Showing posts with label Philadelphia Eagles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philadelphia Eagles. Show all posts

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Pacman Yes, T.O. No

The announcement came last Thursday that Adam "Pacman" Jones signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. This is not a shock as the Bengals are known to take risks with players that other teams have deemed "damaged goods".

Jones is probably better known for his season long suspension in 2007 and his numerous run-ins with the law than he has been for his on the field accomplishments in the NFL.

If someone who didn't even play last season and has a questionable legal past like Jones can get an NFL job, what does that say about the playing future of wide receiver Terrell Owens?

The Bengals brought Owens in for a visit in early March and was very close to signing him but ended up signing the younger Antonio Bryant to a four year contract.

Adam Jones understands one thing that Owens doesn't. Your only monetary worth as an employee is what someone is willing to pay you. Jones most likely took a deal at the league minimum and was given playing incentives to increase the total amount of the contract. Owens, and his agent Drew Rosenhaus, reportedly want at least 5 million dollars for Terrell's services this next season.

The reality is Owens is a 36 year old who is coming off his worst season since 1999. He turned the 49ers locker room on its head and tried to create dissent amongst his teammates in Philadelphia. Then there was his  Romo-Witten writing secret plays on table napkins incident in Dallas. T.O. was quiet last season in Buffalo, but if he would have spoken up, would anybody have listened to him anyway?

Adam Jones has had his problems off the field, but by all accounts has been a decent "locker room" guy. Owens, like Barry Bonds, will never shake the reputation as a locker room cancer and still believes he is an elite player. The Bengals obviously felt that Jones was worth the risk and Owens wasn't. "Pacman" seems to realize this is his last chance to play in the NFL. It seems that Owens last chance may have come to pass.

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Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Philadelphia Eagles 2010 Draft Review


The Eagles not only picked an impressive quantity of picks but also looked for quality within them.  Pass rushers that play with passion and have the variety of moves and counter moves that Brandon Graham possesses are rare - that is why Philadelphia moved up to draft him. The selections of Nate Allen, Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Trevor Lindley, and Keenan Clayton show the Eagles priority was to infuse an aging defense with young playmakers.  Mike Kafka, Ricky Sapp, Riley Cooper, and Charles Scott will all be given opportunities to contribute. This was one of the best drafts in the league based upon the sheer number of talented players the Eagles were able to bring in and evaluate.


Round 1, Pick 13
Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan
Ht: 6’ 1 3/8” Wt: 268

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  I really like Brandon Graham, and I really like this pick:  Graham might not look like the prototypical defensive end, but he's a football player who knows how to get to the quarterback.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: A short, square-cut, disruptive leverage-power rusher who played with his hand on the ground at Michigan but could project to a rush linebacker role in an aggressive, one-gap- ping “30” front such as that of the Ravens, Steelers or Chargers. Could fit equally well in a “40” front such as that of the Colts or Buccaneers. Will come off the board before more physically gifted players at his position due to his consistent motor, production and dependability.
NFL projection: Top-40 pick

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Graham is a very productive player in one of the top conferences in the country.  Graham is thickly built defensive end with the playing strength to jolt and dictate the play to the OT – Both as a bull rusher and taking on run blocks at the POA.  He is a super tough and highly competitive player who plays with excellent passion and intensity on every snap, which helps him to be a highly productive player despite lacking elite athleticism and ideal height.  He is a team leader who has shown a willingness to step up and lead his teammates.  When the 2009 season ended there was a debate as to whether Graham had proven on film that he was a good enough athlete to play DE in a 43 or Rush-Linebacker in the 34 and it was expected that this would cause his draft value to slide into the 2ndor 3rd round.  However, at The Senior Bowl he stepped up and was the best player there all week.  He really showed the athleticism, sue of hands, pass rush skills and natural strength that teams became convinced he could be productive playing either position.  Overall, Graham is a versatile prospect who is going to be a highly productive player in the NFL and while we think his best position would be defensive end in the 43 scheme, he has the talent to be a top level rush-linebacker in a 34 scheme.  He is a stronger and better football player than L. Woodley was coming out of Michigan, which is why he is going to be a mid 1st round pick. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Graham probably won’t hit the 6-2 mark on the tape, but some teams are finding short, strong and high-motor ends are successful pass rushers.  He has the agility and hustle to join former college defensive ends like Larry English, Elvis Dumervil and former Michigan teammate LaMarr Woodley in successfully transitioning to linebacker in 3-4 schemes. 

Round 2, Pick 37
Nate Allen, S, South Florida
Ht: 6’ 0 ½” Wt: 207

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Nate Allen is a first-round talent available in the second round because of an extremely deep draft pool.  The Eagles are known for drafting for value but Allen fills a need because of the departure of Brian Dawkins. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Chiseled, rangy, finesse center fielder with fluid movement skills, desirable explosion and cover skills. May fit better as a cornerback than safety in the pros given his lack of physicality.
NFL projection: Top-50 pick.


Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The ability to attack the line of scrimmage, make plays in deep coverage and track down running backs from behind makes scouts take note in the film room.  Speed, versatility, intelligence and toughness?  Sounds like a potential NFL starter. 

Round 3, Pick 86
Daniel Te’o-Nesheim, DE, Washington
Ht: 6’ 3 ½” Wt: 263

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A player who moved up the boards because of his excellent measurables, Te’o-Nesheim is a smart player but limited functionally on the field.  He owns a variety of pass rush moves, and I can see the Eagles using him strictly as a situational pass rusher. 

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Strong-side end with intriguing versatility. Has the toughness, intangibles and makeup to work his way into a rotation somewhere and could be most attractive to a creative defensive mind.
NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Te’o-Nesheim lacks the bulk to remain at end on running downs and doesn’t possess the burst to beat tackles on obvious passing downs.  Without the agility and straight-line speed to make an easy conversion to outside linebacker, Te’o-Nesheim could struggle to find a niche in the NFL. 

105.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
Ht:  5' 11" Wt: 183


EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Lindley is a small corner with a history of injury concerns.  The reason why he was drafted is his excellent ball skills.  He always seems to be around the football either knocking it down or intercepting it.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Battled ankle pain as a senior but was a very productive four-year starter despite entering the program weighing 154 pounds. Lean, underpowered, finesse cover man who lacks the physicality and toughness to withstand the pro game and could struggle to stick on a roster.
NFL projection: Late draftable pick. 

121.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Keenan Clayton, LB, Oklahoma
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 229


EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another passing down specialty player, Clayton could be converted to a strong safety but may lack speed to keep up with receivers.  Perhaps special teams is his best bet to make an immediate impact.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  A tight-hipped, oversized safety with enough speed and range to warrant looks as a nickel ’backer. Could make a living covering kicks and helping on third downs if he stays focused.
NFL projection: Late draftable pick. 

122.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Kafka, QB, Northwestern
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 225


EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Kafka is a mobile and accurate quarterback.  He needs to put on weight to be able to take NFL hits but is an interesting prospect with upside and another great value pick by the Eagles.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Averaging only 7.0 yards per attempt in Northwestern’s spread offense and throwing 12 interceptions (five in a bowl game loss to Auburn in which he also threw for 532 yards on 78 attempts) in 2009 did not impress scouts.  Still, his size, intelligence, mobility and fair accuracy make him a possible late-round selection.

125.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Clay Harbor, TE, Missouri State
Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 252


EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Harbor will come in and make an impact as a special team blocker and possibly as a goal line blocker for the Eagles.  He has excellent route running skills and could also score some goal line touch downs as a decoy.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Harbor is the type of hybrid moving tight end/fullback combo many NFL offenses like to use as a positional blocker on the edge and a matchup problem for safties and linebackers.  The former receiver has the ability to get open in zones and stretch the field, and scouts envision him playing early downs as a motion tight end.

134.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson
Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 252

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Sapp is an intriguing prospect in the fact that he has the physical skills to get the quarterback as an edge rusher in a 3-4 defense.  The reason why he lasted as long as he did is his production never matched his measurables.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Sapp had only 17.5 career sacks, but his explosive first step makes him one of the coveted pass rushers in the draft.  He’ll struggle to add the weight necessary to remain at defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and isn’t experienced enough for most teams running this alignment to project him to linebacker.  He’s best suited to be a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. 

159.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Riley Cooper, WR, Florida

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 222

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another one of my favorite players in this draft, Cooper is sneaky fast and possesses excellent hands.  He could contribute in the slot immediately for the Eagles and would be willing to play special teams.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Cooper is moving up draft boards due to his size, underrated speed and production in the big spotlight.  His ultimate stock will be determined by how fast he runs in workouts, but no matter what his time is, Cooper is a big, savvy, physical route-runner and a good fit as a possession receiver.   




200.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Charles Scott, RB, LSU

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 238

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Scott is a big back that can carry a load on an NFL team.  He is a perfect short yardage back for the Eagles and should provide them with the power in the running game that they have been lacking.  Scott fell because of injury concerns and a lack of experience.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Scott’s 2,317 career rushing yards rank seventh in school history and his 32 touchdowns rank fourth.  But statistics won’t sway NFL scouts who will have a hard time assigning a top 75 grade to a back coming off an injury with only one standout season. 

220.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Jamar Chaney, LB, Mississippi State
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 242

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An athletic linebacker who lacks instincts, Chaney was brought aboard to add depth and help on special teams.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  See-and-go reactor whose timed speed does not translate to the field, nor does he show the type of savvy expected of a three-year starter. Possesses athletic ability and movement skills to warrant interest as a “Will” linebacker, but Chaney works out better than he plays and will have to make his mark on special teams.
NFL projection: Mid-round pick.


243.)  Philadelphia Eagles



Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 304

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A good space-eating defensive tackle, he joins a deep Eagles' defensive line.  Owens will be brought in to see if he can play up to his potential but may have a difficult time making the team.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Tested very well at the Combine, but it did not translate to the field as a senior. Was coming off injury and showed better late in the season. Has lined up as both nose tackle and three technique in a “40” front, but lacks the hip flexion, burst and bend desired to rush the passer and would be best suited occupying blocks. Does not play to his workout numbers and figures to be overdrafted.
NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick.




244.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Kurt Coleman, S, Ohio State
Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 192

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Coleman is a classic late round special teams ace.  He has a great chance of sticking on the roster because he could contribute at safety and play full-time on special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Undersized, self-motivated, try-hard overachiever who lacks the strength, athletic ability and range ideally desired at the next level. Will have to stand out on special teams to stick. Jim Leonhard’s ability to earn a starting job in the pros could help his draft cause, but could always be challenged to hold a job.
NFL projection: Late draftable pick.




Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332



Creative Commons License


Every Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Round 7, Pick 218 - 222

218.)  Chicago Bears
J'Marcus Webb, OT, West Texas A&M
Ht: 6' 8" Wt: 328

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Webb is a good pass protector but can be easily overpowered.  He needs to get stronger but could make the roster based on raw ability.  


219.)  Washington Redskins
Terrence Austin, WR, UCLA
Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 172

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A small receiver who is also an excellent returner, Austin fell because of obvious concerns regarding his size.  Should be able to help the Redskins if he can translate his speed to the NFL and stay healthy.



220.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Jamar Chaney, LB, Mississippi State
Ht: 6' 1" Wt: 242

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An athletic linebacker who lacks instincts, Chaney was brought aboard to add depth and help on special teams.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  See-and-go reactor whose timed speed does not translate to the field, nor does he show the type of savvy expected of a three-year starter. Possesses athletic ability and movement skills to warrant interest as a “Will” linebacker, but Chaney works out better than he plays and will have to make his mark on special teams.
NFL projection: Mid-round pick.



221.)  New York Giants
Matt Dodge, P, East Carolina
Ht: 6' 1" Wt:  224

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Like many young punters, Dodge needs to work on his hang time, but he has the physical abilities to make it in the NFL.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Big, flexible punter with a powerful right leg who can unleash some bombs, which makes him draftable. Needs some refinement but could significantly impact a team’s field-position game.
NFL projection: Fourth- to fifth-round pick


222.)  Tennessee Titans
Marc Mariani, WR, Montana
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 185

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An averaged size receiver, his best shot is to make the Titans as a returner.
  
Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  A good college football player with a chance to compete for a job as a slot receiver and return man in the pros, but may have to take the long route and prove himself all over again like he did when he arrived as a walk-on.
NFL projection: Priority free agent. 












Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332




Creative Commons LicenseEvery Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 6, Pick 200 - 207

200.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Charles Scott, RB, LSU

Ht: 5' 11" Wt: 238

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Scott is a big back that can carry a load on an NFL team.  He is a perfect short yardage back for the Eagles and should provide them with the power in the running game that they have been lacking.  Scott fell because of injury concerns and a lack of experience.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Scott’s 2,317 career rushing yards rank seventh in school history and his 32 touchdowns rank fourth.  But statistics won’t sway NFL scouts who will have a hard time assigning a top 75 grade to a back coming off an injury with only one standout season.  





201.)  Arizona Cardinal
Jorrick Calvin, DB, Troy

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 182

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Suspended for the entire 2009 season, Calvin is an athletic corner who has the potential to contribute to the Cardinals secondary.  Calvin had an excellent junior season and is a fine special teams player.  
  





202.)  Carolina Panthers
Jordan Pugh, DB, Texas AM

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 197

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Pugh is an excellent tackler and could contribute to the Panthers' special teams immediately.  A corner with excellent speed, Pugh's lack of ball skills are what kept him from being a higher pick.
  





203.)  Jacksonville Jaguars
Scotty McGee, CB, James Madison

Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 190

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An explosive returner, McGee will give Jacksonville an instant shot in the arm in the return game.  As a cornerback, his skills are not NFL ready, and he may never become a regular at this position.    
  





204.)  Carolina Panthers 
Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

Ht: 6' 6" Wt: 233

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Pike had to have fallen this far because of concerns over his injured wrist.  He was rated much higher based upon his performance last season but needs to add weight to his frame. He has a great anticipation for when to throw the ball but needs to learn the pro-style passing game.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Pike’s height, mobility and accuracy have made him one of the biggest risers among the senior class, but his injured arm and lack of bulk might cause some tams to shy away from him in the second round.  





205.)  New England Patriots
Ted Larsen, OL, North Carolina State

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 304

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  A raw athletic prospect, Larsen needs to learn a position so he can be an effective pro.  Has the skills to become an impact player in the NFL just needs time and excellent coaching which he will get in New England.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Recruited as a defensive tackle, Larsen switched to center at coach Tom O’Brien’s request during 2008 spring drills.  He is still rough around the edges, but Larsen’s strength, tenacity, and above-average mobility make him an intriguing developmental prospect.  







206.)  San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Williams, WR, Arizona State

Ht: 5' 10" Wt: 188

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Williams is a good athlete but his size is a concern and the 49ers have quickly become very deep at the wide receiver position.  I have a hard time seeing a roster spot for Williams on the 49ers.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  The son of White Sox GM Ken Williams, Kyle was drafted by Chicago in the 47th round of the 2006 amateur baseball draft.  He opted to focus on football, starring as a return man and finally emerging as a regular starting receiving in 2009.  Following a strong week at the Texas vs. the Nation all-star week, he looks the part of a slot receiver/return specialist.





207.)  Tennessee Titans
Myron Rolle, S, Florida State

Ht: 6' 2" Wt: 215

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Questions about his passion for football and lack of instincts hurt his draft stock.  Rolle is a smart player and a good athlete who could develop into a starter.  He will definitely be able to make an impact on the Titans' special teams unit.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:   A big, smart mini-linebacker with a safety’s frame, Rolle is limited by his average play speed, lack of flexibility and marginal ball skills, but he could develop into a solid No. 3 safety and play for a long time if he is able to contribute on special teams.


NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.








Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332



Creative Commons LicenseEvery Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.

Round 5, Pick 157 - 161

157.)  Baltimore Ravens
Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 301

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jones is an undersized 4-3 defensive tackle but maybe perfectly suited as a 3-4 defensive end in Baltimore's D.  Jones has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons but has played at a much higher level than his draft position would indicate.  


Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Jones had a torn pectoral muscle after the 2008 season and torn meniscus in his knee, ending his ’09 season and drawing durability questions from scouts.  If those scouts see that pre-injury versatility to push the pocket, discard blockers to make plays in the backfield and downfield hustle in pre-draft workouts, then Jones may get himself back into the top 75 overall. 




158.)  New Orleans Saints
Matt Tennant, C, Boston College
Ht: 6' 5" Wt: 300 


EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Tennant is an undersized prospect but is a good enough athlete to make it in the NFL.  He needs to continue to add strength but has the potential to become a starter.  


Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  In 2009, Tennant joined current new England Patriot Dan Koppen as the only Boston College finalist in the history of the Rimington award, given to the nation’s top center (won by Pouncey).  Tennant lacks Pouncey’s size and physicality, but is blessed with good athleticism.  




159.)  Philadelphia Eagles
Riley Cooper, WR, Florida

Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 222

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another one of my favorite players in this draft, Cooper is sneaky fast and possesses excellent hands.  He could contribute in the slot immediately for the Eagles and would be willing to play special teams.  

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Cooper is moving up draft boards due to his size, underrated speed and production in the big spotlight.  His ultimate stock will be determined by how fast he runs in workouts, but no matter what his time is, Cooper is a big, savvy, physical route-runner and a good fit as a possession receiver.   





160.)  Cleveland Browns
Larry Asante, S, Nebraska

Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 212

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Asante is an excellent in the box strong safety.  The reason that he fell to this part of the draft is his lack of instincts which are crucial at the safety position.  Though he may never develop into a starter, he is sure to become a special teams standout.

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Well-built, physical junior-college linebacker equipped with the toughness and hitting ability to bang in the box. Has some limitations in coverage but has starter-quality traits as a run defender in the box and could excel with good coaching if schemed to conceal his coverage deficiencies.


NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.



161.)  Minnesota Vikings
Chris Degeare, OT, Wake Forest

Ht: 6' 4" Wt: 325

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Degeare is a back up right guard prospect who lacks the speed to play on the outside at tackle.  He provides good depth for the position.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Big-bodied, plodding mauler easily outmatched against quickness. Lined up at left tackle as a senior but must convert inside in the pros to have a chance.


NFL projection: Late draftable pick.










Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332



Creative Commons LicenseEvery Morning Quarterback by Aharon Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.everymorningqb.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at www.everymorningqb.com.