2015 Free Agency Preview

2015 will be the most pivotal off-season for the Philadelphia Eagles in recent memory. Chip Kelly's early success has heightened expectations throughout the city. This is a very talented football team, but it's also a squad with many holes. The 2014 draft class offered little hope of internal improvement on defense, and with inevitable cuts on the horizon, significant additions are coming.

Free agency will be the first chance to address weaknesses heading into the draft. The philosophy since 2012 seems to be targeting mid-level players to eliminate gaping holes heading into the draft to limit reaches. Let's take a quick look at the state of each position and some potential upgrades that may be found in the free agent market.

Cloudy Future for Boykin?

Let me start by saying this: Brandon Boykin is a great player, losing him would be a tremendous blow to the defense.

Now just stick with me here. I think there is legitimate reason to be concerned about his future in Philadelphia based on two issues; opportunity and money.

Let's first look at the issue of opportunity. Chip Kelly has been firm in his stance on keeping Brandon Boykin on the inside. He views outside corner as a completely different position than inside corner, once comparing them with outside and inside linebacker.

At 5-9, Boykin bends every size and length rule in Chip Kelly's toolbox. But Chip is likely comfortable with Boykin manning the slot based on his performance and the size of the average slot WR. The Wes Welker's and Danny Amendola's of the world won't overwhelm Boykin with their size. Is Chip comfortable matching up Boykin against the more physically imposing outside receivers of the NFL? I do not know.

Improving Batting Average in the Draft

Howie Roseman took over a major leadership role in the NFL Draft starting in 2012. A draft class which included Fletcher Cox, Mychal Kendricks, Nick Foles and Brandon Boykin.

It was the first draft I can remember that didn't include a head-scratcher, i.e. Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Curtis Marsh, Danny Watkins.

In 2013, Roseman followed that up with another strong performance, drafting promising players Lane Johnson, Zach Ertz, Bennie Logan, and Earl Wolff.

On paper, the Eagles 2014 class is earning solid grades, but it's premature to call it a success.

I wanted to delve deeper into Roseman's draft strategy to see if it he hit some lucky home-runs the past couple years or if this draft success is sustainable.

Philadelphia is picky. There's certain boxes each draft pick needs to check before Roseman and Kelly are comfortable pulling the trigger. There will always be exceptions, but it's a reliable rule of thumb.

Level of Competition:

Continuity and Chemistry

The Philadelphia Eagles are the class of the NFC East.

On paper, the New York's secondary looks good.

On paper, the Washington's offense looks more explosive.

On paper, Dallas' defensive line looks ... well ... it just looks awful.

There are two things lacking from Philadelphia's division foes: continuity and chemistry. And those things matter, and matter a lot.

Dallas Cowboys (8-8 in 2013)

Dallas is returning just 15 of 22 starters from 2013, five of the defense's front-seven are new faces. The defense has its third defensive coordinator in three years. Plus, the Dallas Cowboys are relying on a rookie and two players coming off major knee injuries for their primary pass-rush (Demarcus Lawrence, Anthony Spencer, Henry Melton).

UDFA Targets

Ok, the NFL Draft is complete, and I'm pretty surprised at the quality players still available.

It's not easy to just go sign a talented UDFA. Each team gets a pool ($80,000, I'm pretty sure) and must evenly distribute it among prospects.

This means each team can likely only bid on one or two high profile player and still have enough to fill the roster.

Having said that, let's take a look at the top players still on my board that Philadelphia could target very soon:

ILB Christian Jones (6-3, 240)

Teams must know something we don't. I understand he failed a drug test, but so did Zach Mettenberger, Timmy Jernigan and Telvin Smith, and they all happened to get a phone call on draft day. The athletic, versatile ILB surely has the talent to be drafted.

OLB James Gayle (6-4, 259)

Marcus Smith bolsters the pass-rush, but Gayle would add even more talent. He was a three-year starter for VaTech and offers athleticism off the edge.

Safety Rankings

There are three skills I look for in safeties to gauge if they fit what Chip Kelly wants: range, physical tackling, and man coverage ability.

Players like Calvin Pryor and Deone Bucannon aren't on my draft board because their skill-set doesn't translate well to the NFL under those three criterion. Both players will struggle in man coverage vs. slot receivers, something Chip asks his safeties to do, ask Patrick Chung.

Here's my top ten:

1. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (6-1, 208)

Clinton-Dix is a tall, long center-fielder who has good instincts. He may not lay the lumber, but he's a reliable wrap-up tackler. He has a skill-set that translates well to man coverage. Clinton-Dix can play overaggressive at times, and should add some bulk to his frame. His speed doesn't time well, but he plays fast.

2. Terrence Brooks (5-11, 198)

2013 Draft Rewind

When watching film and reading various scouting reports, I always want to be inside Chip Kelly's mind to know exactly what he's looking for.

We all think we have an idea what Chip wants, but there's no way to be certain. A good way to get a good grasp is to take a look back at the scouting reports of the 2013 Draft Class.

1st Round: OT Lane Johnson (6-6, 303, 4.72 40)

- He's a freak. Johnson posted a ridiculous 40-time, 34" vertical, 118" broad jump, and 7.31 second 3-cone drill. He has great feet, and moves to the second level with no problem. Johnson shows good power in the run game, and uses his long arms to keep the defender from getting into his body. Johnson has that nasty attitude scouts look for in linemen. He has huge upside.

- Johnson isn't a polished prospect, and should get stronger. His technique could use some refinement, and he needs to add weight to anchor against bigger defensive linemen in the NFL.

WR Rankings

The WR position has been linked to the Eagles more than any other position group. Peter King came out today with a report that Howie Roseman has made calls to teams in the middle of the draft with interest in moving up for a receiver.

Here's my top ten receiving prospects. Sammy Watkins and Mike Evans are excluded from the list because they will be picked out of the Eagles' realistic range.

1. Odell Beckham Jr. (5-11, 198)

He's only 5-11, but Beckham has long arms, a strong build, and big hands. He's a very athletic (4.43 40 and 38.5" vertical jump) and versatile player. Beckham creates separation with sharp route running and good burst. He is a smooth mover who can turn a short pass into a huge gain. His strength is a concern (7 bench reps at Combine), and his hands can be inconsistent. Beckham was dynamic at LSU, but only recorded 12 career TDs.

Overview of RB Position

There is a lot of debate out there about whether Chip Kelly will grab a running back this weekend. I don't think the Eagles will target a RB in the first three rounds, but the RB position isn't coveted like it used to be. There's a very good chance that talented players fall. In a run-first offense, Chip could always use another body in his talented running back stable.

All-around backs:

1. Tre Mason (5-8, 207)

Mason gets up to top speed quickly and can make people miss with good start-stop ability. Mason runs downhill and offers a threat in the passing game. He's a very complete back, even offering skill as a blocker. He has athletic traits (4.50 speed, 38.5" vert). He does dance a little instead of taking what he can. Mason also could secure the ball better in traffic.

My Top Five Weapons

Chip Kelly could use more weapons. Not because he doesn't have enough on the Eagles roster, but because Chip can never have enough offensive playmakers.

This is a unique ranking that I've never done before. These players are versatile, situational space players, similar to Darren Sproles. If Chip Kelly was willing to give up a 5th round draft pick for a running back north of 30, he appreciates the role.

1. Dri Archer (5-8, 173)

Archer has athleticism that's hard to believe. He ran a 4.26 40 at the combine, although one coach had him timed at 4.16. He also possesses a 38" vertical jump and wowed scouts with his sudden change-of-direction. He played a versatile role in college, spent time at RB, WR and was a dynamic returner. While Archer has good hands, he won't make contested grabs over the middle. He offers little as a blocker and is not a polished route runner at this stage.

The Issue of Depth

When most fans and Draft Analysts look at a team's roster, they check the starting lineup and single out weaknesses. There's nothing wrong with that, but there is a bigger picture in mind.

Depth is important. There's almost always going to be drop-off when a starter goes down, but the deep teams can still play good football and win games.

If Jason Peters were to go down, Allen Barbre would step in and the offensive line unit would still be strong.

If Bradley Fletcher injures his knee, newly-acquired Nolan Carroll has starting experience in the NFL.

If Nick Foles suffers a concussion, Mark Sanchez can step in and win a ballgame.

But, if Connor Barwin were to suffer an injury, who could adequately fill his role? I can't think of anybody.

3-4 OLB Rankings

Here's my edge rusher rankings and where I'd be comfortable drafting them. Two things to keep in mind here: Khalil Mack and Jadeveon Clowney are not included. There is no chance they make it close to 22, and the Eagles aren't trading up into the top 10. Another thing is these rankings are based on fit in Philadelphia, not as a general outside linebacker prospect.

Before I begin, here's my idea of what Chip Kelly is looking for in a 3-4 ROLB. Connor Barwin is the jack-of-all-trades player at LOLB. He does everything pretty well but isn't a dynamic edge rusher. The other outside linebacker spot is reserved for an explosive force around the edge. Chip is looking for length and athleticism, which is a common theme.

1. Anthony Barr (6-5, 255) - First Round

Barr is long, extremely athletic, and moves well in space. He's been productive in the past two years at UCLA, and has a good burst off the snap. He immediately provides the defense with length and pure athleticism. He is a bit raw and is more of a speed rusher than a polished product. He has no ceiling. Barr can be an elite player.

3-4 ILB Rankings

Here's my rankings of 3-4 inside linebackers and where I'd be comfortable drafting them.

Before I start, I wanted to go over what I think Chip Kelly looks for in his ILBs. Chip isn't looking for a 260 pound downhill thumper. He is looking for long, rangy players with impressive movement and coverage skills (i.e. Kiko Alonso). So the short, stocky run-stuffers aren't on my draft board.

1. C.J. Mosley (6-2, 234) - 1st Round

Mosley pairs elite football knowledge with an impressive all-around skill-set. He's a good tackler, can cover downfield, and can take on blocks. There is mileage concern with Mosely, Alabama runs a very demanding program and he has had some nagging injuries.

2. Ryan Shazier (6-1, 237) - 1st Round

Shazier is explosive. NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah compared him to Arizona ILB Daryl Washington, and I can see it. He has a 42 inch vertical and ran a 4.38 40 at his Pro Day. Shazier was extremely productive in college as well, making a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. There are concerns about taking on big offensive linemen and navigating through traffic at 237 pounds.

'14 Draft Class Equipped with Bonus Picks

The Eagles only have six selections in next week's NFL Draft, but Howie Roseman has essentially equipped the team with three bonus picks.

Bonus picks sound imaginary, don't they? Well they are. But the idea is real.

The team added three players last off-season with complete knowledge that they would not contribute to the team in 2013.

OT Michael Bamiro (6-8, 340lbs)

Bamiro is a monstrous tackle who had unique circumstances which led to him dodging the NFL Draft and the NFL's Supplemental Draft. He was a college player who basically became a free agent. 22 NFL teams were represented at his private workout. An NFC Personnel Director went on record to say Bamiro would've been a 5th or 6th round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Perfect Eagles Draft: First Edition

Every Eagles fan wants the draft to shape up perfectly for Chip Kelly. With only six selections, the Eagles need to bat a high percentage.

Sure, trades are likely to happen. But if highly-touted players fall, Chip Kelly will be content on grabbing six talented guys.

Here's my first edition of the perfect Eagles draft.

1st Round Selection - OLB Anthony Barr

Barr provides pure athleticism that the defense needs. He's a productive speed rusher off the edge, and his upside is through the roof. He could definitely become a more physical player, but he would bolster the pass-rush immediately.

Barr would not only add size and athleticism, but he improves Trent Cole's effectiveness. Less snaps for Cole is a good thing at this point in his career.

Top 10 Targets at 22

If Philadelphia stays put at 22, I've compiled my personal list of the top 10 targets. This list doesn't include Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack or Sammy Watkins. This list contains potential targets the Eagles might be able to choose from if they stay put.

1. OLB Anthony Barr (6-5 255lbs)

Once considered a top five pick, Barr has fallen in recent mock drafts. I'd still be surprised if he's available at 22, but there's definitely a chance.

Barr is a freakish athlete. The former running back has only been on the defensive side of the ball for two years, but he's been very productive at UCLA. Chip Kelly covets length and athleticism on defense. Barr was a playmaker for the Bruins' defense, and provides some speed and explosion off the edge, but smooth movement in space. He is raw, but possesses elite upside.

With Cedric Thorton, Vinny Curry, and Fletcher Cox pushing the pocket back, Barr could provide that burst off the edge to force the QB to step up, likely into traffic. Trent Cole just doesn't have the explosion at age 32.

Are Eagles Equipped To Move Up In Round One?

Are the Eagles equipped to move up in round one to grab a top player? To simply answer the question, no.

To give some reasoning behind that, let's first take a look at Philadelphia's ammunition based on the famous draft pick value chart:

Round 1: 22 overall (780 points)
Round 2: 54 overall (360 points)
Round 3: 86 overall (160 points)
Round 4: 122 overall (50 points)
Round 5: 162 overall (26.6 points)
Round 7: 237 overall (<2 points)

Where Do The Eagles Stand?

I get extremely tired of other NFL players tweeting inaccurate shots at the Eagles organization. Let's get one thing straight, DeSean Jackson's reported gang affiliation had NOTHING to do with his release. Philadelphia tried trading Jackson last offseason, but didn't get much interest.

Jackson's release is in no way a race issue. Chip Kelly isn't profiling DeSean Jackson or his group of friends. DeSean Jackson was released due to selfish locker room behavior.

Another thing that is completely off-base, is to compare the DeSean Jackson release to Riley Cooper's situation last summer. Riley Cooper made a terrible mistake. He paid for his mistake, and still has a negative public image which will never leave him.

However, Riley Cooper is a hard-worker. Riley Cooper is a good teammate. Riley Cooper is an unselfish player. Riley Cooper is 100% bought-in to Chip Kelly's system.

A Plan On Draft Day

Howie Roseman has preached about building through the draft. That becomes more difficult when the team only has accumulated six draft picks in what's considered the deepest draft in 30 years.

The Eagles weren't able to garner serious interest for playmaking wideout DeSean Jackson. It looks like the market is lukewarm for Evan Mathis, who I don't think the front office truly wants to deal.

With two Pro Bowlers receiving minimal interest, it's hard to fathom Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, or Bryce Brown developing a competitive market.

That being said, there are other avenues the Eagles could take to stockpile some picks. Many fans seem to love the idea of trading up for Mike Evans or Anthony Barr, but that seems pretty reckless with only six picks.

The smartest approach is trading down. While it may be unpopular, adding mid-round picks is the best move for the long haul.

Here's the famous draft pick value chart:

Inside Kelly's Size Ideals

"Big people beat up little people."

When Chip Kelly said those words, Eagles fans rejoiced worldwide. After many years of Andy Reid's undersized "fastballs", Philadelphia fans welcomed the idea of a big, tough team.

Picture this...

A pair of 6-3 corners beating up on opposing receivers at the line.

A 6-foot-6, 350-pound nose tackle making inside runs impossible.

A 6-5 wide receiver leaping to grab a fade route in the end zone.

The truth about Chip Kelly's size ideals is complicated. Howie Roseman said Kelly has a list of preferred heights, arm lengths, verticals and hand sizes at each position.

I can't imagine Roseman would leak that chart to the fan-base to provide clarity, so it seemed the best way to get an accurate look at Kelly's requirements would be to look at how he recruited as Oregon Head Coach.

DeSean Release Result Of A Bigger Issue

DeSean being held back from receivers coach Bob Bicknell.

DeSean Jackson was not released from the Eagles because they think he's friends with gang members. DeSean Jackson was released Friday because he doesn't fit the culture Chip Kelly is trying to establish in the Philadelphia Eagles locker room. Plain and simple.

The NJ.com report stirred viewers and football fans everywhere. The content was chilling and controversial. If true, DeSean Jackson is surely headed down a dangerous path. But I'm not here to make accusations on DeSean Jackson the person. I'm here to make assessments on DeSean Jackson the football player.

On the field he's electric. The best home-run threat in the NFL, a true game-breaker. But also on the field and in the locker room, he can be an distraction and a detriment.

In Week 1, Jackson had a three play sequence where he repeatedly got tangled up with Redskins CB DeAngelo Hall, which earned him a seat on the bench. The Eagles were moving down-field and his immature behavior almost stalled the drive.

DeSean Jackson Saga: As Told By Jaccpot

DeSean Jackson apparently likes to communicate with the world via Instagram. So I created an account solely for the purpose of reading his version of the popular story through the eyes of Jaccpot. Here's some pictures he posted during the past two weeks, when the rumors began to surface.

Two weeks ago: "I love haters. Fuel to my fire. #GotMyBlindersOn"

Two weeks ago: "Me and my Cali bros in Philly. Always keep it 100." *holds up gang sign*

Developments In The DeSean Jackson Saga

 

Like every single one of you, I'm over this DeSean Jackson drama. I vowed to write about other things instead of boring viewers with the same daily update in different wording.

Up until late last night, it was unanimous that DeSean Jackson's days were numbered in Philadelphia. Howie Roseman and Chip Kelly had multiple opportunities to discredit rumors surrounding their star wideout. They didn't.

Even other teams were discussing Jackson's apparent availability. Jets Owner Woody Johnson clearly committed a tampering violation, saying his team had interest in Jackson's services. The Oakland Raiders said they were interested in DeSean but hesitant to give up draft picks

The Sanchize Makes HIs Way To Philadelphia

Barring a complication with his surgically-repaired shoulder, Mark Sanchez is expected to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

There's a few points I want to make here. 

Chris Mortensen shares an agent with Eagles head coach Chip Kelly. When Kelly accepted the position with Philadelphia last January, Mortensen was the first one to report the news, in what Adam Schefter called the "scoop of the year". This information seems valid and trustworthy.

The Eagles did not choose Mark Sanchez over Michael Vick. I've seen so many tweets saying, "how could Chip Kelly choose Sanchez over Vick?" Let's get one thing straight, Michael Vick was in search of an opportunity to win a starting job. With Nick Foles fully entrenched as the Eagles QB, Philadelphia simply couldn't offer him that opportunity. Chip Kelly would've loved to have Vick back with the team, but he simply deserved an opportunity to start in New York.

Draft Spotlight: Deone Bucannon

Measurables:

Height: 6-1
Weight: 211 lbs
Arm Length: 32  3/8"
Hand Size: 9 3/4"

Combine Results:

40 Yard Dash: 4.49 sec
225lb Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches
Broad Jump: 125.0 inches
3 Cone Drill: 6.96 sec
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.26 sec

Eagles Draft Report: March 23rd

Free agency has settled down and it's time to take a break from the DeSean Jackson drama. Chip Kelly has been everywhere recently attending pro day after pro day. 

Eagles fans have to be excited about the upcoming draft, nobody knows these players as well as Chip. He scouted a good chunk of them coming out of high school, coached a select few at Oregon, and is earning some frequent flyer miles watching their pro days.

Here's the Eagles draft buzz I've accumulated from a variety of outlets:

Author Insights: Edition One

1. I still think it's a mistake to trade away DeSean Jackson. Unless Howie Roseman can get a 3rd AND a 5th or more, I don't see the value in it. Chip Kelly has full command of this locker room. As Mychal Kendricks said, DeSean was not a distraction last season.

Chip likes to stretch the field vertically and horizontally, well he won't find anybody better at stretching the field vertically than Jackson. He opens up running lanes for McCoy because safeties can't play in the box. The Eagles currently have the best arsenal of offensive weapons in football, why give away the most dynamic one for low value?

2. Thank you, Michael Vick. Say what you want about Michael Vick; he's injury-prone, a turnover machine, he holds the ball too long. One thing you can never say about Michael Vick: he didn't give 100% every play.

Vick battled nagging injuries and played hurt on numerous occasions. He was no doubt frustrating due to inconsistency, but he was fun to watch. I think I speak for most Eagles fans when I say, "Best of luck, Mike."

Look Ahead At Free Agency Week Two

It's been about a week since free agency started and countless transactions have been faxed to the NFL office. On paper, the Eagles have had a very smart, productive week. Nobody will know for sure until the players take the field, but the buzz is warranted.

Nate Allen re-signed this morning to a one-year $2 million deal. I think it's a wise decision. Allen played solid football down the stretch last season and he knows the defense. It's a small deal so it doesn't strap the organization financially.

With Nate Allen in the fold, the Eagles are likely done signing safeties in free agency. There are still many areas of need that should be addressed prior to the draft. I've narrowed it down to four priorities:

1. Defensive line depth
2. OLB depth
3. Kicker competition
4. Lack of draft picks

The Fun Isn't Over Yet

Rob Jackson would bring OLB experience to a team lacking it.

There are still some holes for the front office to fill. Is Trent Cole an every down OLB in '14? Is there enough competition at safety? Can Kruger, Square and Curry provide a stout reserve defensive line?

Sure, the draft will help answer these concerns. But Howie likes going into the draft with needs addressed, allowing the team to truly draft the best available player.

There are sure to be more additions prior to the NFL Draft. Here are six names I'm keeping an eye on:

Trade Winds Blowing?

Is it time for the Eagles and Graham to get a fresh start?

After three productive days, holes are being filled in a wise manner. There is still work to be done as Howie works the phone lines. Rest assured, the fun isn't over quite yet.

With only six picks in the 2014 Draft remaining, it's almost certain Roseman will pull the trigger on a deal or two to at least get that number to eight. The always trustworthy Mike Mayock is on record as saying this is the deepest draft in the past ten years.

Here are a few candidates that could hit the trade block and a couple trade partners:

The Eagles Are A Better Football Team

Nolan Carrol brings important depth to the CB position.

It's surprising to me to see so many fans lashing out at Howie Roseman on Twitter last night, I saw tweets like:

• "This is why the Eagles will never win the Super Bowl."
• "The good teams got better, the Eagles are an average team that stayed average."
• "Howie has all this money to spend, why is he being so cheap?"

Is 2011 so long ago? If you think teams win the Super Bowl in March, you're probably an idiot. Darrelle Revis signed a 6 year $96 million deal last off-season with Tampa Bay. The Bucs also paid big money to land S Dashon Goldson. Everybody raved about their shut-down secondary. Well guess what? They weren't good.

The Eagles went from a 4-12 team in 2012 to a 10-6 team in 2013. A reason for their turnaround was smart decision-making in the off-season. This year is no different. Bringing in high priced free agents pisses off your own players, unbalances the locker room chemistry, and hinders the team's flexibility down the road. I doubt Jimmy Graham is thrilled the Saints gave Jairus Byrd $28M guaranteed.

Focus Must Shift To Pass Rush

Carrington has intriguing measurables and potential.

Malcolm Jenkins was a smart signing. His versatility and youth will fit well in the defensive scheme, and his character is perfect for the locker room. Releasing Patrick Chung was necessary and re-signing P Donnie Jones was essential.

The rest of the night was quiet. As of now, no visits are lined up. All rumors seem to be speculative. Rest assured though, the Eagles aren't done yet. However, their focus must shift.

There are only three safeties under contract; Jenkins, Earl Wolff and Keelan Johnson. Another safety will most certainly be added before the draft, maybe re-signing Nate Allen or a depth guy like Darian Stewart from St. Louis. The focus now, however, must be on bolstering the pass-rush.

The Eagles have plenty of cap space available still. With Graham, Cole and Ryans set to be off the books in 2015, along with a bigger cap allowance, they have the ammunition for some impact signings. Outside linebacker must be addressed, but it's not the only position that can help the pass-rush.

Sorting Out The Revis Madness

Adam Schefter reports Philadelphia, along with New England, is a team to watch once Tampa Bay releases CB Darrelle Revis. ESPN's Adam Caplan and Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane agreed with that notion. Rotoworld's Evan Silva predicts Darrelle Revis will be a Philadelphia Eagle.

These rumors are exciting, but it's important to note that all of this seems to be speculation rather than information from inside sources. Caplan, however, did report Howie called New York last season to gauge the asking price for a Darrelle Revis trade. Although, I'm not sure how serious talks got.

I don't think Philadelphia will be seriously interested in bringing Revis Island to Philadelphia.

Could Howie Make Exceptions To The Plan?

Woodley would immediately improve the pass-rush

Howie Roseman apparently has a new plan since the Dream Team debacle: take care of his own guys, bring in mid-level but young free agents, build through the draft.

However, while the Eagles are building for the future, they're also in win-now mode. Could Philadelphia bend the rules of this new philosophy and bring in an older veteran to provide immediate help?

Here are a few guys who may be a little longer in the tooth, but could provide an instant impact on a one or two-year deal.

Targets For Eagles

Jenkins fits the intangibles Kelly looks for in his players.

Rumors are already spreading about who Philadelphia is targeting. Michael Johnson apparently out of price range, no surprise there. Champ Bailey a target at safety? Mike Mitchell from Carolina a fit in Philadelphia?

Many reports will come out over the next week, some true, some false. Here are some players who I personally think make sense for Philadelphia.

SAFETY:

Malcolm Jenkins -

He's a versatile, cover safety. I like his cornerback experience, which can compliment Billy Davis' creative style. Jenkins has the ability to cover tight ends and slot receivers one-on-one. He's not a dynamic play-maker, but he's a solid, durable safety who would immediately improve the position.

UPDATE: Signed with Eagles for 3 years $16.25 million.

Top Seven Needs For Philadelphia

Nate Allen played decent, but the safety position is weak overall.

The free agency frenzy is set to begin in about three days. Legal-tampering opened up earlier today, however I doubt many rumors stem from it.

There are many talented players that will be available when the clock strikes 4pm ET on March 11th. Before I list specific players I think the Eagles will target, I wanted to rank the areas of need Philadelphia should focus on.

1A. Safety

It's doesn't take an NFL expert to realize Philadelphia's safety play has been atrocious. This HAS to be improved in 2014. Too many missed assignments, too many broken coverages, too many missed tackles, too many poor angles in pursuit, just all-around inadequate play.

Draft Matchup: Dee Ford vs. Kyle Van Noy

I wanted to begin a new series comparing two potential draft targets for Philadelphia at 22.

To start this off, I wanted to look at the hottest name on Twitter linked to the Eagles, Dee Ford, and an underrated Senior Bowl standout, Kyle Van Noy.

Measurables:

Dee Ford is a little undersized, standing at 6-2 and weighing in at 243 pounds. But he is long, and what he lacks in height, he makes up for with speed and burst. He's a good overall athlete, and has decent strength.

Van Noy, like Ford, isn't going to wow teams with his frame. Standing at 6-3 and 244, he doesn't have great size, but he definitely would not be a small 3-4 OLB. He possesses solid length, and decent athleticism. He doesn't have the burst or explosion that Ford exhibits, but he has a sufficient amount of both.

Skill-Set:

Ford is currently more of a one-dimensional player. While he was asked to drop back into coverage on occasion, his primary job at Auburn focused on harassing the opposing QB. He's a pure speed-rusher, something that's really lacking in Philly.

Ford has the speed and athleticism to develop some comfort playing in space, but he lacks experience in that department heading into the May draft. His speed rush is very polished, paired with a strong inside move to compliment. He shows good flexibility to bend around the edge.

Opposing teams will try to run at the undersized Ford though, there will most likely be a learning curve as he tries to anchor against NFL run-blocking.

Van Noy is even more versatile than Connor Barwin, and that's a big compliment. In one BYU game, he rushed the QB from ILB, DE, and OLB, jammed receivers at the line, played fluidly in space and was a QB spy for a few plays.

Van Noy made some huge plays in his time at BYU

His pass rush is effective, but it's not as terrorizing as a Dee Ford. He relies on a bull-rush, but has shown the ability to get to the QB with counter moves. He possesses decent burst off the snap, and he plays consistently sound football.

As far as run defense, he's not a big hitter, and he's not going to attack blockers. But Van Noy shows savvy is shedding blocks, and he's a solid wrap-up tackler.

Effect on Philadelphia's Defense:

Dee Ford is what the Eagles lack: explosion in the four-man rush. He could step in from day one and improve the defense. Billy Davis could move Trent Cole inside for passing downs, which would add some different looks for the offense.

Ford makes the quarterback step up in the pocket, and with a young, improving defensive line, that might not be such an effective option for Eli Manning. Making the signal-caller move around is sometimes just as effective as a sack. At selection 22, Ford will likely be the best pure pass-rusher available.

However, if Ford becomes a liability in coverage, then Billy Davis is back to square one. He would become a very undersized defensive end. So if he doesn't find the same success with his "speed rush, then counter" technique, then there's no question that Ford has some bust potential.

Dee Ford is a terror off the edge, with burst and explosion.

I don't know about the rest of Eagles fans, but I cringe and curse Danny Watkins' name every time I hear an analyst label a prospect as a "safe" pick. There is no such thing as a safe pick, about half of the first round selections will turn into solid NFL players. With that being said, Van Noy is NFL-ready. He's savvy, he's smart, he's versatile.

Billy Davis could come up with some extremely exotic looks. With Van Noy and Barwin on each side, Tony Romo would have no idea who's coming and who's dropping, which would result in the occasional unblocked defender. So while Van Noy isn't the pass-rusher that Dee Ford is, his versatility could have a similar affect on the success of the pass-rush.

He is experienced in coverage, Davis could have him at ILB in some packages. A double A-gap blitz with Van Noy and Mychal Kendricks should have Eagles fans salivating. While the BYU OLB may not have a flashy pass-rush repertoire, he effectively gets to his destination. As long as he gets from point A to point B in a short amount of time, Philadelphia fans won't care if it's with a flashy spin move or boring bull-rush.

My Take:

I lean with Van Noy here. It is close, but if I'm Howie Roseman, it's hard to spend a first round draft pick on a one-dimensional player. Sure, Nolan Ryan mastered the fastball, Dee Ford could master the speed rush, but I favor a more complete player who also provides big plays.

With the Eagles defense likely two years away from being loaded with Chip Kelly's players, I think a versatile OLB like Van Noy could give Billy Davis the luxury of some crazy, Dom-Capers-esque looks on third down. This could help pressure the quarterback and mask some talent deficiencies elsewhere.

Finding the Next Bryce Brown

Bryce Brown has surely exceeded expectations of a typical seventh-round draft pick, rushing for 878 yards in two years behind star running-back LeSean McCoy.

There is talent in the middle rounds every single year, and there's a correlation between finding those players and consistent success as an organization.

This article isn't my list of 2014 Draft steals, that is still to come at a later date. This article is designated to finding the next Bryce Brown. Finding the five-star high school players who just didn't find their niche in college. Finding the players who haven't channeled their natural talent into a great college career.

Bryce Brown starred as a high school running back, earning the number one ranking in the country. He committed to Tennessee but didn't last there, transferring to Kansas State a year later. After a lackluster few years, Howie Roseman decided to spend a seventh-round pick on the talented running-back, which has clearly paid off.

Now let's look at some touted high school players in this year's draft class that didn't quite live up to their own hype.

OLB Devon Kennard (6-3, 257lbs) - Ranked #8 in 2009

An injury history has hindered the tremendous upside Kennard displayed in high school. His college career got off to a slow start but flashed a little bit in 2013, totaling 9.0 sacks.

His pass-rush technique is under-developed but he has great versatility, spending a full season at MLB for the Trojans in 2010, showing he's comfortable in space. Also, Kennard has all the intangibles a team could want in a player, 2013 team captain at USC, 3.23 GPA student.

Kennard is projected to be on the board until the 4th-6th round.

Injuries have slowed Kennard down,
but 2013 was a rebound year.

S Craig Loston (6-1, 214lbs) - Ranked #20 in 2009

As a five-star recruit, Loston chose LSU. He never quite developed into a dominant play-maker, but he has flashed at times.

Loston is a big-hitter who protects the middle of the field. He's a poor-man's Eric Reid, but that's not necessarily an insult. He's an athlete with good size, above-average speed and explosion. His coverage skills need to be refined, but the physical ability is there.

He's a projected 3rd-4th round pick.

OLB Ronald Powell (6-3, 240lbs) - Ranked #1 in 2010

I love Powell. For more analysis on him, check out my first look at the draft.

Powell is viewed as a 3rd-4th round prospect.

DE Dominique Easley (6-2, 298lbs) - Ranked #7 in 2010

Easley's name also graces my first article on the draft. I like his natural ability and production. Injury history is really the only thing holding Easley's stock back, along with a few height concerns with some scouts.

Easley should be available in the late-2nd to mid-3rd round.

OLB Aaron Lynch (6-5, 248lbs) - Ranked #28 in 2011

Aaron Lynch is a really intriguing guy. As a four star recruit, Lynch chose Notre Dame, but transferred to South Florida after one year to be closer to home, a la Bryce Brown.

Lynch has tremendous size and versatility. He has great burst and athleticism, rushing the passer from many different positions.

The production isn't on par with other top 3-4 OLB prospects, but the physical ability is right up there at the top. Lynch has also matured a lot from his early years, and doesn't have any off-the-field problems.

He's projected to fall somewhere on day three of the draft.

Lynch flashed big potential before
transferring to South Florida.

Part Three: First Look At The Draft

In part three of this off-season series, I wanted to take an early look at the draft.

Instead of a boring position rankings list that will drastically change between today and May, I wanted to talk about ten players who would be very interesting, and exciting, fits in Philadelphia.

These aren't just top-tier talent, I wanted to look at players with current mid-round (even late-round) grades too.

1. ILB Christian Jones (6-4, 234lbs) 

DeMeco Ryans is a great leader, but he's in the decline of his career. Pairing another play-maker with Mychal Kendricks would be lethal for this defense, especially somebody with Jones' size. Jones possesses more than just height, he also has tremendous length, which Chip Kelly covets.

Other than passing the eye test, the Florida State LB is a great athlete who's comfortable in coverage. While ILB isn't the Eagles biggest need, Jones may just be the best player on the board when the Eagles pick.

2. OLB Ronald Powell (6-3, 235lbs)

There is a lot of buzz surrounding pass-rushers Anthony Barr and Khalil Mack heading into the draft. Even Dee Ford and Jeremiah Attaochu opened eyes after impressive Senior Bowl performances. But if the Eagles take a safety, corner, or even inside linebacker in round one, Powell is a pass-rusher with tremendous upside to keep an eye on.

Here's why it makes sense: Philly is likely strapped to Trent Cole and Brandon Graham for one more year unless they find a trade partner. Ronald Powell was a five-star recruit out of high school and was an ascending star at Florida before an injury.

When healthy, Powell is a proven pass-rusher off the edge. If the torn ACL from 2012 is 100% healthy now, the Florida rusher could be one of the best pass-rushers out of the 2014 class. The Eagles could take him in the middle rounds, which limits the risk involved.

Powell isn't the most talked about OLB, but
he could be one of the best in the draft.

3. S Vinnie Sunseri (6-1, 200lbs)

Sunseri makes sense because of upside. He shockingly entered the draft after only playing seven games in 2013. He tore his ACL in October, and will likely not be ready for training camp.

As unattractive as that sounds, Sunseri was a proven play-maker on a stout defense. The injury concerns will drastically drop his stock, which means 6th-7th round potentially. Late-round players typically have trouble even making the roster, so grabbing a talent like Sunseri could pay dividends down the road.

4. OT Wesley Johnson (6-5, 290lbs)

Would drafting an offensive tackle excite the fan base? No. But Jason Peters is aging, and Johnson fits what Chip Kelly does.

As a mid-late round pick, Johnson is a highly athletic tackle who moves with ease to the second level. He's also a bright player intellectually, and handles stunts very well. Johnson needs bulk, but he won't need to play right away. The talent and skill-set are there.

5. RB/WR De'Anthony Thomas (5-9, 170lbs)

He's tiny, but he makes plays. Thomas has elite versatility and play-making ability. Chip Kelly knows him very well, and that means something.

Thomas would thrill the fan base, and the fact that he came out early, only drops his stock, which actually helps the Eagles.

There are durability concerns with the small frame, but he wouldn't be an every-down player. He would add dynamic return ability and move all over the field.

6. DE Stephon Tuitt (6-6, 312lbs)

Tuitt has as much upside as anybody in this draft. After a dominant sophomore campaign, he was inconsistent in 2013.

He's tremendously athletic for his size, providing quickness out of a powerful frame. He would be an absolute force as a 3-4 DE in Philly. Throw him in with Fletcher Cox, Connor Barwin, and a speed-rushing OLB, and you have a rush to salivate over.

He can be inconsistent, but he can dominate a game. Tuitt racked up 21.5 sacks in three years for Notre Dame.

Tuitt's size and athleticism are unmatched.

7. CB Lamarcus Joyner (5-8, 190lbs)

He's not big, and Chip Kelly likes big corners. But Joyner plays as big as any corner in college. As a corner, I don't think he's high on the Eagles' board. As a safety prospect (which he's shown to be capable of), I think he's intriguing.

The blitzing ability, big-hits, and knack for the big play make his size irrelevant. Joyner has started 27 games at safety and can be moved anywhere on the field. To move him down on the board just based off size, would be a big mistake.

8. DE Dominique Easley (6-2, 298lbs)

He's not of ideal size, but he has ideal quickness. Injury history and size concerns will drop his stock, but the upside is there. When healthy, he's a proven force on defense, making plays against the pass and run. Without argument, he's one of the best linemen in the SEC when on the field.

He's suffered two season-ending knee injuries in college, but if the medical staff gives Easley a clean bill of health, his presence in the NFL will be felt.

9. WR Kelvin Benjamin (6-5, 235lbs)

While I think Marquise Lee and maybe even Brandin Cooks are better players right now, this post is all about intriguing players, and how could you not be intrigued by Benjamin?

Eagles fans have been clamoring for a big receiver for years, and Benjamin has as big of a wingspan as anybody in the NFL. Nick Foles has shown confidence throwing the jump-ball up for his receiver, and Benjamin is a guy who could turn a lot of those balls into touchdowns.

He's far from a finished product, but if he develops, he could be terrorizing defensive backs for years to come.

Benjamin is a huge target that would add
an exciting element to Kelly's offense.

10. S Ed Reynolds (6-2, 206lbs)

Chip Kelly knows the Stanford safety very well. Reynolds has great size and length with a great football understanding.

Reynolds has shown ability to cover tight ends one-on-one and provide deep help. He's also a great presence in the run. Reynolds seems to be everything Kelly looks for in a safety.

Please tweet me feedback. If you think my selections were great, let's talk about it. If you think I'm ignorant, tell me.

This is the first look at the draft, so much will change with the combine still looming.