OT: Philadelphia Eagles (NFL): Offseason Edition: Eagles Select 13th Overall

[Protest]

I'd also say that I'm on board to get a WR that can catch the ball. I don't think speed plagued this offense at all; it was CATCHING the ball. How many times have you watched Bradford throw a very good pass only to be dropped by Matthews, Agholor, Miles, Ertz...every single one of them, basically.

Yep.. Cooper, Huff, other Matthews, Sproles even....basically everyone except Celek, and surprisingly Murray. I'd also leave out Ertz. He had some drops, but was also probably the most consistent and reliable receiver. The drops were unacceptable this year. Matthews was the only receiver who seemed to get it figured out, but not after a horrible, what? half season? Hopefully 1) he doesn't go through that next season, and 2) Agholor improves on really an unacceptable rookie campaign. They still need another receiver though. Matthews can't be your number 1.

 

[TheSpectrum]

For the sake of debate on what they need:

4) Why Celek? What has he done other than produce when it's thrown to him?

I'd also say that I'm on board to get a WR that can catch the ball. I don't think speed plagued this offense at all; it was CATCHING the ball. How many times have you watched Bradford throw a very good pass only to be dropped by Matthews, Agholor, Miles, Ertz...every single one of them, basically.

Ertz rated as one of the better blocking TEs this year by PFF (I don't know how but he did). He needs to see the field more, he might be their best weapon going into 2016. If you plant to play Ertz more at this point Celek becomes expandable and you can address the back-up TE option via Trey Burton (who I like) and/or a late draft pick/rookie FA. Celek's contributions at this point are merely blocking, you can find that via a number of different ways

Catching the ball is a problem no questions asked. Outside of Agholor who showcased very little this year I believe they lack a vertical threat. Huff has speed but he is more of a catch and run kind of player. The speed I refer to is that similar of Desean Jackson. A guy that can stretch the defense and open up room in the middle of the field. It just felt that the Eagles were playing a game inside of a shoe box for most of the year with the way defenses played them.

 

[klutch]

Offseason Moves

1.) Make Murray the focus of the offense next year.
2.) Focus highly on the OL rebuilding
3.) Trade off Matthews or Sproles for picks
4.) Draft or sign a reliable WR (someone mentioned somebody like Floyd)
5.) Resign Bradford for 1 or 2 years max for now. See how he does with a new head coach and a rebuilding OL
6.) Go to the 4-3 defense and make some slight upgrades. As bad as the defense was this year I think it needs some touches but the hurry up 3 and out offense wasn't doing them justice.

I'm not a GM by any means but I think these things would help. I also believe it's all steps forward for the Eagles.

 

[YEM]

I'm leaning toward letting them bottom out now
as in, let bradford walk & start finding the next QB now

 

[DrinkFightFlyers]

I'm leaning toward letting them bottom out now
as in, let bradford walk & start finding the next QB now

Yeah. Given that we have a new coach, I'm all for drafting a QB and rolling with them. That being said, I don't think this is the best year to do that. There's a lot of hype around Paxton Lynch, and in the two games I remember seeing (the bowl game and the Ole Miss game) he looked good in one and not so good in the other, so I'm not sure about him but his name is popping up all over. Connor Cook I've seen a lot of and my love for him is (or should be, or will be) well known in these parts. I'd be all about drafting him in the first, especially if they can trade back and pick up a second in the process. Other than those two, I don't think there's a QB I'd take in the first where the Birds are picking. Goff I think I would take but I'm thinking he'll be gone by the team the birds pick. The NDSU I have never seen and I don't know how I'd feel about drafting a 1AA QB with a first round pick. I don't think Sackenberg is a first round talent, and PSU QBs never seem to work out for whatever reason.

Depending on the situation I think it makes the most sense to draft an OL with the way things stand at this point. If you can pick up a second or if a QB falls that you aren't expecting, then ok.

 

[BrindamoursNose]

Offseason Moves

1.) Make Murray the focus of the offense next year.
2.) Focus highly on the OL rebuilding
3.) Trade off Matthews or Sproles for picks
4.) Draft or sign a reliable WR (someone mentioned somebody like Floyd)
5.) Resign Bradford for 1 or 2 years max for now. See how he does with a new head coach and a rebuilding OL
6.) Go to the 4-3 defense and make some slight upgrades. As bad as the defense was this year I think it needs some touches but the hurry up 3 and out offense wasn't doing them justice.

I'm not a GM by any means but I think these things would help. I also believe it's all steps forward for the Eagles.

Are you referring to Jordan Matthews? or Ryan Mathews?

 

[LegionOfDoom91]

I think Cook's really the only QB this year that could come in & play right away at a decent level. I just question how good will he be in the long run. I'm not sure if he has the arm strength to be a legitimate top tier QB so I'm not really liking him at #13 & imagine he'll be gone by their next pick.

I'm not crazy about Bradford but I think they should bring him back for a year or two to keep the seat warm if possible. So essentially re-sign Bradford & draft a developmental QB in the third round or so is probably what I would do.

 

[LegionOfDoom91]

Maclin had 1 drop in 120 targets best in the league on that front according to PFF.

 

[klutch]

Are you referring to Jordan Matthews? or Ryan Mathews?

Ryan, sorry. I don't think we need 3 RB's now. Esp when your number one is murray. However, Jordan I wasn't exactly thrilled with. He could be a good #2. They need a playmaking #1. Alshon Jefferies wants out of bears. Could be a perfect fit. Let Celek walk, play Ertz.

 

[klutch]

Yeah. Given that we have a new coach, I'm all for drafting a QB and rolling with them. That being said, I don't think this is the best year to do that. There's a lot of hype around Paxton Lynch, and in the two games I remember seeing (the bowl game and the Ole Miss game) he looked good in one and not so good in the other, so I'm not sure about him but his name is popping up all over. Connor Cook I've seen a lot of and my love for him is (or should be, or will be) well known in these parts. I'd be all about drafting him in the first, especially if they can trade back and pick up a second in the process. Other than those two, I don't think there's a QB I'd take in the first where the Birds are picking. Goff I think I would take but I'm thinking he'll be gone by the team the birds pick. The NDSU I have never seen and I don't know how I'd feel about drafting a 1AA QB with a first round pick. I don't think Sackenberg is a first round talent, and PSU QBs never seem to work out for whatever reason.

Depending on the situation I think it makes the most sense to draft an OL with the way things stand at this point. If you can pick up a second or if a QB falls that you aren't expecting, then ok.

I have a strong feeling Hackenburg goes to the Texans with his old coach.

 

[LegionOfDoom91]

I have a strong feeling Hackenburg goes to the Texans with his old coach.

I think it's more realistic now then it once. The Texans making the playoffs likely bought BOB more time now going forward. Hack's gonna need to sit the bench for a couple of years & retune himself. His mechanics & footwork regressed badly under Franklin & his staff compared to with BOB.

He's probably a worthwhile gamble for BOB at this point.

 

[Protest]

Yeah. Given that we have a new coach, I'm all for drafting a QB and rolling with them. That being said, I don't think this is the best year to do that

Yep. Same thing as when Chip took over. It's a draft with no QB talent...or I guess I should say it's second tier QB talent. I agree about trading back and picking up a second unless someone unexpected falls.

Also, (related to the other posters) you're not getting Bradford on a one year prove it deal unless you franchise him. This was his one year prove it deal and he proved it. Someone will throw a contract at him because of the lack of QB talent in the league. The best you can hope for with him is to sign him to a big deal with an out after 2-3 years or a deal that is incentive laden. I'm not sure how likely that is to happen thougj now that the team is coachless.

 

[klutch]

I think it's more realistic now then it once. The Texans making the playoffs likely bought BOB more time now going forward. Hack's gonna need to sit the bench for a couple of years & retune himself. His mechanics & footwork regressed badly under Franklin & his staff compared to with BOB.

He's probably a worthwhile gamble for BOB at this point.

Agreed. He's a risk worth taking if your the Texans. Didn't BOB coach Brady for years? I always said if he stayed at PSU hack would of been a lot better

 

[LegionOfDoom91]

Agreed. He's a risk worth taking if your the Texans. Didn't BOB coach Brady for years? I always said if he stayed at PSU hack would of been a lot better

He did but Brady was a HoF caliber QB before & after he was there. He did implement a multiple TE set in NE that took their offense to a higher level though. I think the biggest notch under his belt to date would be Matt McGloin. McGloin wasn't even a serviceable college QB let alone NFL training camp invite worthy prior to BOB getting there. McGlion not only had a pretty good 5th year in college but he got a shot with the Raiders afterwards & is still on their roster today.

BOB's a pretty good offensive mind, other areas might be questionable but not so much there.

 

[Hollywood Cannon]

Please don't let this be true:

We all know Vegas stories can get extremely crazy involving celebrities. This is going to sound wild, and maybe hard to believe, but this is what we’re hearing regarding Johnny Manziel.

Our sources tell us Manziel was at a popular night club on the strip Saturday night. The QB entered wearing a blonde wig, a fake mustache, glasses, and a hoodie. Manziel introduced himself as “Billy.”

He was there into the 3am hour and when it came time to pay the bill, he asked to have it comped because he didn’t bring cash and also didn’t want to put it on his card. However, the sources tell us he ended up paying with his card and signing the check. By 3am he appeared to be enjoying the party scene that Vegas is known to offer.

The club had Manziel and his crew placed at a VIP table close to the DJ booth. The table is located in one of the darkest areas of the club. Manziel dined at the club’s restaurant before going to the nightclub. He was seated at the most private area in the restaurant, which is still out in the open. And yes, he ate with his wig and glasses on.

https://www.facebook.com/ESPNLasVegas/posts/330734480383733

 

[cheesesteakarmor]

Ryan, sorry. I don't think we need 3 RB's now. Esp when your number one is murray. However, Jordan I wasn't exactly thrilled with. He could be a good #2. They need a playmaking #1. Alshon Jefferies wants out of bears. Could be a perfect fit. Let Celek walk, play Ertz.

Did Celek really fall off that far? He was always a solid TE.

 

[Schwarbomb]

Did Celek really fall off that far? He was always a solid TE.

Could be a cap casualty. 5 million dollars with no dead money if cut loose.

 

[klutch]

Did Celek really fall off that far? He was always a solid TE.

Can block, great hands, sub par speed I think being the issue. Not really a threat in the passing game IMO. Ertz who is faster has also proved his blocking ability this year. I wouldn't mind Celek for the 2 TE set though.

 

[klutch]

Please don't let this be true:



https://www.facebook.com/ESPNLasVegas/posts/330734480383733

As much as everyone hates and complains about manziel, I think it's kinda hilarious. He's gotten so many warnings and complaints from the organization that he went full on crazy disguise mode to get away with it

"Win or lose we still booze" - Johnny Football

 

[BrindamoursNose]

Did Celek really fall off that far? He was always a solid TE.

Not at all. He was targeted 35 times, caught the ball 27 and had 0 drops. He did his part well. Hell, he's still probably better than Ertz as a receiver, but he's necessary for blocking purposes.

If he gets cut for money, I'd understand, but there's no reason to drop Celek. If you do, then you need to find a good backup at TE. You'd be creating a problem by cutting him.

 

[StevensCakeBakerBacker]

Not at all. He was targeted 35 times, caught the ball 27 and had 0 drops. He did his part well. Hell, he's still probably better than Ertz as a receiver, but he's necessary for blocking purposes.

If he gets cut for money, I'd understand, but there's no reason to drop Celek. If you do, then you need to find a good backup at TE. You'd be creating a problem by cutting him.

Agreed.

Don't know where the celek bashing has come from, he was solid this year. The guy is so fun to watch when he gets the ball, just runs straight into defenders.

 

[Protest]

He is not better than Ertz as a receiver. Celek has become a guy that gets his number called because no one is expecting him too. Most of those catches were made with no one around him, which isn't a knock it just shows that no one respects him in the passing game anymore. I wouldn't move him because he's still a better blocker than Ertz and he's got pronably the best hands on the team at this point. The only reason I see him going is because of his cap number, not his play.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Offseason Moves

1.) Make Murray the focus of the offense next year.
2.) Focus highly on the OL rebuilding
3.) Trade off Matthews or Sproles for picks
4.) Draft or sign a reliable WR (someone mentioned somebody like Floyd)
5.) Resign Bradford for 1 or 2 years max for now. See how he does with a new head coach and a rebuilding OL
6.) Go to the 4-3 defense and make some slight upgrades. As bad as the defense was this year I think it needs some touches but the hurry up 3 and out offense wasn't doing them justice.

I'm not a GM by any means but I think these things would help. I also believe it's all steps forward for the Eagles.

1. Agree, but they'll need to change from a shotgun heavy offense to an I formation offense.

2. That would be my focus in round 1. There are a ton of good linemen.

3. Murray is injury prone, I like having Matthews as a backup. Sproles is such a good special teamer that it makes sense to keep him around if just for that.

4. Rather sign a guy to help mentor the younger guys but I wouldn't mind taking a flyer on a guy like Fuller if he's there in the 3rd round.

5. If Bradford would sign a 2 year deal, he'd be signed by now. You're looking at a 5 year deal with a ton of guaranteed money. A team like Houston would be a great landing spot for Bradford and I'm sure he'll play the Eagles and Houston off each other. He's getting paid and paid a lot.

6. Not sure I want to switch back to a 4-3. They just spent 3 years transitioning to a 3-4 and have started to finally get the LBers needed for the system. What they need is a pass rushing OLB opposite Barwin and they'll be fine.

 

[sa cyred]

He is not better than Ertz as a receiver. Celek has become a guy that gets his number called because no one is expecting him too. Most of those catches were made with no one around him, which isn't a knock it just shows that no one respects him in the passing game anymore. I wouldn't move him because he's still a better blocker than Ertz and he's got pronably the best hands on the team at this point. The only reason I see him going is because of his cap number, not his play.

Agreed. Ertz is easily the better receiver. I wouldnt be sad if they dropped him or sad if they kept him. He is fine coming in to block at times and in the 2 TE sets. That being said, he has slowed down ALOT and can't shake loose his coverage. He wasn't targeted alot because he couldnt get open. Ertz is athletic enough to get open and while he can drop the ball at times, can put on dominate performances.

I wouldnt be opposed to looking in the mid rounds for a backup TE.

 

[sa cyred]

So seems like facebook and philly.com want to the Eagles to hire Shurmur for the sheer fact that they will keep Bradford.

I like Bradford and would look to have him for a short term deal, but you dont take a coach to just keep Bradford. There are a ton of sharp great minds out there over Pat Shurmur.