It finally happened. The big move we were all anticipating. I’m sure the haters (you know who you are) are still whining because it didn’t involve Braylon or Boldin or Ocho Cinco. Get over it. I’ll take one of the best left tackles, if not the best, over a wide receiver any day. Especially, when you consider the Eagles had no stable answer to protect McNabb’s blindside prior to last Friday. Could Andrews or Herremans have slid out to fill the position? I think so, but at what cost to the rest of the line?
The beauty of this deal is it solidifies an offensive line that was in a state of flux since February. It also makes the Birds even younger. When you think that only five projected starters (not counting kickers) will be age 30 or over on opening day, aren’t you excited about where this team is going? I haven’t felt this positive since the lead up to the 2004 season. It seems like all the pieces are falling into place.
And the draft is yet to come. What will they do in six days? I can’t wait to see. My suspicion is they aren’t finished wheeling and dealing. I’m in a trading mood, so let’s look at a few guys who could easily be moved this weekend.
Juqua Parker – It’s no secret that Parker has worn down the last two seasons. He plays great in September, but disappears for prolonged stretches as the temperature drops. He’ll give you a great highlight once in a while (like last season in San Francisco), but for the most part he’s limited. The coaches love Victor Abiamiri and want him to be the starting left end. Chris Clemons came on late last year and will see an increased role. Darren Howard still has gas left in the tank. However, the name that intrigues me most and leads me to believe Juqua might be dealt, is Bryan Smith. If he can become a contributor (I think he will), Parker is the odd man out.
Omar Gaither – Gaither lost his starting job to Akeem Jordan last season but hopes to regain it in 2009. Can he? Well, he’ll be given a chance, but I think he’s better suited to play in the middle. Stewart Bradley ain’t gonna budge from that spot. If the Eagles find a linebacker in the draft they feel is more of a fit to play or compete at WIL, Gaither will become expendable.
Reggie Brown – If you saw my post last week regarding Reggie, you know I’m not ready to give up on the guy. I still believe he can make plays in the offense, but Reid might feel differently. If he’s too far back in Andy’s doghouse, he could be shipped elsewhere. However, with Greg Lewis already gone, trading Reggie would leave them thin at receiver. But just like with Omar, if they draft a receiver more to their liking, Reggie might be handed his walking papers.
I love trade talk. So many scenarios to contemplate. The Eagles are always flexible on draft weekend, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see one of the above players house hunting in another zip code by next Monday.
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Any thoughts on the posts by PFT (http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/04/20/eagles-still-in-play-for-boldin/) and ESPN rumor that the Eagles are still in play for Boldin with the remaining first round pick? The ESPN article doesn’t seem all that credible especially since it reports that we traded the wrong pick in the draft.
I’m really don’t see this happening but I would be excited to see it
My stance on Boldin hasn’t changed. I don’t think the Cardinals will trade him unless they get a mind-blowing deal. I like him as a player, but I don’t think he would put the Birds over the top.
They may draft another receiver, but I do not see them trading for one. Of course, I could be wrong. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time.
Raiders fan here, but I like reading on all teams.
The Eagles are a size/speed team and already signed great size in free agency. I think they are looking to get a speed lineman for defense ahead of when teams project him diue to their later drafting position.
Someone like Larry English sounds really good if they don’t see someone like the Wake safety being a legit rd 1 target. Fast, able to play LB or end. Bring him along slowly like they did Burgess or Cole, then plug him right into Johnson’s system.
They could potentially move back and still get their man in that regard, but I think Moreno is gone and out of reach, Brown is probably there at Rb and he’s got the Westbrook vibe to his game.
Mr.M – We welcome all fans here. Thanks for stopping by. You may be right about them going defense at 21. I agree that I think Moreno will be gone before 21. I highly doubt they would trade up to get him, unless they are in love with the guy. Even then, it might be difficult to put together a package that will get him.
Donald Brown probably won’t make it past the top of the 2nd round, so if they want him, they might have to grab him at 21. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do exactly what they did last year. Trade back into the second for a #1 pick in 2010. Just a feeling.