The NFL Draft is still well over a month away. Chip Kelly has stated the roster is far from being finished. What are his plans to add players between now and the draft?
From a financial perspective, the Eagles “had” a ton of money to spend just the other week but that has quickly changed. This doesn’t mean they can’t sign or trade for a veteran wide receiver, offensive guard or safety, but Chip is going to have to be creative with the cap money moving forward.
How can the Eagles free up additional cap space?
The Eagles could “immediately” free up cap room by simply releasing Ryans. The majority of people believed that with the addition of Alonso and then re-signing Graham, it was all but certain that Ryans and his hefty 2015 price tag would be released. I know Chip likes everything that Ryans brings to this team from both a leadership and talent perspective, but Chip at some point will have to understand that coaches have to move on from veterans for salary cap purposes. As it stands, Ryans is going to remain on the roster, and one would hope that a “re-structured” deal was on the horizon.
Like 2014; the rumors have Mathis on the trade block. I think Mathis is still one of the best in the game and with the Eagles investing a huge sum of money on an injury plagued quarterback, and two running backs who have had their own share of injuries, one would believe Chip wants to keep Mathis is the starting lineup.
If Mathis remains with the Eagles, I think the team could get by with some of the younger guys on the roster like they did when Herremans went down last season. I believe Coach Jeff Stoutland does a terrific job teaching technique to his players and I like the depth at both guard and tackle in the draft. Keeping Mathis would allow the Eagles to draft a few guys day two and three, although guys like Collins(LSU) and Fisher(Oregon) I’d have no problem drafting in round one.
Who is left in free agency?
Wide Receiver
The remaining free agents at the wide receiver position are names; guys who have produced but who are going to be overpaid for what they “have” done, and not what they still can offer. I’m referring to wide receivers like Bowe, Jennings and Crabtree.
I wanted the Eagles to make a trade for Stills once the Saints put him on the block. Looking at how the Vikings handled Patterson last season, and with trading for Wallace, why not make a call to the Vikings and see what the price tag is.
Patterson is cheap; he is extremely raw with route running, but a playmaker when the ball is in his hands. If the Eagles were to acquire a wide receiver and retain Mathis, the pressure of “having” to take either position would not be as urgent going into round one, we saw how the Eagles handled that type of pressure last year.
Safety
I don’t see a ton of talent remaining in free agency. With two new starting cornerbacks for 2015, I actually believe giving a veteran the other safety position would be a good move by Chip. The Eagles may believe they have a safety already on the roster that can be started if a better option does not become available. Nolan Carroll has experience playing safety at the NFL level. The Eagles moved up in the 4th round last year to select Watkins who player both cornerback and safety at Florida.
One name that has my eye in the draft is Searcy from UCF, but I feel the Eagles can ensure selecting him by drafting him in the fourth. The Eagles have some other guys on the roster like Reynolds and Wolff, but after guys like Coleman and Allen the last few seasons, I’m done with special team players starting at the safety position.
I’m looking forward to the next break news story, it has been one heck of an offseason and I’m sure Chip has a few tricks still left up his sleeve.
If the eagles,can get Erik armstead and jake fisher in rds 1 and 2 that alone woukd be a hell of a draft. Trade Vinny curry to vikings for Patterson now you got your wr, flip Kendricks for a 2nd and 5th Rd picks to add more depth to the team.
Do you see cox being traded as the reason to take armstead? I also believe both end up selected in round 1. I think boykin would be very attractive to vikings in a trade, I believe secondary is one of their weakest position groups.
Only Arik Armstead is not that good. His measurables are nice, but his play does not match his size. He has a sos so motor…Not a fan after watching him play. Be careful of names and wanting guys because they played at Oregon. Arik Armstead…umm..no thanks!
Armstead, I agree, not wowed by the kid.
Some pundits have a first and second round grade on him, I would not think about drafting him until mid 3rd round. He is a little better than Taylor Hart..but that’s not saying much. Not much explosion or get off on his first step, not an overly physical aggressive run stopper. His size is is best asset, but it also hinders him at times too.
Armstead is too thin and lacks upper body strength at DT Position, He get’s up too high in his stance and comes up off the snap of the ball and loses his leverage… has long arms but needs a lot of work..
He may be better as a 5 Technique DE in a 3-4 Scheme at NFL Level or even a 4-3 DE rather than playing the Inside which he did at Oregon..
I am not very high on him at all..
At DT, I rather have Danny Shelton Malcom Brown, Carl Davis, etc,etc
Eagles are not taking a DT before the 5th if they do at all. O line and WR will be targets if hey stay at 20. I still say Jake Fisher is a second round talent, his performance at the combine and workout at his pro day is boosting him. Looking at him play at Oregon, he is a second to third round talent.
I think armstead has the potential to be good 2 yrs from now
What makes you say that?
I think Armstead will be an average player and will go from team to team..or just be a depth player. I would not spend a second round pick on him. Just more mediocrity. Seriously gloomy, did you watch him play, there was nothing eye catching about him but his physical stature. He’s just a guy.
I don’t like Armstead at all…
If Eagles want to boost the interior of the DL , then they should go after true DT’s like Malcolm Brown, Danny Shelton, Carl Davis, Xavier Williams over Armstead who was pushed around and could not get off blocks versus an average Ohio State Buckeyes OL…
Don’t know about Searcy, but I could see Demarious Randall drafted in the middle rounds. He is the most complete Free Safety and fits the system we play. Like Dawkins, he will have to put on a little weight.
BIG WIN BY THE KNICKS LAST NIGHT!!!!1
LOL. Everytime 76ers win I get mad, and I’m always glancing at the outcome for the T-Wolves, Knicks and Lakers. Mhenski, who are your top 3 in order for the Sixers in the upcoming draft?
im ok with any of the top 4 really. but if i had my choice i think im going
1. mudiay
2. russel
3. okafor
4. towns
really think im ok with any… sixers need dudes that can score and those top 3can for sure.
Towns better than Okafor…..Towns is going to be a freak…NBA game going to transition well to pros.
If things stay as they are in the NBA
What Picks will the 76ers end up with in the 2015 Draft ?
To early to tell…Heat have to make the playoffs and so OKC needs to play well until Durant gets back.
Right now 1-4 is the only lock….Heat are in the 8th spot and so is OKC. I see both making the playoffs.
In a perfect world I hope we land all three picks…if so I see a trade up with the last two for a Euro they can stash…preferably Hezonja.
dont forget ibaka is now out for likely the remainder of the regular season which is a HUGE blow for okc
Ibaka out in a weird way helps the Thunder because Westbrook has become the total focal point of the team and right now he is tearing the leage a new one.
I would give up anything I had for RW. I think he is the baddest dude in the game behind LBJ.
Speaking of craptree
Michael Crabtree – WR – Free Agent
A league source tells Profootballtalk there’s “little or no market” for free agent Michael Crabtree.
This is stating the obvious since Crabtree has yet to make a visit, but confirms there’s nothing going on behind the scenes that’s yet to be leaked. Unproductive of late with a long injury history, Crabtree is eventually going to have to swallow his pride and accept a discounted deal, likely for only one year.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com
Mar 17 – 11:06 PM
THEN THERE IS PAULMANS BOY
Profootballtalk reports there’s “little or no market” for free agent Hakeem Nicks.
This is our first Nicks blurb since the Colts lost the AFC Championship Game. He’s yet to even be loosely connected anywhere by reporters connecting the dots. Nicks appeared headed for a long and productive career as recently as 2011, but his explosion has essentially disappeared. Nicks is only 27, but he could be near the end.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com
Mar 17 – 11:08 PM
Crabtree ends up with a team like the Patriots and it would be a good fit for him.
WR Hakeem Nicks probably ends up with the Carolina Panthers on a cheapo 1-Year Deal as a 3rd WR .. He is from the Carolinas, but ever since he had that Knee Injury/Surgery about 3 Years ago, he’s been a shell of himself, with no explosion, no runs after the catch and not a real competitive motor to go get the ball like he used to when he was young…
That’s Prospect Safety Clayton Geathers from UCF by the way…
Da’Norris Searcy was a Free-Agent who left the Bills and signed a pretty big deal with the Titans I believe…
That is correct Paulman. Bad error on my end (also note 3 typo’s in the article). Central High education, safe to say, math was my better subject.
No Problem Jeff.. Keep up the Good Work & Articles…
Could be that I’m not getting enough sleep..Please don’t tell Chip…
That’s probably right…Ha
Eagles now need to address WR, OL ,Safety,CB,OLB
in the Upcoming Draft..
I would like to see them pick-up a Veteran WR & Safety but I am not sure it will happen at this point…
Wow Bradley Fletcher signing with the Patriots, so our cornerbacks were run out of town and they sign with the Patriots and the Seahawks hmmm does anyone see a problem here? BILLY DAVIS.
Only if they perform well with their new teams. However, the fact that the old cb coached the corners to not look for the ball, but to wait for the receivers to put their hands up tells me all I need to know. Cary and Fletcher did not have the athleticism to read and react playing that way. Bill Davis did a poor job of adjusting.
I always taught the a WR hands and hips told you everything you needed to stop him.
Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams getting beat out of break and sometimes never getting a hand on their man when trying to jam etc has nothing to do with the coach…to me thats scapegoat nonsense.
Dont get me wrong Davis should be criticised for some pretty poor gameplans (ex. Green Bay) but Fletcher and Williams were flat out terrible on their own. See the breakdowns of Carey Williams by a dude name Doug Farrar I believe…Williams gets obliterated by WRs last year because of his poor stance and technique.
Williams and Fletcher would be exposed single high/dime/two safeties/prevent/double coverage etc lmao.
I agree they were terrible Izell and now both will be starting for better teams kinda bizarro world shit right there.
It goes to your point BigL that I agree very much with…scheme doesnt trump players for the most part. We disagree on the culture part but your first parts holds very true.
Look at Patrick Chung last year….was he a really good player or did he fit a scheme that only needed him to make plays around the line of scrimmage and had McCourty/Revis as erasers for any of his mistakes?
Biglion, who, the same Billy Davis, that hasn’t had a DF rated above the bottom 1/4 of the NFL, every year he has been a DF Coordinator? The same Billy Davis who we said blew donkey dick from day one??
So the two teams in last years SB just took both our corners who we couldn’t wait to get rid of, I’ll say this, if they both somehow play even decent next year I’ll be one of the first guys outside the nova care boycotting for DC Davis to get fired,I know we only had one good safety out there but still, all the penalties by Williams and all the plays fletcher getting beat was straight on them, no excuse, let’s keep an eye on them.
Reports that Browns offered 19th pick..
and more reports had the Browns offered that #19 Pick to the Rams
for Bradford before they signed QB McCown and before the Rams/Eagles Trade
Where did you read these reports?
According to reports the Browns offered the 19 pick to the Eagles last week. The Browns have McCown and Manziel on their roster, an upgrade, if attainable is still in need.
From an ESPN Reporter, I can’t remember his name but that the gist of the article was that the Browns inquired about Bradford before they signed McCown.. Chip and Jeff Fisher are in cahoots just to make things sound better… Fisher says that Browns were Offered Foles by the Eagles which is what made Fisher contact Chip about Foles…
These Conversations all occurred around the Combine Time when Teams were in Indy..
I am not buying that. I will take Charlie Casserly ‘s word.
Re-Read Casserly’s Statement
He stated he has no timeline of when that Offer from the Browns was made or to what Team it was actually made to (the Rams or to the Eagles)
There’s nothing Definitive here other than the Fact that Jeff Fisher thinks he can Win with Nick Foles….
The Brown has #12 & #19 and can get their own QB with their own Pick… Why take Bradford after they signed McCown for 2-3 Years?
Makes no Sense
Chip said HE was offered a 1st round pick for Bradford…. It’s not important enough for Chip to lie about it. At least I don’t think he would lie about that.
In reality the Eagles paid more than a first round pick for Bradford. I believe we could have gotten a late 1st round pick for Foles, as well.
I think most teams value Bradford as a mid level 1st round pick, despite his injury history.
ESPN’s Adam Caplan confirms the Browns offered a first-round pick for Sam Bradford.
Per Caplan, the Browns offered their second first rounder, the No. 19 overall selection. The Browns also own the No. 12 pick. It’s unclear if the offer came before or after Bradford’s trade to Philadelphia. Owner Jimmy Haslam seems hellbent on finding a “franchise quarterback,” but only has Josh McCown to show for it. This is something to file away in case Oregon QB Marcus Mariota falls to No. 12. Perhaps Eagles football czar Chip Kelly would then be willing to play ball with the Browns. Mar 17 – 2:38 PM
Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter
Bottom line Eagles better get this bust cripple bradford the hell outta here!
It makes perfect sense, look at who they have at QB, seriously paul, you’re touting Josh McCown?
Once again, it serves no purpose for Kelly to lie, unless he wants a team to give a first so he can package a deal to move up. I don’t think he was lying.
Chip is a documented liar but this one is believable.
Say yes !
You can’t say that cause neither Bradley nor cary was good on the Ravens or rams.
Connor Barwin – LB – Eagles
The Eagles have restructured OLB Connor Barwin’s contract.
The restructure isn’t expected to lower Barwin’s cap hit, and instead rewards him over the remainder of his deal. After making the Pro Bowl and posting 14.5 sacks last year, Barwin will get a slight raise. 28-year-old Barwin is signed through 2018.
Source: CSN Philly Mar 18 – 5:15 PM
Henski I ‘heard’ that from my source ….
So they reward Barwin by extending his contract but don’t decrease his cap number? Doesn’t make sense! Stupid if you ask me, they should of gave him a nice bonus with a lower cap number.
They aren’t done Andrew, they have to lower Ryans number and restructure Bradfords deal.
You are correct BL…the birds did a solid for a player who had a couple of real good years and is a mesh with their ‘culture’….it’s a message for sure.
Somewhere GMCLiff is shaking his head, who is not a Connor Barwin Fan. I loved the Barwin signing when they picked him up and stated that he would be a Fan-Favorite and eventual Leader of the Eagles Defense..
Good Job all around by Barwin and the Eagles..
Unless I am reading cap numbers wing regarding our newly signed free agent it looks like Murray and Maxwell give the eagles the opportunity to negotiate new contacts after year 2 restructure etc or cut. Which would be around the time Kelly stays or bolts if he’s on a 5year deal.
Murrays deal gives him a couple extra mil first couple years of he’s a workhorse.
Time.
No one is talking about time.
How long is this going to take? Implementation of the offence. Defence. Familiarity. Communication.
Going into the season the Eagles are going to have a new QB, who will A) have to learn the offence. B) Will have never played with any of the WRs/TEs save a couple weeks at mini-cap and pre-season. Add to that 2 new RBs, new roles for the #1 and #2 WRs (one who barely played last year) and probably 2 new offensive linemen. At least one rookie there.
There will be at least 4 new starters, including at QB, RB, RB, RG, and 2 WRs moving into different positions.
How long will that take to come together? To “jell”. How long till the QB and Wrs are on the same page?
And on the D said of the ball? What will there be? Again at least 5 new starters. The entire secondary, and a new MLB. Learning calls, learning responsibilities, communication?
How long?
Its going to be at least 1/2 the season before the O and D are on the same page.
Hopefully the sched is going to be filled with the cream puffs early….
Lots of talk about NE in week 1. Brady against 4 DBs who’ve never played together?
A team that is about to replace 10 starters (at least)….really more like 12 heavy contributors…..almost half the roster? Mostly mercenaries….errrrr free agents coming from different systems.
And its all supposed to be good to go week 1???
How mush time is that going to take? No one is talking about time.
3 New Starters in the Secondary heading by a New Secondary Coach will take a 1/2 Season to get the back end on the same page…
I hope the Eagles open up with inexperienced QB’s or new Coaching Staffs
like the Jets, Bills, TB Bucs,early in the Season
Hey…bad enough John “sources” Hart plagiarizes twitter posts, but that was exactly my line from several days back…..
Its true though….Tom Brady week 1 agains 4 CBs who have never played together?
Also…..its not just the D. On O you are going to have a brand new QB playing with 2 starting new WRS who are in their 2nd years and who he’s never thrown to save pre-season…oh and 2 brand new RBs and at least one new OG to boot.
That’s going to take a few weeks (at least) also.
JH has been doing that for Years Vinnie…
And you’ve been a flip fopping fraudman fraudfan wrongman for years
Nothing new, nothing has changed..
About 75-80% of what you Posted during Free-Agency Period and grabbed off the Internet, I had already mentioned 2 Months Ago.. But who cares..
Youre full of bull crap
Talk that internet stuff all you want which is bs
You were caught and called out about it once again, get the F over it
Just like I called you out a year ago for robbing cbs pro scout website about nfl prospects
You rob and steal but dont give credit, wanting to make people believe that you’re all knowing about these prospects hahaa
So your telling me that you came up with the size of the LBs over a month ago?! Kiko was just traded here over a week ago. You wasnt thinking anything about the size of the LBs until I posted it, liar
You just take bits and pieces from everyone and make it your own opinion
Fraudman Fraudfan Wrongman
Paulman, you’re full of shit.
Jon Hart DID NOT plagerize 75-80% of his posts directly from the internet.
It was at least 98%
every rumor was 100% copied and pasted EVERY SINGLE one GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE WITH ANY PERCENT UNDER 100%
C’mon vinnietherimmer, you still butt hurt over my source nailing the Foles trade and DeMarco signing days prior?!
Get Over It Already
My god
And I know youre still upset over Foles being dealt, like he should have been, but its time to move on
If you cant, go become a st louis fan
You won’t be missed..
JH…speaking of butt hurt how was your last stay in the big house?
It was great, I ran into one of your buddies
He said you call him “big beef”?! Whatever that means
I’m sure you found out exactly what he means….
You do know stalking is really a loser, weasely crime
He said you like getting your “cheek bones blew out”
Whatever that means, it sounds disgusting if you ask me
HaveAseat and get youre life together..
A convicting stalker telling me to get my life together….
Hilarious
You want this convicted felon thing to stick and it just doesnt dumb dumb
Make up a new joke
LOL
How has nobody mentioned Cecil Shorts as a free agent target? And why are people suggesting we trade Kendricks? Unbelievable.
Cecil Shorts signed a 2 Year $8 Million deal with the Houston Texans last
week and is off the Free-Agent Board..
Fans/Posters mention Kendricks for 2 Reasons..
1) He has Trade Value
2) He’s a bit on the smaller side than what Kelly Likes his players..
at 6-0 240lbs, Kelly likes his LB’s to be 6-2/6-3 and longer
Look at other ILB’s on Roster
Kiko Alonso 6-3 240lbs, Travis Long 6-4 255lbs,
Brandon Hepburn 6-4 238lbs, Emmauel Acho 6-2 245lbs
D Ryans 6-1 248lbs and M Kendricks 6-0 240lbs
Add Najee Goode at 6-0 244lbs to the Current ILB List of the Eagles
Ok, I clearly didn’t do my homework on Shorts so my apologies.
Kendricks is a playmaker with a lot of upside. No reason to trade him just because he lacks a couple inches. We can’t afford to keep trading our best players. That’s not how you win a championship.
No Problem BTC24, I was hoping the Eagles would pursue Shorts
and Agree with you on Kendricks, but thought I would answer your open question on why his Name is mentioned in Trade Rumor’s
You rob JH every chance you get huh?!
I said this on here a week ago
I said this word for word that Kelly likes his LBs 6’2 and up and to look at the 2 he just acquired Brad Jones and Kiko Alonso and that Kendricks could be the odd man out
Learn to give props bruh
Man fraud, how youve changed your tune in a little over a week, I wonder why? And where you got the whole height and weight thing from.. Interesting.
paulman
March 4, 2015 – 9:30 am
I disagree 100% on Kiko Alonso Mhenksi
The Guy plays with his Hair on Fire kind of like Troy Palomula used to in his Younger Days bit at the LB position… Kiko Alonso will be a Fan Favorite out of the Gate and he and Kendricks form a nice ILB Tandem for the next 3-5 Years
I agree, most of the Oregon Players on the Eagles Roster I am not very High on, but Kiko Alonso is an exception to this
I wonder if anyone has the Time to Pull out some of My Archive Mock Drafts from 2013 for they will find I had Alonso Listed m
___________
Do you still think Kiko and Kendricks will be together for years to come or?!
I do not, I think Kendricks will be Traded while he has Value and get bigger on the Inside… Personally I would like to see the both of them
Play as a Tandem, but I think Kelly likes bigger LB’s and will move Kendricks, Curry & Boykin over the Draft Weekend
Out with the AR/Howie Roseman Players (outside Fetcher Cox)
Read something intresting, the Chargers might surprise everyone n trade up to get Mariota, they would package Rivers n number 17 to the Titans with maybe a pick thrown in, The Chargers don’t know what Rivers plans are, he told the team he doesn’t want an extention at this time n might not be receptive to them maybe moving to LA, if that’s the case we can put the Mariota dream to rest, Bradford or Rivers, I would like to see us get him n hope we still are in the mix but it’s a no brainier if those are the two to choose from.
andrew that news has been addressed pretty thoroughly in another thread
I didn’t see it! I guess I showed up late to the party lol
henski shot holes in the trade– rivers is very content with where he is..
This is all posturing.
If you were Cleveland, and Mariota is available at 12, would would you trade that pick to Philly for Eagles pick at 20 + Bradford? If so, Cleveland would have a QB they have expressed interest in and another 1st rounder.
That would be the Smart move by Cleveland to end up with QB Bradford
the 19th Pick and the 20th Pick in the 1st Round..
The Browns have the 12th & 19th Going into the Draft
If I’m Cleveland, I want more than Bradford and the Eagles #20…you have to throw me the #20 and a second rounder
Both teams in the Super Bowl had a 1st round safety. Feel free to cherry pick my analysis csn. You always do
The good news then is that Jenkins is a first round safety– drafted 14 overall! cool!
Malcolm Jenkins was Drafted by the Saints as a CB from Ohio State (which is where he played) and then was converted to Safety during his 3rd Season after somewhat struggling as an Outside CB…