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

A turd 5 pounds lighter is still a turd.

UGH:


EAGLES CONTINUE RECEIVER QUEST
Posted by Mike Florio on April 9, 2008, 10:38 a.m.
With efforts to sign Randy Moss and trade for Larry Fitzgerald flat-out failing, the Philadelphia Eagles apparently are considering the possibility of using their first-round pick in the draft on a field-stretching pass-catcher.

On Tuesday, Cal receiver DeSean Jackson visited with the Eagles. Though on the smallish side at five-foot-ten and 169 pounds, his 4.35-second speed in the 40 could be the kind of thing that helps unlock the team’s West Coast attack, by drawing the safeties deep and opening up the underneath stuff.

And so what about Jackson’s size? Remember, this is the team that once relied on Todd Pinkston, the human pretzel rod. Besides, Steve Smith of the Panthers is listed at five-foot-nine, which means he’s more like five-foot-seven.

Though there’s a chance that the Eagles are only blowing smoke, they clearly want to upgrade at the receiver position. With all options via trade and free agency likely exhausted (unless the Lions opt to move Roy Williams), Jackson might be the best bet.

Indeed

I don't even know if he'd be a good NFL returner.

Most of his TD returns are big, sweeping, field reversing returns that might not fly at the next level.

I like how he uses Todd Pinkston and Steve Smith as examples, even though the former was a scrub despite his size and the latter has undeniable talent that supersedes his size.

Just another reason for Baskett to stay on the bench.

And have they cut McCants yet?

He's not 5'10". The combine measurement was 5'9". Not a big difference, but squeezing in the extra inch is a PR move. The guy's just small.

And I would've noted Marvin Harrison. Same size as Pinkston, really.

As a Bay Area resident for the past few years, I've had the chance to watch Desean play quite a bit. I've gotta say, I think this guy has a chance to be an outright superstar in the NFL.

The one obvious negative, especially in light of the Birds' red zone problems, is his size. However, Steve Smith and Santana Moss, while both perhaps a bit thicker than Desean, are both of similar height and do extremely well in the league.

Now for the positives: This dude is by far the most explosive, quickest, and shiftiest college WR I've seen in the past few years. When healthy, he was truly a man among boys. I have never seen a WR completely control a game like he did while healthy (see last year's Oregon game). IMO, his best attribute (and one that will serve him extremely well in the WCO) is that when making a cut, both with and without the ball, he does not lose a single ounce of speed. "Smooth route runner" is the understatement of the year with Desean. He also has great hands and can make the tough catch.

Will he catch the corner fade? No. Can he stand to gain some muscle? Yes. Otherwise, he has all the makings of a star.

Let me ask you a couple questions since you watch him a lot.

1. What happened to his production this year?

2. He only put on 5 lbs. during 3 years of college...is he capable of adding eight?

3. His big returns seemed to relay mostly on reversing field and not as much on getting upfield quickly/making people miss. Do you think he can do it at the Pro level?

4. What pro player would you compare him to?


I'm not all the way against him, but I have some concerns. His size sucks, but the Eagles don't throw the fade anyway...I'm just not completely sold on him across the board for some reason, but I could be swayed.

should be "...of adding weight"

"When healthy, he was truly a man among boys."


"The one obvious negative, especially in light of the Birds' red zone problems, is his size..."


A smurf with injury issues...

This is the next best thing to a guarantee the Birds will draft him.

This is the best highlight reel of seen on him if anyone's interested (shows a lot of receptions, end around, etc. in addition to the returns). I'm really on the fence with him...

Also, Malcolm Kelly ran a 4.73/6.68 at his pro day today, which means he'll be there AT LEAST until the Birds pick if he doesn't fall into the 2nd round.

1. What happened to his production this year?

His drop in production can be attributed to two things: 1) he had a finger injury for the first part of the year, and 2) his QB got hurt and Cal went with a redshirt freshman. Also, not that this is necessarily different from any top tier WR, but teams would focus their entire defense on him.

While healthy and with a quality QB, he put up games like Oregon (11/161/2) and UCLA (9/136/2).

2. He only put on 5 lbs. during 3 years of college...is he capable of adding weight?

Hard to say right? You'd hope he'd be more like Steve Smith than Pinky in this respect.

3. His big returns seemed to relay mostly on reversing field and not as much on getting upfield quickly/making people miss. Do you think he can do it at the Pro level?

Isn't that how most of Dante Hall's big returns played out? The thing about Desean is, in addition to his "measurables," he simply knows how to play football. This is a skill that always transitions to the NFL.

4. What pro player would you compare him to?

I really don't think Steve Smith is much of a stretch, assuming he can bulk up a bit. His main physical attribute is quickness and change of direction skills. To put it another way, like Smith, Desean is ALWAYS OPEN.

FWIW, he was the top WR recruit coming out of high school and picked Cal over USC, among others. He is the type of player that always makes a play if it's there to be made.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgimXN0XFnI

From the Oregon game last year. Skip ahead to about 2:40.

I hope i act diferently this time around than i did when they drafted Freddie Mitchell...

I was 'on the fence' leadin up to the draft on him, especially since there were some more highly touted/physical spec-wise more appealing WRs in that yrs class.

They drafted the guy and I allowed myself to tip over the fence and be in his camp/really try to see the upside.


Never
Again.

I have wavered on this cat from jump, and im sticking in the "NO" camp.

Screw that.

You don't waste a first round pick on a "Dante Hall"


Roy Williams Now

Has he had a good game against any real top competition?

You mention that he chose Cal over USC.

I read (Cobb's site perhaps?) that the scuttlebutt on the SC team last yr was that the kid's soft and shys away from a challenge and that he never had a good game vs the Trojans. Any truth in that?

I agree with the Math Major from Pitt.

I go back and forth on Jackson.

Part of me wants nothing to do with him and part of me watches his highlights and thinks he could be an instant deep threat, kick returner, and punt returner.

If they add those three elements to their team, they are greatly improved.

Yes, my first choice would be a veteran WR (Roy), but if they don't get one they need to get SOMEONE with a potential to make an impact SOMEWHERE from the draft this year.

If he could step in and be a great returner on day one while chasing safeties, taking a couple end arounds, and growing as a WR, he's really interesting.

I've been wavering from day one, though. The last time they draft a WR under 170 lbs. it didn't work out that well, but Pinkston did serve a purpose and Pinky didn't offer the other skills this guy does.

The real interesting thing is in recent weeks I've seen Mike Jenkins and Aqib Talib both apparently sliding down draft board and many mocks have the Eagles with their choice in the first round. I really, really doubt that will happen, though.

The closer this gets, the less I want to see a tackle in the first round.

Another draft stock watch alert is out for Brandon Albert...guard from Virginia.

He was generally considered the bets guard in the draft and a low first round pick, but he's recently been "mocked" as high as #5 overall.

Apparently, he's a great athlete and many think he projects to be (possibly) the best LT in the draft. I don't know how you can project a guard to LT and take him that high, but the buzz is real.

I saw that on Albert too F-D. Wierd.

I hate to break the news to you guys, but this is a smokescreen by the F.O. They want teams to think the birds are looking at WR in round 1---don't be fooled.

I think they are doing 2 things here: 1)They know that Tampa needs a WR--they pick 1 spot behind the Eagles. Eagles are making them sweat.
2) They are putting out the impression that they are "comfortable" with the CB position in the hopes that a team will still want to make a run for Sheppard.
3) Trying to make it seem like Reid won't get his precious in round 1.

These cats are more cloak and dagger than dabney coleman.

OT or CB round 1.

Dabney Coleman, NTFF. I cannot get past the vision of him hanging from the ceiling in 9 to 5.
As far as this cloak and dagger garbage, bank on it FB is going O-line again this year and next year and every year till he finally leaves town.

I say OT or S in rd.1 (safety may as well read Kenny Phillips cos there's not another worth the 19th or even a 1st rounder in the top 25 at best)

Phillips is a marginal 1st rounder IMO. Not even close to other safeties outta da U.

OT or CB.

http://www.miamiherald.com/614/story/489210.html

Dolphins negotiating for Jake Long as No. 1 pick

The Miami Dolphins could soon be off the clock.

The Dolphins have formally begun contract negotiations with agent Tom Condon about the prospect of selecting former Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long as the first overall selection in this year's draft.
Condon, who also represents Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan, was in South Florida early this week to negotiate specifically on behalf of Long at the request of the team, The Miami Herald has learned.

The Dolphins would like to have a contract in place with their first pick before the draft on April 26, which would allow them to avoid a potentially ugly holdout like the one that took place in Oakland last year upon the Raiders' selection of quarterback JaMarcus Russell.

Miami is still intrigued by Virginia defensive end Chris Long, but no in-person talks between Chris Long's agent and Miami are believed to have taken place to date. However, the Dolphins are believed to be happy with quarterback John Beck, and they are not considering Ryan as an option with the first pick.

The latest meeting between Condon and the team doesn't necessarily mean the Dolphins have made their final decision to select Jake Long over Chris Long, but it is certainly a major step in that direction.

By selecting Jake Long, the Dolphins would fill a gaping hole along their offensive line. Vernon Carey is currently slated as the starter at left tackle, but selecting Jake Long would potentially allow the team to move Carey back to his more natural position on the right side of the line.

I wouldn't be shocked if they start negotiating with Chris Long's agent, as well.

Here's my own mock based on all the different reports/news out there as well as my thoughts from the combine. Keep in mind this is a completely useless exorcise, but I figured it might get some Bleeds talk going.

F-dallas Mock Draft

1. Dolphins - OT Jake Long

2. Rams - DT Glenn Dorsey

3. Falcons - DE Chris Long

4. Raiders - DE Vernon Gholston

5. Chiefs - QB Matt Ryan

6. Jets - RB Darren McFadden

7. Pats - CB Leodis McKelvin

8. Ravens - OT Ryan Clady

9. Bengals - DT Sedrick Ellis

10. Saints - CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

11. Bills - WR Devin Thomas

12. Broncos - OT Brandon Albert

13. Panthers - DE Derrick Harvey

14. Bears - RB Rashard Mendenhall

15. Lions - LB Keith Rivers

16. Cardinals - CB Mike Jenkins

17. Vikings - DE Phillip Merling

18. Texans - CB Aqib Talib

19. Eagles - OT Jeff Otah

20. Buccaneers - WR Malcolm Kelly

21. Redskins - S Kenny Phillips

22. Cowboys - WR Desean Jackson

23. Steelers - OT Gosder Cherilus

24. Titans - WR Limas Sweed

25. Seahwaks - TE Dustin keller

26. Jaguars - DE Calais Campbell

27. Chargers - RB Jonathan Stewart

28. Cowboys - RB Felix Jones

29. 49ers - DE Quentin Groves

30. Packers - CB Antoine Cason

31. Giants - LB Jared Mayo

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