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Philadelphia Eagles 2006 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Death and Taxes
- Start date
bigliebdogg
Footballguy
i am not sold on reggie wayne being a true bona fide #1.i hope they don't sign him because i think he will disappoint whatever team that's gonna count on him to be the go to guy, much like peerless price who was not even worth a roster spot after he left the favorable buffalo situation
Jason Wood
Zoo York
It's always possible. That said, Reggie Wayne's game is much, much different than Price. Wayne has good speed, but uses his size and has become a much better route runner over the years. Watching Wayne play, he's nowhere close to the one dimensional guy Peerless was at their respective points of free agency.But in terms of the Eagles, I don't think the Colts let Wayne go, no chance. Given Polian's history I would say he commits heavy $$$ to re-signing Freeney and Wayne, but lets Edge walk.
Meat
Footballguy
I definately agree with this. I do think thats a bad move by the Colts though... Freeny definately desirves a big pay raise, and I suppose you could argue the same with Reggie - however Edge this past season really (IMO) seemed to just be the perfect back to balance that offense. I guess time will tell. If we miss out on Wayne though, I wouldn't mind seeing Moulds here at all.
jeff_eaglz
Footballguy
If you have a link, that would be useful.I have not heard anything since Jan 1. The Eagles stated that while he did not have a lisfranc sprain, he would only have been ready to start rehabbing / possibly returning in 6-8 weeks. That would be about now.
I haven't followed the situation but assumed he'd be fine for the first minicamp.
Here are my brief thoughts on the same subject. Mission: Without mortgaging the future, address the team shortcomings of 2005 to ideally 1) be Super Bowl worthy in 2006 and 2) be even better in 2007.2005 Shortcomings: Substandard play due to 1) injuries, 2) skill limitations, and 3) team morale due primarily to the ongoing TO Saga.2005 Injuries with 2006 Implications: McNabb, Westbrook, Pinkston, Tra Thomas, Herremans, Fraley, McDougle, 2005 Skill Limitations: Pass Rush, LB Pass Coverage, LB Blitzing, SS Pass Coverage, Backup QB play, X receiver play2006-2007 Contract Expirations: FS, SS, C, Backup QB, TE, DT, DELets begin with a position evaluation, using the following givens:1. Chances are high some of the expiring contracts will not be resigned due to age and/or cost.2. We draft for needs that are expected to happen 2 – 3 years in the future3. AR likes to build from the lines out4. Jon Runyan’s is not under contract for 2006QB: McNabb’s healthy return is expected. However, another McNabb injury is not out of the realm of possibility and 2005 play of our backup QBs, if repeated in 2006 or 2007 was not consistent with our stated Mission. Backup QB is a position of need.RB: Westbrook’s injury may not be completely healed in 2006. Moats is expected to continue to develop, and would be the starter if Westbrook isn’t fully recovered in 2006. Gordon’s play was sometimes good, but far too inconsistent. Perry’s late season play showed promise. Backup RB is a position of concern.FB: Parry’s play was adequate.O-Line: Runyan’s contract expiration, Tra’s continuing poor performance on running plays and the performance of our Centers are the key issues for the O-line. Starting RT is a position of need. Starting LT is a position of concern. Starting Center is a position of vulnerability because of both Fraley’s run blocking and Jackson’s injury history.TE: Spach’s development as the #2 TE could be classified as good but not great. Bartrum’s TE contributions were minimal. We need more production out of our #2 TE. Our running game would also benefit from better TE blocking. A pass catching #2 TE would allow the Eagles to productively run more double TE sets, and a second pass catching TE could also be used as a slot receiver. #2 TE is a position of need.Y WR: Reggie Brown is both the present and the future at the Z receiver position. Billy McMullen showed he can be an effective backup at the Y receiver, and if he uses the off-season and training camp effectively McCants could develop in this role as well.X WR: We are vulnerable at X receiver in 2006. Greg Lewis was not an effective X receiver in 2005. Todd Pinkston’s return from injury is both a plus and a challenge. Given the nature of his injury, there is some question whether Todd will fully return to his 2004 form in 2006. If he does he is a solid X receiver, but if he doesn’t X receiver becomes a position of need. Regardless X WR is a position of concern.Slot WR: Greg Lewis is a solid slot receiver, as is Brian Westbrook. As noted above a second pass catching TE would also be an option at Slot WR.DE: We are also vulnerable at DE. Because of his injury history, any plan for DE must start with McDougle as the #5 DE. Kearse is clearly our #1 DE and Cole is the #2/#3 DE. We need to generate more pass rush from the entire D-line, therefore the player we get to be the other half of the #2/#3 DE combination in tandem with Cole, needs to be a solid pass rusher. Both Free Agency and the Draft have players who have the skills to fill this #2/#3 need. While high level pass rushing skills from a #4 DE would be nice they are not necessary, but regardless we need a solid #4 DE from either Free Agency or the Draft. Juqua Thomas could possibly be that #4 DE if we get the right #2/#3, but his 2005 play was not at a consistently high enough level to achieve our Mission. DE is a position of significant need.DT: Injuries were a significant problem in the play of our DTs in 2005. They slowed the play of both Walker and Rayburn, and they robbed us of our depth. We go into 2006 with only three sure DTs. Hollis is no longer under contract and won’t be re-signed, and Keyonta Marshall is still a work in process. We need an infusion of both depth and pass rushing skills at DT and both Free Agency and the Draft have players who have those skills. DT is a position of major need. MIKE LB: In run defense Trotter is as solid as we could ask for; however, in pass defense Trot has his deficiencies. In addition the injury status of Trotter’s knees is always a concern. Finally, the backup MIKE must be a solid contributor on Special Teams. Backup MIKE LB is a position of need.SAM LB: Pass coverage of TEs and productive blitzing of the QB from the SAM position were not as effective as we needed them to be in 2005, and Dhani may not have the skills we need to address those deficiencies. Greg Richmond may be the answer, but he is still a question mark. SAM LB is a position of major need.WIL LB: Keith Adams proved he is not the answer at WIL. Mike McCoy is expected to develop into an effective WIL, but he remains a question mark based on his 2005 performance. Mark Simoneau is an effective WIL backup and solid Special Teams player. WIL LB is a position of concern.FS: In the short run Dawkins is the starter, but his contract expires at the end of 2006. Considine would appear to be the heir apparent and primary backup, but he needs to prove he will be a worthy successor. Quentin Mikell ended the year as the FS backup, and has proved to be a capable backup at both FS and SS, but he currently is a RFA. FS is a position in transitionSS: In the short run Michael Lewis appears to be the starter, but his contract continues to be unresolved and his pass coverage performance has been spotty at best. Lewis has to shoulder a significant portion of the blame for the Eagles poor performance 1) covering TEs and 2) stopping the opposition on 3rd down. It is not unreasonable to think that the Eagles may choose to let him depart via Free Agency at the end of 2006. It is possible that the Eagles might renew Dawkins contract with the thought of playing him at SS where any decline in his pass coverage skills would be less of a vulnerability given the players he would need to cover as a SS. Jack Brewer’s future is up in the air, but given his Special Teams contributions he will no doubt be competing for a roster spot at training camp. Mikell may return to being the primary SS backup, but here too his RFA status is a question mark. SS is a position of concern.CB: There is no question that the performance of the starting CBs in 2005 was worse than the performance in 2004. The question is, “How much of the performance decline was a byproduct of the poor pass rush?” Regardless, Lito and Sheldon are firmly ensconced as the starters. After them we have questions. Rod Hood is the nickel CB, but he currently is a RFA. Neither Matt Ware and Dexter Wynn have threatened Hood’s status as the nickel CB, and neither has excelled as the dime CB. CB could well be a position in transition.K and P: Despite injury problems in 2005 for both Akers and Johnson, I fully expect them to be the starters in 2006 and for years to come. Johnson is a RFA, so he will need to sign a new contract. There is no reason to believe he won’t.What does all of the above mean? · There are two positions of major need … DT and SAM.· Just behind DT and SAM is one position of significant need … DE.· Four positions of need … Starting RT, Backup QB, #2 TE, and Backup MIKE LB.· Four positions of concern … Backup RB, Starting LT, WIL LB, and SS· Two positions of vulnerability … Starting Center and X WR· Two positions in transition … FS and CBBefore exploring our Free Agency options, lets look at our options for addressing these needs through our current picks in the Draft. DT: In round 1, Ngata and Wroten have the tools to immediately step into our DT rotation as the #4 DT. However, the chances of getting either one of these two players are problematic. Ngata will almost surely require a trade up from #14, and Wroten’s recent arrest makes his character suspect. There are four more DTs who could be selected in rounds 2 or 3 (Brodrick Bunkley, John McCargo, Jesse Mahelona and Montavious Stanley), but they probably would be more closely matched to the #5 slot in the Eagles’ DT rotation.SAM LB: In round 1 there are 5 players with the tools to be successes at SAM in the NFL, AJ Hawk, Chad Greenway, Demeco Ryans, Bobby Carpenter and Thomas Howard, although both Ryans and Howard may be even better suited to WIL than SAM. Hawk will almost surely require a trade up from #14, and Ryans and Howard would probably be considered to be “reaches” at #14. The two questions you have to ask about any and all of them are, “Will they be able to pick up JJ’s complex Defense well enough to be the starting SAM in 2006?” and “Are we looking for SAM depth, or are we looking to upgrade the pass coverage and blitzing productivity from our SAM starter?”DE: In round 1 there are 2 players with the tools to be outstanding DEs in the NFL … Mario Williams and Mathias Kiawanuka, as well as 2 players with skills that are a notch behind the top two … Tamba Hali and Darryl Tapp. Mario and Kiwi could clearly step into the #2/#3 rotation with Trent Cole, and Hali and Tapp could be solid #4s. There are six more DTs who could be selected in rounds 2 or 3 (Kamerion Wimbley, Manny Lawson, Mark Anderson, Stanley McGlover, Frostee Rucker and Ray Edwards), but they probably would be more closely matched to the #5 slot in the Eagles’ DE rotation. Mario and Kiwi will surely require trading up from our #14 pick … in the case of Mario trading up into the top 5. Tapp would be a “reach” at #14 and depending on whom you talk to Hali may well be a reach there to
-Line: More than any part of the team the O-line is an interdependent unit. Any decisions made about the O-line need to address not only individual position issues, but also to maximize the cohesiveness and productivity of the unit as a whole. · With that said lets look at our situation at Starting RT. With pick #14 we may well be able to draft Marcus McNeil to be our starting RT. If that does happen, then any speculation that Shawn Andrews will be moving from OG to OT will almost surely end, and any chances of re-signing Runyan will also evaporate. Drafting McNeill would also relegate Calvin Armstrong to the role of backup for the remaining three years of his contract. · With both Tra Thomas and Todd Herremans returning at LT there is no shortage of LT talent; however, both those players ended the season on the IR. The injury statues of both players is a concern, but there is even more concern about Tra’s performance when run blocking. Tra’s pass blocking continues to be at a Pro Bowl level, but his run blocking in 2005 was one of the reasons the running game was so anemic in the first half of the season. It is possible that Tra will improve in 2006, but it is also possible that he won’t. Two factors associated with the Draft may determine whether Tra is on the 2006 Eagles roster
Todd Herremans’ high level of performance in 2005 has earned him a starting job, certainly in 2007, but probably optimally for the entire year of 2006. He has considerable experience at both RT and LT and should play at a very high level at either OT position.o The 2006 Draft is very strong at OT with McNeill, D’Brickshaw Ferguson, Eric Winston, Jonathan Scott, Andrew Whitworth, all expected to be selected in round 1 and three more (Daryn Colledge, Jeremy Trueblood and Ryan O’Callaghan) expected to be picked in round 2. Ferguson will be selected long before #14, but picking a LT with either our round 1 or round 2 pick and moving Herremans to LT may be an opportunity that is too good to pass up, especially if the DT, SAM and DE needs/concerns can be addressed in Free Agency. o Tra’s contract expires in 2008. Beginning to develop his successor now is consistent with the FO’s philosophy of drafting for needs that are expected to happen 2 – 3 years in the future.· With young potential Centers like Trey Darilek and Scott Young on the roster, the Draft is not the place to address our concerns about Center (Jackson’s injury history and Fraley’s performance and contract expiration at the end of this year).Backup QB: Drafting a development QB in day 2 of the Draft is certainly a possibility. However, it is unreasonable to expect a drafted QB to solve the quality of performance from the Backup QB in the 2006 season should Donovan incur another injury that sidelines him. The drafted QB will probably end up on the Practice Squad in 2006.#2 TE: When the Eagles pick at #14 the Best Player Available on the draft board may well be TE Vernon Davis. He is more of a pass catching TE than a blocking TE, but he would definitely upgrade the TE position and would give us considerable flexibility in plays using a two TE set, as well as plays using LJ Smith or Davis as the Slot receiver. If the Eagles do not select Davis, there are a number of solid TEs who could be selected with one of our three round 4 selections.Backup MIKE: Using one of the Day 2 picks in the Draft to select a backup MIKE who can also be a Special Teams contributor is a possibility.Backup RB: Using one of the Day 2 picks in the Draft to select a backup RB who can also be a Special Teams contributor is a possibility, but given Bruce Perry’s late season development in 2005, such a selection has a lower likelihood.WIL LB: We already have McCoy on the roster at WIL, so drafting another young developmental WIL is highly unlikely.Strong Safety: When the Eagles pick at #14 the Best Player Available on the draft board may well be Safety/CB Michael Huff. When the Eagles pick at #45 the Best Player Available on the draft board may well be Safety/WIL LB Thomas Howard. Both those players would be solid additions to the team. They would give the Eagles solid options if they do not choose to re-sign Michael Lewis at the end of the 2006 season, and they have both the skills and experience at multiple positions that would add to the flexibility that JJ has as one of the core tenets of his Defensive philosophy.X WR: If Pinkston isn't fully recovered from his Achilles injury, then we need a WR who can stretch the field until Pinkston’s recovery progresses far enough so he can reassume the primary X role. Temporary needs are hard to fill, and drafting a rookie WR for that purpose does not appear to be a good option. Selecting an X WR to develop for future years is another story, with the clear implication that the FO has doubts that Pinkston will ever fully recover. Drafting Wil Blackmon in the second round of the Draft as a X receiver and Return Specialist is an intriguing option, because if Pinkston is back at full steam then Blackmon can be an excellent CB as well. If we draft Blackmon I would expect his contributions in 2006 to be 1) in returning kicks, 2) as an X receiver and 3) as a possible CB.Free Safety: Drafting Considine last year would appear to be the first step in positioning the Eagles for a transition when Dawkins’ contract expires at the end of the 2006 season. Dawkins may well sign a contract extension, but for the moment drafting another FS does not appear to be in the cards.CB: CB is one of the positions that the Eagles FO values highly, and the old adage “You can never have too many good Corners” always applies. When you add to that the fact that Hood is an RFA and Ware and Wynn haven’t set the world on fire, the possibility of drafting a CB is definitely real whether it is a CB like Huff at #14 or later in the draft. A CB with Return Specialist credentials would be even more attractive.Phewwww, that was long, but it does point out just how varied the Eagles opportunities in the Draft are. The most important thing to note when looking at what might happen in the Draft is that in spite of the fact that we have pressing 2006 needs at DT, SAM and DE, we could easily end up selecting a OT, CB/FS, TE or WR as the BPA when we pick in round 1 and/or round 2. Therefore, if we are going to be sure to address those needs, we will need to address them through 1) Free Agency, and/or 2) selected trades. With that said, our approach to Free Agency has to deal with the following constraints:A. None of the available FA DTs solve our needs by themselves,B. Several FAs (Abraham, Peterson, Wayne ... ) will carry price tags that make them questionable values, C. There are a number of FAs who would fit nicely as depth/backup behind our projected starters,D. If we don't address the ability of 1) our LBs to cover TEs and RBs and 2) our DTs and DEs to generate pressure on the QB, then the flaws in all our DBs will be magnified again in 2006,E. We don’t want any of our FA signings to create a conflict/overload at their position. Conflict with existing players or overload if the BPAs selected in the Draft end up being duplications of one or more of the signed FAs.DT: There are five DT FAs who would all fit very nicely into the Eagles DT rotation, Rocky Bernard, Larry Tripplett, and Ryan Pickett and Chris Hovan. In addition there is a good chance that the Cowboys will end up releasing L’Roi Glover as a casualty of either the cap or the 3-4 defense or both. Bernard and Glover would appear to be the two players who would have the most positive impact on solving the D-line’s ability to pressure the QB. Bernard would be the most expensive and Hovan the least expensive. Compared to the others, Glover would have a much shorter remaining career, and because of his breakout 2005 season, Bernard would probably be the most expensive. The expected cap hit for signing one of these FAs would be as high as $4.3 million (Bernard) and as low as $2.3 million (Hovan). Signing one DT FA would not affect the Eagles ability to select a BPA DT in either round 1 or round 2 of the Draft. Recommendation: aggressively pursue Bernard, Tripplett and Pickett as soon as the FA period begins and sign one of those three. If we got one of those FAs and then found Ngata as the BPA on the board when we picked in the Draft, we could still feel comfortable picking Ngata and then move Walker out to DE.SAM: Can we go with Jones/Trotter/McCoy in 2006? I don't think so. Of those 3, both Dhani and Trotter are not without problems based on their play this season, and McCoy is a big question mark. With that said, McCoy needs to be given the opportunity to contribute and Trotter seems to be the only one of the three where the cost of a change would probably outweigh the benefits. So if we are going to upgrade the pass coverage and QB pressure generated by our LBs, SAM appears to be the position where an upgrade makes the most sense. There are quite a few SAM options in FA … Julian Peterson, Akin Ayodele, David Thornton and Hunter Hillenmeyer (RFA). In addition there is a good chance that the Redskins will end up releasing Lavar Arrington as a cap casualty. Given the fact that Peterson will most likely negotiate a contract with a cap hit of $6 million or more, his value to the Eagles becomes low. Not only would he eat up a third of the Eagles available $19 million of cap space, but also Jeremiah Trotter could well see his high salary and bonus as a slap in the face. This team does not need to create a 2006 version of the dissention/instability created by TO over contract terms. Ayodele, Thornton and Hillenmeyer are all expected to sign contracts with an annual cap hit closer to $2.8 million, which is affordable, yields high value for the dollar spent, and probably won’t cause problems with Trotter. Thornton is an attractive LB FA option for us because he can play both WIL and SAM at a very high level. If AJ Hawk or Chad Greenway turn out to be the BPA when we pick in the Draft, then Thornton can move over to play WIL in tandem with McCoy and our LB corps has become much younger, much more athletic, and incredibly flexible with Thornton, Dhani and Simoneau all having played multiple LB positions. Hillenmeyer has also started for the Bears at both SAM and MIKE, so he provides us with similar flexibility; however his status as a RFA makes him a less likely signing.If we sign Hillenmeyer (first Choice), Thornton (second choice) or Ayodele to play SAM, then Greg Richmond becomes the SAM backup and Dhani moves over to 1) share the MLB rotation with Trotter, providing better pass coverage on obvious passing downs and 2) share the WIL rotation with McCoy and Simoneau. According to many observers MLB is probably Dhani's most natural position, and his pass coverage skills while not great are definitely better than Trotter’s.Another more radical approach would be to sign Will Witherspoon as a FA and restructure the way we use our LBs. The two Carolina playoff games have highlighted the fact that Witherspoon is not only a very good WIL LB, he really is much more than a WIL he is an RCL ... a receiver control linebacker. He has a combination of speed, quickness and instincts that makes him incredibly effective. In Carolina’s defensive scheme, he appears to have sole responsibility for the TE. In the Giants game he negated Shockey as a Giants offensive weapon. In the Bears game the TEs contributed a grand total of 5 receiving yards. Signing Witherspoon to perform the same role with the Eagles would allow JJ to flexibly use Jones, McCoy and Trotter to stuff the run and get after the QB. With Witherspoon covering the TE, I expect the performance of the DBs (especially Michael Lewis) will be much improved. How much of Lewis' coverage problems have been a domino effect as a result of the coverage problems with our LBs? The more I think about it, the more I believe Lewis deserves a chance to prove himself in 2006 in tandem with an upgraded LB corps. I'm not sure that there is a significant talent upgrade out there for us at SS. There is one drawback to a Witherspoon signing. He will cost about $1.5 million more than Hillenmeyer, Thornton or Ayodele. At $4.3 million his cap figure will also be $1.5 million more than Trotter’s. It would be foolish not to have a contingency plan for dealing with any negative reaction that may come from Trotter as a result. He could easily pout because he “made a sacrifice and signed with the Eagles for so much less.” Hopefully that won’t happen, but we do not need 2006 to be another year of dissention and divisiveness, and Trotter is very capable of creating both.Recommendation: contact all four of the FA LBs to express serious interest, and sign Hillenmeyer or Witherspoon if possible. Neither of those two is going to be easy to pry away from their respective teams so we will need to be aggressive in our pursuit.DE: Any analysis of DE starts with Kearse, Cole and McDougle. As noted before, we need to look at McDougle as the #5 DE slot on the roster. Kearse and Cole are either #1/#2 or #1/#3 depending on whether you think Cole will lose his effectiveness when subjected to a starting workload over a whole season. As noted before, we need to generate more pass rush from the entire D-line, therefore the player we get to be the other half of the #2/#3 DE combination in tandem with Cole, needs to be a solid pass rusher. Both Free Agency and the Draft have players who have the skills to fill this #2/#3 need. John Abraham has the skills and track record to be an excellent #2 DE for the Eagles, but he will most likely negotiate a contract with an annual cap hit of between $6 million and $7 million. With a price tag like that, his value/cost ratio is definitely lowered, especially if you have any doubt about his ability to deliver the same numbers as an Eagle as he did for the Jets. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Darren Howard also are solid pass rushers and they will carry a more reasonable annual cap hit of $3 million.While high level pass rushing skills from a #4 DE would be nice they are not necessary, but regardless we need a solid #4 DE from either Free Agency or the Draft. Juqua Thomas could possibly be that #4 DE if we get the right #2/#3, but his 2005 play was not at a consistently high enough level to achieve our Mission. FA options for a #4 DE are Aaron Kampman, Kalimba Edwards and Raheem Brock, all of who will cost in the range of $2 million. Kampman and Brock are high motor DEs with the kind of character that the FO has valued highly in almost all their personnel decisions over the past two years. One additional option for the #$ DE is to really load up on DTs and move Darwin Walker out to DE.Recommendation: At the #2/#3 DE the best bang for the buck would come if we draft Kiwanuka. He already has a lot of the pass rushing skills we desire, and he has significant upside development potential. The obvious problem with Kiwanuka and Williams is that selecting them is probably going to require us to trade up in round 1. Trading up requires a willing trade partner, and even if we can trade up, the cost of the trade may be prohibitive. With that said, I believe we our strategy should be to 1) target Kiwanuka as our #2/#3 DE and do everything we can (within reason) to select him, and 2) sign Vanden Bosch (if the price is right), Kampman, Edwards or Brock as our #4 DE. If we are unfortunate enough to fail in our attempts to draft Kiwanuka, then after the Draft we should pursue a trade with the 49ers for Andre carter to be a #2/#3 pass rushing DE. We should also sign Juqua Thomas and ND Kalu to one year veteran minimum contracts and see if they can win roster positions … they will create a lot of competition in Training Camp and the end result will be a DE rotation that will be much improved over 2005's.O-Line: My analysis of what we should do about the O-line in Free Agency starts with the following statement, “Herremans appears to be ready to be a full time starter.” A follow-up question to that statement is, "… as the right tackle or the left tackle?" If the answer is "right," then signing a new contract with Runyan makes no sense. If the answer is "left," then Tra's status becomes both a challenge and an asset. Either way, either Runyan or Tra are gone, to decide which one it will be, lets look at the 11 players currently on the roster.LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LG . . . . . . OC . . . . . . . RG . . . . . . . . RT ? Herremans or Tra . . Hicks . . . ?Jackson . . ?Andrews . . . ?Runyan or ?Hicks . . . . . . . . . . . . Clarke . . . ?Fraley . . . . Young . . . . . ArmstrongDarilek . . . . . . . . . . . Darilek. . . Darilek . . . . Darilek . . . . . DarilekHow does this chart guide our Free Agent strategy? For me the thing that jumps out are the ?'s, specifically,· Are you comfortable with Herremans as the starting LT in 2006?· If we rely on Jackson as the starting OC, does his injury history make him too much of a risk as the starter?· Have the changes in NFL defensive schemes over the past few seasons made Fraley ineffective, and if so should he even be the team's backup OC?· What is Andrews' ideal position? If the answer is RT, can he get to an effective playing RT weight?· Can Armstrong develop into our long-term answer at RT?· Can we re-sign Runyan even if we want to?· If we don't re-sign Runyan who is our answer at RT ?My own take on those questions is that the most important ones are the second one and the last one ... especially the last one. Herremans could be our 2006 answer at RT, but if you believe he is our long-term answer at LT, then why flip him over from Left to Right in 2006 only to flip him back in 2007 or 2008? Andrews could be our long-term answer at RT, but can he keep his weight under control enough to be effective there? I truly don't know what the answer to that question is, nor does anyone else, but if we keep him at RG then the risk his weight poses is minimized. He isn't as effective as a 380lb OG as a 330lb OG, but he would be much less effective as a 380lb OT. Is Armstrong ready to start at RT in 2006? Andy and Juan seem to have told us in the last three weeks that they feel he needs more developmental time. So bottom-line, our best option at RT for 2006 appears to be Runyan.Now to the Jackson question ... the good news is that he hasn't been reinjured this year. Oops, I misspoke there; he was injured in training camp. Three years and three injuries. Hmmmm. I know I am not comfortable having that risk at the O-line play calling position. How about you? Jackson makes a spectacular backup, but that is where I draw the line. Okay, if that is the case, who is our starting OC? Fraley? Darilek? Young? We have "too much experience" with Fraley and "not enough experience" with Young. For me, signing LeCharles Bentley is an answer to our OC questions, but he comes with a price ... and we have other places where we need to use our cap $ in FA. How can we afford him? That is where the choice between Tra and Runyan comes into play. I believe that the cap hit of Runyan's extension will be relatively cheap compared to Tra's current contract, and if we can trade Tra for the equivalent of a 2nd round pick, then I say we should use Tra's salary savings to help pay for the Bentley signing. It is true that re-signing Runyan for two years and signing Bentley as a FA will be somewhat expensive in 2006, but if Armstrong is the long-term answer at RT, then Runyan's cap hit will only be for one or two years, and if we also trade Hank for a low draft pick then there are further cap savings.So with Bentley and Runyan signings we look like this in 2006:LT . . . . . . . . . . LG . . . . . OC . . . . . . . RG . . . . . . . . RT Herremans . . . Hicks . . . Bentley . . . Andrews . . . . RunyanHicks . . . . . . . Clarke . . Jackson . . . . Young . . . . ArmstrongDarilek . . . . . .Darilek. . . Darilek . . . . Darilek . . . . DarilekAnd in 2007 if all goes well with Armstrong’s development, we look like this:LT . . . . . . . . . . LG . . . . . OC . . . . . . . RG . . . . . . . . RT Herremans . . . Hicks . . . Bentley . . . Andrews . . . ArmstrongHicks . . . . . . . Clarke . . Jackson . . . . Young . . . . . RunyanDarilek . . . . . .Darilek. . . Darilek . . . . Darilek . . . . DarilekOf course, if the FO plans on taking one of the stud OTs in the Draft and plugging him in at RT, then there isn’t a need to re-sign Runyan.Some people (including myself) have discussed the prospect of signing Steve Hutchinson to be our LG (alongside Bentley) and moving Hicks out to LT and Herremans to RT. If that were done, Runyan wouldn’t be resigned, Tra would be traded, and Hutch and LeCharles would be the veteran leaders on the line. However, signing Hutchinson would only be an interesting/realistic option if there were no Salary Cap. He would definitely be a great talent addition to this O-line, but under the current Collective bargaining Agreement, a Hutchinson signing really only adds questions rather than answering the ones we already have.Backup QB: As noted earlier it is unreasonable to expect a drafted QB to solve the quality of performance from the Backup QB in the 2006 season should Donovan incur another injury that sidelines him. The key FA question is, “have we seen enough of Mike McMahon to move on?” If the answer to that question is “yes” then the Free Agent options would appear to be AJ Feeley, Craig Nall, Jeff Garcia, Jon Kitna, Josh McCown and Kurt Warner. Feeley, if released and Garcia would appear to be best matched to the Eagles’ offense; however, the real question is can any backup QB step in effectively for McNabb? If the answer is “no” then signing a FA as the #2 QB seems like a waste of cap dollars.#2 TE: There are at least three TE FAs who could be of value to the Eagles as a blocking TE. If one is looking for a TE with strong receiving skills, given the strength of the TE portion of the Draft, there are a number of solid pass catching TEs who could be selected with one of our round 4 or compensatory selections. Dan Campbell would appear to be the best of the blocking TE FAs, with Chris Baker and Matt Schobel also in the mix. Backup MIKE: This need is not one we should address through Free Agency. As noted before, using one of the Day 2 picks in the Draft to select a backup MIKE who can also be a Special Teams contributor is a possibility.Backup RB: The key to our approach to Backup RB is dependant on how we decide to handle FB. If we choose to carry 4 TEs and no FB, then Jonathan Wells could be a solid Free Agency pickup if 1) the price is right and 2) Thomas Tapeh is not recovered enough from his injury to be an option in 2006. Deciding the long-term meaning of Bruce Perry’s late season development in 2005, is also a factor. Other than Wells, I don’t see any attractive FA RBs.WIL LB: Our WIL options in Free Agency have been fully discussed in the SAM LB section.Strong Safety: This need is not one we should address through Free Agency. The best options for Strong Safety are either through the use of players currently on the roster, or through the Draft.X WR: There is a long list of Free Agent WRs, but with the exception of Reggie Wayne none of those FAs are really X receivers … and the cap cost of signing Wayne would mean that we could not address the more pressing needs in our Defensive Front Seven. I would sign Darnerien McCants to a vet minimum contract and bring him to Training Camp to compete for a roster spot. Free Safety: This need is not one we should address through Free Agency. The best options for Free Safety are either through the use of players currently on the roster, or through the Draft.CB: This need is not one we should address through Free Agency. The best options for Free Cornerback are either through the use of players currently on the roster, or through the Draft.
-Line: More than any part of the team the O-line is an interdependent unit. Any decisions made about the O-line need to address not only individual position issues, but also to maximize the cohesiveness and productivity of the unit as a whole. · With that said lets look at our situation at Starting RT. With pick #14 we may well be able to draft Marcus McNeil to be our starting RT. If that does happen, then any speculation that Shawn Andrews will be moving from OG to OT will almost surely end, and any chances of re-signing Runyan will also evaporate. Drafting McNeill would also relegate Calvin Armstrong to the role of backup for the remaining three years of his contract. · With both Tra Thomas and Todd Herremans returning at LT there is no shortage of LT talent; however, both those players ended the season on the IR. The injury statues of both players is a concern, but there is even more concern about Tra’s performance when run blocking. Tra’s pass blocking continues to be at a Pro Bowl level, but his run blocking in 2005 was one of the reasons the running game was so anemic in the first half of the season. It is possible that Tra will improve in 2006, but it is also possible that he won’t. Two factors associated with the Draft may determine whether Tra is on the 2006 Eagles roster Todd Herremans’ high level of performance in 2005 has earned him a starting job, certainly in 2007, but probably optimally for the entire year of 2006. He has considerable experience at both RT and LT and should play at a very high level at either OT position.o The 2006 Draft is very strong at OT with McNeill, D’Brickshaw Ferguson, Eric Winston, Jonathan Scott, Andrew Whitworth, all expected to be selected in round 1 and three more (Daryn Colledge, Jeremy Trueblood and Ryan O’Callaghan) expected to be picked in round 2. Ferguson will be selected long before #14, but picking a LT with either our round 1 or round 2 pick and moving Herremans to LT may be an opportunity that is too good to pass up, especially if the DT, SAM and DE needs/concerns can be addressed in Free Agency. o Tra’s contract expires in 2008. Beginning to develop his successor now is consistent with the FO’s philosophy of drafting for needs that are expected to happen 2 – 3 years in the future.· With young potential Centers like Trey Darilek and Scott Young on the roster, the Draft is not the place to address our concerns about Center (Jackson’s injury history and Fraley’s performance and contract expiration at the end of this year).Backup QB: Drafting a development QB in day 2 of the Draft is certainly a possibility. However, it is unreasonable to expect a drafted QB to solve the quality of performance from the Backup QB in the 2006 season should Donovan incur another injury that sidelines him. The drafted QB will probably end up on the Practice Squad in 2006.#2 TE: When the Eagles pick at #14 the Best Player Available on the draft board may well be TE Vernon Davis. He is more of a pass catching TE than a blocking TE, but he would definitely upgrade the TE position and would give us considerable flexibility in plays using a two TE set, as well as plays using LJ Smith or Davis as the Slot receiver. If the Eagles do not select Davis, there are a number of solid TEs who could be selected with one of our three round 4 selections.Backup MIKE: Using one of the Day 2 picks in the Draft to select a backup MIKE who can also be a Special Teams contributor is a possibility.Backup RB: Using one of the Day 2 picks in the Draft to select a backup RB who can also be a Special Teams contributor is a possibility, but given Bruce Perry’s late season development in 2005, such a selection has a lower likelihood.WIL LB: We already have McCoy on the roster at WIL, so drafting another young developmental WIL is highly unlikely.Strong Safety: When the Eagles pick at #14 the Best Player Available on the draft board may well be Safety/CB Michael Huff. When the Eagles pick at #45 the Best Player Available on the draft board may well be Safety/WIL LB Thomas Howard. Both those players would be solid additions to the team. They would give the Eagles solid options if they do not choose to re-sign Michael Lewis at the end of the 2006 season, and they have both the skills and experience at multiple positions that would add to the flexibility that JJ has as one of the core tenets of his Defensive philosophy.X WR: If Pinkston isn't fully recovered from his Achilles injury, then we need a WR who can stretch the field until Pinkston’s recovery progresses far enough so he can reassume the primary X role. Temporary needs are hard to fill, and drafting a rookie WR for that purpose does not appear to be a good option. Selecting an X WR to develop for future years is another story, with the clear implication that the FO has doubts that Pinkston will ever fully recover. Drafting Wil Blackmon in the second round of the Draft as a X receiver and Return Specialist is an intriguing option, because if Pinkston is back at full steam then Blackmon can be an excellent CB as well. If we draft Blackmon I would expect his contributions in 2006 to be 1) in returning kicks, 2) as an X receiver and 3) as a possible CB.Free Safety: Drafting Considine last year would appear to be the first step in positioning the Eagles for a transition when Dawkins’ contract expires at the end of the 2006 season. Dawkins may well sign a contract extension, but for the moment drafting another FS does not appear to be in the cards.CB: CB is one of the positions that the Eagles FO values highly, and the old adage “You can never have too many good Corners” always applies. When you add to that the fact that Hood is an RFA and Ware and Wynn haven’t set the world on fire, the possibility of drafting a CB is definitely real whether it is a CB like Huff at #14 or later in the draft. A CB with Return Specialist credentials would be even more attractive.Phewwww, that was long, but it does point out just how varied the Eagles opportunities in the Draft are. The most important thing to note when looking at what might happen in the Draft is that in spite of the fact that we have pressing 2006 needs at DT, SAM and DE, we could easily end up selecting a OT, CB/FS, TE or WR as the BPA when we pick in round 1 and/or round 2. Therefore, if we are going to be sure to address those needs, we will need to address them through 1) Free Agency, and/or 2) selected trades. With that said, our approach to Free Agency has to deal with the following constraints:A. None of the available FA DTs solve our needs by themselves,B. Several FAs (Abraham, Peterson, Wayne ... ) will carry price tags that make them questionable values, C. There are a number of FAs who would fit nicely as depth/backup behind our projected starters,D. If we don't address the ability of 1) our LBs to cover TEs and RBs and 2) our DTs and DEs to generate pressure on the QB, then the flaws in all our DBs will be magnified again in 2006,E. We don’t want any of our FA signings to create a conflict/overload at their position. Conflict with existing players or overload if the BPAs selected in the Draft end up being duplications of one or more of the signed FAs.DT: There are five DT FAs who would all fit very nicely into the Eagles DT rotation, Rocky Bernard, Larry Tripplett, and Ryan Pickett and Chris Hovan. In addition there is a good chance that the Cowboys will end up releasing L’Roi Glover as a casualty of either the cap or the 3-4 defense or both. Bernard and Glover would appear to be the two players who would have the most positive impact on solving the D-line’s ability to pressure the QB. Bernard would be the most expensive and Hovan the least expensive. Compared to the others, Glover would have a much shorter remaining career, and because of his breakout 2005 season, Bernard would probably be the most expensive. The expected cap hit for signing one of these FAs would be as high as $4.3 million (Bernard) and as low as $2.3 million (Hovan). Signing one DT FA would not affect the Eagles ability to select a BPA DT in either round 1 or round 2 of the Draft. Recommendation: aggressively pursue Bernard, Tripplett and Pickett as soon as the FA period begins and sign one of those three. If we got one of those FAs and then found Ngata as the BPA on the board when we picked in the Draft, we could still feel comfortable picking Ngata and then move Walker out to DE.SAM: Can we go with Jones/Trotter/McCoy in 2006? I don't think so. Of those 3, both Dhani and Trotter are not without problems based on their play this season, and McCoy is a big question mark. With that said, McCoy needs to be given the opportunity to contribute and Trotter seems to be the only one of the three where the cost of a change would probably outweigh the benefits. So if we are going to upgrade the pass coverage and QB pressure generated by our LBs, SAM appears to be the position where an upgrade makes the most sense. There are quite a few SAM options in FA … Julian Peterson, Akin Ayodele, David Thornton and Hunter Hillenmeyer (RFA). In addition there is a good chance that the Redskins will end up releasing Lavar Arrington as a cap casualty. Given the fact that Peterson will most likely negotiate a contract with a cap hit of $6 million or more, his value to the Eagles becomes low. Not only would he eat up a third of the Eagles available $19 million of cap space, but also Jeremiah Trotter could well see his high salary and bonus as a slap in the face. This team does not need to create a 2006 version of the dissention/instability created by TO over contract terms. Ayodele, Thornton and Hillenmeyer are all expected to sign contracts with an annual cap hit closer to $2.8 million, which is affordable, yields high value for the dollar spent, and probably won’t cause problems with Trotter. Thornton is an attractive LB FA option for us because he can play both WIL and SAM at a very high level. If AJ Hawk or Chad Greenway turn out to be the BPA when we pick in the Draft, then Thornton can move over to play WIL in tandem with McCoy and our LB corps has become much younger, much more athletic, and incredibly flexible with Thornton, Dhani and Simoneau all having played multiple LB positions. Hillenmeyer has also started for the Bears at both SAM and MIKE, so he provides us with similar flexibility; however his status as a RFA makes him a less likely signing.If we sign Hillenmeyer (first Choice), Thornton (second choice) or Ayodele to play SAM, then Greg Richmond becomes the SAM backup and Dhani moves over to 1) share the MLB rotation with Trotter, providing better pass coverage on obvious passing downs and 2) share the WIL rotation with McCoy and Simoneau. According to many observers MLB is probably Dhani's most natural position, and his pass coverage skills while not great are definitely better than Trotter’s.Another more radical approach would be to sign Will Witherspoon as a FA and restructure the way we use our LBs. The two Carolina playoff games have highlighted the fact that Witherspoon is not only a very good WIL LB, he really is much more than a WIL he is an RCL ... a receiver control linebacker. He has a combination of speed, quickness and instincts that makes him incredibly effective. In Carolina’s defensive scheme, he appears to have sole responsibility for the TE. In the Giants game he negated Shockey as a Giants offensive weapon. In the Bears game the TEs contributed a grand total of 5 receiving yards. Signing Witherspoon to perform the same role with the Eagles would allow JJ to flexibly use Jones, McCoy and Trotter to stuff the run and get after the QB. With Witherspoon covering the TE, I expect the performance of the DBs (especially Michael Lewis) will be much improved. How much of Lewis' coverage problems have been a domino effect as a result of the coverage problems with our LBs? The more I think about it, the more I believe Lewis deserves a chance to prove himself in 2006 in tandem with an upgraded LB corps. I'm not sure that there is a significant talent upgrade out there for us at SS. There is one drawback to a Witherspoon signing. He will cost about $1.5 million more than Hillenmeyer, Thornton or Ayodele. At $4.3 million his cap figure will also be $1.5 million more than Trotter’s. It would be foolish not to have a contingency plan for dealing with any negative reaction that may come from Trotter as a result. He could easily pout because he “made a sacrifice and signed with the Eagles for so much less.” Hopefully that won’t happen, but we do not need 2006 to be another year of dissention and divisiveness, and Trotter is very capable of creating both.Recommendation: contact all four of the FA LBs to express serious interest, and sign Hillenmeyer or Witherspoon if possible. Neither of those two is going to be easy to pry away from their respective teams so we will need to be aggressive in our pursuit.DE: Any analysis of DE starts with Kearse, Cole and McDougle. As noted before, we need to look at McDougle as the #5 DE slot on the roster. Kearse and Cole are either #1/#2 or #1/#3 depending on whether you think Cole will lose his effectiveness when subjected to a starting workload over a whole season. As noted before, we need to generate more pass rush from the entire D-line, therefore the player we get to be the other half of the #2/#3 DE combination in tandem with Cole, needs to be a solid pass rusher. Both Free Agency and the Draft have players who have the skills to fill this #2/#3 need. John Abraham has the skills and track record to be an excellent #2 DE for the Eagles, but he will most likely negotiate a contract with an annual cap hit of between $6 million and $7 million. With a price tag like that, his value/cost ratio is definitely lowered, especially if you have any doubt about his ability to deliver the same numbers as an Eagle as he did for the Jets. Kyle Vanden Bosch and Darren Howard also are solid pass rushers and they will carry a more reasonable annual cap hit of $3 million.While high level pass rushing skills from a #4 DE would be nice they are not necessary, but regardless we need a solid #4 DE from either Free Agency or the Draft. Juqua Thomas could possibly be that #4 DE if we get the right #2/#3, but his 2005 play was not at a consistently high enough level to achieve our Mission. FA options for a #4 DE are Aaron Kampman, Kalimba Edwards and Raheem Brock, all of who will cost in the range of $2 million. Kampman and Brock are high motor DEs with the kind of character that the FO has valued highly in almost all their personnel decisions over the past two years. One additional option for the #$ DE is to really load up on DTs and move Darwin Walker out to DE.Recommendation: At the #2/#3 DE the best bang for the buck would come if we draft Kiwanuka. He already has a lot of the pass rushing skills we desire, and he has significant upside development potential. The obvious problem with Kiwanuka and Williams is that selecting them is probably going to require us to trade up in round 1. Trading up requires a willing trade partner, and even if we can trade up, the cost of the trade may be prohibitive. With that said, I believe we our strategy should be to 1) target Kiwanuka as our #2/#3 DE and do everything we can (within reason) to select him, and 2) sign Vanden Bosch (if the price is right), Kampman, Edwards or Brock as our #4 DE. If we are unfortunate enough to fail in our attempts to draft Kiwanuka, then after the Draft we should pursue a trade with the 49ers for Andre carter to be a #2/#3 pass rushing DE. We should also sign Juqua Thomas and ND Kalu to one year veteran minimum contracts and see if they can win roster positions … they will create a lot of competition in Training Camp and the end result will be a DE rotation that will be much improved over 2005's.O-Line: My analysis of what we should do about the O-line in Free Agency starts with the following statement, “Herremans appears to be ready to be a full time starter.” A follow-up question to that statement is, "… as the right tackle or the left tackle?" If the answer is "right," then signing a new contract with Runyan makes no sense. If the answer is "left," then Tra's status becomes both a challenge and an asset. Either way, either Runyan or Tra are gone, to decide which one it will be, lets look at the 11 players currently on the roster.LT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LG . . . . . . OC . . . . . . . RG . . . . . . . . RT ? Herremans or Tra . . Hicks . . . ?Jackson . . ?Andrews . . . ?Runyan or ?Hicks . . . . . . . . . . . . Clarke . . . ?Fraley . . . . Young . . . . . ArmstrongDarilek . . . . . . . . . . . Darilek. . . Darilek . . . . Darilek . . . . . DarilekHow does this chart guide our Free Agent strategy? For me the thing that jumps out are the ?'s, specifically,· Are you comfortable with Herremans as the starting LT in 2006?· If we rely on Jackson as the starting OC, does his injury history make him too much of a risk as the starter?· Have the changes in NFL defensive schemes over the past few seasons made Fraley ineffective, and if so should he even be the team's backup OC?· What is Andrews' ideal position? If the answer is RT, can he get to an effective playing RT weight?· Can Armstrong develop into our long-term answer at RT?· Can we re-sign Runyan even if we want to?· If we don't re-sign Runyan who is our answer at RT ?My own take on those questions is that the most important ones are the second one and the last one ... especially the last one. Herremans could be our 2006 answer at RT, but if you believe he is our long-term answer at LT, then why flip him over from Left to Right in 2006 only to flip him back in 2007 or 2008? Andrews could be our long-term answer at RT, but can he keep his weight under control enough to be effective there? I truly don't know what the answer to that question is, nor does anyone else, but if we keep him at RG then the risk his weight poses is minimized. He isn't as effective as a 380lb OG as a 330lb OG, but he would be much less effective as a 380lb OT. Is Armstrong ready to start at RT in 2006? Andy and Juan seem to have told us in the last three weeks that they feel he needs more developmental time. So bottom-line, our best option at RT for 2006 appears to be Runyan.Now to the Jackson question ... the good news is that he hasn't been reinjured this year. Oops, I misspoke there; he was injured in training camp. Three years and three injuries. Hmmmm. I know I am not comfortable having that risk at the O-line play calling position. How about you? Jackson makes a spectacular backup, but that is where I draw the line. Okay, if that is the case, who is our starting OC? Fraley? Darilek? Young? We have "too much experience" with Fraley and "not enough experience" with Young. For me, signing LeCharles Bentley is an answer to our OC questions, but he comes with a price ... and we have other places where we need to use our cap $ in FA. How can we afford him? That is where the choice between Tra and Runyan comes into play. I believe that the cap hit of Runyan's extension will be relatively cheap compared to Tra's current contract, and if we can trade Tra for the equivalent of a 2nd round pick, then I say we should use Tra's salary savings to help pay for the Bentley signing. It is true that re-signing Runyan for two years and signing Bentley as a FA will be somewhat expensive in 2006, but if Armstrong is the long-term answer at RT, then Runyan's cap hit will only be for one or two years, and if we also trade Hank for a low draft pick then there are further cap savings.So with Bentley and Runyan signings we look like this in 2006:LT . . . . . . . . . . LG . . . . . OC . . . . . . . RG . . . . . . . . RT Herremans . . . Hicks . . . Bentley . . . Andrews . . . . RunyanHicks . . . . . . . Clarke . . Jackson . . . . Young . . . . ArmstrongDarilek . . . . . .Darilek. . . Darilek . . . . Darilek . . . . DarilekAnd in 2007 if all goes well with Armstrong’s development, we look like this:LT . . . . . . . . . . LG . . . . . OC . . . . . . . RG . . . . . . . . RT Herremans . . . Hicks . . . Bentley . . . Andrews . . . ArmstrongHicks . . . . . . . Clarke . . Jackson . . . . Young . . . . . RunyanDarilek . . . . . .Darilek. . . Darilek . . . . Darilek . . . . DarilekOf course, if the FO plans on taking one of the stud OTs in the Draft and plugging him in at RT, then there isn’t a need to re-sign Runyan.Some people (including myself) have discussed the prospect of signing Steve Hutchinson to be our LG (alongside Bentley) and moving Hicks out to LT and Herremans to RT. If that were done, Runyan wouldn’t be resigned, Tra would be traded, and Hutch and LeCharles would be the veteran leaders on the line. However, signing Hutchinson would only be an interesting/realistic option if there were no Salary Cap. He would definitely be a great talent addition to this O-line, but under the current Collective bargaining Agreement, a Hutchinson signing really only adds questions rather than answering the ones we already have.Backup QB: As noted earlier it is unreasonable to expect a drafted QB to solve the quality of performance from the Backup QB in the 2006 season should Donovan incur another injury that sidelines him. The key FA question is, “have we seen enough of Mike McMahon to move on?” If the answer to that question is “yes” then the Free Agent options would appear to be AJ Feeley, Craig Nall, Jeff Garcia, Jon Kitna, Josh McCown and Kurt Warner. Feeley, if released and Garcia would appear to be best matched to the Eagles’ offense; however, the real question is can any backup QB step in effectively for McNabb? If the answer is “no” then signing a FA as the #2 QB seems like a waste of cap dollars.#2 TE: There are at least three TE FAs who could be of value to the Eagles as a blocking TE. If one is looking for a TE with strong receiving skills, given the strength of the TE portion of the Draft, there are a number of solid pass catching TEs who could be selected with one of our round 4 or compensatory selections. Dan Campbell would appear to be the best of the blocking TE FAs, with Chris Baker and Matt Schobel also in the mix. Backup MIKE: This need is not one we should address through Free Agency. As noted before, using one of the Day 2 picks in the Draft to select a backup MIKE who can also be a Special Teams contributor is a possibility.Backup RB: The key to our approach to Backup RB is dependant on how we decide to handle FB. If we choose to carry 4 TEs and no FB, then Jonathan Wells could be a solid Free Agency pickup if 1) the price is right and 2) Thomas Tapeh is not recovered enough from his injury to be an option in 2006. Deciding the long-term meaning of Bruce Perry’s late season development in 2005, is also a factor. Other than Wells, I don’t see any attractive FA RBs.WIL LB: Our WIL options in Free Agency have been fully discussed in the SAM LB section.Strong Safety: This need is not one we should address through Free Agency. The best options for Strong Safety are either through the use of players currently on the roster, or through the Draft.X WR: There is a long list of Free Agent WRs, but with the exception of Reggie Wayne none of those FAs are really X receivers … and the cap cost of signing Wayne would mean that we could not address the more pressing needs in our Defensive Front Seven. I would sign Darnerien McCants to a vet minimum contract and bring him to Training Camp to compete for a roster spot. Free Safety: This need is not one we should address through Free Agency. The best options for Free Safety are either through the use of players currently on the roster, or through the Draft.CB: This need is not one we should address through Free Agency. The best options for Free Cornerback are either through the use of players currently on the roster, or through the Draft.
houndirish
Footballguy
Jesus ... somebody get Mattwill the oxygen mask.
The Eagles are my #2 team, and right now my #1 team is busy prepping for the Steelers, so I'll chime in.
T: I'm not as in love with the DT rotation as you are. I think any of the guys you listed could be a top 3 DT in the rotation. A guy who's a good run stopper would help a lot.DE: I expect them to try and find another Cole, but if they can get Kiwainuka, that would be huge.SLB: I don't expect them to draft a guy to start. They don't prize LB's, especially rookies.OT: I'd be surprised if the Eagles didn't take one of the solid OT's on the board in round 2. They may address it in round 1, but I think they know a very solid OT will be there. If Runyan signs, they postpones this need, but that's not the usual m.o. from the team. I agree with you on Herremans. OG/OC I think they may draft one very late and see what they get if somebody stands out on their board..Backup QB: Drafting a development QB could happen round 3. They need a vet who's better than Detmer as the backup. #2 TE: Too much of a luxury for an early pick. wait for round 4. Backup LB & RB: Using one of the Day 2 picks in the Draft to select a backup who can also be a Special Teams contributor is ALWAYS a possibility. These are some of the best positions for useful ST players. Really could use a RB with power as a backup, though - not a smallish return guy.S: I think they have too many immediate needs to go safety in round 1. This is a team that has Dawkins, a perennial pro bowler, and a young guy who has made a pro bowl as well. While I see the possiblity for another surpise DB draft, if they go more than 1 DB, it may not help enough in other areas. Considine is on the roster as well.WR: Ugh. Brown is the first WR in a while to have been worth the pick as a rookie, and I wouldn't trust them to get an early WR pick right. For some reason, talent evaluation fo this position has been iffy at best. They won't get anyone to help in 2006 with a pick this year, and have other immediate needs that the draft can help.CB: Always a possiblity, especially "a CB with Return Specialist credentials".
Dead on.
I think that Starting LT/RT can be lumped together to be one position of need, and the other of transistion. Herremans is a starting OT in 2007 at latest. #2 TE & backup MLB I'd label a concern, but move backup RB to need. X WR is a significant need, unless Brown can play it, and C is a concern, along with WLB & SS.
A. I hope the Eagles think that. Bernard can give push and stop the run. B. - D. Agree.E. Overload shouldn't be much of a worry. If htey drafted DB/DB/DB with the secondary they had a few years back, there's no trouble.
Agree.DT: Hovan is the FA way to go I think. They didn't pay Simon, so they almost can't pay anyone there big $$ due to conflict. Signing one DT FA is frankly mandatory. Walker/Hovan/Peterson/(blanking on 4th name) would be fine, and they might get another DT in draft.LB: Trotter is fine at MLB but needs to come out on passing downs. Witherspoon solves a number of issues. Pass coverage LB, and one of the OLB spots. If McCoy plays well enough, you can likely survive with Simoneau or Jones as a backup - maybe both. If Trotter whines, extend him. He really fits well at MLB in this scheme, he's worht more to the Eagles than any other team. Ayodele or Thornton would be fine - I think Hillenmeyer goes nowhere.DE: Abraham would be the #1 DE for the Eagles. Kearse is not playing up to snuff. If they got KVB, Eagles fans should get very happy - high motor intense guy who can play. I suspect he stays in TEN, since they took a chance on him. Another problem with KVB is that he's a proven injury prone guy like McDougle. All of Kampman, Edwards, & Brock make sense, and none of them causes draft issues."Signing Juqua Thomas and ND Kalu to one year veteran minimum contracts" makes tons of sense, and THomas shouldn't be an issue.Backup QB: Need to sign one & cut McMahon. If Morninwheg whines, cut him too. Preferably one who can hold as well to allow Detmer to go.Backup RB: I think there are a lot of guys who could be solid backup RB's - the Eagles need a power back.WR: Wayne would be nice, but is overpriced. Moulds if freed would be interesting. How about Price? They need to bring in one guy as FA to compete, because most of these guys haev question marks aplenty.OL: Set at Guard with Hicks & Andrews. I'm also assuming one of Thomas or Runyan go with Herremans or a draftee starting at the other spot. Center is up in the air, I'd look at Bentley as you suggest. Draft
T: I'm not as in love with the DT rotation as you are. I think any of the guys you listed could be a top 3 DT in the rotation. A guy who's a good run stopper would help a lot.DE: I expect them to try and find another Cole, but if they can get Kiwainuka, that would be huge.SLB: I don't expect them to draft a guy to start. They don't prize LB's, especially rookies.OT: I'd be surprised if the Eagles didn't take one of the solid OT's on the board in round 2. They may address it in round 1, but I think they know a very solid OT will be there. If Runyan signs, they postpones this need, but that's not the usual m.o. from the team. I agree with you on Herremans. OG/OC I think they may draft one very late and see what they get if somebody stands out on their board..Backup QB: Drafting a development QB could happen round 3. They need a vet who's better than Detmer as the backup. #2 TE: Too much of a luxury for an early pick. wait for round 4. Backup LB & RB: Using one of the Day 2 picks in the Draft to select a backup who can also be a Special Teams contributor is ALWAYS a possibility. These are some of the best positions for useful ST players. Really could use a RB with power as a backup, though - not a smallish return guy.S: I think they have too many immediate needs to go safety in round 1. This is a team that has Dawkins, a perennial pro bowler, and a young guy who has made a pro bowl as well. While I see the possiblity for another surpise DB draft, if they go more than 1 DB, it may not help enough in other areas. Considine is on the roster as well.WR: Ugh. Brown is the first WR in a while to have been worth the pick as a rookie, and I wouldn't trust them to get an early WR pick right. For some reason, talent evaluation fo this position has been iffy at best. They won't get anyone to help in 2006 with a pick this year, and have other immediate needs that the draft can help.CB: Always a possiblity, especially "a CB with Return Specialist credentials".
Keys Myaths
Pokerguy
Welcome.Coming up for air!
jeff_eaglz
Footballguy
Jesus, if this is your BRIEF thoughts, everyone better run when you get long-winded...
Seriously, very nice contribution. Welcome aboard.
And to stevec, nice response. You're obviously both hardcore Igglz fans, which gets a big
from over here.Good luck to your #2 team.
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jeff_eaglz
Footballguy
Saw this today, might be of interest to you.Philly News StoryThe part I keyed in on was:
That makes one think about the direction the offseason may go. Will they bring in a TJ Duckett to add to the RB mix? Will they draft a RB? For the first time in a while I'm hoping for a stud DT/DE or LB is the top pick, but there's 7 rounds after all....Should be interesting.
Jason Wood
Zoo York
Dare to dream...DARE TO DREAM. If Reid is really, truly convinced of this I am giddy beyond words.
jeff_eaglz
Footballguy
Or he's trying to throw others off the scent when he opens next season with 5 wide on every play??
nygiants56
Footballguy
you need to stop doing that stupid 'FLY eagles FLY' thing..lol
just kidding! Eagles have a solid team,they just need a piece here or there and will be back in the hunt in 2006...they need a solid #2 wr..Brown looks like he can be special. the others are also-rans..throw the kitchen sink at Reggie Wayne if is he available!
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JAA
Footballguy
Late to the party. I dare not say that anyone ided with TO, but I would feel pretty confident that some Eagles players knew TO was doing what he thought was right business wise and didnt fault him for all his actions.Any othe Philly area guys want to validate that many of the Eagles players actually sided with TO in the TO/McNabb mess?You play right into what I am saying, from the media and outside perspective, McNabb handled it with class. Teammates feel that he lacked a backbone in letting TO walk all over him.Interesting. I find it hard to believe that the players sided with TO over McNabb, and I thought McNabb handled the situation pretty well. Also, players generally don't get mad when their teammates get paid.I didnt say most, I said many. The locker room was split. Hugh Douglas even talked about it. After everything that TO did to McNabb, how come 20-25 Eagles showed up at the TO birthday party in Atlantic city a week or two before the end of the season?McNabb's rep on the team took a Major hit. As I said, many players thought McNabb was a putty tat for not responding in a more forceful manner to the comments of TO.I'd be shocked to hear that most of the Eagles players view McNabb as an Uncle Tom.How do I link Philadelphia sports radio? The term uncle Tom was not used on the radio but the above sentiment was aired on both TO's radio show and Jeremiah Trotter's radio show as well as WIP.
This Eagle season really turned into a Players vs. Management type of thing (especially before they signed Westbrook and Akers at the last second). A number of Eagles players went on record during the TO arbitration hearing saying that they wanted him back. They did this even after McNabb made his locker room "your either with me or against me" speach. Many players felt McNabb was part of management in this struggle.
Also, after the season when McNabb was criticized by the Philadelphia head of the NAACP, McNabb was quoted as saying "And what happened to those that have gone against me? They have been fired (Rush Limbaugh and TO)." Kind of a cocky management slanted attitude.
Players dont get mad when their teammates get paid unless it is only ONE teammate being paid. Tom Brady took less money to allow some of his teammates to get paid. McNabb was earily quiet when Westbrook and Owens were trying to get paid. McNabb wasnt the only QB with a faux pas this year. Favre should not have come out against his teammate Javon Walker regarding his negotiations.
bighandsray
Footballguy
Glad to know people still care about the Birds out there. I will preface my bashing by saying I am a huge supporter of McNabb and Reid but I do see they have flaws. I would love for McNabb to chew somebody out once in a while for dropping a pass or missing an assignment. I would also like to see Reid realize that handing the ball off is part of the game and while it may not be exciting it can be effective in keeping your QB from getting slammed into the nexturf 25x a game. Now for the people who must go:1. Any starting LB not named trotter. These guys stink in pass coverage and bounce off of rb's. No way should they be starters.2. Spach (sp?), J Parry, And the attempts to block by LJ Smith. None of these can block or pick up a blitz. I don't want LJ out of here just don't ask him to block. Ever since Ritchie got hurt there has been a hole in the fullback position. WCO demands a multitalented fullback.3. McMahon-he Sucks. Give me Garcia for a few $$$4. Greg Lewis- see above.Get these guys out of here!I would like to see the Eagles:1. sign Witherspoon from Car. Can Arrington play here? I doubt it. Hopefully Mcoy can play next year but who knows. Eagles will probably draft some no name LB in the 4th and see what happens.2. We should be able to find a cheap TE in FA who can block and catch a pass once in a while.2A.Eagles need to lookata guys like Greg Jones or Nick Goings type. Guys that can play FB but also carry the ball 15 times a game when the Eagles have a lead. and take some pressure off the QB3. Garcia seems like a cheap and logical solution. 4. I want Moulds! I don't see the Eagles paying Reggie Wayne and it looks like Moulds wil prob be cut. GET HIM.DraftGotta get a DT or DE in first round. And I would love to see tham trade up. i doubt its possible but...rounds 2-7 I see the eagles taking 5 OL's and 3 more DB's and the no name linebacker as usual.Please forward to Andy Reid and Tom HeckertPS Marty Morningwheg scares the hell out of me.
I think the LB's are fine as reserves/ST guys, but other than Trotter & maybe McCoy (unknown as yet) they aren't really NFL starters. Probably one would be adequate at WLB if they got Witherspoon.I like Lewis for what he is, a young WR with upside. Either he or Pinkston have a job, the other should go.Garcia would be a nice replacement for Detmer, but he's not for McMahon. You need a guy who can actually play well & stay healthy, and that's not Garcia. Better off with a Griese type of QB.If the Eagles got White in the 1st, they'd be scary.
Gopher State
Footballguy
Eagles will be rebuilding in 06, looking to get a high draft pick in 07
jeff_eaglz
Footballguy
Moulds will be happy enough to get out of the Buffalo quagmire led by JP Losman and Holcomb. He'd be thrilled to sign in a WCO with McNabb throwing him the ball as a #1. Add in the chance to go to the Super Bowl, and I think he comes rather cheaply.WRs out of FA are way better / more likely to have an impact than rookies...
I hope you're kidding. Westbrook? 3/4 of the secondary? LJ Smith was drafted as well. Granted our skills positions outside of Westy / LJ haven't shined (Freddie Mitchell, ugh) but they have had some impact players under Reid (with #5 the obvious top choice).
Death and Taxes
Footballguy
Took a while to complete my original post now I would to address some of the comments made
I really disagree with all the negative things in this post, outside of the Eagles backup QB being terrible.
Being a GM and a HC is a conflict of interest at times? And having 1 GM and 1 separate HC won't create conflicts? Reid has done an excellent job assembling talent for the Eagles, and he knows what his team needs the most.
Every head coach has some kind of input in most case of who their players are gonna be. You did not address the point of the players not having their coach in their corner or at least have a bridge between management and the players. This appeared to be a significant issue in the Eagles locker room for 2005.
I don't know why Marty Mornhinweg won't call a spade a spade (or what that even means), and while I agree that he appears to be a downgrade from Childress, I don't think this is a big issue. I'm sure Mornhinweg will be fine as the OC.
MM is a yutz. This is the guy that as a head coach for the Lions chose to kick off in OT when his team won the coin toss and subsequently lost after the other team scored on their first drive. We can also thank him for bringin in McMahon to waste the final stretch of the season. Reid calls the shots and MM will just be a puppet.
McNabb isn't a team leader?
McNabb is a yes man for Reid? (What does this even mean and what is the relevance?)
Not sure if you are from Phila or have any idea what has been going on here. McNabb is not the leader of this team. If anyone is the leader it is Brian Dawkins. I respect DM for all his talents but is not the leader. He appears to be aloof and a goofball in press conferences.
McNabb is one of the top QBs in the NFL. The WCO is also a great fit for him, since he's mobile and intelligent.
Never stated that he was not mobile and intelligent. Dont know where you came up with this. His weakness is accuracy which can be a problem if you are throwing short timing routes in the WCO. He is one of the tops QBs in the NFL statistically. Although he has had several chances to step up in big games and him, Reid and the WCO have pooped the bed. IF you need a reminder, I can give the examples. 2005 int vs Dallas, 2005vs NE SB, 2004 vs Car NFC championship, 2003 vs TB NFC championship. Where was this top QB when it counted?
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Death and Taxes
Footballguy
OFFENSIVE PHILOSOPHY
Whew this is where I could write endless pages of suggestions. This is where the Eagles have fallen short the most and deserve the most criticism for not winning a SB when it comes down to it.
Football is a game of chess and the most simple way to be successful is to keep the defense guessing what you are gonna do.
Somehow we have taken a big play QB whose strengths are running and throwing the ball deep and whose weakness is accuracy, and have forced him to stay in the pocket and throw timing routes to receivers that drop alot of passes. On top of that we dont and cannot run the ball effectively
So what are defenses gonna do? Well uh, they are gonna defend the short pass and blitz the hell out of us. Bottom line it is easy to game plan against the Eagles offense especially with no T.O.
I can see that McNabb and the West Coast offense are not effective together. Its like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Either get a QB that can run this offense or change the offense. The field needs to be stretched and McNabb needs to run the ball more (not like Vick) and keep the defense honest.
Other than a few comments about the running game, this issue was not really addressed as much as I would like. Am I way off base here? WHere has this offense been in big games? We put big numbers up against weak NFC East opponents for years. A good number of Pro Bowl selections on offense. When it comes to down to a big game against a good defense, where the F has the offense been?
Whew this is where I could write endless pages of suggestions. This is where the Eagles have fallen short the most and deserve the most criticism for not winning a SB when it comes down to it.
Football is a game of chess and the most simple way to be successful is to keep the defense guessing what you are gonna do.
Somehow we have taken a big play QB whose strengths are running and throwing the ball deep and whose weakness is accuracy, and have forced him to stay in the pocket and throw timing routes to receivers that drop alot of passes. On top of that we dont and cannot run the ball effectively
So what are defenses gonna do? Well uh, they are gonna defend the short pass and blitz the hell out of us. Bottom line it is easy to game plan against the Eagles offense especially with no T.O.
I can see that McNabb and the West Coast offense are not effective together. Its like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Either get a QB that can run this offense or change the offense. The field needs to be stretched and McNabb needs to run the ball more (not like Vick) and keep the defense honest.
Other than a few comments about the running game, this issue was not really addressed as much as I would like. Am I way off base here? WHere has this offense been in big games? We put big numbers up against weak NFC East opponents for years. A good number of Pro Bowl selections on offense. When it comes to down to a big game against a good defense, where the F has the offense been?
JAA
Footballguy
Westbrook doesnt count, neither does LJ.Im looking for players that live up to their hype, not "value picks" who excel in your system. Westbrook would have been cut had he been drafted by Pittsburgh. Im talking about players that would be great on any teams.
Freeney, Vilma, Roy Williams, Ronnie Brown, CAddie, Merriman, Derrick Johnson, Sean Taylor, Deangello Hall, Lee Evans, etc.
Imagine Philly had taken Wilfolk, DJ Williams, or Steven Jackson?
Jason Wood
Zoo York
It's posts like these that make me ever so thankful that fans have NO impact on who the Eagles draft and sign.
JAA
Footballguy
Are you saying the FO never makes mistakes in the draft? Are you saying there is never room for improvemet?I would call you crazy if you would still rather have Andrews over JacksonIt's posts like these that make me ever so thankful that fans have NO impact on who the Eagles draft and sign.
Jason Wood
Zoo York
Of course the team has missed on draft picks, what team hasn't?But with very few exceptions, the Eagles overall approach to personnel has been astoundingly effective under Reid & Banner's watch.Are you saying the FO never makes mistakes in the draft? Are you saying there is never room for improvemet?I would call you crazy if you would still rather have Andrews over JacksonIt's posts like these that make me ever so thankful that fans have NO impact on who the Eagles draft and sign.
JAA
Footballguy
Youre dodging the question my dear Eagle brother. You said "overall approach to personnel has been astoundingly effective under Reid & Banner's watch". I would agree with that. I dont like what they have done overall in the draft the past 2 seasons. Philly traded up to get Andrews. Dont get me wrong, I like Andrews a lot. But Steven Jackson he is not. Steven Jackson is an impact player.Im not saying they have to be perfect. I honestly think they are way to conservative after Freddie Mitchell and Todd Stinkston fiasco's. One thing they should have learned while having TO on the team is that talent really does help in the long run.Of course the team has missed on draft picks, what team hasn't?But with very few exceptions, the Eagles overall approach to personnel has been astoundingly effective under Reid & Banner's watch.Are you saying the FO never makes mistakes in the draft? Are you saying there is never room for improvemet?I would call you crazy if you would still rather have Andrews over JacksonIt's posts like these that make me ever so thankful that fans have NO impact on who the Eagles draft and sign.
dotman
Footballguy
I don't see the need to draft a RB in the first round when a guy like Ricky Williams can be had for a 2nd at most. Why isn't anyone talking about him? I think it would be a bit ironic to bring Ricky in after the whole draft day affair of McNabb getting booed because the Eagles fans at the draft wanted Ricky Now is our chance to have McNabb and Ricky
Now is our chance to have McNabb and Ricky
dotman
Footballguy
Having a workhorse RB is nice but the game is won and lost in the trenches. Most of our teams glaring needs the past couple years have been on the line, especially D-Line this past year. Besides, Westbrook has had way more of an impact in the NFL than Jackson. I believe Westbrook has one of the highest yards per touch numbers in NFL history for RB's. Last I checked the game is about moving the ball any way that you can.Maybe you are right and we need to take "impact" guys in the first round every year, it seems to be working well for the LionsYoure dodging the question my dear Eagle brother. You said "overall approach to personnel has been astoundingly effective under Reid & Banner's watch". I would agree with that. I dont like what they have done overall in the draft the past 2 seasons. Philly traded up to get Andrews. Dont get me wrong, I like Andrews a lot. But Steven Jackson he is not. Steven Jackson is an impact player.Im not saying they have to be perfect. I honestly think they are way to conservative after Freddie Mitchell and Todd Stinkston fiasco's. One thing they should have learned while having TO on the team is that talent really does help in the long run.Of course the team has missed on draft picks, what team hasn't?But with very few exceptions, the Eagles overall approach to personnel has been astoundingly effective under Reid & Banner's watch.Are you saying the FO never makes mistakes in the draft? Are you saying there is never room for improvemet?I would call you crazy if you would still rather have Andrews over JacksonIt's posts like these that make me ever so thankful that fans have NO impact on who the Eagles draft and sign.
Jason Wood
Zoo York
First of all, take a look at Steven Jackson's "impact" on the Rams...let's not paint him as LaDainian Tomlinson. He's a very good back, but whether he would fit into our particular offense remains to be seen.But more importantly, how can you evaluate S. Andrews yet? He missed his entire rookie season with an injury and was drafted to ultimately play right tackle for 10 years. Let's see how he does next year, either as a full time starter at RG [if Runyan is retained] or, quite possibly, as the full time RT for the first time.Youre dodging the question my dear Eagle brother. You said "overall approach to personnel has been astoundingly effective under Reid & Banner's watch". I would agree with that. I dont like what they have done overall in the draft the past 2 seasons. Philly traded up to get Andrews. Dont get me wrong, I like Andrews a lot. But Steven Jackson he is not. Steven Jackson is an impact player.Im not saying they have to be perfect. I honestly think they are way to conservative after Freddie Mitchell and Todd Stinkston fiasco's. One thing they should have learned while having TO on the team is that talent really does help in the long run.Of course the team has missed on draft picks, what team hasn't?But with very few exceptions, the Eagles overall approach to personnel has been astoundingly effective under Reid & Banner's watch.Are you saying the FO never makes mistakes in the draft? Are you saying there is never room for improvemet?I would call you crazy if you would still rather have Andrews over JacksonIt's posts like these that make me ever so thankful that fans have NO impact on who the Eagles draft and sign.
JAA
Footballguy
You realize Andrews was injured his entire rookies season with a broken leg. In addition he has swelled up in weight.I believe he will turn it around and be a very good player. But you simply cant say he is a better for the Eagles because he was an OL drafted in the 1st round.Having a workhorse RB is nice but the game is won and lost in the trenches. Most of our teams glaring needs the past couple years have been on the line, especially D-Line this past year. Besides, Westbrook has had way more of an impact in the NFL than Jackson. I believe Westbrook has one of the highest yards per touch numbers in NFL history for RB's. Last I checked the game is about moving the ball any way that you can.Maybe you are right and we need to take "impact" guys in the first round every year, it seems to be working well for the Lions
JAA
Footballguy
Thats my exact point. Our team didnt miss a beat the season he was injured. My evaluation would be looking at last season and this one and how both of the players would be as an asset to the team we have today.I cant garuntee you we missed out big time by taking Andrews but I can say he hasnt been an impact player for the Eagles last season or going into this season overweight (as of the offseason).
How different would our team be if we had Jackson instead on Andrews? Would it be easier to acquire OL through FA or the draft? Would it be easier to acquire a RB like Jackson through the draft or FA? I think the latter ...
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