Nice sub-title Flip, should've save the excuse for the upcoming season. "Sucker's School of Fine Arts..Literature..and Edification.
THIS IS THE BEST WE CAN DO RIGHT NOW.
INJURY and the second round of Free Agency leave this open to change. But here's my idea of the best Week One roster based on what we have today
SPECIAL TEAMS: (3)
K: Alex Henery :Only one on the roster
P: Chas Henry :I have no idea why they picked up another body here
LS: Jon Dorenbos :Abracadabra! Dorenbos will make the rookie disappear
OFFENSE: (23)
QB: (3) Michael Vick / Mike Kafka / Trent Edwards :Foles is a 3rd rounder and you hate to part with that, but if Vick is hurt they’ll need a vet
HB: (3) LeSean McCoy / Dion Lewis / Chris Polk :Barring injury Polk has the mental make-up of a team player while Brown does not. (Graig) Cooper offers nothing McCoy and Lewis don’t already. If Polk doesn’t stay healthy in the minis, look for a veteran signing in July
FB: (1) Stanley Havili :He’ll be listed at FB, but you and I know what’s going on
WR: (5) DeSean Jackson / Jeremy Maclin / Jason Avant / Riley Cooper / Marvin McNutt :I know they like Gilyard as a KR and they like Hall in general, but McNutt gives them the option to go tall in both slots and clear out the redzone.
TE: (3) Brent Celek / Clay Harbour / Brett Brackett :Bracket and Ford are the same guy, but Brackett has been on the PS here since November; and not only didn’t they draft a TE, they only signed one undrafted FA at the position. That’s a big nod of confidence in Brackett’s direction
OT: (4) Todd Herremans / Demetress Bell / D.J. Jones / Dennis Kelly :(Note: Jason Peters will be on I.R.) I think Jones beats out Dunlap. I think developing the rookie takes priority over continuing to try squeezing any potential out of Dunlap. I think Dunlap is gone before training camp
G: (3) Evan Mathis / Danny Watkins / Mike Gibson :Gibson is versatile and has been part of this system before (although he had 0 starts here). If they let talent determine the 3rd spot, camp could be interesting
C: (1) Jason Kelce :Zane is just a scare tactic. Kelce has to step it up, and what better way to signal that than bringing in a guy who knows the system, to “compete” for a spot that has changed hands every year since 2009. If Gibson makes the roster, Zane is as good as gone
DEFENSE: (24)
DE: (4) Trent Cole / Jason Babin / Brandon Graham / Vinny Curry :I’ll miss Tapp; and unless Hunt (244lbs) can learn to drop into coverage, I’ll miss him too. I just can’t see them keeping 5 here
DT: (5) Cullen Jenkins / Mike Patterson / Antonio Dixon / Derek Landri / Fletcher Cox :The Eagles have mentioned the idea of using a 3-4 front at times. If they do, then Jenkins, Landri and Cox all fit as excellent 3-4 Ends, with Dixon at the Nose.
OLB: (3) Jamar Chaney / Keenan Clayton / Mychal Kendricks :Fokou and Jordan have to be out of chances by now. I think Rolle, will. Simmons was a college DE but at 226 is way undersized for that role.
ILB: (3) DeMeco Ryans / Casey Matthews / Greg Lloyd :Matthews stays so he can play where he truly fits: ILB in a 3-4 scheme. Lloyd matches Ryans for biggest body at the position, which is necessary in a 3-4
FS: (2) Nate Allen / Tom Nelson :If Anderson isn’t ready by mid-camp, expect to see Nelson stick around if only to fill Anderson’s Special Teams role. Saw some “highlights” of Thomas. He won’t make the Practice Squad.
SS: (2) Kurt Coleman / Jaiquawn Jarrett :Coleman is listed at FS but he doesn’t play there. There are no options here. It’ll be as it was last year. Hopefully they’ll play better.
CB: (5) Nnamdi Asomugha / Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie / Joselio Hanson / D.J. Johnson / Brandon Boykin : Johnson offers the ability to play Safety, Boykin can return kicks. Neither will be a starter, so they’ll likely make the most of their opportunites.
This clears away 30 odd names, so you can now see what's under the soot. This brings the roster to 50 players and with decent depth and some wiggle room to boot.
24 Comments:
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If the Eagles keep 52 they will all be guys on the roster now. Howie Roseman said they have no intention of signing any free agents. so if they do wiggle it will be with their own guys. I don't know how many spots are actually up for grabs yet, but I think Foles makes the team. They wont risk making him a practice squad player so they will either go with three and cut the loser between Kafka and Edwards or they will keep 4 this year. Rarely do they keep 3 Tight Ends. They will stick with two once again. Havili is a long shot to make the team. He has good hands, but he's a suspect blocker. They rarely use the FB anyway. I could see Brown, Cooper, or Polk as a practice squad player. They will keep 4 backs if they go with the FB. I could see them keeping 6 Defensive ends. They love lineman so Tapp still has a shot. Can't see Lloyd making the big roster. I think he's going to the practice squad if he isn't cut. I think they want Boykin to eventually take the slot job from Hanson.
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I figure Havili will make the team because they always have a FB on roster (even if it's only Dan Klecko). Havili is really more of a bigger, slower RB than a FB. That's what I meant by "you and I know what's going on".
I think Lloyd makes the roster because they didn't bring in another ILB and they only have these 3 on the roster now. Depth was problem at this position last year, but what they have, (if what Roseman said holds water) is what they'll have. -
Maybe he's blowing smoke and doesn't wish to tip his hand, but he's been surprisingly upfront with his plans this season. The Eagles as a whole have. They even uncharacteristically let it be known who they were targeting just before the draft started. Maybe Lloyd makes the team, but I wonder if he could beat out a guy like Jordan. Jordan isn't great at anything really, but he can play all linebacker positions if necessary and he can play special teams. The thing that could get him is the fact he's now a veteran and he's making decent money.
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That's what I was saying in THE 12: #6 MORE WEAKSIDE BLITZING, when I was talking about not having to hide our intentions anymore. JJ's defense was predicated on disguising what he was doing. When we ran the 46 Defense teams knew what was coming. Often they even knew who. And that is the mark of mastery.
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I do think the Eagles want to blitz more, play more press man. That's why they traded Asante away. I'm expecting both the linebackers and safeties to be more active around the line of scrimmage. Hopefully Nnamdi can bounce back from his sub par first season and DRC can get back to his pro bowl form after such a terrible season playing the slot. I know there is a lot of feel good about the Eagles right now, but there are a lot of things that still have to fall their way for next season to be a good one.
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LOL! We'll see who'll need the excuses this season. The Cowboys still have "A Defense's Best Friend" at QB. And subtitle is one word.
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The Eagles slill have "A Turnover Waiting To Happen" at QB. Opposing offense's bestiest friend.
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umm.. didn't they JUST sign Dunlap to a pretty nice deal as soon as we lost Jason Peters???? D bell is also a injury hazard waiting to happen, there is no way I see Dunlap not making this team.
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The roster this year will be somewhat cut in stone barring any more injuries or late free agent signings except for a couple of positional battles. Who knows what the Eagles will be looking at when it comes down to it but I am hoping that some of the free agent rookies can separate themselves from the character issues that kept them from being drafted. Seems like Philip Thomas and Cliff Harris both fit this category. From what I read about Harris he was a very good corner and return man (in 2010 he had an incredible year returning punts, 29 returns with an average of 18.8 yards with 4 brought back for touchdowns) before losing his way a bit and being charged with numerous traffic violations. Thomas was tied for 10th in total tackles (82) by defensive backs in Division I and added 6 interceptions despite only playing in 10 games last year due to a suspension because of athletic rules infractions at Syracuse. Mel Kiper says that he has the cover skills of a corner and had him rated as his 6th best safety in the draft. Of course their are flaws along with their character issues...neither ran all that well at the combine or their Pro days and Thomas isn't the biggest of safeties at 5'10, 190 but as deep reserves they both are more intriguing then what the Eagles already have on the roster. Of course if they don't make the team the Eagles may be able to slip them onto the practice squad to mature a little (or a lot) but if they can help the team a bit this year, why not let them? At QB I definitely think that the battle is between Kafka and Edwards. The Eagles didn't draft a quarterback in the 3rd round just to let him get picked up off waivers by some other team. Foles has a spot on this roster especially with the confidence the Eagles have in developing young quarterbacks (didn't say they do it well but they certainly have confidence). I agree with you on the running backs and at guard (Gibson was a nice addition and should allow them to go a little shy on the interior of the offensive line although it wouldn't shock me if 6th round pick Brandon Washington makes the team at his natural position which is where the Eagles plan on using him...some mocks had him going as early as the 2nd round and most analysts said he was an excellent guard before being asked to move over to tackle at Miami where he struggles a little) but unfortunately I think the Eagles will keep Dunlap (and the rookie) at tackle based on his experience and Bell's injury history instead of Jones. Same at linebacker with Jordan (over LLoyd), he has experience at all the linebacker positions and could came in handy in case of injuries or slow developing by the rookie and second year players. I would love to see the rookies step it up and beat out these players we know are nothing more than career backups but every team has and needs some of them. I would bump the number of linebackers up to 7 and that could come down to a battle between Fokou and Clayton and maybe give this spot to Clayton based on his special teams play (or not...maybe we should just call this a toss up). I have already told you my HOPES at safety and corner but will add that the Eagles may choose to keep Hanson on the roster just in case Boykin isn't ready yet but the plan is for Boykin to play the nickel which he did very well at Georgia. Probably not a bad idea until they see what they have but Boykin although small is a very aggressive corner and seems confident and quick enough in his abilites to take on the task. His highlight reel that I saw shows him coming up time and time again to make tackles behind and around the line. Of course the path to the NFL is littered with confident rookies that never pan out so just like I stated when I started this, who really knows what the Eagles will be looking at? Should be exciting finding out.
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There's certainly room for guys like Jordan or Rolle to make the 53 man final list; but I think rookies Foles, and Ford are practice squad bound if only due to being eligible. Guys like Lloyd, D.J. Johnson and Mike Gibson are examples of guys the Eagles may WANT to put on the PS but can't due to the new CBA rules.
My guesses about the roster are predicated on the prevailing notion that Reid MUST produce a team that goes deep into the playoffs. Personally I don't think he's under such pressure. I've said as much for years now as all evidence points towards this. (See: Nick Foles; Draft pick; 3rd rounder.) I think Reid will need at least 2 years like last year, for Lurie to put him on a hot seat.
I'm waiting to see what gets said about Dennis Kelly. I think a lot of how the O-Line shakes out has to do with whether or not they feel they can move Dunlap. To learn Mudds system means you have to play in it. PS guys don't do that. That means Kelly has to stay active to pan out. If he's shaky, Dunlap stays and the O-Line likely consumes an extra roster spot. This has ripple effect.
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I agree with you about Reid. He claims that some of the moves he has made like the Foles move are because it would be selfish of him to only worry about the present but I think he isn't overly worried that he won't have a job at the end of this year.
Foles would have to make it through waivers to make it to the practice squad and I can't see the Eagles taking that chance with their third round pick. They have been kind of sneaky getting the players they want on the practice squad by waiving some of them early when the rosters are still somewhat full but I doubt they would do this with Foles. I would guess that there would be many teams willing to give him a roster spot due to his upside and potential not to mention that any team could take him at any time during the year from the Eagles as long as they keep him on their roster for the year. Too many 3rd string quarterbacks in the NFL who are only on rosters because there isn't anyone else available right now.
I haven't heard too much about Kelly and was disappointed when the Eagles drafted him. There was an all around running back who returns kicks (Cyrus Gray) and a big safety (George Iloka) who was high on most lists (weak list) available at the time and the Eagles could have covered another need but according to them Kelly was someone Mudd really liked. After watching him with Kelce who are we to question the move? LOL. I did read an article by Tommy Lawlor who writes the fan article on Eagles.com and he stated that the Eagles made a good choice and he couldn't understand why Kelly wasn't invited to the combine. He typed that he liked Kelly much more than Matt McCants and Zebrie Sanders who were both over-matched at the Senior Bowl. He typed that he fits Mudd's system well and will have the time he needs to develop. Made me feel a little better about the choice but only time will tell. -
You guys are too worried about all this. It's still too early to see how it pans out. I think there will be some surprises, but all the draft picks will make the roster. I can't see a reason why they wont unless they screw up big time. Remember the Eagles can also hide a guy or two on the phantom IR injury. They guys they want will be Eagles in some form.
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Not worried at all, Eazy. Just discussing what we feel may happen and why. Forgot about the "phantom" injuries and the IR. We have seen that happen from time to time.
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I see your point. You know there is a possibility the Jamar Chaney ends up a backup player. That's quite a shock, but judging by what has happened this off-season ( trading for Ryans and making Kendricks the SAM)the Eagles don't seem to be that high in Chaney. We shouldn't just assume Chaney has the WIL locked up. I think he's quietly fallen out of favor for this team. Don't get me wrong. He makes tackles, but he's shown to be a coverage liability, and he never makes tackles for loss. That means he has trouble recognizing plays. I don't think he is a proper fit for the position and I would not be surprised if he ended up being a backup.
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What else is there to discuss this time of the season?
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I can see the folks who dont like
basketball or baseball clearly -
Waiting for the Sixers game at 9:30 with baited breath. Big fan of both teams in this round so I was going to be happy REGARDLESS of how this series turned out.
Huge Phils fan too, but I tend to pay more attention after the break. Before then, managers give guys time off quicker, and are more likely to rest a sore player than they are to sit an injured one after July.
As long as a team is still hanging around .500, and no one has run away with your division; the playoff tend to still be a realistic goal. You have to play some pretty awful pre-break baseball to already know that October means you'll be home to watch "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" with your kids. -
I think football brings more of an excitement, when we understands each positions a player is cut out for. The most intriguing is whether the player fits the schemes called for or not. Not all players comes in the NFL, and makes the team, due to certain styles of coaching. We've seen players that didn't do well for some teams, but have done exceptionally well with others. So any football enthusiasts are more incline to discuss the nature's of their teams benefits as to which player(s) do well at key positions, whether they're rookies or veterans from another team. And whether or not they're an upgrade to boost their respective positions. I believe the best part is college players entering the draft and teams picking them up to add into their list of players, to decide if their first 3 picks will be the players they've been looking for.
I've a favorite Baseball or Basketball team, but aren't much into them as I am with Football. Although it's a violent sport, it's still a game that isn't meant to intentionally break bones, but commends each player to be a good sportsman of the game. It's not the violence that I like about Football, it's the shear power that each teams coaches brings to the gridiron, projecting their styling and profiling with their players out on the field and the match and mismatch with play callings. I like the thrills and adrenaline rush, when the Eagles have 2 to 3 touchdown lead or our defense shuts down teams on 3rd and out. Even at the most critical point when we're behind and have a chance. It's not so much as the generalities, but what goes into the play that makes it that much more exciting, at each game, every seasons.
Sorry if this was out of topics, I like ur assessment of the 50 man roster which leaves 3 empty spot to decide for positional strengths of upgrades or rotational targets. Nice layout, birdflipper.
Note: The above statement is my opinion on why I like Football, than I do Baseball and Basketball. My apologies once again. -
thats Ok I have a buddy who loves wrestling?? why??? ill never know?? his right
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Seems there's a growing consensus (more like common sense) among who will make the 53:
http://phillysportsnut.com/the-philadelphia-eagles-final-53-man-roster-prediction/
If there are players who didn't make this list or mine, it may be time to stare VERY hard in the mirror at themselves. -
i guess
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CB D.J. Johnson won't be an Eagle, and Patterson I get the feeling may end up on the PUP list/IR.
Other than that, my picks are still on target.
Who do you think will make the cut? -
Lots of movement means updated version coming.
THE EAGLES HOT 25
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