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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=rivals-teamneeds-2007-21&prov=rivals&type=lgns

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)

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!