According to a report on ESPN.com the Philadelphia Eagles have traded away a pair of their linebackers to the Indianapolis Colts. Both Moise Fokou and Greg Lloyd will now play for the team that is no longer Peyton’s. In exchange for the duo the Eagles have received third-year cornerback Kevin Thomas and a 2013 conditional seventh-round pick.
Thomas (6’0″-192) was a third-round pick by the Colts in the 2010 draft and spent the majority of his rookie campaign on injured reserve with a knee injury. In 2011 he bounced back to play in nine games, starting in five of those games, and recorded 33 tackles and three knockdowns.
In three seasons with the Eagles Fokou has gained some solid starting experience starting 22 games for the Birds. Lloyd is one of those guys who is said to have tremendous upside.
The biggest question in regards to this trade is where Thomas fits in. Philadelphia already has their starters in Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie. To wrap up the players who are assured a roster spot this season is fourth-round draft pick Brandon Boykin. That leaves Joselio Hanson, Trevard Lindley, Curtis Marsh, Brandon Hughes and Cliff Harris all competing for a spot on the Eagles roster.
Joselio Hanson is the most polished nickel and longest tenured corner on the squad. He is and among the best in the league to play the nickel position. Does that mean he’s a lock for the upcoming season? Absolutely not. Does it give him a definite edge over his competition? Yes it does. But make no mistake about it, if one of the more youthful players displays the maturity and ability to man the position it could mean Hanson’s days are numbered wearing Midnight Green.
Second year coordinator Juan Castillo has shown that he isn’t shying away from his 2011 tactics so far in training camp. He’s moved guys around putting Asomugha at the slot position and had Curtis Marsh running on the outside. Cliff Harris, who went undrafted, has opened a lot of eyes already and is a strong candidate to make the team. That leaves Hughes and Lindley as the two lone players who really need to step up their game throughout the rest of camp and four preseason games.
But with all of that said, it’s anybody’s game. Other than Asomugha, DRC and Boykin, each of the remaining cornerbacks currently on the roster will have their chance to shine bright enough to tease the minds of the Eagles coaching staff — that includes Thomas!
Who makes the 53 man roster? We all have our suspicions, but only the front office truly knows.
Original Story:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Philly...
|
August 02, 2012
