April 04, 2017
You know what they say about opinions – if not, just start typing "opinions are like..." in Google and autocomplete should point you in the right general direction.
And in sports, specifically the NFL, that's truer than ever this time of year, when there's no actual football to analyze and instead everyone rushes to out-hot-take the others in the days weeks months leading up to the draft.
Luckily, that will all be over in a few short weeks when picks are announced on the Art Museum steps right here in Philly.
In the interim, we'll continue to sift through all the Eagles news out there and try to keep you up to speed on the stuff that matters. Because with so many opinions being thrown around, there have to be some good ones mixed in there every now and again, right?
With that in mind, here's a look at some of the things that are currently being said about the Eagles, pre-filtered by us for your olfactory protection:
Mixon was not invited to the NFL combine because of his arrest, but the Eagles have other avenues for research. The Eagles were represented at Oklahoma's Pro Day, and Howie Roseman said in a radio interview with 97.5 The Fanatic last month that vice president of team security Dom DiSandro is "unbelievable" at finding information, learning about a player's issues and incidents, and discovering the truth.
Pederson said "it's a fine line" when weighing talent against character. But the coach said he loves having "character people" and called it "the wave of the future" because teams need to find players who have a passion about being "good, upstanding men" to "cultivate the culture." [philly.com]
Recently, one of the articles I read about the NFL Draft had some thinking that defensive end Jonathan Allen would fall to the Philadelphia Eagles pick at number 14. Now, nothing against Allen because he truly is one of the best defensive line players in this draft class, but the Eagles have much bigger needs and holes to resolve this year.
Namely, the holes that still exist on the Eagles roster include two open starting cornerback roles, running back, long term options at wide receiver, and many other positions across the roster. Heck, the only place on this roster that is really set is the quarterback position with Carson Wentz and the tight end position thanks to the strength of the unit as a whole. [sports.yahoo.com]
"I got a chance to talk to the whole offensive staff pretty much, [offensive coordinator Frank] Reich, [wide receivers] coach [Mike] Groh, [head] coach [Doug] Pederson. It was exciting," Ross told the NFL Network.
Ross, who set a combine record with a 4.22-second 40-yard dash, is a longtime admirer of fellow speedster DeSean Jackson, and therefore, the Eagles. Pederson, during his discussion with reporters at the owners meetings last week, said enough good things about Ross to suggest the team might be a fan of his as well.
"Well, a guy like that, he's dynamic, has good speed, elusive, quick, short-area quickness is the things you see on film with him and on tape," said Pederson. "He's a guy, I think, wherever he ends up, could potentially be a difference-maker because of the speed and that elusive quickness with the ball in his hand." [espn.com]
14. Philadelphia Eagles - Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State (6-0, 195)
His stock has risen with an excellent showing at the combine, which included a 4.44 in the 40. Solid package of size, speed and smarts. Good in press coverage, fluid in turn and transition. Lone weakness is tackling, where he needs to be more consistent. Day 1 starter.
What about Dalvin Cook? I still think Cook is the best running back in this class. As a combination runner and receiver, he is a better version of Warrick Dunn, another Florida State back who had a very good career. A month ago, I wrote a piece (http://www.csnphilly.com/philadelphia-eagles/if-dalvin-cook-available-eagles-should-take-him-and-draft-cb-later) suggesting the Eagles use the 14th pick on Cook and draft secondary help later. That was all based on film study and my evaluation of him as a player. Since then, I've done more research on Cook's off the field troubles and I've changed my mind. There are just too many red flags for me. [csnphilly.com]
14. Philadelphia Eagles (via Minnesota Vikings): Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Don’t be surprised if on draft night McCaffrey is the second running back picked. He offers many of the same things Dalvin Cook does, and he doesn’t have the background questions as the Florida State star. The Eagles need a playmaker this draft, and McCaffrey can do it from the running back spot while also working as a wideout and return specialist. [sbnation.com]
So in order to draft McCaffrey at No. 14, the Eagles skipped over the likes of Dalvin Cook, John Ross, Reuben Foster, Mike Williams, Gareon Conley, etc.
Is McCaffrey really the best player available for the Eagles in the first round? Maybe. I really like the player, personally. And for as much as I’m sure the Eagles won’t draft a running back in the first round, I do think it’s possible they draft a receiver. McCaffrey isn’t “officially” a receiver but he is a pretty good pass catcher. The Stanford product had 99 receptions for 1,206 receiving yards and 10 touchdown over three years. [bleedinggreennation.com]
Round 1, Pick 14: CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
One of the two top guys who could be there is former Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey, a prototypical cornerback prospect who perfectly fits the mold of the early-round, long-term staple at corner that the Eagles are undoubtedly looking for in Round 1…
Whether it comes Thursday or Friday, the Eagles certainly need to plug one of their vacant depth-chart slots at cornerback early on, and they could really use a break in the right prospect falling to them at No. 14 overall. Humphrey would be an NFL-sized, speedy and physical defensive back who's all-around game will fit the Eagles' scheme and needs simultaneously. [bleacherreport.com]
In order to get to know the newest Eagles cornerback, here’s a question and answer exchange with the people who know him best. Here’s some insight from a Colts writer [Josh Wilson of Indianapolis Colts SB Nation blog Stampede Blue]…
What are his strengths?
Robinson is a good athlete who's got nice coverage ability and who has good ball skills with good instincts on breaking on routes. He's got talent enough to be a solid cornerback, and he's shown that at times, but the problem (as we'll look at in a minute) is staying healthy and playing consistent. But his athleticism and skill-set isn't necessarily the problem.
What are his weaknesses?
Robinson's biggest weakness, at least during his year with the Colts, was staying on the field. He had various injuries during the 2016 season, and I think that contributed to his struggles on-the-field. He never was truly able to get things going, and part of that was inconsistency too. There were times where he would look solid, but it wouldn't last long - whether due to injury or inconsistency. [bleedinggreennation.com]
We have the opportunity, right now, to do what America is great at: devoting the best minds and necessary resources to tackle the human puzzles that cause so much suffering. Artificial intelligence, computer science, advanced data mining, biomedical science, genetics . . . the list goes on and on where our country is at the forefront and our people are ready to engage.
All we are lacking is leadership. Imagine if Republicans and Democrats put down their swords just for a day to create a comprehensive multidisciplinary, multi-occupational effort to solve the mysteries of autism and uncover groundbreaking treatments. Imagine how we would benefit from understanding aspects of the autistic brain that can include rare mathematical, creative, and other cognitive abilities that may well enhance our own brain power and human potential. We might even excite our global rivals to join this united effort. [philly.com]
Finally, Brandon Lee Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation rounded up some of the best memes and gifs having to do with Tony Romo. There’s a lot of great ones, but this was my favorite…
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Follow Matt on Twitter: @matt_mullin
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