Defensive options in first round

The Eagles hold the 22nd pick in this years NFL draft and could go in many different routes. The offense doesn't have many holes but with Desean Jackson departing, a receiver could be a nice pick up to go with Maclin and Cooper because behind them, Jeff Mahel would be your third receiver. Brandin Cooks is the player a lot of fans would like to have because of how similar he is to Desean Jackson on the field that is. NFL Network's Charlie Davis and Daniel Jeremiah believe that with Jackson going to the Redskins, defense is the first priority. The secondary is a area the Eagles will most certainly address early in the draft, with Nolan Carroll coming in to give the Eagles depth at corner back and a solid pair in Brandon Fletcher and Cary Williams plus a absolute stud in Brandon Boykin in the slot, this could allow the Eagles to go best player available and take a much needed right outside linebacker to go with Connor Barwin and Trent Cole. Options at outside linebacker are Auburn's Dee Ford and Missouri's Kony Ealy when it comes to fit and availability at 22. Kony Ealy is a guy that could fit from day 1 in Philadelphia. Playing both pass rush and coverage, he and Trent Cole would make a dangerous right side to go with Connor Barwin. Ealy had 9 total sacks last year to go along with an interception so his versatility would be well liked by Chip Kelly and Billy Davis. Dee Ford reminds me more of a traditional 4-3 defensive end like Jadeveon Clowney, but his size and speed is something so dangerous that could add a dimension to the Eagles defense that does not have a dominant pass rusher. Honestly I don't believe Ford will be available at 22 because at 20, the Arizona Cardinals would love to put Ford with Dockett and Campbell to solidify a top 5 defense in the NFL. Lets go back to corner where there are a few prospects that can come in and push for a starting job, but not necessarily be pushed into the spotlight from day 1. Kyle Fuller is a name that has been around when mentioning the Eagles. In fact, a lot of draft analysts have Fuller as their second best corner behind either Dennard or Justin Gilbert. His long arm size and tackling ability is a hot commodity in the NFL today with all the dynamic wide receivers. As for how a corner like Fuller would fit in the Eagles defense, with Williams, Fletcher, Boykin, and Carroll all in the rotation, Fuller or someone like Bradley Roby would be a major special teams player that would be a fill in for injuries unless they simply are better than the two veterans that started last season who to me were not impressive enough to hesitate on a corner if the Eagles feel they could come in and make a huge impact for a defense that was in the bottom when it came to pass defense. As for what I believe they should do, I would love to see a dynamic pass rusher come in, but I love the wide receivers in this class and if Brandin Cooks is available I am snagging him up and going corner in the second round. Now of course safety isn't finished so if Pryor or Clinton-Dix is available I am running to the podium to put in the pick if I am the Eagles. I really don't mind the secondary right now another year together, if they could add a play maker in a Lamarcus Joyner in the second round who could play corner and safety, a pass rusher is what I want to see taken at 22 preferably Dee Ford or Kony Ealy. Ealy to me fits the Eagles scheme more so hey either way the Eagles have put themselves into a position to go best player available.

Annnnndddd Hes gone: Eagles Release Desean Jackson

Well discard my last article. The Philadelphia Eagles have released Desean Jackson today Friday March 28th. After Jackson tweeted Wednesday that he would be staying with the Eagles, fans of Desean began to take a deep breath. Well these fans are now either outraged or buying into everything Chip Kelly does because Desean Jackson can sign where he wants. It isn't my place right now to talk about where I think Desean will go as this is focused on the Eagles perspective so I will just say now that to my favorite Eagle, I wish you luck on your next team unless you play us or are in the NFC East. It is also not my place to heavily criticize Chip Kelly for this move even though I and many fans loved what #10 did for the Eagles. This has been a long time coming and with all the weapons the Eagles have, if Jackson was that big of a distraction and did not fit the mold of the team in the locker room, then lets do what is right to win a super bowl. Now that Desean is gone, lets talk about the replacement plan. On the roster there are only two productive and established receivers in Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin. So drafting a wide out is evident, but where and when will the Eagles take one? The first round is a very possible direction the Eagles can go in with a number of routes to take. Odell Beckham Jr. out of LSU is a fast receiver that has big play ability and also returns kicks which could replace Desean's role smoothly. The guy I and Chip Kelly love is Oregon State's Brandin Cooks who had over 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns last year. His size is a concern but he is around the same size as Desean Jackson. If the Eagles go defense in the first round, they could go for Allen Robinson or Devante Adams in the second who both are great with ball skills. Desean Jackson created a lot of fond memories with the Eagles including the famous walk off punt return in 2010 "Miracle in the New Meadowlands". We appreciate his services in Philadelphia but all good things must come to an end, even if it ended with a sour taste in his, and his fan's mouths.

Desean Jackson tweets he is staying in Philadelphia

Tuesday morning: Desean Jackson has lifted a weight off his fans shoulders as he reported on twitter that he is staying in Philadelphia!

Desean Jackson        ✔ @DeseanJackson10

Good to Talk to BIg Chip today !! Say or hear what ya want !! The Picture speaks for itself !! Winner… http://instagram.com/p/l9Cs-DuNmJ/ 

1:25 AM - 25 Mar 2014

Now this obviously has not been stated by anyone in the Eagles organization, but Chip Kelly met with the receiver and told him to "Be ready to work hard come training camp" which is encouraging. Of course their are fans that would be all for getting value for the receiver with all the weapons that the Eagles have, but this kind of talent adds another dimension to the offense. Some said that the Eagles could draft Brandin Cooks as a "replacement", others have said that because Sproles was signed there was no need for Desean......how is that even a logical statement at all? A running back that can play receiver is not the same as the deep threat that Jackson is. With Jackson, Maclin, Cooper, Ertz, McCoy, Celek, etc all under contract, this team can now focus on building the defense through the draft like expected before this whole Jackson mayhem. Or is it not over? Could the Eagles still trade Jackson? I feel it is highly unlikely anyone would want to take on his 10 million dollar contract and "attitude issues", but there is still a real possibility that he gets released. With all the memorable plays Jackson has made with the Eagles, seeing him leave would hurt the hearts of many fans so I am glad it seems to be working out in the other spectrum.....for now.

 

Eagles to sign Mark Sanchez

The Eagles, pending a physical are expected to sign Mark Sanchez who was released by the Jets. With this move the Eagles now have two USC quarterbacks on the roster that still are not defined back ups. This move will provide Foles with a serviceable backup who has started in two AFC title games. Remember when everyone said Chip Kelly needed a mobile quaterback? Well currently we have three on the roster that are all pocket passers. Does this mean bad things for Barkley? We will have to see the second year QB at camp and in the preseason to decide if Sanchez is the sure thing backup. Chip Kelly will have them both compete for the backup job, but I expect Sanchez to win the job. This could mean that the Eagles don't draft another QB which is a surprise as Kelly was expected to develop a mobile QB. This is a nice signing for Sanchez too who will get out of the heck tick media in New York. Some may question the move at first but I like the move.

Sanchez "failed physical" termination w Jets was protocol. Won't affect next step - signing with Eagles. He's on good recovery from surgery

4:41 PM - 24 Mar 2014- Chris Mortensen

 

 

 

Eagles call Panthers about Desean Jackson

Well it looks like Chip Kelly telling Desean not to worry is a load of bogus. It now seems that the Eagles are pursuing a trade for the wide receiver that believes he won't be back. A insider reported that there is "No Way" that Jackson is in an Eagles uniform this season. They are fed up with the constant contract issues, Desean's "Me First" attitude, and the constant issues on the sidelines. As for the Panthers, they are getting a speed demon/deep threat that will go great with Cotchery and the new receiving core there. Not to mention if Carolina drafts a receiver like Kelvin Benjamin in the first round, the Panthers would give Newton some weapons. In my previous article I stated that I am against a trade involving Jackson, but at the right price I am OK with it. I love his play on the field which is in no doubt exciting, but with the weapons of Cooper, Maclin, Ertz, McCoy, Sproles, Celek, etc it seems Philadelphia can be flexible to shop the receiver. The Jets, 49ers, Patriots have also shown interest but nothing has formulated yet. I expect a deal to get done some time this week even though I would think carefully about this before pulling the trigger, and make sure the deal is right for the organization.

The Desean Jackson Situation

Alright the Desean Jackson situation has been all around the NFL lately, and this could end up being the end of Desean Jackson in Philadelphia. Most fans are on the side of the Eagles who apparently are not happy with Jackson's behavior as of late and that his character doesn't fit the mold of the locker room Chip Kelly wants to establish. Let it be told right now that I am totally against moving on from the explosive receiver. I'll say right now that Desean Jackson is my favorite Eagle and has been since he came into the NFL. After having a career year in both yards and touchdowns in Chip Kelly's first year, I think his field play is something we shouldn't give up with all our other weapons, without Desean the offense is still explosive but with Jackson it can be something much more special.Yes he had a altercation with the receivers coach against the Vikings and apparently the Eagles are unhappy with his off season actions even flashing gang signs with some rappers. I don't see as deep into these situations as others. I look at talent first and with Jackson, I don't see Owens V2. He isn't a head case in the locker room. He doesn't get in altercations with players, and really he just wanted a new contract. If the Eagles part ways with Jackson it will be extremely frustrating but I would understand why they do it. Hey after what Kelly did last year I won't question him.....for now.

Eagles Notable Free Agent Log

Tuesday:
4:35: Eagles Re-sign P Donnie Jones, Cut Patrick Chung
5:02 Eagles sign Safety Malcolm Jenkins

Wednesday:
Eagles Sign Safety Chris Maragos- A great special teams player who played a nice role in the Seahawks super bowl title. A more athletic Colt Anderson with more potential as a safety.

Eagles Sign LB Bryan Braman- A monster of a player. Great work skills that Chip will love on special teams. Did you see his no helmet tackle?

Thursday: Eagles Trade for Running Back Darren Sproles. A perfect fit in Chip Kelly's system. A match made in football heaven. Will be out with McCoy a lot. Expect on return duties as well. I see Bryce Brown being moved now for a pick or two.

Eagles Sign Chris Clemons CB- A nice signing for CB depth. Young and great ball skills.