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OK, I'll bite....FTS?


This cat sounds too much to me like another possesion receiver, which you can make the claim Reggie Brown is at this point..

I just made it up, so don't feel bad. I decided it means "FUCK THAT SHIT".

NFL Draft Countdown updated their mock on Monday and has the Eagles taking Mike Jenkins (CB) in the first, with Lawrence Jackson (DE from USC) in the second.

That wouldn't be bad because it would get you a good young corner (Jenkins was once considered the best of the bunch this year) and satisfy the Eagles need to draft a lineman/Trojan on the first day of the daft, but it would be slightly curious because it wouldn't address o-line or (their most critical need, IMO) returner.

Jenkins blew up returning kicks last year when given the opportunity (7 returns fro 213 yards and a TD), but his experience is extremely limited there and he doesn't do punts.

They musta fixed it today FD, cos both Monday and yesterday they had both Buffalo at 11 and Philly at 19 takin DCR, which I found hilarious.

They also have Otah as a "surprise pick" going in the top 5.

That would certainly be a surprise, but it seemed more than a little forced.

They're explanation on that was good tho- read it when I was seeing two guys by the same name and school and position being drafted in the 1st round Monday (Thats gotta be some sorta NFL 1st?)---

They essentially blamed the Chiefs organization and called for them reaching. I kinda liked the approach to the mock in that regard.

I guess, but it just seemed absurd.

Peterson is no dummy and their track record in the first round over the last 5 years has a 0% failure rate.

Larry Johnson, Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali, and Dwayne Bowe. Maybe if they are in love with him they'd take Otah, but I can't believe they would take him above Clady or about 5 other players.

I think they're in a tough spot actually.

(Yes, thats right, we're about to talk KC Cheifs draft strategy on an Iggles site. PHANDAMONIUM!)

I mean, its CLEAR they need an OT.
And there are plenty of good ones in this yr's first round (figure to go in rd 1).

I think if they take a guy like Otah or even Clady at 5, they're a) passin on a lot of other talent at other spots & they're locked into payin that salary to a guy who's taken 5th, who may end up no better than a tackle they can have further down the draft later in rd 1.

I think initially that they'd make a good trade down partner with someone.

Philly? Well on the surface, I think Lito, the 19th and some combo, unsure what exactly- likely next yrs 2nd makes some sense for the Cheifs, cos I think KB could throw for 450 yds against that secondary with FD, FB and Bass as his wideouts.

Not really interested in debating the package per se, that would see KC slide down and still get their OT and a starting Pro Bowl CB and save them a lot of $$$ and bag a couple high picks- cos I dont see it happening with Philly.

Im not sure there's a guy that they HAVE to have, who's top 5 worthy anyway.

Top 10? Perhaps. Top 5? Not thinkin so as of now.

But I think if KC can slide down, they a) should and b) will.

Good read on this years wonderlic scores via PFT and Chicago Trib

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-23-new-pompei-scoutmar23,1,7471355.story

NFL teams weigh Wonderlic tests
March 23, 2008
One of the many variables NFL teams plug into their draft grades are scores from the Wonderlic tests given at the scouting combine. Wonderlic tests are given to help gauge the intelligence of prospects.

NFL teams expect most prospects will score well because players can prepare for the tests. When a player has an unusually low score, it sets off alarms.

A person of average intelligence is supposed to score a 20. NFL teams like to see quarterbacks, offensive linemen, middle linebackers and safeties score higher than that because those positions can be mentally demanding.

At quarterback , none of the top prospects laid a Wonderlic egg. Boston College's Matt Ryan, he of the off-the-charts intangibles, scored an impressive 32. And his score was matched by Louisville's Brian Brohm, the second-highest-rated quarterback after Ryan on most boards.

Joe Flacco of Delaware scored a 27 and Chad Henne of Michigan scored a 22. Both are considered second-round prospects.

Most of the top offensive linemen also tested well. Michigan's Jake Long scored a 26. Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah scored a 28. Southern California's Sam Baker scored a 27. Vanderbilt's Chris Williams scored a 32. Boston College's Godser Cherilus scored a 25. Virginia's Brandon Albert scored a 23.

At linebacker there are two players who look like surefire first-rounders, but one tested better. Tennessee's Jerod Mayo scored a 26 while USC's Keith Rivers had a 16. Rivers' test probably won't hurt because most teams consider him an outside linebacker.

Kenny Phillips of Miami, the only safety expected to go in the first round, did not help himself with a 16 test score.

The 49ers got busted for tampering with Briggs (I think last year).

They have been forced to forfeit their 5th round pick this year and swap 3rd round selections with the Bears (7th and 12th picks in the 3rd round).

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/Draft_mockery_2_The_Eagles_will_take_.html

Draft mockery 2: Eagles will take ...
By Peter Mucha

Inquirer Staff Writer

A survey of online mock drafts a month ago was kind of a warm-up exercise.

NFL teams hadn't begun signing free agents, or testing talent at the annual combines.

So no way those predictions were worth more than getting the ball rolling.

Now the NFL draft is just a month away - it starts April 26 - which means ... well ... the picture is still murky.

After all, even on draft day itself, projecting picks is iffy.

Anybody have QB Kevin Kolb on their radar for the Eagles last year?

Still, students of the game want to know the names, if not play amateur GM.

So here's an updated roundup of projected picks for the Eagles at No. 19.

(And even one at No. 17, after a projected trade.)



FOUR NEW NAMES

These guys weren't mentioned for the Eagles in February's roundup.


Wide receiver James Hardy, Indiana. 6-7, 220 pounds. "Big possession-type receiver who should be very effective in the red zone," says about.com's James Adler (updated March 10). 'The 'no non-sense' pick that Eagles' season ticket holders have been hoping for," says prodraftguide.net (March 19).


Cornerback Mike Jenkins, South Florida. 5-10, 197 pounds. Even though Eagles signed Asante Samuel, "Lito Sheppard will probably be traded, which means they still need help at cornerback," says nfldraftcountdown.com (March 17). Many mocks, however, have him gone by No. 12.


Linebacker Dan Connor, Penn State. 6-3, 233 pounds. "Set the school record with 419 career tackles," notes CBS's sportsline.com, where Sports Xchange projected Connor (March 18).


Wide receiver Early Doucet, LSU. 6-0, 205 pounds. Third best wideout, after Limas Sweed and Malcolm Kelly, says djnflmockdraft.com (March 20). Doesn't show up on most first-round boards, however. In fact, he's projected as the Bird's second-round pick, at No. 49, by fantasyfootballjungle.com (March 25).


RETAINING, IF NOT GAINING SUPPORT


Many picks changed, but these names stayed the same.


Safety Kenny Phillips, Miami. 6-2, 210 pounds. Eagles "need to shop for Brian Dawkins' eventual replacement," says nfldraftblitz.com, which (updated March 23). "Best safety on the board," says Pat Kirwan of nfl.com (March 24), who projects the Eagles trading for Minnesota's No. 17 pick to get Phillips. "Phenomenal athlete," said nflreport.com (March 1). Also picked by Clark Judge at CBS's sportsline.com (March 13) and two of eight guys at USAToday.com (March 13).

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, California. 5-9, 169 pounds. Since he also returns kicks, he's "instant offense on two levels," says Fox Sports (March 24). "Athletic playmaker," says thefootballexpert.com (March 23). "Home run ability," says sportsnutz.com. (March 17). Has "explosiveness," says footballsfuture.com (March 17). Note: Before the combine, he was listed as 5-11.

Wide receiver Limas Sweed, Texas. 6-5, 219 pounds. Best receiver in college football before a wrist injury, says CBS's sports.line.com, where Pete Prisco projected Sweed to the Eagles (March 13). Size and speed "must make Coach Andy Reid drool," says nfldraftdog.com (March 5).


Offensive tackle Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh. 6-6, 340 pounds. "Best blocker I've ever coached," Dave Wannstedt, who coached the Bears and Dolphins, is quoted as saying by insidetheeagles.com (March 25). "Much-needed injection of youth at one of the game's most vital positions," says Don Banks of SI.com (March 13).

Linebacker Keith Rivers, USC. 6-3. 220 pounds. "Big time hitter who plays sideline to sideline," says Matt Chase of fantasyfootballjungle.com (March 25). Also projected to the Birds by huddlegeeks.com (March 20).


Defensive end Calais Campbell, Miami. 6-8, 280 pounds. "Massive player, and he is quick and skilled at sacking the quarterback," says draftking.com (March 4).


Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma. 6-4, 217 pounds. "Assuming he's healthy, Kelly is a fluid athlete with outstanding size and arguably the strongest hands of any receiver in this class," says Todd McShay of Scouts, Inc., for ESPN.com. (March 13). Also projected to the Birds by Jim Corbett of USAToday.com (March 13).


NO LONGER ON THE RADAR


Five players mentioned in last month's Draft Mockery 1 no longer made anybody's list.

Three defensive ends,Vernon Gholston of Ohio State, Derrick Harvey of Florida and Philip Merling of Clemson, are likely to be gone before the Eagles pick.

Offensive tackle Chris Williams, Vanderbilt. 6-6, 320 pounds. Might still be available, according to some boards.

Wide receiver Mario Manningham, Michigan. 6-0, 178 pounds. His stock dropped.

WANT A TIGHT END?

Fred Davis of USC, considered the top prospect at the position, barely cracked the first round with only one of USA Today's eight draftniks.

Don't Draft Heath Benedict

http://www.nfldraftbible.com/Newsflash/nfl_draft_prospect_found_dead_march_26_2008.html

BREAKING NEWS: '08 Draft Prospect Found Dead
Written by John Murphy
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Newberry (SC) senior offensive lineman Heath Benedict was found dead this afternoon at his apartment in Florida, according to local authorities.
Benedict, who began his career at Tennessee, played in the Senior Bowl this past January and just last month took part in the NFL Combine.

He was chosen to play in several post-season all-star games after earning several accolades at the Division II level, including being nominated as the top small school lineman in college football this past season, an award named after Gene Upshaw.

Benedict was just 21 years old and according to his agent, C.J. Laboy of Octagon, he died of natural causes, but no further details were released by either the local authorities or his family.

In closing, I would like to offer the Benedict family, his girlfriend, teammates and coaches our sincere thoughts and prayers, having met him on several occasions and talking with him over the past two years we have not only lost a future NFL talent, but a fine young man and friend today.

C.J. Laboy of Octagon

I think I just found my new rap name/rap group name

The Eagles might still take a flier on him.

Imagine the value if they can grab him late on the second day and reanimate him?

Seriously...hate to hear that stuff. How does a 21 year old soon-to-be-professional athlete die of natural causes, though?

Are things like a bum heart valve, the john ritter heart thing considered "natural causes"

I think so. They normally present a little later in life, though.

An idea struck me as I was reading an article about top busts and the money committed. As you know, the draft was meant to level the playing field by allowing bad teams to build with talent. The reality of early first round picks is that they are generally good, but the financial commitment and the risk of a "Can't miss" bust (Robert Gallery comes to mind) can just as easily saddle a losing team with bigger worries.

Trading out of the early picks is just as tough for teams in weak drafts because other teams don’t want to pay the big money for weaker talent.

What if the NFL allowed the teams with the top 5 draft picks to trade them in to the NFL for later picks of equal value (given that chart that floats around every year). The new picks come at the end of the rounds and the team can elect to spend the points how they want, though the decision has to be made two weeks before the draft.

The NFLPA might pitch a fit, but they’re also full of vets who can’t stand that a few top rookies et up cap space and leave less for veteran players.

Still just working on the particulars, but what do you think so far? Suggestions? Changes?

Forgot one thing.

If a team trades in the picks to the NFL, the following teams theoretically stay in their slots. That is, they still pay #2 or #5 money for their pick, even if the pick is the first or fourth pick (respectively).

The salaries are pretty much determined from the previous year's draft, so it wouldn't be difficult to ballpark the draft money for the early five picks.

Any one see the compensatory picks yet?

They'll (hopefully) be passed with the new appropriations bill.

Here's a list of players currently scheduled to come into Philly for a visit with the Eagles before the draft (collected from articles and interviews on EMB):

- RB Justin Forsett (Cal)
- RB Tim Hightower (Richmond)
- FB Mike Viti (Army)
- WR Jerome Simpson (Coastal Carolina)
- WR James Hardy - Indiana (said in an interview the Eagles are showing "a lot of interest")
- OT Jeff Otah - Pitt (though he also lives around here))
- OT Franklin Dunbar (Middle Tennessee State)
- OT Brandon Keith (Northern Iowa)
- OL Duane Brown (Va Tech)
- OG Mackenzy Bernadeau (Bentley)
- CB Charles Godfrey (Iowa)
- WR/KR Devin Thomas (Michigan St.)

For reference (if it helps at all), the guys they brought in for a private workout or interview and drafted were:

- Rashard Barksdale
- Kevin Kolb
- Tony Hunt
- Brent Celek

Notably, they never even spoke with Stewart Bradley (presumably because they loved him, knew his character through back-alley Mormon connections, and wanted to keep their interest ultra-secret).

Also of note is Dujuan Morgan, the FS from NC state generally considered a 2nd round pick and 2nd best safety prospect in the draft, is coached my Mike Reed. Reed was a defensive quality control coach with the Eagles before getting the job as position coach at NC State.

Finally, here are the players currently coming in for a private workout (again, from articles and interviews...collected by those with more time than me on the Eagles Message Board):

- RB Albert Young (Iowa)
- WR Harry Douglas (Lousiville)
- WR Earl Bennett (Vandy)
- WR/KR Devin Thomas (Mich. State)
- WR/RS Dexter Jackson (App. State)
- TE Nick Cleaver (NM State)
- OT Franklin Dunbar (MTSU)
- OG Devin Clark (New Mexico)
- OG Mackenzy Bernadeau (Bentley)
- RS Darrell Blackman (NC State)
- DT Kentwan Balmer (UNC)
- LB Jameel McClain (Syracuse)
- CB Antwaun Molden (Eastern Kentucky)


I think names that appear twice have met with he Eagles 2 separate times (once or a private workout and once for an interview at the Novacare complex).

Forsett.

Nice hands, good background, smallish like they seem to love (5'7ish I believe, 190 lbs I believe).

We'll see what they do in rd 3 or with 1 of thier 4ths if they end up holdin onto any or all of those.


Of note, is that Tony Hunt's apparently slimmed down a noticeable bit from his chunky self last yr, per Spuds.

No word on that bubble.

Oh, put me firmly on the Devin Thomas bangwagon here- ala my coveting of Maurice Stovall a few yrs ago.

Glad to see he's and of course James Hardy are guys they're interested in.

My enthusiasm stems primarily in that neither are over 3 bills and play line.

Most of those names Ive seen in assorted players as you pointed out FD, but never saw those 2 names.
Glad to finally see em.

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