Archive for April, 2009

After perusing a hefty load of mock drafts over the last month, I’ve found the majority to be very similar. My attempt here is to mix things up a little. Some picks make too much sense for certain teams, but I’ve done my best to be different. I’m certain there will be plenty of dissent, but I’m cool with that. 1. Detroit Lions: Matt Stafford – If you’re going to start rebuilding a franchise you need a strong-armed quarterback under center. This pick makes the most sense. Hopefully for the Lions faithful he’s not another Joey Harrington. 2. St. Louis [...]

Chase Coffman: TE, Senior – Missouri Height/Weight: 6’5″, 245 lbs Career stats: 247 catches, 2,659 yards, 10.8 ypc, 30 TDs 40-Time: 4.85 Coffman’s career at Mizzou can best be characterized as consistently good. Despite a lingering turf toe injury his senior season, he was still the nation’s top tight end with 90 catches for 987 yards and 10 touchdowns. His route running and ball skills are second to none at the position. Can operate split wide or over the middle. Experienced and smart. Is not very fast and was the product of a spread attack. Surgery to implant a screw [...]

Everyone seems to have written off Reggie Brown. Considering his 2008 disappearing act, it should come as little surprise. A nagging hamstring injury plagued him for months before he was finally benched late in the season. He finished with 18 catches for 252 yards and one score. Poor, to say the least. Wasn’t this the same guy who tore it up late in 2007? Entering 2008, the combination of he and Kevin Curtis was looking pretty good. He’s never had the greatest set of hands but in 29 starts from ’06 to ’07, Reggie caught 107 passes and scored 13 [...]

Here we go again. The only reason I’m even posting this is because for the first time, the Cardinals‘ braintrust has “officially” stated they will listen to trade offers. From Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt: “It would be foolish from our standpoint not to listen to those opportunities and see what actually exists. But I want to make the point … our goal is to re-sign him to a long-term deal. That hasn’t changed.” Apparently, the Cards have already spoken to a few teams, although GM Rod Graves wouldn’t divulge who those teams were. It seems they are seeking a deal [...]

Percy Harvin is grabbing a lot of headlines as the draft approaches. His speed and playmaking ability have many comparing him to DeSean Jackson. There are also rumors regarding possible failed drug tests and some team execs are on record as saying they would steer clear of Harvin completely. Then there is the other Gator wideout: Louis Murphy. At 6’2″, 205 and a 4.4 40-time, Murphy has the size and speed GMs and coaches drool over.  According to Thomas George over at NFL.com, the Eagles are one of those teams salivating. They reportedly invited Murphy in for a private workout. [...]

Here’s what we’ve all been waiting for: Week 1 -@ Panthers – Better make sure the run defense is ready. Week 2 -SAINTS – Bet the over. Week 3 -CHIEFS – Defense vs Matt Cassel. Who ya got? Week 4 -BYE – Too early? Week 5 -BUCS – Leftwich? McCown? Sanchez? Does it matter? Week 6 -@ Raiders – West Coast trips are always crazy. Week 7 -@ Redskins (MNF) – Finally, an NFC east opponent. Week 8 -GIANTS – Uh oh, I smell a trend. Week 9 -COWBOYS (Sunday Night) – Three straight division matchups. Better win two of [...]

Just finished listening to the “interview” with Eagles GM Tom Heckert over at PE.com. I like Tom better than Reid because the guy actually shows some emotion. In other words, he offers more than monosyllabic answers. Of course, you still can’t read much into what little information he provides, but he does seem to have a couple “tells.” I listened between the lines and came away with a few impressions. I’m not going to directly quote from the interview because I wasn’t motivated enough to transcribe it. I’ll just write in generalities. He mentioned at least three times about the [...]

Over the last few weeks I’ve been reading and hearing about a list of players who the Eagles have shown interest in. Whether it was scheduling a private workout or visit or attending an individual’s pro day, the Birds have put in their time like every other NFL team. What should we make of this information? First of all, these lists may not be entirely accurate. After all, they are based on hearsay and conjecture from a combination of beat reporters, bloggers and websites like PFT and NFL.com. On top of that, just because a guy is visited or worked-out [...]

RIP Harry Kalas. It won’t be the same without you.

Last week I examined the players since 2000 selected 21st in the first round. It was a hit or miss group. Now, let’s take a look at pick #28, where the Eagles are currently sitting. They may trade out of the spot, but let’s assume they stay put. 2008 – Lawrence Jackson – Started 14 games at defensive end for the Seahawks. Recorded 29 tackles and a pair of sacks. Obviously, the jury is still out on Jackson. 2007 – Joe Staley – Has started every game at offensive tackle for the 49ers. Looks like a definite keeper. Nice pick. [...]

Brian Robiskie: WR, Senior – Ohio State Height/Weight: 6’3″, 210 lbs Career Stats: 127 receptions, 1,886 yards, 24 TDs 40-Time: 4.51 Robiskie is flying up draft boards due to an excellent Combine and pro day. Experienced and tough, he possesses great hands and body control. Catches the ball naturally and runs crisp routes. Is not particularly elusive and lacks breakaway speed. However, his 4.51 40-time was better than expected. Works hard and has the size and strength to out-muscle smaller cornerbacks. Would make an excellent complementary receiver with #1 potential. There is chatter he could slip into the first round. [...]

Another kinda sorta slow news day in Eagles Nation. However, the Philly papers/blogs still have stuff to talk about. Here are a few articles worth checking out: The Eagletarian has draft genius Mel Kiper’s projected first five picks for the Eagles. It’s another mock, but it’s KIPER’s!! A nice piece by Rich Hoffman about the Eagles trading up. Economics are a factor. Interesting. Moving the Chains breaks down Darrius Heyward-Bey. I’m not enamored with the guy and I doubt Reid is either, but you never know. Finally, this isn’t directly Birds related, but I found it a good read. Especially [...]