Eagles off-season discussion

[Kilroy 0]

I saw some mention about his agent thinking he should be paid like a RB, but I doubt anyone gives him that kinda money. I think they mentioned Tampa Bay as one other team pursuing Weaver.

 

It's nice to see the Eagles are at least trying to add a real FB. Hopefully they get a deal done with him.

 

It would be surprising though if the Eagles made Weaver one of the highest paid FBs in the league considering how little Reid has valued that position in the past.

[FlaHawker 24]

I saw some mention about his agent thinking he should be paid like a RB, but I doubt anyone gives him that kinda money. I think they mentioned Tampa Bay as one other team pursuing Weaver.

 

It's nice to see the Eagles are at least trying to add a real FB. Hopefully they get a deal done with him.

 

It would be surprising though if the Eagles made Weaver one of the highest paid FBs in the league considering how little Reid has valued that position in the past.

Depends on your definition of a real FB. Weaver was a TE in college and converted to FB. Although he shows some nice running and catching abilities, he's not much of a blocker.

[The Next Generation 10]

EAGLES CONTINUING TALKS WITH FULLBACK

Posted by Aaron Wilson on March 12, 2009, 12:08 p.m.

 

The Philadelphia Eagles are negotiating with Seattle Seahawks free agent fullback Leonard Weaver with talks currently in the preliminary stage, according to Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

 

A team source said that negotiations aren’t ”serious” yet. Weaver’s agent, Harold Lewis, had a similar take on the situation.

 

“Right now, we’re just talking,” Lewis told the Inquirer. “We’re talking with many other teams as well. There’s a lot of interest because Leonard is the No. 1 fullback on the board. He’s definitely not the average bear.

 

“He’s an excellent receiver, runner, and blocker. The fullback pay scale doesn’t reflect his talents. We’re just trying to find the right situation and the right contract. We can always go back to Seattle, because they’d like to have him back.”

 

Weaver has rushed for 276 yards with one touchdown over the past two seasons with 59 receptions for 535 yards and two touchdown catches.

 

According to NFL.com, the 26-year-old former undrafted free agent rushed for 130 yards on 30 carries last season. In four NFL seasons, the former Carson-Newman player has gained 356 yards and has a 4.4 rushing average.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Depends on your definition of a real FB. Weaver was a TE in college and converted to FB. Although he shows some nice running and catching abilities, he's not much of a blocker.

 

They never really depend on FB to do much blocking. To have a guy like this (he really is an H-back) who can get you short yardage, or be in on third and long (for blitz pickup to spell Westbrook) is a big deal.

 

He truly is the perfect fit for this offense, especially coming from a similar WCO system.

 

Give him a six year deal, guaranteed money that covers 4 of those years, and get him here. One less thing to worry about come draft day.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

I need to preface the following by saying that philosophically, Andy Reid needs to re-adjust the gameplan more around the run and the use of multiple backs.

 

Solutions:

1. I feel that both guys will not be coming back (Thomas is welcome but I feel he'll want too much money). As much as I like Jordan Gross, I believe he'll be too expensive to sign. With that said, I would love to see them sign Stacy Andrews at OT. He can play either position. Depending on the market interest in Thomas or Runyan, maybe you bring one of them back (maybe Runyan) and let him fight it out with Justice for RT? The interesting aspect of signing Stacy Andrews is putting him with his brother Shawn, who needs all the help he can get.

2. I want to see them use a pick in the first two rounds and get a stud. There are a few guys coming out (Alex Max and Max Unger) who would be the fit at center for the next ten years or so. I want Alex Mack from Cal.

3. I think Winslow would be real nice here, however they wouldn't need him if they're able to get Hoosh. If they get Hoosh, I think they can sign a mid level FA (a Tony Curtis from Dallas or Dan Wilcox from Baltimore).

4. Leonard Weaver from Seattle. He's 26 years old, disciple of the Holmgren WCO, and a guy who can catch the ball. Since Seattle used a pick last year on a FB (Owen Schmitt), perhaps Weaver is not in their plans this year? Whatever, they need a legitimate fullback.

5. Cut Lorenzo Booker (what a mistake), resign Buckhalter and use a pick in the first two rounds on an heir apparent to Westbrook. I'd like to see them use their first first round pick on Moreno or Wells.

6. Bring back Baskett, so long Reggie. Another blown 2nd round pick under Reid.

 

I guess I'm batting near .500, if they bring Weaver in.

 

If the Birds decide not to go with the TE from Oklahoma, I would definitely be looking at Curtis or Wilcox at TE. Both are solid players in their own right.

 

I see them taking McCoy out of Pitt in the draft, having him back-up Westbrook, with Booker somehow managing to stay on the roster (always nice to have a decent backup kick/punt return guy).

[dhockster 0]

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...in-on-the-move/

 

More speculation about if Boldin will be traded and to whom.

[FlaHawker 24]

They never really depend on FB to do much blocking. To have a guy like this (he really is an H-back) who can get you short yardage, or be in on third and long (for blitz pickup to spell Westbrook) is a big deal.

 

He truly is the perfect fit for this offense, especially coming from a similar WCO system.

 

Give him a six year deal, guaranteed money that covers 4 of those years, and get him here. One less thing to worry about come draft day.

Despite what his agent says, he struggled as a blocker and was almost cut by Holmgren because of it. Now, as you say, if you are looking for an H-back type of FB this dude has great skills. He would be a great addition to the Eagles. I would have liked him to stay in Seattle (he is a good guy off the field as well) but in Knapp's offense the FB just isn't highlighted. The Hawks will be content to go into next year with Owen Beer Truck Schmitt and possibly Justin Griffith for their blocking abilities. I wish Weaver well. He's a good player.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Despite what his agent says, he struggled as a blocker and was almost cut by Holmgren because of it. Now, as you say, if you are looking for an H-back type of FB this dude has great skills. He would be a great addition to the Eagles. I would have liked him to stay in Seattle (he is a good guy off the field as well) but in Knapp's offense the FB just isn't highlighted. The Hawks will be content to go into next year with Owen Beer Truck Schmitt and possibly Justin Griffith for their blocking abilities. I wish Weaver well. He's a good player.

 

They've never emphasized ever the need for a blocking FB. Jon Ritchie was the closest thing they had at one point, and he only played a few seasons (before injury put him out of commission).

 

He can also be the short yardage guy this team has lacked for awhile now, so he would serve a few purposes.

 

If they have a need to go to a big package, short yardage situation, they can bring him in at the tailback with Klecko leading.

 

And since he can run the ball, it would allow them to split Westbrook out more at WR without giving it away during the huddle, when they would have Buckhalter and Westbrook on the field at the same time. He could help them exploit mismatches a little better.

 

Reid's a stickler for good guys off the field, so hopefully, that is the tipping point for Weaver to get a long term contract offer. From what I've read this morning, he's looking for a multi-year deal.

[FlaHawker 24]

They've never emphasized ever the need for a blocking FB. Jon Ritchie was the closest thing they had at one point, and he only played a few seasons (before injury put him out of commission).

 

He can also be the short yardage guy this team has lacked for awhile now, so he would serve a few purposes.

 

If they have a need to go to a big package, short yardage situation, they can bring him in at the tailback with Klecko leading.

 

And since he can run the ball, it would allow them to split Westbrook out more at WR without giving it away during the huddle, when they would have Buckhalter and Westbrook on the field at the same time. He could help them exploit mismatches a little better.

 

Reid's a stickler for good guys off the field, so hopefully, that is the tipping point for Weaver to get a long term contract offer. From what I've read this morning, he's looking for a multi-year deal.

Weaver Not in Eagles Plans?

 

Looks like Philly is no longer interested. Weaver might be pricing himself out of a good job!

[dhockster 0]

While I know the Eagles haven't made the big move this off season that people are looking for, I am

still confident something big is going to happen. Having $40 million in cap space and 12 draft picks, I will be

really disappointed if they don't do something that has more of an impact on the upcoming season than just

drafting 12 more players (with only 3 starters gone from last years team, there is not much chance for them to

have an impact).

 

The Eagles philosophy of stockpiling draft picks, however, may provide some benefit from last years draft. Because they

had extra draft picks, the Eagles were able to use a 4th rounder to take Jack Ikegwuono, CB, who had torn his ACL. Before his injury he was considered to have 1st round ability. He now looks like he will be ready to participate in mini camps in May, and could further strengthen the Eagles secondary in 2009.

 

If I were to make a prediction now, I think the Eagles will use their extra draft picks to trade up in the first round to get a LT.

I do not think they will trade for Boldin (the Cardinals will ask for more than the Eagles are willing to give up). I am not saying that I think this is the right thing to do, but what I think the Eagles will do.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Weaver Not in Eagles Plans?

 

Looks like Philly is no longer interested. Weaver might be pricing himself out of a good job!

 

God forbid if the Eagles actually paid for a player that can help them.

[unckeyherb 2]

Eagles Sign Weaver

[Steelers 1 0]

Eagles Sign Weaver

Good move, now the Eagles can use their 2 1st round picks on a OT and a WR.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Good signing.

 

In a perfect world, they use their first two picks and get Pettigrew, TE, and McCoy, RB, from Pitt.

 

A rookie OT will be no help next year, so if one isn't worthy to draft in either spot, why reach?

 

I would take a WR at either spot, however they would have to be Macklin or Harvin. No other WR is worthy of those spots in the draft, IMO (and neither one of those guys will be left on bored when the Eagles draft).

[dhockster 0]

More Speculation by Peter King on the Boldin Situation

 

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...g-up-on-boldin/

[Kilroy 0]

There's an article in the Philly Inquirer today saying the Eagles have interest in Boldin and that if Boldin doesn't become available they may pursue Braylon Edwards.

 

It's just more speculation though.

 

Tom Heckert states that with the 12 picks they have, they could pretty much do anything. It's implied he believes the Eagles could work their way into the top 5 picks if they wanted.

 

I don't know if they'll make any big, big moves on draft day, but it does seem like they will be active.

[Joey Gladstone 33]

There's an article in the Philly Inquirer today saying the Eagles have interest in Boldin and that if Boldin doesn't become available they may pursue Braylon Edwards.

 

It's just more speculation though.

 

Tom Heckert states that with the 12 picks they have, they could pretty much do anything. It's implied he believes the Eagles could work their way into the top 5 picks if they wanted.

 

I don't know if they'll make any big, big moves on draft day, but it does seem like they will be active.

 

If you guys want Crabtree The Hawks are sitting right there with the #4 pick...

[Kilroy 0]

This isn't much, but it's the most I've heard in a little while regarding the Eagles. According to an ESPN article about the Bears signing Pace, the Eagles had also made him an offer.

 

It didn't say what the offer was, but it shows the Eagles were interested in bringing in a veteran at the tackle position. Just wonder if there is anyone as they'd be willing to target, or if they plan on addressing that area now through the draft and/or with players they already have on the roster.

[Melissa Stark 1]

"Virginia offensive tackle Eugene Monroe will make a pre-draft visit with the Eagles on Monday at the NovaCare Complex, a league source said yesterday.Monroe's visit is a signal that the Eagles are at least considering an attempt to move into the top 10 picks of the first round. Both general manager Tom Heckert and coach Andy Reid said last week that they believe they have the trade ammunition needed to move to the top of the draft board.

 

 

The Eagles have 12 picks, including the 21st and 28th overall selections in the first round.Monroe, 6-foot-5 and 309 pounds, is considered by many draft experts to be the second-best offensive tackle in this year's draft behind Baylor's Jason Smith. It's impossible to find a mock draft that doesn't have Monroe being selected in the top 10.According to NFL.com, the Eagles also have a visit scheduled with Alabama's Andre Smith at the NovaCare Complex.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

If you guys want Crabtree The Hawks are sitting right there with the #4 pick...

 

This is the direction I'd like to see them take.

 

They have enough right now at WR where he can take a year to learn the system and wouldn't have to be counted on to produce immediately.

 

I don't want them to deal for Edwards/Boldin, and would rather see them make an offer to Buffalo for Peters. I'd much rather have a proven LT for years to come rather than spend a high first rounder on a LT who can bust.

[Eagles Green 34]

This is the direction I'd like to see them take.

 

They have enough right now at WR where he can take a year to learn the system and wouldn't have to be counted on to produce immediately.

 

I don't want them to deal for Edwards/Boldin, and would rather see them make an offer to Buffalo for Peters. I'd much rather have a proven LT for years to come rather than spend a high first rounder on a LT who can bust.

Not me.

I want a primed, quality WR. Give #5 one more shot with no excuses.

 

Of course Crabtree and D Jackson could do some serious damage in a couple years.

 

But who will be the QB?

[Kilroy 0]

Not me.

I want a primed, quality WR. Give #5 one more shot with no excuses.

 

Of course Crabtree and D Jackson could do some serious damage in a couple years.

 

But who will be the QB?

 

It won't matter who you're QB or WRs are if you don't have an O-line that can protect the passer. I'd rather have a sure thing at LT over Boldin or Edwards.

[Eagles Green 34]

It won't matter who you're QB or WRs are if you don't have an O-line that can protect the passer. I'd rather have a sure thing at LT over Boldin or Edwards.

Can't we have both?

 

40 mil under.

[enis_44 0]

Really, how many more years is McNafro the starter? Does anyone know the answer to this? I'm waiting for the Kolb era here......

[The Next Generation 10]

This is the direction I'd like to see them take.

 

They have enough right now at WR where he can take a year to learn the system and wouldn't have to be counted on to produce immediately.

 

I don't want them to deal for Edwards/Boldin, and would rather see them make an offer to Buffalo for Peters. I'd much rather have a proven LT for years to come rather than spend a high first rounder on a LT who can bust.

 

Didn't Peters give up the most sacks by a LT last year? I thought I'd heard/read that somewhere...don't know much about him myself.

[Kilroy 0]

Really, how many more years is McNafro the starter? Does anyone know the answer to this? I'm waiting for the Kolb era here......

 

You and me both...

 

I tend to think this will be McNabb's last year with the Eagles if they don't give him and extension during or after the season.

 

Like you though, I'm ready to move on from the McNabb era. I'll root for him while he's here, but I'm ready for someone new under center.

[Kilroy 0]

Can't we have both?

 

40 mil under.

 

Unfortunately neither are available on the free agent market. I think they'll definately make some moves on draft day, I'm just not sure adding a WR will be part of it. Given Andy Reid's coaching philosophy, he'll definately be looking to improve the O-line before bothering to add another WR.

[NewbieJr 541]

Really, how many more years is McNafro the starter? Does anyone know the answer to this? I'm waiting for the Kolb era here......

The second half of the Baltimore game made me less-than-excited about the Kolb era.

[unckeyherb 2]

The second half of the Baltimore game made me less-than-excited about the Kolb era.

+1. While its not fair to judge his performance after being thrown to the wolves against Baltimore's Def. its all we got. Besides his preseason games. Which don't deserve to be mentioned at all.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

The second half of the Baltimore game made me less-than-excited about the Kolb era.

 

I think Kolb will be fine, but I'm less than confident that Andy will surround him with enough weapons to succeed.

 

LT, TE, and RB all need to be addressed in the draft.

 

Arguably, Westbrook has about 2 years left before he's done. A quality replacement back needs to be found in this draft. No FA; no waiver wire bargain.

[The Next Generation 10]

ESPN's Michael Smith reports that the Eagles have "engaged in serious discussions" with the Bills about LT Jason Peters.

Peters wants a new contract (why he didn't get one before Marcus Stroud is perplexing) and may want out of Buffalo, but it's still extremely difficult to imagine them trading him right now. They have nothing remotely resembling a starting-caliber left tackle behind him. Perhaps the Bills would consider a draft-day trade if Michael Oher fell to them at No. 11.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

ESPN's Michael Smith reports that the Eagles have "engaged in serious discussions" with the Bills about LT Jason Peters.

Peters wants a new contract (why he didn't get one before Marcus Stroud is perplexing) and may want out of Buffalo, but it's still extremely difficult to imagine them trading him right now. They have nothing remotely resembling a starting-caliber left tackle behind him. Perhaps the Bills would consider a draft-day trade if Michael Oher fell to them at No. 11.

 

I think the writing on the wall is there with the new contract for Marcus Stroud (meaning Peters will not be back in Buffalo).

 

The Eagles are not frugal when it comes to signing premier offensive linemen. Runyan signed a huge FA contract that brought him to Philly, Tra Thomas was a well paid LT at one point, and they locked up Shawn Andrews at one point and time (to a large deal).

 

I would part with the #28 pick for Peters. I would also use the #21 pick for Pettigrew, and move up early into the second round and draft RB McCoy from Pitt.

 

With the Stacy Andrews and Leonard Weaver signings, that would definitely put alot more talent on the offensive side of the ball.

 

It would also give the Eagles a top 3 offensive line in a built up NFC East.

[MDC 7,440]

Sorry I'm late to the party.

 

The Eagles three biggest needs IMO are all on the offensive side of the ball: OT, RB and TE. On the defensive side of the ball they're pretty much set, but an upgrade at LB and DE would be welcome, along with some clarity at the S spot.

 

OT is the toughest position to pick because the Eagles have two college tackles playing pretty well at guard. I'd be reluctant to draft an OT in the first because the only spot that's currently open is LT and I'm not sure a rookie will be any better at that spot than Herramins. I also think there's a lot of later round talent to be had in this draft so I'd be reluctant to deal two first rounders to move up even for Monroe or Smith. The one OT I do like around the Eagles spot is Eben Britton, mainly because he plays both tackle positions and reminds me a little of Jon Runyan. You could draft Britton and have him compete with Herramins for the LT spot, insert him at LG and he gives you some insurance for RT if Stacy Andrews isn't fully healthy. Another guy I really love late in the first is Alex Mack - he'd be a massive upgrade over Jamaal Jackson. If they don't go OL in the first - and I'd be shocked if they don't - they'll need an interior lineman to replace one of the two OGs. Duke Robinson could play either guard spot at a high level assuming Herramins or Shawn Andrews move outside. This all really depends on how much the team likes Herramens or Andrews at LT and I don't know that. I'd be really reluctant to deal a 1st rounder for Peters because he wants to be paid like the best tackle in football and he just isn't.

 

RB is a little clearer. The Eagles either draft Moreno with one of their first rounders or deal out of the first / up in the second to draft Donald Brown or Leshawn McCoy. That, or they stay put in the 2nd and hope for Greene or Jennings. I'd prefer they spend a higher pick on this position because I like Moreno and Brown much more than the rest of the field, and they've struck out in the 3rd and 4th rounds the past few years (Moats, Hunt, Booker). They need a RB who's not just a #2 - they need a guy who could potentially start and play at a high level from day one.

 

The only TE worth drafting round one is Pettigew, he may not drop to 21 and he certainly won't last past Atlanta at the bottom of the first so I'd have to pass. He's a great player but I think he's more cut out for a run-oriented O like the Falcons and Celek looked pretty good toward the end of last year. They need a pure blocker at TE but I'm not sure Pettigew is such a mammoth upgrade it's worth spending a first rounder on him for the Eagles.

 

LB could certainly use depth and honestly, I'm not sold on the OLBs. Gocong has a ton of talent but he vanishes for stretches. Akeen Jordan was an upgrade over Gaither but that's not saying a lot. I am sold on Bradley in the middle and think he'll be a solid player for years, but they could push the young guys at OLB. DE is such a cluster-F - other than Cole they have a bunch of solid rotational guys but no other proven pure passer. They've also invested a lot of money and picks into this position so it's hard to keep dropping cash down that hole but I still won't be shocked if they go for someone like Ayers in the first. Victor Abiamiri is coming up on that time when I start calling him a 2nd round bust if he can't stay healthy and produce. He really needs to show something this year.

 

S is also a cluster-F but there's enough talent here to make something work. I have no idea what they're going to do. It looks like Mikell is certain too start, but where? If they start him at SS they're either going to move Sean Jones out of position to FS or start Demps? But he looked terrible in the NFCCG. Or they could move Mikell to FS - he was playing mainly coverage late in the year because Dawk couldn't cover anyone. No idea.

 

I can't wait for the draft to get here.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

Sorry I'm late to the party.

 

The Eagles three biggest needs IMO are all on the offensive side of the ball: OT, RB and TE. On the defensive side of the ball they're pretty much set, but an upgrade at LB and DE would be welcome, along with some clarity at the S spot.

 

OT is the toughest position to pick because the Eagles have two college tackles playing pretty well at guard. I'd be reluctant to draft an OT in the first because the only spot that's currently open is LT and I'm not sure a rookie will be any better at that spot than Herramins. I also think there's a lot of later round talent to be had in this draft so I'd be reluctant to deal two first rounders to move up even for Monroe or Smith. The one OT I do like around the Eagles spot is Eben Britton, mainly because he plays both tackle positions and reminds me a little of Jon Runyan. You could draft Britton and have him compete with Herramins for the LT spot, insert him at LG and he gives you some insurance for RT if Stacy Andrews isn't fully healthy. Another guy I really love late in the first is Alex Mack - he'd be a massive upgrade over Jamaal Jackson. If they don't go OL in the first - and I'd be shocked if they don't - they'll need an interior lineman to replace one of the two OGs. Duke Robinson could play either guard spot at a high level assuming Herramins or Shawn Andrews move outside. This all really depends on how much the team likes Herramens or Andrews at LT and I don't know that. I'd be really reluctant to deal a 1st rounder for Peters because he wants to be paid like the best tackle in football and he just isn't.

 

RB is a little clearer. The Eagles either draft Moreno with one of their first rounders or deal out of the first / up in the second to draft Donald Brown or Leshawn McCoy. That, or they stay put in the 2nd and hope for Greene or Jennings. I'd prefer they spend a higher pick on this position because I like Moreno and Brown much more than the rest of the field, and they've struck out in the 3rd and 4th rounds the past few years (Moats, Hunt, Booker). They need a RB who's not just a #2 - they need a guy who could potentially start and play at a high level from day one.

 

The only TE worth drafting round one is Pettigew, he may not drop to 21 and he certainly won't last past Atlanta at the bottom of the first so I'd have to pass. He's a great player but I think he's more cut out for a run-oriented O like the Falcons and Celek looked pretty good toward the end of last year. They need a pure blocker at TE but I'm not sure Pettigew is such a mammoth upgrade it's worth spending a first rounder on him for the Eagles.

 

LB could certainly use depth and honestly, I'm not sold on the OLBs. Gocong has a ton of talent but he vanishes for stretches. Akeen Jordan was an upgrade over Gaither but that's not saying a lot. I am sold on Bradley in the middle and think he'll be a solid player for years, but they could push the young guys at OLB. DE is such a cluster-F - other than Cole they have a bunch of solid rotational guys but no other proven pure passer. They've also invested a lot of money and picks into this position so it's hard to keep dropping cash down that hole but I still won't be shocked if they go for someone like Ayers in the first. Victor Abiamiri is coming up on that time when I start calling him a 2nd round bust if he can't stay healthy and produce. He really needs to show something this year.

 

S is also a cluster-F but there's enough talent here to make something work. I have no idea what they're going to do. It looks like Mikell is certain too start, but where? If they start him at SS they're either going to move Sean Jones out of position to FS or start Demps? But he looked terrible in the NFCCG. Or they could move Mikell to FS - he was playing mainly coverage late in the year because Dawk couldn't cover anyone. No idea.

 

I can't wait for the draft to get here.

 

We definitely think alike. However, I think the Eagles could give up something in the third round and a higher draft pick in 2010 and get Peters. They may have to overpay him, but having a premier LT for years to come is definitely something worth overpaying for (especially when the team has the money).

 

I think Buffalo is sadly mistaken if they think they'll get alot for Peters, and from the sounds of things, the guy will sit out of camp and wait for a new deal. That team cannot afford to fail early in the season, especially now with Lynch being suspended for the first three games. I don't think they have the money to give him, so the control is really not in their hands.

 

I'd be more than happy to have Pettigrew/Mack/McCoy with their first three picks.

 

Pettigrew is a player. He may not have the greatest combine measurables, but neither did Jason Witten. I think Pettigrew is a Witten clone.

 

Alex Mack is definitely an upgrade over Jackson. He's big, mean, but is smart enough to make the line calls and adjustments on the fly.

 

In a perfect world, the line for the next 5-6 years would be:

 

LT - Peters

LG - Herrmanns

C - Mack

RG - Andrews

RT - Andrews

TE - Pettigrew and Celek

 

A perfect model for the NFC Beast.

[MDC 7,440]

We definitely think alike. However, I think the Eagles could give up something in the third round and a higher draft pick in 2010 and get Peters. They may have to overpay him, but having a premier LT for years to come is definitely something worth overpaying for (especially when the team has the money).

 

I think Buffalo is sadly mistaken if they think they'll get alot for Peters, and from the sounds of things, the guy will sit out of camp and wait for a new deal. That team cannot afford to fail early in the season, especially now with Lynch being suspended for the first three games. I don't think they have the money to give him, so the control is really not in their hands.

 

I'd be more than happy to have Pettigrew/Mack/McCoy with their first three picks.

 

Pettigrew is a player. He may not have the greatest combine measurables, but neither did Jason Witten. I think Pettigrew is a Witten clone.

 

Alex Mack is definitely an upgrade over Jackson. He's big, mean, but is smart enough to make the line calls and adjustments on the fly.

 

In a perfect world, the line for the next 5-6 years would be:

 

LT - Peters

LG - Herrmanns

C - Mack

RG - Andrews

RT - Andrews

TE - Pettigrew and Celek

 

A perfect model for the NFC Beast.

 

If the Eagles could get Peters without giving up a 1st or 2nd round pick this year I'd love the deal. I'd be reluctant to spend more than that on a tackle who wants to be paid like the best LT in football but frankly isn't.

 

I'm still not sold on Pettigew, only because Celek is a promising young player and the Eagles really don't need a starting TE to be a superior run-blocker since they pass so much. I just think if it comes down to someone like Moreno or Brittan vs. Pettigew at 1.21 you've got to go with the RB or OT because those players have a better chance at making a bigger impact.

 

I love Mack, I'd be delighted with him at 1.28. Actually, I'd love for the Eagles to draft Brittan and Mack and then draft up in the 2nd to draft Donald Brown. I'd also love them to run the ball 50% of the time but we both know that's not likely to happen. I won't be shocked at all if Reid trades both first rounders to draft someone like Andre Brown or if he stays put and spends the first picks on DE and CB. Basically, I won't be shocked if he does exactly what I don't want him to do.

 

Ah well.

[dhockster 0]

I need to preface the following by saying that philosophically, Andy Reid needs to re-adjust the gameplan more around the run and the use of multiple backs.

 

Needs:

1. Address the offensive tackle situation. Runyan and Thomas are UFA's.

2. Upgrade at center position. Jamaal Jackson is adequate, however he tends to make the wrong line calls.

3. Tight end. Good riddance to LJ Smith. How do they fill the position.

4. Fullback. Do they finally get a legitimate fullback (once a vital element in the WCO).

5. RB insurance. Do they bring back Buckhalter, and what kind of insurance policy do they have for Westbrook?

6. Baskett is a RFA, and all signs point to Reggie Brown being cut. Need to fill a WR slot.

 

1. Check in a major way

2. Probably addressed by the draft

3. Probably addressed by the draft

4. Check

5. Probably addressed by their first round pick

6. Maybe addressed by Trade/FA signing/draft.

 

I think the front office is doing pretty well, assuming they do well on draft day.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

1. Check in a major way

2. Probably addressed by the draft

3. Probably addressed by the draft

4. Check

5. Probably addressed by their first round pick

6. Maybe addressed by Trade/FA signing/draft.

 

I think the front office is doing pretty well, assuming they do well on draft day.

 

A solid RB who can be the heir apparent to Westbrook, and a decent TE who can block is all that stands between them and a deep playoff run again next season.

[GhostofMeanMachine99 1]

ESPN's Michael Smith reports that the Eagles have "engaged in serious discussions" with the Bills about LT Jason Peters.

Peters wants a new contract (why he didn't get one before Marcus Stroud is perplexing) and may want out of Buffalo, but it's still extremely difficult to imagine them trading him right now. They have nothing remotely resembling a starting-caliber left tackle behind him. Perhaps the Bills would consider a draft-day trade if Michael Oher fell to them at No. 11.

 

I think it's time to finally admit that Jason Smith may be dialed into what goes on behind Philadelphia Eagle doors.

[Kilroy 0]

Newest Eagles news...

 

Sheldon Brown is unhappy with his contract (and apparently may want to be traded)

 

Do a Google search and you'll find some info.

 

GCobb sent an email out saying he got annoyed after the Eagles traded Lito to the Jets and Sheppard signed a new deal with them. According to Cobb, he was also unhappy about the Eagles giving Jason Peters the amount of money they did. Not so much cause Peters got it, but because he didn't.

 

Guess we'll see if anything comes of this, but I can't see the Eagles trading Brown.

[Kilroy 0]

...and here's what the Eagles had to say about Sheldon Brown's trade request.

 

"It's very unfortunate and counterproductive that Sheldon has chosen to go public with his feelings about his situation. After thorough evaluation by himself and discussions with his family and agents, he chose to accept an extension of his rookie contract early that provided his family financial security for the rest of his life. It removed any concerns about health or performance that all other players in his draft class had to worry about. He has four years remaining on that contract and, after taking the signing bonus and his first two years of salary into account, we feel that Sheldon is being paid fairly. Focusing only on a player's salary for a given year is not a valid analysis.

 

"There have been league MVP's, Super Bowl champion quarterbacks, and perennial Pro Bowlers who have been in a similar situation. All of their teams have required them to wait until their contract expired or there was only one year remaining before any adjustment took place. It is only in the most extraordinary, in fact, less than a handful of circumstances in the last 10 years that any players two new years into a contract with four years left have been adjusted. We don't think this qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance.

 

"Sheldon's comments under the circumstances actually serve to devalue him in a trade if we were willing to consider it, which we are not."

 

I didn't know he had 4 years left on his deal. I'd be pointing a finger at my agent if I were him, not the Eagles.