arrested in 2003 on a charge of soliciting an undercover police officer as part of a prostitution sting operation in Long Beach, Calif.
Heckert said the Eagles asked Bunkley and Justice about their criminal records before the draft and were convinced the two men had matured to the point that they would not have conduct issues as professionals.
"I don't want to sound like we weren't concerned about it, because we were," Heckert said. "But we talked to them and we heard what we wanted to hear. We would have taken those guys this year, too."
The Eagles don't always like what they hear when they interview players before the draft, and they aren't always convinced that a player has changed his ways. When Andy Reid finished an interview with former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett at the scouting combine in 2004, he was sure that the kid still had problems.
"We've been really picky here," Heckert said. "We drop guys in a heartbeat. Let's say we take a guy off the board, and he goes somewhere, and he is a Pro Bowl player. Hey, that's fine. But if you take a guy and he screws up, then it's a big deal. We're pretty hard on these guys, and we take a lot of guys off the board."
Bunkley, of course, didn't have a great rookie year, and Justice never even dressed for a game because he was stuck behind veteran tackles William Thomas and Jon Runyan. When you talk to both players, however, they sound sincere in their remorse.
"It was just a stupid, stupid mistake," Bunkley said. "It was embarrassing for me, and it was embarrassing for my family. I did my community service with some kids after it happened, but I know I was there for the wrong reason.
"I'm a guy who once he gets hit over the head, I learn what to stay away from. You're in the NFL, and you have a chance to make a whole [lot] of money, so you better carry yourself the right way because you are a role model to kids."
Talk to Justice and there's no hint that he is anything other than a mild-mannered giant intent on not making the same mistakes that blemished his college career and may have cost him a chance at being a first-round pick. The Eagles were thrilled to get Justice in the second round and have insisted they were going to take him in the first round if Bunkley had not been there.
"I got a lot of questions about it, and I thought the way I changed as a person, the coaches would be able to see that," Justice said. "The most important thing is that I know I changed from the whole incident and my life has really turned around from it. Back then, I was so lost as a person and my character was so lost, I didn't know what I was doing or feeling back then. I just try to look forward, because I'm a better person now."
The Eagles could have another difficult draft-day decision Saturday if they decide to draft University of Miami safety Brandon Meriweather, who was a central figure in an ugly brawl the Hurricanes had with Florida International last season. Last July, Meriweather pulled out a handgun and shot at an assailant who had shot one of his Miami teammates in the buttocks. Charges were not filed against Meriweather for that incident.
"That's something we're really investigating," Heckert said. "I think he's a good kid. He's never been arrested or anything like that, but that fight was so public. It looked bad, and it was bad, and we've talked to him at length about it."
Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070422_For_Birds__draft_is_same_as_always.html
Inquirer Staff Writer
Nothing has changed this year, and nothing would have changed last year.
That's what Eagles general manager Tom Heckert said when he was asked about the team's draft philosophy now that new NFL commissioner Roger Goodell intends to severely punish players who get into trouble on and off the field.
Goodell, who replaced Paul Tagliabue before last season, made it clear earlier this month with his one-year suspension of Tennessee defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones and the half-season suspension of Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry that player misconduct would not be tolerated.
The commissioner's new conduct policy could force some teams to think long and hard about drafting players who have exhibited questionable behavior during their college careers.
"I don't think it affects us," Heckert said. "We've always been concerned about that stuff, so I don't think it really affects us at all. We'll still do the same things."
That's an interesting statement because the Eagles, with their first two picks in last year's draft, took a couple of guys who got into some trouble when they were in college. First-round pick Brodrick Bunkley was arrested in 2003 for petty theft when he stole a video game at a Florida Wal-Mart. The defensive tackle out of Florida State was forced to pay a fine and perform 16 hours of community service.
Second-round pick Winston Justice was arrested in February 2004 for brandishing a replica gun at a fellow student at the University of Southern California. Justice pleaded no contest to the charge. USC suspended him from the team for the 2004 season, and it cost the offensive tackle a chance to be part of the Trojans' national championship team that year. He also was arrested in 2003 on a charge of soliciting an undercover police officer as part of a prostitution sting operation in Long Beach, Calif.
Heckert said the Eagles asked Bunkley and Justice about their criminal records before the draft and were convinced the two men had matured to the point that they would not have conduct issues as professionals.
"I don't want to sound like we weren't concerned about it, because we were," Heckert said. "But we talked to them and we heard what we wanted to hear. We would have taken those guys this year, too."
The Eagles don't always like what they hear when they interview players before the draft, and they aren't always convinced that a player has changed his ways. When Andy Reid finished an interview with former Ohio State star Maurice Clarett at the scouting combine in 2004, he was sure that the kid still had problems.
"We've been really picky here," Heckert said. "We drop guys in a heartbeat. Let's say we take a guy off the board, and he goes somewhere, and he is a Pro Bowl player. Hey, that's fine. But if you take a guy and he screws up, then it's a big deal. We're pretty hard on these guys, and we take a lot of guys off the board."
Bunkley, of course, didn't have a great rookie year, and Justice never even dressed for a game because he was stuck behind veteran tackles William Thomas and Jon Runyan. When you talk to both players, however, they sound sincere in their remorse.
"It was just a stupid, stupid mistake," Bunkley said. "It was embarrassing for me, and it was embarrassing for my family. I did my community service with some kids after it happened, but I know I was there for the wrong reason.
"I'm a guy who once he gets hit over the head, I learn what to stay away from. You're in the NFL, and you have a chance to make a whole [lot] of money, so you better carry yourself the right way because you are a role model to kids."
Talk to Justice and there's no hint that he is anything other than a mild-mannered giant intent on not making the same mistakes that blemished his college career and may have cost him a chance at being a first-round pick. The Eagles were thrilled to get Justice in the second round and have insisted they were going to take him in the first round if Bunkley had not been there.
"I got a lot of questions about it, and I thought the way I changed as a person, the coaches would be able to see that," Justice said. "The most important thing is that I know I changed from the whole incident and my life has really turned around from it. Back then, I was so lost as a person and my character was so lost, I didn't know what I was doing or feeling back then. I just try to look forward, because I'm a better person now."
The Eagles could have another difficult draft-day decision Saturday if they decide to draft University of Miami safety Brandon Meriweather, who was a central figure in an ugly brawl the Hurricanes had with Florida International last season. Last July, Meriweather pulled out a handgun and shot at an assailant who had shot one of his Miami teammates in the buttocks. Charges were not filed against Meriweather for that incident.
"That's something we're really investigating," Heckert said. "I think he's a good kid. He's never been arrested or anything like that, but that fight was so public. It looked bad, and it was bad, and we've talked to him at length about it."
Contact staff writer Bob Brookover at 215-854-2577 or bbrookover@phillynews.com.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070422_For_Birds__draft_is_same_as_always.html
Is this a hint, that the Birds might want to draft Safety Brandon Meriweather? I hope so, he is a playmaker. I hope they really look into this, and take everything into consideration, because not everybody who has a checkered past, turns into Pacman Jones.
Hopefully Bunkley, and Justice will get their chance to play soon. Bunkley definately has the starting job spot for him to take this year. It's his time to setp up, and shine.
Hopefully Bunkley, and Justice will get their chance to play soon. Bunkley definately has the starting job spot for him to take this year. It's his time to setp up, and shine.
April 20, 2007
Training camp to open July 27
The Eagles' 12th year of training camp at Lehigh will begin July 27 for rookies and select veterans (mostly those coming off injuries, such as Donovan McNabb, presuming he's OK by then). Most veterans are scheduled to report on July 30.
The Birds, who had an extraordinarily long sojourn in the Lehigh Valley last year because of their participation in the Hall of Fame game, break camp much more quickly this year, on Sunday, Aug. 12, the day before their preseason opener at Baltimore. The final day of public access to workouts is Aug. 11. *
- Les Bowen
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070420_Training_camp_to_open_July_27.html
With the way the Phillies are doing, July 27th, cant come fast enough. It's always fun to take a trip up to Lehigh at least once every summer.
April 19, 2007
Posluszny could fill a need on defense
By: By BOB GROTZ, bobgrotz@aol.com
04/17/2007
With the draft just a dozen days away, the Eagles have offered few clues of their intentions beyond their history.The Eagles, who own the 26th overall pick, have selected linemen with five of their eight first-round picks in the Andy Reid era.
Four of those choices have been defensive linemen, a less than distinguished list now occupied by Mike Patterson, Jerome McDougle and Brodrick Bunkley.
While many expect the trend to continue, there is indirect evidence the Eagles could shock the NFL world by selecting a linebacker or a safety in the first round.
If it's a linebacker, it would be their first since Jerry Robinson of UCLA in 1979. And it might be Paul Posluszny (6-1, 237) of Penn State, who said recently he thought the Eagles were interested and that his in depth get-together with them at the scouting combine "went well - very well."
Even with the addition of veteran Takeo Spikes, the Eagles owe it to themselves to fortify the linebacker position that has struggled to make routine plays, much less big plays the past couple seasons.
Like Spikes, Posluszny can play outside or inside judging by his all-American career with the Nittany Lions. 
Ironically the two-time Bednarik Award winner for defensive player of the year may have benefited from the extra year he spent in college after tearing the PCL and MCL in his right knee in the 2006 Orange Bowl. The injury didn't require surgery.
"When I meet with teams they tell me I can play middle linebacker or outside linebacker," said Posluszny, the Nittany Lions' all-time leading tackler with three straight seasons of 100-plus stops. "When I changed positions I learned a couple of things and in the long run, I think that helped me out tremendously just adding to versatility and all of that."
Where Posluszny comes off the board is a matter of considerable speculation.
The Buffalo Bills, with the 12th pick, need someone to replace Spikes and departed middle linebacker London Fletcher-Baker.Posluszny would be a good fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have the 15th pick. The Giants, with the 20th pick, could have their choice of Posluszny or linebacker Lawrence Timmons of Florida State.
The Denver Broncos, with the 21st pick, need a linebacker. Ditto the Kansas City Chiefs, at 23. Chiefs president Carl Peterson loves Penn State products.
The New England Patriots (Nos. 24 and 28) and the New Orleans Saints (27) also need linebackers.
With smallish 2005 second-round pick Matt McCoy prone to wearing down at weak-side linebacker and with the position of 2006 third-round pick Chris Gocong up in the air, the possibilities strong side linebacker and defensive end, the Eagles could use a smart, quick-study prospect like Posluszny to compete with Omar Gaither in Jim Johnson's complex defense.
Then again, while Posluszny has the quickness and heart to play in the NFL, his size is hardly a slam-dunk, especially if he plays in the middle.
The Eagles clearly think they need to upgrade inside, proof positive their unsuccessful pursuit of restricted free agent Ryan Fowler, who signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Patrick Willis of Mississippi is the top middle linebacker on the draft board, and as such is unlikely to be around if the Eagles stay at 26.
If the Eagles grab a safety, it would be the first they've taken off the board since Ben Smith in 1990.
The Eagles aren't getting any younger at the position where the 33-year-old Brian Dawkins rallied to make the Pro Bowl but faded in the playoffs.
After re-signing Quintin Mikell to compete with under-sized starting safety Sean Considine, the Eagles flirted with veteran safety Mike Doss, who ultimately signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
Talk of moving cornerback Sheldon Brown to safety is just that although with veteran William James signed for just 2007, no one would be surprised to see the Eagles draft a corner, one of the positions they valued.
Among the group expected to be available later in the first round is Michael Griffin (5-11, 194) of Texas, a hard-tackling but unpolished cover player with 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash.
The Eagles quietly confirmed running back Brian Westbrook owes them $3 million because of an accounting error they made but the timetable for returning the money remains unclear.
Complicating the matter is Westbrook already has paid taxes on the money, although he intends to repay it according to multiple reports citing his agent Fletcher Smith.
The Eagles signed left-footed kicker E.J. Cochrane to a three-year contract, the Montana State product returning for another offseason and training camp.
Cochrane, 26, a native of Philadelphia, led the Big Sky Conference in scoring in 2004 after a standout career in football and soccer at Pennsbury High.
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18218928&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18170&rfi=6
I know this is every Penn State fans dream, but I dont see this happeneing. I think there are bigger needs in the secondary, and that he is not really the linebacker for Jim Johnson's scheme. Posluszny seems better suited for a 3-4 defense in my opinion. Buffalo passing on Patrick Willis seems crazy to me. After the Senior Bowl, and combine performances, Willis looks like the highest rated linebacker in the draft. I keep hearing about Sheldon moving to safety. I know he has played there a little bit, in some nickle packages, and I wonder how would would do as a full time starter. He does tackle well, and hit hard, so I dont see those being issues for him. That could make CB a very real possibility at 26.
April 18, 2007
Moats on the Block
Apr 17 John Murphy, of Yahoo! Sports, reports the Philadelphia Eagles are actively shopping RB Ryan Moats, according to a well-placed league source. The team will likely draft a bigger running back to use in the backup role, making Moats less likely to earn a spot on the active roster unless it would be for special teams purposes. A second source claims more than one team has already been contacted to gauge their initial interest, but the initial league source indicated the Eagles would likely receive a mid-round draft pick in the 2007 NFL Draft in exchange for Moats.
As I speculated earlier, Moats is indeed going to be traded, according to John Murphy. I think they have to, because he is too similar to Brian Westbrook, and they need to find a bigger, stronger back to compliment Brian. I know Denver was interested in Moats before, and Shanahan loves to pile on rbs. Greenbay, and Buffalo both have a huge void at rb as well. I'm still guessing that this will be done on draft day.
April 17, 2007
Eric Allen gives Dawk props
Updated: April 16, 2007
The List: Top 5 ferocious hitters
By Eric Allen ESPN.com
Archive
Big-time hitters make their presence felt almost every time they take the field. They play with a controlled aggression and have little regard for their own welfare. Here are my top five ferocious hitters in the league.
Sean Taylor, FS, Washington Redskins: He's reckless and plays with no regard for his body. A great hitter has to have no fear of hurting himself and that's the way Taylor plays. He's a physically dominant football player and brings that Ronnie Lott type of aura.
Troy Polamalu, SS, Pittsburgh Steelers: He's an impact player and brings the heat while playing at all three levels of the field. He's like a tiger on the field, but will miss tackles because he goes all out with his body.
Brian
Dawkins, FS, Philadelphia Eagles:
He's another hitter who wreaks havoc on all three levels and absolutely destroys
people.
Rodney Harrison, FS, New England Patriots: He's known around the league for being a devastating tackler. After he delivers a big hit there are normally some flags and fines.
Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina Panthers: He's a physical freak, and when he comes off the corner he hurts people. You can't say he's just a defensive end because unlike a lot of ends he delivers a blow that is remembered.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=allen_eric&id=2839329
It's great to see Dawkins get his respect. He has been one of the best safeties in the game for years now, and is overlooked a lot nationally.When you need a big play Weapon X gets you one. He is just a beast, and even if he never makes the NFL Hall of Fame, he will always be an Eagles legend.
As far as other hard hitters in the NFL today, I'd like to give some other names. Takeo Spikes, Donovin Darius, Adrian Wilson, Roy Williams, Sheldon Brown, Chris McCalister, Al Wilson, Keith Bulluck, Brian Urlacher, Ken Hamlin, Simeon Rice, Teddy Bruschi, Richard Seymour, Derrick Johnson, Shawne Merriman, Demarcus Ware, Joey Porter, Jeremiah Trotter, and Derrick Brooks. I can't beleive I actually just listed 3 Cowboys!
Titans' Young hopes to avoid 'Madden curse'
By JIM WYATT The Tennessean
Vince Young has survived the so-called "SI cover jinx" - three times to be exact.
Can he escape the "Madden curse?" It looks like everyone will get a chance to find out this fall.
According to his agent, the Tennessee Titans quarterback has been told he'll appear on the cover of "Madden '08," the popular football video game. However, whether it's a coincidence or a curse, recently players have suffered from injury problems during the year they appeared on the cover. Young's agent, Major Adams, said they didn't believe in jinxes.
"People said when they put Vince on the cover of Sports Illustrated, it was going to jinx him in the Rose Bowl game, and (Texas) won the national championship," Adams said. "We don't believe in stuff like that."
Officials from EA Sports wouldn't confirm Young is this year's choice for the cover, which was to be officially announced on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," which airs today at 11 p.m. on ABC.
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander was on the cover of "Madden '07," and he broke a bone in his left foot early in the season. The past four cover players have been injured, including Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who suffered a sports hernia the season he was on the cover of "Madden '06." Before that, it was Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (injured wrist) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who suffered a broken leg during an exhibition game in 2003 when he was on the cover.
"Being on the cover of Madden is such a big honor nowadays; no one ever turns us down because of (the so-called curse), that's for sure," said Chris Erb, director of marketing for EA Sports.
There has been plenty of speculation about who might be on this year's cover, with reigning NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson and Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning considered favorites.
"Everyone wants to be the Madden guy," Erb said. "The issue is the guys that have been on the cover tend to be the guys that are around the football more often, and football is a rough sport. We've had a string of unfortunate incidents, I guess you could say ... but we really don't believe in the jinx."
http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070417/SPORTS/704170312
I didn't beleive in the Madden jinx either, until McNabb got hurt on the first series of the first game of the season. Five has ended the last two seasons on injured reserve,since he was featured on the cover. Good luck Vince. History is against you.
Vince Young has survived the so-called "SI cover jinx" - three times to be exact.
Can he escape the "Madden curse?" It looks like everyone will get a chance to find out this fall.
According to his agent, the Tennessee Titans quarterback has been told he'll appear on the cover of "Madden '08," the popular football video game. However, whether it's a coincidence or a curse, recently players have suffered from injury problems during the year they appeared on the cover. Young's agent, Major Adams, said they didn't believe in jinxes.
"People said when they put Vince on the cover of Sports Illustrated, it was going to jinx him in the Rose Bowl game, and (Texas) won the national championship," Adams said. "We don't believe in stuff like that."
Officials from EA Sports wouldn't confirm Young is this year's choice for the cover, which was to be officially announced on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," which airs today at 11 p.m. on ABC.
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander was on the cover of "Madden '07," and he broke a bone in his left foot early in the season. The past four cover players have been injured, including Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, who suffered a sports hernia the season he was on the cover of "Madden '06." Before that, it was Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (injured wrist) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who suffered a broken leg during an exhibition game in 2003 when he was on the cover.
"Being on the cover of Madden is such a big honor nowadays; no one ever turns us down because of (the so-called curse), that's for sure," said Chris Erb, director of marketing for EA Sports.
There has been plenty of speculation about who might be on this year's cover, with reigning NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson and Super Bowl MVP Peyton Manning considered favorites.
"Everyone wants to be the Madden guy," Erb said. "The issue is the guys that have been on the cover tend to be the guys that are around the football more often, and football is a rough sport. We've had a string of unfortunate incidents, I guess you could say ... but we really don't believe in the jinx."
http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070417/SPORTS/704170312
I didn't beleive in the Madden jinx either, until McNabb got hurt on the first series of the first game of the season. Five has ended the last two seasons on injured reserve,since he was featured on the cover. Good luck Vince. History is against you.
Philadelphia Eagles Team Needs
Frank Coyle, Special to Rivals.com
Key Team Needs:
1. Defensive back
2. Defensive end
3. Linebacker
4. Running back
5. Wide receiver
1. Defensive Back - This area has become a problem after free agency losses. They have little depth at corner and safety, and could take the best player available at the 26th pick – Marcus McCauley, Brandon Meriweather or Aaron Ross. They like safeties Michael Griffin, Eric Weddle and Aaron Rouse in the second and third rounds. Expect a fairly high draft selection at both positions because the talent level falls fairly quickly. Philadelphia may consider moving up in the second and third rounds for defenders they like. 2. Defensive End - They have not received the impact expected from Jevon Kearse, and former top pick Jerome McDougle faces a critical camp to even make the squad. In a fairly deep defensive end class, they will consider drafting into this depth with an early pick. At the 26th overall pick, they may have a chance at Jarvis Moss or Charles Johnson. They like Victor Abiamiri and Quentin Moses in the second round. Recent top picks at end, Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, have played poorly in general and have left the front four with more questions than answers in recent seasons. In a thin defensive tackle class, the best value on the board with their No. 2 pick may be Justin Harrell, Ray McDonald or Tank Tyler in the middle of the first day. These are defenders with the versatility to fill a few roles in different schemes.
3. Linebacker - The Eagles have Jeremiah Trotter on the inside with young talent on the outside in Omar Gaither, Chris Gocong and Matt McCoy. That may not stop them from using an early selection here if the value is good in the first round. A player like Paul Posluszny might be tough to pass up there. They also like Stewart Bradley and Tim Shaw very much, and will consider them on the first day.
3. Linebacker - The Eagles have Jeremiah Trotter on the inside with young talent on the outside in Omar Gaither, Chris Gocong and Matt McCoy. That may not stop them from using an early selection here if the value is good in the first round. A player like Paul Posluszny might be tough to pass up there. They also like Stewart Bradley and Tim Shaw very much, and will consider them on the first day.
4. Running Back - The Eagles have little depth at this position behind talented Brian Westbrook and injury prone veteran Correll Buckhalter. They are different types of runners, and they would welcome a versatile performer to fill a few roles. They need a quality backup with starting potential and should have a chance at any back other than Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch. Though it is not their highest need, they have to look at either Brian Leonard, Kenny Irons or Tony Hunt in the second round. Most likely they will add a middle-round prospect, and they like Michael Bush and Darius Walker on the second day.
5. Wide Receiver - The Eagles signed veterans Kevin Curtis and Bethel Johnson after losing Danté Stallworth in the free agent market. Though not their highest need area, they may draft into the deep receiving corps on value alone. Wideout Dwayne Jarrett is falling and could be available at the 26th overall selection. They will be looking to upgrade this unit, though probably more on the middle rounds. Frank Coyle of draftinsiders.com writes about the NFL Draft for Rivals.com. Coyle’s work can be found at www.draftinsiders.com, where he offers a free NFL e-mail service.
I agree with most of this, except receiver. Dwayne Jarrett at 26? I dont think so. This is the Eagles we are talking about, not the Detroit Lions. Reggie Brown is a rising star, and Kevin Curtis is a solid addition. Avant, Baskett, Lewis, Bloom, and Johnson, give them some nice depth. I know none of them has done a heck of a lot, but I know they are really high on them. Especially Jason Avant, and Hank Baskett. To me this is not a team need at all. I dont think they take a WR in this draft
As far a RB goes, what about Ryan Moats? That seems to be a big question that not many know the awnser to. He showed some nice flashes his rookie season, when he filled in for an injured Brian Westbrook, but has seen almost no playing time since. Where does he fit into the Eagles plans? I hear rumors that Denver wants to trade for Moats. Keep an eye on that during that draft.
He also missed on the need of tight end. All signs point to L.J. Smith bolting after this season, his last under contract as an Eagle. I am sure they will be heavily evaluating this years tight end class, to see if they can find a cheaper replacement. I doubt they would go tight end at 26, but I definately can see them going that route in the 2nd, 3rd, or 5th. Some good tight ends of mention in this years draft: Greg Olsen from the U, Zach Miller ASU, and Ben Patrick from Delaware. I also hear the birds like Kevin Boss from Western Oregon, and Johnny Harline from BYU.(a mormon what a shock)
April 16, 2007
For How Many More Seasons Can Brian Dawkins Play At A Pro Bowl Level?
April 16, 2007 By DAVE SPADARO
Dawkins was as good as he has ever been last year, dominating the final half of the season and proving again that he is one of the best to play the free safety position in the modern era of this league.
There will come a time when Dawkins isn't so good, and that is something the Eagles need to weigh as they ponder the options ahead of them in the draft.
Dawkins has two years remaining on the deal he signed last August and the general rule of thumb is that safeties lose half a step in their coverage skills and that when that happens, they are reduced to mere mortals. Dawkins is a tremendously-conditioned athlete, however, both mentally and physically. He may think he can defy conventional rules and stay at the top for many years to come. 
But the Eagles can't wait for that moment to address the position. They know they can move Sean Considine from the strong safety position to fill in for Dawkins, but is Considine the long-term player at the position? Or are the Eagles going to get a youngster ready for two years before the natural ascent to the starting job?
Or do the Eagles wait for another year to see how Dawkins plays in 2007?
It is surely something the Eagles are discussing at this time, as the draft nears. Dawkins is a super-super-super star player. He also has played a long time in this league. Critics watched for signs of decline last year, but Dawkins answered with a brilliant season, one of the best he has had in a Hall of Fame career. Can he do it again this year?
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=67367
Dawk will always be one of my favorite all time Eagles. I hope he never falls off, but we all know it will happen someday. I think this is a great draft to look for a successor. The Birds definately need to address this position soon, because Brian is turning 34 in October. This draft is loaded with good safety prospects, so look for them to get one on the first day to wait in the wings. Brandon Meriweather at 26 would be awesome. Reggie Nelson, Michael Griffin, Aaron Rouse, Sabby Piscitelli, and John Wendling are some other good possibilites for them to bring aboard. I can't wait until the draft!
Cochrane signed to three-year pact
thaThe Philadelphia Eagles have announced the signing of street free-agent PK E.J. Cochrane to a three-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.
3 year deal??? Not sure I get that, since he will just be a camp body.
Spikes Settles In On First Real Day As An Eagle
April 16, 2007He had finished his running, and then his lifting and lunch was barely settled when Takeo Spikes paused for an interview. Spikes was the new guy on Monday, his first day working out in the team's off-season conditioning program.
After the Eagles acquired him from Buffalo in a trade in March, Spikes spent some time attending to his personal business. Now it is time to be an Eagle, full fledged, and Spikes is already in the groove.
He spent Monday working out, learning some of the playbook and shopping for a new home.
"It feels good to be here," he says. "It feels right. I can tell already by meeting some of the guys and talking to people that this is a close-knit team. There is a family feel here. I like the vibe. It's new and that is probably part of it, but I can tell that the players know how to prepare in the off-season to win in the season.
"There is a really good feel here. I'm just starting, but I feel like things areSpikes dug into his playbook for the first time on Monday and said he expects, at this point, to be used at all three linebacker positions "depending on the deal, on the situation." The verbiage is different than what he has learned before, but the scheme is not all that much different than the bits and pieces Spikes has collected over the years.
working out well."
"I like the aggressive nature of the scheme and I am sure they are going to move the pieces around from one play to the next," said Spikes.
"I don't think it is going to be hard for me to pick up. I've seen pretty muchThat really is the intriguing part. While Spikes may indeed play all three spots, he is here to take somebody's starting position, first and foremost. The Eagles haven't committed -- publicly -- to where Spikes will play, so for now all we know is that they expect to get him on the field as much as possible.
all there is to see in the NFL. I'm going to learn all three linebacker
positions and we will see what happens."
Spikes will start; there is no doubt about that. Where he starts is the question unanswered.
"I don't know yet," he said. "I don't really care, either. Whatever they want me
to do, I'll do."
There are so many things that happen when a player is traded, and all the pieces must come into place for the player to enjoy success in his new home. The fans see the player on the field and don't add up all the other variables.
But when you see a player on his first day in -- the press conference day doesn't count, as it generally consists of a quick visit, a physical, handshakes, a press conference and then a limousine to the airport -- you realize how much is going on in his life.
For starters, there is the very notion of understanding the way the Eagles do things. They start their conditioning program promptly -- "I knew not to be late," said Spikes -- and the pace is extremely fast. Strength and conditioning coach Mike Wolf is highly regarded for the program he oversees, and the players are expected to keep pace with him, not the other way around.
There is the matter of learning teammates' names and finding out about them. Finding a new home is also tremendously important. Understanding how the Eagles run their programs, their meeting times, how the NovaCare Complex is configured ... it is all new for Spikes.
This is Spikes' third NFL team, so he knows a thing or two about fitting in.
"You just have to be yourself and get to know the players on a personal level,"
he said. "I'm not going to force myself on anyone. That isn't how it works.
We're all working together for the same thing, and that is what is important.
"Once I get into the groove of things, everything will be fine. This is exciting
for me. I know this is going to be a good team, so I have to be at my best. That
is what I plan to do."http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=67350
Westbrook to reimburse Birds
By LES BOWEN
bowenl@phillynews.com
The mistake was made about a year ago. Everyone agrees it was a simple mistake. But as often happens with mistakes, fixing it seems much more complicated.
The bottom line, agent Fletcher Smith said last night, is that the dialogue between the Eagles and Brian Westbrook over the extra $3 million the Birds paid his client last spring "hasn't been adversarial at all." Smith said Westbrook certainly intends to pay back the money, once he and the team figure out exactly how much he owes. 
That's the complicated part. Westbrook didn't really get an extra $3 million, the result of a March 2006 roster bonus being paid twice, Smith said. The check he received, minus withholding, was for something like $1.7 million or $1.8 million. Once it's clear exactly how much Westbrook got, and whether he paid other taxes based on having the extra money in his coffers, Westbrook will remit the sum, Smith said.
According to a source close to the situation, the Eagles filed a grievance with the league because, otherwise, the NFL could have construed the double payment as some sort of "intentional mistake" - an unofficial loan, which could have been penalized by the loss of draft picks or cap room. It remains unclear exactly how the Eagles made the error, but the source said neither Westbrook nor the team realized the extra payment had been made until after the season ended. Smith has no connection with Westbrook's finances, and had no way of knowing anything was amiss.
Smith said he'd never seen such a situation, but he said that when he inquired with the NFL Players' Association, he was told it wasn't unprecedented.
Westbrook, 27, is coming off a career year - 1,217 rushing yards and an average of 6.0 yards per touch, the league's second-best mark. His ability to carry a heavier workload and stay healthy was a huge part of the Birds' return to the playoffs.
Westbrook's 5-year, $24.9 million contract was signed late in the 2005 season, while he was playing under a 1-year, restricted free agent tender, and includes $9.5 million in bonus money. The agreement ended a contentious negotiation between Westbrook and the team, which included a training camp holdout and a swich in agents from Anthony Agnone to Smith, who also represents Donovan McNabb and Correll Buckhalter.
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070416_Westbrook_to_reimburse_Birds.html
Schedule is Finally Released!!
I know I am a little late on this one, but I just got this site started, so I am gonna post this anyways. Here is the Eagles 2007 regular season schedule
.
I really like the begining, but It gets a lot tougher down the strecth. Im going to quickly do what everybody does when the schedule comes out. I'm going to accurately predict the Eagles record for the entire season, game by game.
@Greenbay W 1-0
Washington W 2-0
Detroit W 3-0
Giants W 4-0
@Jets L 4-1
Chicago W 5-1
@Minnesota W 6-1
Dallas W 7-1
@Washington W 8-1
Miami W 9-1
@New England L 9-2
Seattle L 9-3
Giants W 10-3
@Dallas L 10-4
@New Orleans L 10-5
Buffalo W 11-5
There you have it folks. I got the Birds at 11-5 this year! After week one, the Eagles dont step foot on a plane for seven weeks! I really like that. This is a pretty good schedule, and I have a feeling this will be a good season.
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/gameday/schedule.jsp
Mock Draft Time
A lot of mock drafts are flying around lately, since the draft is only a few weeks away. A lot of them I dont even look at, because they have the Eagles taking a WR or DT in the first round. I wonder if some guys even put any work into these? Well here is a pretty good one from Chris Stueber. His site is http://www.nfldraftpro.com/mockdraft.html
I would love to get Chris Houston, and Brian Leonard from Rutgers. That would be an A+ draft. I will post my own personal mock right before the draft.
Oops! Westbrook was paid bonus twice
The Eagles' $3 million accounting fumble.
By Bob Brookover
Inquirer Staff Writer
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070414_Oops__Westbrook_was_paid_bonus_twice.html
Brian Westbrook was overpaid last season.
That's not an opinion. It's a fact. 
The Eagles admitted yesterday that an accounting gaffe resulted in the team's paying its star running back a $3 million roster bonus twice. The Eagles have been forced to file a grievance with the NFL against Westbrook because the money has not yet been repaid.
According to a team source, Westbrook and his agent, Fletcher Smith, have acknowledged the mistake and intend to return the money. Smith did not return a phone call yesterday. The matter becomes complicated from an accounting standpoint because of the taxes already paid on the money.
The league, under the collective-bargaining agreement, could hit the Eagles with a cap charge for the mistake. A team source said yesterday that, as of now, the league had not penalized the Eagles for the error. The fear within the Eagles' organization was that another team might challenge the NFL if the league does not penalize the team.
Greg Aiello, vice president of media relations for the league, did not return a call yesterday.
Westbrook, of course, was the focal point of the Eagles' offense last season and probably was worth an extra $3 million after the way he performed when starting quarterback Donovan McNabb suffered a torn knee ligament and was lost for the season.
He finished the year with a career high of 1,217 rushing yards and was sixth in the NFL with 1,916 yards from scrimmage. His 6.0 yards per touch was second best in the league for running backs.
Westbrook, 27, signed a five-year contract extension worth $24.9 million during the 2005 season after contentious moments that included a training-camp holdout before the season. The deal included $9.5 million in bonus money. Westbrook will have a base salary of $2 million in 2007.
April 15, 2007
One Year Later, How Do 2006 Rookies Stack Up Here?
by Dave Spadaro
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=67333
In the big picture, nobody would have thought for a second that the Eagles would have gained their most significant rookie contributions a year ago from a fifth-round linebacker (Omar Gaither) and a wide receiver (Hank Baskett) none of the 32 teams wanted through seven rounds of the draft.
That very fact sparked emotional, and rash, rush to judgments on the Eagles' 2006 rookie class.
That very fact sparked emotional, and rash, rush to judgments on the Eagles' 2006 rookie class.
One party of thought made the case that the rookies were a vast disappointment top to bottom, and another followed the rule of thumb in football that a draft class -- including the non-drafted rookies -- should be evaluated for two to three seasons.
This is think-tank stuff here as the draft nears. While the Eagles prepare for the 2007 NFL draft and their annual evaluation, they are also monitoring and factoring in how the second-year players fit into the picture.
We have discussed this throughout the off-season, but now it becomes even more apparent. In a very real way, the Eagles have a whole set of players here who made virtually no impact on last year's team, kids like Brodrick Bunkley and Winston Justice and Chris Gocong and Jason Avant and Max Jean-Gilles and Jeremy Bloom and Pat McCoy and Nick Cole.
I think it's exciting to project how these players are going to work their way onto the playing field. Do these young offensive linemen, notably Justice and Jean-Gilles, have any chance of moving past a bunch of veterans and talented young veterans to play? And if not, do you think about when they will get their time?
And what about Bunkley? Is he for real this year? Is he taking this NFL thing seriously? Are we going to see the ability that every single NFL team believed he had coming out of Florida State?
Gocong is an especially intriguing case. A dominating defensive end in college, Gocong missed all of last season and is now expected to be part of the defense. That is something that everyone wants. It is just that maybe only Jim Johnson, and maybe not even Jim Johnson, knows where Gocong will play.
Bloom is fit as a fiddle and working hard and making a concerted effort to beome an NFL receiver/return man. He has his legs under him and has a shot. He is in the game. We'll see in the preseason about Bloom.
You get the idea. If the Eagles can get some real production from the second-year players, they are going to be in outstanding position. The roster would be filled with competition -- on paper, anyway.
A boost from the rookie class of 2006 can be enough to get this team right where it needs to be.
And on the other side of the production scale? What happens if the second-year Eagles don't pan out? I shudder at the thought. A lot is riding on this group of players.
The Eagles have considered all of the possibilities, of course. That is how they do business. They consider scenarios and put their faith in players they think have developed to the point where they have earned playing time. Avant, for example, isn't projected to start, but he should be a key piece of the passing game. Baskett, who played so well last year, should have even more success this year. Gaither showed well as the WILL linebacker, so the natural progression should be one that lands him in a significant role, at whichever position the Eagles use him.
This is food for thought, that's all. I don't evaluate draft classes early, but I look for signs. Bunkley was a major disappointment, so there are major questions. Justice has the athletic ability and the promise, but he needs playing time. Gocong has me excited based on what he did in college and what the coaches and scouts have told me and from the very little he played in the spring and summer.
But it's all guesswork for me, and for you. To a degree, it's a guessing game for the Eagles, too. The draft this year comprises more than six players in seven rounds. It includes last year's rookies, who have to grow up in a hurry and help this team take the next steps now.
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