The 2014 free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles, how would you grade it? Resigned one, signed four new players and traded for another. As Howie Roseman projected, he was going to acquire smart, young, versatile “Chip Kelly” players who fit what they are trying to do.
You hoped Roseman was blowing smoke when he shook off the ideas of “paying top dollars” to the elite safeties, but he actually stayed true to this word. Bypassing the top three available safeties, the Eagles
signed Malcom Jenkins. A “tier 3” safety, sure an upgrade, but with how pathetic it has been at the safety position post Dawkins, the expectation was they would finally sure up things and get that elite, game changing safety.
Adding a fourth cornerback with starting experience is an upgrade over Carmichael, Marshall and the rest of the garbage that made up our cornerback depth after Williams, Fletcher and Boykin. By signing special team standouts at OLB and Safety, you improve on an area that Kelly interprets as high priority, while also allowing us to say farewell to Coleman, Anderson and Mathews.
The Darren Sproles trade reminded me of when Owens came to Philly. We gave up very little for a Pro-
Bowl/game changing weapon and we were caught off guard with the move. Immediately, our return game becomes a threat and not a flaw. Chip Kelly has a versatile offensive weapon, small, quicker player who he has proven to do great things with during his time at Oregon.
There are still valuable assets remaining in free agency and some cap room to sign additional players. I don’t believe the Eagles are finished, I expect some help on the defensive line and with the line-backers. Roseman may wait for some of the bigger remaining names to sign their contracts, allowing for the price tag to go down before writing checks.
My grade for the Eagles is a B-
Free Agency Impact on the 2014 Draft
The moves the Eagles make between now and May 8thfirst round of the 2014 draft.
At safety, Pryor is now a better compliment to the coverage skills of Jenkins, but will he be available with the 22nd overall pick?
If WR Benjamin is there, would adding a big body WR with all of the other offensive weapons on this roster be the best direction for this team?
With Thorton resigned at DE and if Cole is still on this roster as a starting OLB, would the Eagles take a DE/OLB in the first round?
I’m satisfied with all our signings. U need a core of men that are big, fast and know what it takes to win. Kelvin Benjamin is a monster and would fit nicely here and without using a high pick on a guy like Evans. We need a safety in this first rd. so we need to facilitate to trade up to get my man Pryor. And if our safeties are gone , then we go best available
It’s not over so how can I give it a grade
Love the Sproles deal. Will ad a whole new dimension to this offense. Very smart move by Howie and Kelly
B-
Browner signs with the Pats, so lets see, they sign him to go along with Revis, the Broncos get Talib, San Fran got Bethea, the Bucs upgraded, Indy upgraded, the Seahawks are still the Seahawks, is everybody following the trend here? My question is, how come the Eagles aren’t?
Right in line with my hopes. I think howie understand what we need to do. Build in the draft. Pryor looks great and I hope we grab him but at what cost? He won’t be there at 22. Will they move up? I hope but we don’t have many picks. Chip still knows these kids coming out of college so I trust he knows who to grab but Pryor does look special and with drafting a Bigg WR would make this draft look pretty damn good. If maclin can prove he can stay healthy the the talks of Desean trade become realistic next year with two Bigg WRs and nice TE with two nice RBs. Whoa I can’t wait for the season to start. Im praying we get Pryor and a bigger WR. Good luck Eaglez!
I like Pryor, but hes more of a in the box guy..
Now if you want a Earl Thomas freak type of safety that can do it all and is the best in this draft, Clinton Dix is the guy.. He can play in the box, can cover, can tackle, plays the ball really well
Hes an absolute stud..
Im hearing that because of his pro day he could go in the top 10-12..
Hes legit..
Dix is a Free Safety and not an “In the Box” Safety
Calvin Peyor is also a Free Safety but plays more Physical
than Dix
The Top ” In the Box Safeties” in this Draft are
Jimmie Hall (Northern Illinois)
Deone Buchannon (Wash State)
Ahmad Dixon (Baylor)
Isiah Lewis (Mich State)
Dontae Johnson (NC State)
Tre Boston (UNC)
Craig Bostic (LSU)
Dix & Pryor played the Same Position in College-Free Safety
Nice post Paul…….
I believe Eagles may go with Maragos at SS
And M Jenkins at FS to Start Camp & Season then have one of these above Safeties I listed above take over for Maragos by mid-Season or by 2015 for sure..
I don’t think they will sign another Free-Agent Safety
That’s out there..
I hope not Paul…they can sign Ithehegbo and solidify the position so they don’t have to draft a Safety round one, and allow the draft pick Safeties – possibly Buchannon, and Jimmie Ward – to develop gradually…
Maragos should play to his strength – special teams – not a starter
Cliff and Paul, I mentioned yesterday, Maragos may open some eyes. He played behind Earl Thomas and some friends of mine have watched him all preseason and he turned heads, he was just stuck behind the best safety in football..
I said yesterday that Maragos may push for a starting job here at safety..
I don’t think so JH, as far as Maragos Starting….I think another Safety should be signed, or they are reserving that for the Safety that is drafted…
However, I think he will star on Special Teams.
According to Mayock, hes been scouting the kid Pryor heavily and he said Pryor is physical, aggressive and but said after watching him, hes more of a in the box safety..
Dix is not and never said he was. Hes the pick in my opinion if he drops to 15-17. I see the Birds moving up for him. I think Pryor is the 2nd option..
The only knock on Clinton -Dix JH, is that he is more of a zone cover guy than a man to man guy – Which limits him in some coverages. But he will be drafted high based on perception of skill level, and ability to adapt.
Not according to mayock and the coaches at Bama, they all said he can cover WRs straight up Man2Man.. Mayock actually said that after watching Hasean hes way better than he originally thought. He said he put on a show at his pro day (heard the eagles were there and have been making their presence known n a big way) I would move up for him. He reminds many people of a young Earl Thomas..
I don’t want to chase a Safety but he may be worth chasing… Hes a do it all safety, and can play both safety spots..
I think he will be a target of the Birds..
I do agree about the whole perception of skill level and ability to adapt projection..
Mayock, was the guy who said it on NFL AM this morning JH – about his lack of man to man skills…and being more effective in a zone scheme.
No doubt he is on the Eagles radar though…
That’s interesting. Maybe I heard him wrong..
Yea hes the guy to lead this safeties group into the future.. Pryor would be a good pick too but I like the Earl Thomas kind of safety, the type that can do it all..
I say take the safety over the wr in the 1st, right now where I sit, but it all depends on what else they do leading up to the draft..
We kind of already have that – Earl Thomas like in Malcolm Jenkins – although maybe a notch below – but not that far off….
They need a SS – Like Deone Buchannon, as opposed to a FS like Pryor, or Dix – So I wouldn’t draft a S, or WR , in the 1st Round…- They definitely don’t need to draft a WR in the 1st Round…….
That’s the point cliff, Chip emphasized Jenkins being an interchangeable safety, that’s what Chip wants, guys with versatility and that can play multiple positions. You can move Dix and Jenkins all over the place.
This defense would be insane if they get Dix
Oh don’t get me wrong JH, I love Clinton- Dix, and Pryor, but I’m not sure what we would get…Earl Thomas, or Nate Allen….
Nate Allen hahaha cmon man, Clinton Dix will be a very good pro, waaay better than Nate Allen
JH, I think you know what I’m saying…
Can you guarantee that he won’t be Nate Allen – and I’m not saying that he will – but can you guarantee that for sure?
I heard last year, that Dee Milner was going to be a guaranteed day one starter, because his numbers, and his tape was off the charts – and he was benched, and stunk it up this year when he was in…..
All seriousness JH, – Can you GUARANTEE that Dix, or Pryor, or any rookie will be different???…I know you know the answer…
Of course no one can guarantee that anyone will be greats, but from what I see and the games I watch and his combine/pro day, hes better than Nate Allen right now..
That I can guarantee, hes better than Nate Allen..
He’s actually not better than Nate Allen until he can get into camp. learn the Defense and prove it……not because of his College tape, Combine or Pro Day – or even because we presume so……
Remember what I referenced about Dee Millner……I wish him the best..
I give them a Z-
hahahahahahahhHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! LMBO!!!
Im coming around. Still need a S. C+ with our own guys.
They need two more safeties, 2 more corners, a true NT and an Outside rushing LB with the ability to drop back into coverage (Anthony Barr, Khalil Mack type).. It may not happen this off season unless they trade for a guy and that’s always a possibility with Howie, he loves to make trades..
But those are our needs, so with that in mind I give them a B-… It was a C+ But after the Sproles signing it went up a little bit..
They still have a ways to go… So I cant give an accurate rating until FA is over.. but im thinking B- right now
B+
I like what they are doing. Cautious, patient and measured.
Forget that. A. Love what they’re doing. Long term build.
Vinnie is right. You can’t buy a Super Bowl. The Eagles try it and it never works
I Five athe Eagles a Solid B
When including their own Free-Agent signings
Of Maclin,Cooper, Punter Jones and their Additions
Of Sproles, Jenkins,Maragos,Carroll & Braman
I am not very high on Jenkins, and know nothing
About KB Branan, but Sproles , Carroll & Maragos are definite upgrades and will help the Team..
Jenkins plays a little too undisciplined for my liking
And to be honest, I rather have Nate Allen than him
Playing Free Safety..
They had to get an experienced Strong Safety
In this Free-Agency and missed on 4-5 good ones
(Ward,Whitner,,Bethea,Mitchell)
There is still J Inhedigbo & C Clemons out there)
Maragos will get a shot of winning the Strong Safety
Position
Eagles have not addressed NT or another Big Need which is a Pass-Rusher
Inhedigbo, should be the target, while Buchannon develops. No Question. I bet DCar would be happy…..:)
Inhedigbo is a bit intriguing, what is the knock on him though?
I don’t know Lew…I thought he was one of Denver’s best defensive backs, that would bring it every game – would be a nice tooter to Buchannon, and strengthen the Secondary..
He may want more money than the Eagles want to pay as well…
Knock on him is pass coverages and a lack of overall speed
He’s strictly an in the box Strong Safety who excels close the line of scrimmage and against the Run, but succeptibke and in trouble when out in space.. He does not have the speed that Coach Kelly/David are looking for on the back end..
I like the Gm plan in filling the hole and then drafting for BPA in the first round and grabbing Buchannon in round 2.
gmc, Ihedigbo played for the Ravens, not the Broncos. You’re thinking of S Duke Ihenacho. LMFBO!
Thank you Brother!! That’s right….okay screw him then….
Now, I’m convinced the will draft BUCHANNON…..
gmc, me too. Buchannon is a pick machine, that hits like a truck. You know we both love the kid. He is a must!
Damn right gmc. Ihedigbo will knock the snot out of you, & is a great tackler, but he suffers in coverage a little bit. He’s a poor man’s TJ Ward. But, I love the kid. The rate the Birds are going now, I’d take SS Clemons. He plays both safety positions too. Might still happen.
Gotta get one of those 2 guys. Can’t go into the draft chasing a safety.
bugs, no doubt.
I hate Clemons – I’d rather have Ihedigbo…
Other Free Agent Signings Announced
Reskins sign DT Jason Hatcher (Cowboys)
Raiders sign both DL Justin Tuck & LB L Woodley
Cardinals Signed WR/Returnman Ted Ginn Jr
Vikings overpay for CB Captain Munnerlyn
Packers Resign OLB Mike Neal. 🙁
WR Hakeem Nicks to the Panthers
WR Steve Smith in discussions with the Ravens
I give them a b on everything although to make a statement upgrade at safety over our clowns is pathethic especially dawk been gone all these years and reid had the chance with earl thomas to make that right and didnt, paulman my pick on your list is Deonne Buchannon
Here goes something people on here might be interested in
NFL Draft 2014: Deone Bucannon, safety from Washington State, to work out for Eagles – ESP, NJ.com
With the NFL Draft right around the corner, the Eagles are busy scouting and setting up visits with the prospects they like the most. One of those prospects is Deone Bucannon, a safety from Washington State. After attending Bucannon’s Pro-Day on Thursday, the Eagles like what they saw, and will be bringing in the safety for a private workout, a league source has told to NJ.com.
Eagles only had 37 Sacks as a Team last Season and need that total to be at least 50 ..
Do the Eagles maybe bring in a Jarred Alken/Julius Peppers/Shaun Phillips on a modest 2 Year Deal to help for the short term even if it means overpaying..
You have to remember, even if they Draft a Kony Ealy or a Dee Ford at #22
You can’t expect much production from a Rookie in his first Season
They only have three D lineman under contract that they want on this team, their definitely bringing someone in, their not finished shopping
Or a Will Smith..
And have one of the Veterans play on a rotational basis with fresh legs for one reason only, get to the QB and would only play 25-30 Snaps a game as pass-rushers.. This may be the way to go for the short-term
Jarred Allen or Will Smith would not cost much so not major risk as they are Pros and could add Pressure against QB’s and rotate with Trent Cole
Or play opposite of him..
If this Eagles puts points up as we all believe they will,
Opponents are going to have to play catch up which means passing against the Defense, so pressures on QB’s will be the key to the success of the 2014 Season in my opinion, if not, then 35-34 Shootouts will occur too often
Paulman, were not getting Allen, he already let it be known that if he don’t get paid he rather retire, were not giving him 8 to 10 million, that’s what he wants, if we didn’t give that to the young guys that were out there with upside were definitely not giving it to him, look for another under the radar guy.
Bucannons gonna go 2nd or 3rd rd packers need ss I would like to see us get this guy but the pack drafting early than birds talk of using vinny curry i dont think that happens Im still not happy at safety position this has been a thorn in birds side since dawk left i mean really its long overdue to fix this shit seriouslyoh and I love bramans attitude “maim and destroy” love the fire plug story lol
The Packers pick before us in the first round, I see them taking Prior with that pick which would leave Bucannon available in the second.
exactly Drew!!!,,,and I don’t see us playing that game of trading up to get a Safety
That’s why they are focusing on a potential 2nd Round Safety = Deone Buchannon – who is an actual SS…..There is our 2nd round PICK..
The pack could also be interested in Jimmy Ward in the second too. I think Dallas wants a SS, but I think they may go after Ahmad Dixon. They seem to like drafting guys from OSU, OU and Baylor as of late.
Did you see how many D lineman the Cowboys lost this week? Their definitely taking a D lineman in the first round.
Andrew…I agree with you, they are taking a D lineman in the first. I’m talking about them getting a safety in the second or third. That’s good news for the Eagles as Dallas and Pittsburgh was mocked to take safeties prior to FA. The rams and the Pack stillneed safety help to. If the Pack do ont resign BJ Raji or Jermichael Finley they to will be looking for TE and DL help…probably in the first.
Ward is in their backyard Eagle – Northern Illinois – I’m sure they’ve done their homework..
I think Ward would be a nice fit with the pack.
The Packers just said their not signing any free agents from other teams, that makes it more obvious their taking a safety in the first, and your right, were not trading to move up for the simple reason we don’t have any draft picks to use as trade bait
Right…
According to the NFLPA’s records, the Eagles have $25.1 million in cap space, this is after all these signings, I’m telling you, we’re not done in free agency.
I don’t think so either Drew…
Andrew your saying there not done in fa who is left for them to get it’s nobody good left just bums.
And how can they have that much left when they went into fa with under 25million so how did they get more money after signing people they must didn’t update that yet. And I don’t want howie to spend just to spend it’s nobody left good in fa period but special team guys I would expect howie to make trades at the most. There are no good olb’s safety’s or dline unless they are gonna sign cromartie and cut Cary or wilfork gets cut howie can stand pack.
I give them an I for Incomplete…Ill revisit my grade after this weekend.
I give myself an H for Hibernating for the last month….
I give Vinnie an F for Free from Vick
I give Songs an R and N for racist Nutjob.
I give Paulman an I for imaginative
I give DCAR a P for Passionate
Just call me X……
Thanks for bringing up Vick! It allows me to say….wow. How embarrassing for the guy.
So far Matt Cassel, Blaine Gabbert, Josh McCown, Charlie Whitehurst, Kellen Clemens, and Tavaris Jackson have all been signed or traded for…..and Vick just sits there.
I wonder how TS is taking this humiliation. And to think of all the idiots on here just a few months back screaming he was the answer……..
Interesting that a lot of the pro-vick squad are the ones most upset the Eagles haven’t made a “big splash” in FA. Signing a big, flashy player, and are frustrated by the slow, methodical, measured approach the Birds are taking.
In both cases they enjoy flash over substance.
Im glad to be done talking about your obsession. Since you are not man enough to honor your bet…. we’ve had to endure u.
Hes had offers to be a backup but wants s chance to start. This has been covered lots.
I really don’t like you, you were right now please stop with the pro vick squad , cuz most eagles fans did want byrd, and they are same ones that got tired of vicks turnover machine ass, so stop the grouping of two. P.S. like stevo said MAN UP TO THE BET BITCH
Vin knows his stuff which some of his detractors never give him credit for. He was obsessed and rightly so…The emperor never had so little clothes lol
All vin knows is the dollar menu at his work.
Thnx X, I think…. Ha
I think its funny that some people on here still call adding a great player “buying” a championship. Like adding 1 guy counts as all in. Silly simpletons. Manning really killed Denver. The would have for sure won it all had they kept whats hos face.
Stevo..Peyton was a rare and special case. Stuff like that happens about once a decade. Can’t remember last time but it happended with Reggie twenty years ago. So you shouldn’t bring up Peyton since it isn’t a good example. I get your frustration but I see it like this. 1) everyone got signed in 2011 for years so FA has sucked the last three years. Very few five star players hitting the streets. 2) they just aren’t there yet. I have a romantic notion that it may be SB 50. Perfect that we finally win it in a milestone year. Makes it more special. Just for fun, who would you project our opponent may be? I have this feeling we meet the Chargers. I think Manning and Brady are going to be on fumes soon. In fact I think when Manning fails again this year, he will retire. So that leaves the divison open since Andy will not stop anyone because he only beats shit teams. No one else should be able to stop them at that point. And I think they have the really good coach/QB situation that we do with McCoy and Rivers. That’s my best guess.
Asam was great.
T.o was a trade but basically went to the highest bidder.
Sometimes its smart… you know.. like when you’ve had a need for 5 years.
They are being creative… and thats a good thing. Still many many holes he that need to be addressed and they better not go into the season with this many oblind spots.
For those thinking that they are just building for the future… this is not the NBA… they have a good team now and want to win now while also building a long term winner.
I think they will be very aggressive about getting Dix/Pryor. So you will basically get your guy like Byrd in a year or two when they develop. I have no idea where they are getting a pass rusher from. I would still like to see them go after a FA PK.
According to what has been Weaselmans M.O. the last 2 years, this is what I believe will happen, up until the draft.
Cuts-
Henery, Casey, Matthews.
FA-
SS Chris Clemons, K Steven Hauschka, NT Mount Cody, ROLB Rob Jackson.
Trade-
Graham, & #22, for Dion Jordan, & Miami’s #50; Curry to the Raiders for their #67 pick; Bryce Brown to Cleveland for their #123 (They have 2 4th’s).
Draft
#50(trade)- WR Jordan Matthews
#54- ROLB Jeremiah Attaochu.
#67(trade)- S Deonne Buchannon.
#86- CB Pierre Jean-Baptiste.
#118- ILB Shayne Skov.
#123(trade)- OG Cyril Richardson.
#150- NT Justin Ellis.
7th- DE DeAndre Coleman.
Also, if they do try to trade DJax, he could possibly net us an additional #2 + #5.
Too much time on your hands my brother…But not bad lol.
X, I’m home with a stomach bug today. In between bathroom runs, I’m on the Mac. LOL!!!!
I hear you man…Im at work and it’s driving me crazy trying to keep up with all the Free Agency News. Get better fast bro.
Thanks, my brother! Immodium ain’t working fast enough. LOL!
Love it DCAr up until the Pick of Guard Richardson,
He’s to soft and overweight and wouldn’t survive a Summer Camp
In Kelly’s program.. There are lots of Gurads in this Draft
Who can be had in middle/late Rounds to groom as Herremans successor
successor he needs to go now he is the only problem on the o line, he is done
Mr. Car if we trade for Jordan then there is no need for attaochu at that spot then cause we will have Jordan and Cole would still be here whynt Kyle fuller in his spot everything else on there looks good love Jordan Matthews think he will be a beast.
Darren Sproles is now signed to a two-year contract extension, so hes tied to Philadelphia for three seasons!!!
Sproles is gonna win a title here, somewhere in the next 3 years..
Smart extension. Lowers the cap hit for this year too.
Age ain’t nothing but a number, more proof in this signing. . Its all about production and Sproles produces
thats true JH
I don’t like when I agree with you, because I have nothing to break your balls about. LOL!
I do enjoy a lil bron bron jab
X, he hasn’t been quoting his make believe sources, so I have nothing to break stones about. LMMFBO!
Well that’s progress in it’s own right. See I take a break from the maddness and everything changes…Except Gloomysmitty wanting to trade Desean….
I told him he actually has good insight, but his sources just are terrible
LOL
long time big…thread looks half sane lol.
Yea X, actual football talk but seriously this blog has the most opinionated people have ever encountered myself included. LOL, I’m still shocked at DCar and JH playing nice.
watch the sproles interview on PE.com he has a speech impediment, that’s cool the guy will do well with us
I GOT ONE FOR YAWL LEGION OF ZOOM
thumbs up
lol some dude on PE.com called in to dave and asked should we pick up albert haynesworthshit….lol dave hung up him….how is he a eagles fan
I would have to give Howie Roseman an “A plus” so far.
This team could average 50 points a game – adding Maclin and Sproles!!!!!!!!!!!
Mathematicians are going to analyze every step Nick Foles made last year on the football field to find a weakness. So Howie and Chip add 2 new dance partners ( Maclin and Sproles ) and change the music genre.
NBC, FOX , CBS and ESPN are going to be fighting to get Chip Kelly’s crew on their prime time slot.
Exciting times –
The need is a pass rusher. FA or the draft or both. Our back end looks a lot better with enormous QB pressure and vice versa. We need another safety no doubt and one will be drafted but we need a difference making rusher or two. We are just not getting it done on third down.
These are the top 4 prospects I feel the Eagles should target in the 1st round at or around #22:
1. FS HaSean Clinton Dix
2. WR Kelvin Benjamin
3. FS Calvin Pryor
4. WR Odell Beckman Jr
Get one of these impact guys and your made in the shade..
Now if a Anthony Barr falls then all bets are off, you draft him..
JH. I have to tell you, I really don’t think either of those WR’s are impact.
I like Malcolm Jenkins, and although he can play both Safety spots, he is mainly a FS. So, the Eagles would need a Strong Safety – Like Buchannon – as opposed to a FS – like Pryor, and Clinton Dix
They need a Pass Rush in a worse way…..
I agree with you about Barr, but no way he falls that far..
Are you serious Cliff??? Both receivers will be very good moving forward they both have good size and good speed.. Cmon, theyre play makers
I don’t think so….very serious…
I’ve been saying it before the Senior Games…..Outside of Sammy Watkins – and that’s if he gets on the right team – the rest of the top WR’s have a serious bust factor – their combine performances mean nothing to me, and I think the majority of the top ten will be bust including Benjamin, and Beckham….
Word in Dallas that they are very high on Safety Dix, but may lean towards Drafting DE Kony Ealy since they lost their 2 Top
pass rushers in DeMarcus Ware & Jason Hatcher
Remember they still have Monte Kiffen as their DC
Who plays the “Tampa 2 Coverage Scheme”
Which is predicated on getting a Pass Rush from
The Front 4 of the D-Line where they are very thin
Right now..
LOL!!
You hope they draft Ealy, because god forbid the Eagles draft him. after GMCliff has been saying he’s someone they should have interest in………and then he develop into something special…right??
You know who I like, reminds me of T.O. a little Norwood from Alabama. He will probably be there in the later rounds.
Things could get interesting if the New England patriots don’t get a good wr in free agency they are in win now mode and can’t afford to take a chance and draft one. Keep your eye on the pats ….
Speaking of the Pats, they just signed Browner
Colts just Signed WR Hakeem Nicks
To a 1 Year Deal at $5.5 Million which makes you have to believe that the WR
Position Is just very flat this Free-Agency period with the Very strong WR Class coming in this a Years Draft and also makes me believe that the Eagles overpaid for both Cooper .& Maclin on their Deals.. But what is done, is done..
Eagles wont be averaging 50 points a game. With SF, Seattle, Arizona, St Louis, Carolina and Dallas(yes Dallas the team that gave them fits), the Eagles will have there work cut out for them on offense. Not saying they wont score, but they aint putting up record numbers this season.
As long as they putting up more points then the team that there playing is all that counts.
Stay away from Dix. He is a slightly better coverage version of nate allen. Remember all nates playmaking ability in college?? These are college qb’s hes playing. Watch the tackling, he excepts the runner in to his arms instead of running through them. Pass coverage is a bit better than pryor but that can be worked on. We desperately need a physical, great tackling safety that can compliment what Jenkins is, which is a descent coverage safety with awful tackling. Comparing Dix to earl Thomas is laughable. Thomas was a very hard hitting safety out of texas despite his size. Every tackle dix makes ends up with the runner falling forward for more yardage. If its safety in the first round its pryor or bust. When you see a safety hit a running back at full speed and the runner falls backwards on countless plays, you’ve got something special.
You made my point birdbrains, Pryor is a good player and is strictly a in the box safety. Hes good at tackling and making plays on the RB but like you mentioned, coverage is what hes lacking in..
When I think of a player like that I think of Taylor Mays, good tackler and hitter, but very poor in coverage…
Calvin Pryor could be Taylor Mays
I disagree, Pryor is very good in Coverage,
Has great leaping ability and good hands
He also played B-Ball & Baseball in High School
And just because he plays physical and can Kay the wood, does not mean he’s strictly “in a box” Safety for he is not and is a better
Overall athlete than many of you think..
He’s going to a very good NFL Safety as I have stated numerous times
Over the last 2-3 Months..
I am not High on Dix as I believe he’s more of the System at Alabama that a great Player with upside.. I believe Dix will also be a good NFL Player, but as bird brains mentioned above,
He plays soft and is not physical enough to be a real difference maker
I would Select Safety Calvin Pryor, Jimmie Hall,Deone Buchanon Ceaig Bostic & the kid from Fla State
Before Ha-Ha Dix in this Draft ..
Paul, the knock on Pryor , is his lack of coverage ability – because he is a more in the box safety – Because Louisville, plays more zone defense, than man to man – But his Achilles heel is taking bad angles, because he is always looking for the kill shot — which shows a lack of detail to the fundamentals of playing the position, and tackling. I know your high on him, but He is not infallible.
So, don’t assume he will automatically change that habit coming into the NFL.
That says to me, that he may not understand down, and distance when it comes to mastering that position – and that man to man coverage may not be his strength.
I say the Eagles should pass on both of them, – Just like they did Ward, and Byrd in free agency – and make sure they draft Deone Buchannon, and or Jimmie Ward, and get the pass rusher they need in the 1st Round….
Right JH, that’s the point I was trying to make.
At this time, we can only hope they are what we think they are, but we can never be exactly sure, if that is what we are going to get in the long run…..
There aren’t many pass rushers in this draft cliff, look for a trade in the next few days or weeks.. I wouldn’t take Dee Ford at 22.. Id go safety or WR, that’s it..
I wouldn’t take Dee Ford either…..nor a WR, or a Safety
Dee Ford is not big or strong enough to
Fit the Eagles Profile.. He’s very quick/athletic
At #22, if the Eagles sit tight, it’s probably a DT
Or CB, I think the Eagles should Trade Back and get additional picks
They are getting no Starter/Impact Player on Defense at #22 anyways..
I think you have a better chance of the eagles taking dennard or dee ford than you do the eagles taking a safety in the 1st they don’t value safety people just need to get over that what star did Denver have at safety last year. The eagles will take a wr in the 1st the value is just to high there the only other player I would think about taking is dennard.
Ford is the 3rd ranked DE/OLB ranked coming out in the draft. Clowney is #1. guess who is #2?……That who you want to draft – not Dee Ford …..
and Dennard will be long gone before the Eagles pick at #22
Calvin Pryor is an all around safety…he can play up in the box…he can also cover. I watched him to much to not chime in on this. He can absolutely cover and knock the $#!+ out of you if you catch the ball in his area. He had as many picks as HaHa in his career. Watch the film of him covering exclusively…he’s fine in coverage!
Eagle , in watching his film, that is all you are gonna see, are his highlights.
It won’t always show you where he is weak, and emphasis those points, That’s why we have to be careful when we fall in love with some of these prospects.
We have to remember that they are all playing at a weaker level of competition, with amateur level QB’s, who they may manipulate on that level – But it’s a whole new ball game in the NFL – We can only guess that they will be successful – with the presumption that their overall skill translates to the Pros..
Cliff…when I say watch the film…I mean the game…I dvr the games…I know everyone doesn’t, but after the game is over..I’ll watch it again to key in on certain players because when I initially watch it, it’s for the entertainment. I don’t mean this in a disrespectful way…but that which you are telling me is basic 101 analysis. I believe my analysis of Pryor is spot on and will stand by it until proven wrong….year 3!
Don’t get me wrong brother – I’m not saying he can’t be all that most say he will become. What I am saying is don’t be surprised if he isn’t.
When I make those points Eagle it’s to make some look at prospects impartially – Some will stand pat out of pride, because they put their stamp on this guy, – and give themselves some wiggle room to make their point – and say he will establish himself in 3 years –
Then some will give an unbiased evaluation , and give real thought to that players strengths, and weaknesses, and come to the realization that he’s not that much better than the 4th ranked player at his position, and not draft the top ranked player in the 1st Round….
Even the guys who are referred to as experienced General Managers, and Scouts watch games on television, and live, and yet they still get it wrong Eagle……
There is no exact science to it either……..
Mike Mayock was on 97.5 with Misinelli yesterday and was at Bamas pro day and said HaHa Dix was simply amazing. Scouts just marveled at his size, his length and his fluidness in his drills . He has solidified the #1 spot at safety. He also said Eagle scouts are everywhere. At every college workout.
Eagles scouts are at a lot of the pro days to observe certain players, however, only certain players observed are getting invited in for a personal workout….which includes touring the facilities and meeting with coaches!
and not everyone brought in is drafted…..FYI
Cliff that’s obvious…and this I know…sometimes it’s because the player is drafted before the Eagles can get them…sometimes it’s becausethe Eagles decide the player is not who they want afterthe workout.
And sometimes it’s a smokescreen, to get into the media to through off other teams draft strategies – Having them think they are going to draft the person brought in – but really have their eye on someone else…
Remeber I guy named mark Barron out of bama. Top 10 pik and he sux in Tampa.. It’s funny, just because of Pryors physicality u guys keep saying he’s n in the box safety. My white ass he is. Dude is a center fielder at safety and can play down in the box.. SS and FS are almost extinct in the league anymore. Safeties move all around the field these days. Hardly are the dedicated just as a FS n SS.. There just safeties.Seriously mayock has been wrong just he’s been right. All the info the majority of u guys are getting are from other people. Fucking sad.. I’m a college football junkie. Watch these players for urself and make ur opinion then, not becaus mayock said so.. Lmao.. I hear I youtubed him and he’s a monster. Of course it’s called ” _____” highlights. Some do show low lights. Fake ass wannabe football analysists..
I do my own evaluations Silencer – and where I do appreciate your analogy of Mark Barron as relates Calvin Pryor – It in no way ensures Pryor’s success
I watch College football as well, and I know that Louisville plays more zone, and most of his plays are in the box – He is a talent, no doubt – but with all your watching of College Football, can you say for a fact that Pryor is a sure thing?……No one can.
That’s my point not Mayock, Kiper, or anybody else’s – I agree with you, because I have said it year in, and year out, that they have been wrong more than the GM’s about Prospects, because they, like most on here take these players talents, and what they see from them in College Football Highlights, and YouTube for granted, and they shouldn’t….
That’s why stats and highlight film don’t mean Jack, you have to look at the tools
For example, for awhile we all heard about taj Boyd, good college qb, doesn’t have the tools to be a starting nfl qb, lacks nfl arm strength
Look at the tools of the player, not the school, the conference
And Johnny football has some serious tools, great arm strength, solid mechanics, size is his limitation but he will be the first qb selected
One more thing
How about Fran tarkenton, in reference to manziel ‘s off the field indiscretions, said you can’t be a great qb in the nfl if “you are a rodent.”
Speaking of tools, you dudes are so funny. Mayock and kipper don’t know shit right but you guys do. I love how someone can’t even make a point without some other hand job trying to prove he’s smarter. Honestly I like reading everyones comments because for the most part everyone knows what there talking about and has really good information. Jake, Fran Tarkenton and Jaworski are the Rodents, trying to ruin a 22 year old kids future, like the dude is a piece of shit. I love how older people act like they never did anything when they were young and stupid. Not saying the dude doesn’t have character flaws but you don’t find many people that age that don’t, it’s called growing up, maturing becoming a man.