May 09, 2017
Lance Zierlein is an NFL Draft analyst who really liked what Howie Roseman, Joe Douglas, and Co. were able to get done at the draft. In fact, last week he ranked the Eagles draft haul first in the entire NFL in terms of where they were picking (the Giants draft was ranked 32nd, by the way).
Writing this week, Zierlein looked at the NFC East’s best and most questionable draft picks. Rasul Douglas got the nod as the Eagles best selection:
When a long cornerback with excellent ball skills falls to you with the 99th pick, you run the card up to the podium. Douglas isn't fast, but his game is similar to Richard Sherman's.
And unsurprisingly, Sidney Jones was his choice for the most questionable pick:
Some will look at the Eagles picks and say "yeah, but" to many of the selections, but I see a good draft. Derek Barnett isn't flashy, but he's productive and tough. If cornerback Sidney Jones comes back healthy, the Eagles stole a first-round talent in the second. CB Rasul Douglas isn't fast, but he's an absolute ballhawk. WR Mack Hollins is an electric deep threat and outstanding special-teams talent.
Jones obviously had first-round talent, but it remains very questionable how he will be able to move once he gets back on the field. We talked with an orthopedic surgeon who chimed in with his opinion.
1. CENTER OF ATTENTION: Could Saints center Max Unger’s injury get the ball rolling on some Jason Kelce trade rumors? The Eagles sure could use someone like Mark Ingram.
2. VETERAN RUNNING BACKS: Speaking of Ingram, he’s one a few experienced ball carriers that make sense for the Birds.
3. OVER-UNDERS: Jimmy believes that the Eagles’ number at 8.5 is too high, which I agree with.
4. GIVING BACK: Torrey Smith is doing a great job in terms of animal adoption.
5. SUPER BOWL: Angelo Cataldi disagrees with Mayor Kenney that the Sixers will be the next Philadelphia team to win a title. Angelo likes the Eagles to get there first.
Dorial Green-Beckham and Marcus Smith losing post-draft numbers game: David Murphy, Philadelphia Daily News
Marcus Smith could have a tough time making the roster next season:
This one’s obvious, particularly since the Eagles have decided against exercising the 2013 first-rounder's fifth-year option (a decision that was itself fairly obvious). Smith spent all of last season ahead of Means on the depth chart and is actually one year younger than the 2016 training-camp sensation. The training-camp battle will likely be between Smith and McCallister, a developmental guy who spent all last season on injured reserve (albeit not with a tapeworm; if he shows up to camp with the 20+ pounds he needs to add to his frame, it will presumably be through diet and exercise alone).
Moves and Maybe Moves: Tommy Lawlor, Iggles Blitz
Lawlor has some good info on Charles Walker, a defensive tackle that the Eagles signed out of Oklahoma:
Walker is a natural fit in the Eagles scheme. Looks like OU had him playing DE and DT and doing a variety of things (attacking and reading plays). Jim Schwartz will turn him loose and let him attack up the field. Walker had 6 sacks as a Soph. and you know Schwartz loves DL who can get to the QB. From a fit perspective, this can work.
The coaches have to get Walker to play all out, all the time. They also have to hope he stays healthy. The talent is there, but DL with his ability don’t go undrafted unless there are serious questions.
Eagles Film Study: There's a role for Corey Clement in Philadelphia's offense: Jonny Page, Bleeding Green Nation
This is a good look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Wisconsin and Glassboro, New Jersey product and new Eagles undrafted free agent:
Clement isn't a special player and for the most part, he will just get what is blocked for but I do think there's a role for him in this offense. The Eagles offensive line is very good so the Eagles don't need an elite running back, they just need someone with good vision. If the Eagles don't trade for Ingram, I hope they give Clement a chance rather than sign an old veteran with no upside. Even if Clement doesn't make the roster and they trade/sign someone, I hope he stays around on the practice squad where he can learn how to the run out of the shotgun and get better in pass protection.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
Like the new PhillyVoice Sports page on Facebook
