http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/2204 Recent articles about Todd Herremans en-us According to New Era Scouting, Eagles right guard Shawn Andrews is the 5th best guard in the entire NFL. Ahead of him on the list are Eric Steinbach of the Browns, Steve Hutchinson of the Vikings, Alan Faneca of the Jets, and Brian Waters of the Chiefs. Rounding out the top ten are Leonard Davis [...] Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:21:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284469 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284469 This past Saturday many players from the Eagles took part in a fashion show to help raise money for the United Way of Camden County. They joined up with Chio and the Morning Show from Wired 96.5, and put on the show at G Lounge. Donovan McNabb, Correll Buckhalter, Todd Herremans, Hank Baskett, Chris Gocong, [...] Tue, 17 Jun 2008 19:50:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279138 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279138 This in depth analysis of the offensive line includes the projected starters for the upcoming season, statistics and injuries from the past season, an overview of players on the line and an outlook for the 2008 season. Thu, 08 May 2008 12:01:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/264806 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/264806 Ok Eagles fans... it's time to talk about the big men (and no I am not talking about Andy Reid). Todd Heremanns vs Max Jean-Gilles. Who is going to get the nod this year? "Herremans, a two-year starter whose play slipped a bit last season, cracked the Eagles starting lineup as a rookie in 2005 in place of injured left tackle Tra Thomas." "Jean-Gilles, about to enter his third year, didn't play his first NFL down until Week 3 of last season, replacing a banged-up Shawn Andrews at right guard." Can Jean-Gilles get his weight under control and beat out Herremans this year? It remains to be seen, but should be heated battle come July 21st when the Birds open up for training camp. Wed, 07 May 2008 10:13:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/264250 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/264250 The coaching staff made it plain at the end of 2007 that they weren't overwhelmed by his play, and that gargantuan Max Jean-Gilles would get every opportunity to unseat Herremans this year." Good because I dont think he is that good. click for full story Tue, 06 May 2008 06:54:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/263828 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/263828 Here is the transcript of the conference call that the Eagles had with DeSean Jackson for Philadelphia-area reporters: On what it feels like to be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles: "It's a blessing, a dream come true. The Philadelphia Eagles were high on my list. I felt like I had a connection with the program, [head coach] Andy Reid and the rest of the coaches. It's a dream come true and I am ready to get in there as soon as possible and make great things happen for the team." On what the connection was between him and Reid: "I felt like we had a good eye-to-eye conversation. He let me know how he felt about me and he just said he needed an explosive wide receiver that could come in and return kicks and punts. I informed him that I thought I was that guy to come in there and do some great things." On whether he was aware that it normally takes wide receivers a few years to blossom in this system: "Mostly, I spoke with [Dave Culley] the wide receiver coach. He just spent time breaking down the offense when I went on my private trip there to visit the team. The offense looks like a great offense to be a part of. I am just very excited for the opportunity I am getting." On whether he was surprised that he lasted as long as he did on the first day of the draft: "I definitely was. I felt like I would go higher than I did, but God had a plan for me and I knew it would be a team that would pick me up and put me in a great position. Like I said, everything happens for a reason and I think this is going to be a great fit for me." On how often people bring up his size and what he thinks about that: "I have been hearing about that all my life. It has been something to motivate me. Sitting back and waiting for my name to be called, I kind of figured that a lot of people were afraid of my size. Like I tell everybody else, my heart is bigger than my size and I play larger than I really am. It is just something that I will keep having to go through in my career, but I am ready to compete right away." On whether he will play with a chip on his shoulder because a few teams passed on him: "I definitely feel like that will motivate me. I just know I have to come to the Eagles ready to play, I will expect a lot of myself. I have sat back the past few weeks and saw [CB] Asante Samuel added to that secondary with [FS] Brian Dawkins. They have [RB] Brian Westbrook and [WB] Donovan McNabb. Those are some awesome names to be a part of. I am going to come in right away and try to compete and just get better as soon as possible." On how long he has been working with Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice: "I have been working with him for the past two months. He is a great mentor of mine. He has been teaching me a lot of things about running routes and being ready for the competition at the next level. He told me to study my playbook, keep my body healthy and so much more. Like I said, it has been an honor for me to be able to work with one of the best wide receivers in the game." On how they got together: "I am actually signed with DeBartolo Sports and Entertainment, so he is signed with them too. That is how I got to meet him." On why he was able to have success in college returning punts: "I am very confident. I can just sit back there and catch the football no matter where it is kicked. I can field punts and I am able to see the whole field. I can see my blockers and make great moves from there. Once I see a seam, I am going to hit it and take it the distance." On whether there is anything else that separates him from other returners: "I just feel like - even with the draft, I just felt like I was ready, just waiting for someone else to show confidence in me. The Philadelphia Eagles are a perfect fit for me and it's an honor and a blessing to be able to be their pick." On what he thinks will be the biggest adjustment from college to the NFL: "Coming in and working hard. I have to face every team. It's a long season, I hear from a lot of people in the NFL. I have to study playbooks and go to film sessions. I have to keep my body healthy. It is going to be a big transition for me, but I feel like I can come in and produce right away." On whether he thinks it will be harder to adjust to the return game or to playing the wide receiver: "I think both of them will be challenging. Coming in and being an impact wide receiver right away and coming in and returning kicks right way will both be challenging. That is something that I expect from myself. I expect nothing but the best things. I just feel like I am capable of making great things happen for the team. I am going to hope for the best and certainly come in prepared and ready to work." TREVOR LAWS Here is the transcript of the conference call that the Eagles had with Trevor Laws for Philadelphia-area reporters: On whether he had much contact with the Eagles coming into the draft: "Yes, I talked to a couple of guys. I had some great interviews with the guys. It's a surprise, though. It's a big surprise; I'm thrilled about it." On why he is surprised: "I would be surprised anywhere. Going through the draft process, not knowing what's going to happen, you can go anywhere. It's amazing that I'm going to be up there in Philly. It's awesome." On the situation at defensive tackle: "I looked at their roster a little bit, but I see there is a position for me to contribute. There is an opportunity for me to get in there and compete with some guys. I think it's a pretty good place for me." On whether he plays defensive end or defensive tackle: "I would definitely say I'm a tackle." On whether he has played any defensive end: "I played end in a 3-4 scheme, but in Philadelphia , who plays a 4-3, I'm definitely an inside guy." On who he talked to the most when he visited with the Eagles: "The whole staff. We sat down for a little bit and talked to a few people. They were some pretty positive meetings." On how close he is with DE Victor Abiamiri: "We're real close friends. We were roommates for over a year. I talk to him on a weekly basis almost. It's really exciting to go to the same team as him." On what his day was like: "It's nerve-wracking, but the moment your name is called, it's just amazing. It's the moment you've been waiting for, for so long. I'm just beaming right now." On what it was like when he got the phone call from the Eagles: "A lot of Eagles staff and [head] coach [Andy] Reid and a couple of different people. It was surreal. It feels great." On who the first person was that he talked to: "I think Coach Reid. As soon as the phone [rang], my whole family mobbed me, so it was kind of hard to hear, but it was a great situation." On whether he was worried that his stock would drop in the draft after Notre Dame struggled: "Yes, definitely. But, I think with my strong Senior Bowl and combine performances, teams kind of looked through the season and saw the player I really was." On where he is right now: "I'm in Minnesota right now at my parents' house." Sun, 27 Apr 2008 07:30:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259952 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259952 You guys know I don't ever say something unless I truley believe it... I've never been for the WR rumors before the draft but read on.... Hmmm is Philadelphia the only city that realizes that our All-Pro CB Lito Sheppard is still an Eagle? I mean you can't find info anywhere about this. After long speculations for the last few months comming into the draft, the Eagles did not trade Lito Sheppard. YET.... What they did do however was trade out of the 19th pick for Carolina 1st round next year which will be a pretty good pick. Our Philadelphia Eagles now have some leverage Look at my scenarios.......... 1st Scenario- (THE ONE WE ALL HOPE FOR) We now have both Lito Sheppard and two first rounds to dangle in front of any team with a #1 WR R. Williams, A.Bolden, C. Johnson We keep one 1st round pick and trade Lito the a 1st for any of those guys and become the instant favorite out of the NFC EAST......... in addition WE WIN NOW 2nd Scenario- (Ehh not exactly what we want but it'll work) We keep Lito and our picks go into the season with whatever we have and have the best CB tadem in the NFL by far. The positive is we get to see what its like to have two #1 CBs on the same team the negative is they'll have to pick up for the slack the because the offense wont be as productive without a true force. The end result we have two 1st rounders for next yr and we still have a solid team that can compete for a superbowl 3rd Scenario-(This one is a bummer) We trade Lito for a future 2nd and a 4th make no strong additions and us Birds fans feel like we did last year after the draft. I know you didn't expect me to be the one to say we can get a #1 WR but can you blame me the draft does this to people and at the end of the day I JUST WANNA WINNA Sun, 27 Apr 2008 06:59:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259948 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/259948 Positions of need WR, OL, DL, S Needs Analysis: Veteran S Brian Dawkins is 34 and coming off an injury-plagued season. Quintin Mikell is an adequate player but lacks star quality. Safety is an integral position in the Eagles' defense, and finding a young, dynamic playmaker is important. Another vital spot in the Eagles' pressure defense is at DE. Trent Cole is firmly established on one side, but the team needs to find a second pass-rusher off the edge. Offensively, the Eagles still are searching for a No. 1 wide receiver to help QB Donovan McNabb, and they could use a young OT to eventually replace aging veterans Jon Runyan and William Thomas. Round 1, Pick 19 (19) Round 2, Pick 18 (49) Round 3, Pick 17 (80) Round 4, Pick 16 (115) Round 4, Pick 32 (131) (Compensatory selection) Round 5, Pick 17 (152) Round 6, Pick 18 (184) Round 6, Pick 25 (191) (From Browns) Round 6, Pick 34 (200) (Compensatory selection) Round 6, Pick 37 (203) (Compensatory selection) Round 7, Pick 23 (230) (From Seahawks) Sun, 06 Apr 2008 08:40:51 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/230139 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/230139 I know everyone wants a WR and I would like to see and upgrade as well, however we need to support our guys. I am anxious too, but damn yawl. I think we can really do something special with our current players. Let's at least show them we have their back!!! (I just watched the Vince Papale story again I love that movie!!! seen it like 20 times) That movie inspired this post. QB-MAC5 is 100%---- Him not being healthy last year affected the WR's as well. HB-B WESTY----------Best back in the League hands down!!! FB-----------------------If Klecko wins the job he will help keep Mac5 standing up and open huge holes for B Westy. WR---- BASKETT 6 foot 2-220 pounds--Ex-High Jumper. Needs to get out of FAT BOYS doghouse. I think he has a break-out year. Jason Avant has great hands and nice size should have a good year. Curtis will do what he does and may be in the slot if Baskett and Avant STEP UP!!!!! O-Line---MJG should win job over Todd H. DEFENSE IS GONNA BE DOWN RIGHT NASTY!!!! NO MATTER WHO PLAYS CB OR SAFETY!! The offense will be o.k. with or without a DIVA AT THE WR position. SO GO AHEAD AND TELL ME HOW CRAZY I AM. GO BIRDS, GO BIRDS, GOOOOOOOOOOO BIRDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:30:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/213389 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/213389 The Eagles will not sign Faneca. Why you ask? Shawn Andrews,Todd Herremans,Max Jean-Gilles. All 3 of the fore mentioned players are considerably younger than Faneca. The Eagles will not move PRO BOWL GUARD Shawn Andrews. Todd Herremans was drafted by this front office and has played solid and stayed healthy. IF Herremans is benched it would be for 2nd year guard Max Jean-Gilles, another player hand selected by this front office. Faneca is the top guard in this years free agent class, meaning he will be one of the highest paid guards this offseason. The Philadelphia Eagles will not pay big money to add a 31 year old to an already deep, good, young guard group. You dont pay big money to get older at a deep position when Phillys money could be spent on younger, better players at weaker positions. Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:06:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/168191 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/168191 i love this guys breakdowns!! and he's right about them setting up massive holes for BWEST to move !!!! say what u want about the o-line, yeah i remember when they forgot to get on the bus a few times for some games, but for the most part they have done the job..... The Philadelphia Eagles have emphasized both sides of the line of scrimmage as key points in the Andy Reid era. The Eagles have spent 13 draft picks since 2000 on offensive lineman. Looking at the selections the picks have developed two starters in Shawn Andrews and Todd Herremans. The Eagles have also spent countless picks on players who never developed into solid NFL players like Trey Darilek, Bobbie Williams, Adrian Clarke, John Frank among others. Going back to 1998 you'll also find current tackle William "Tra" Thomas and Jamaal Jackson was an undrafted free agent. Jon Runyan is the only starter not developed through the draft in the Eagles system. Current projects like Winston Justice and Max-Jean Gilles are both too early in their career to pass judgment. I guess what we can take away from this is the Eagles have struck gold with some picks, but it is tough to find quality linemen in the league. It's a hit or miss proposition but the Eagles busts have been in the later rounds so to that effect things have worked out well. Now to take a look at the Eagles O-line. The offensive line set up massive holes for both Buck and Westbrook to run through on a historic rushing season for the Birds but was at times depleted by injury and vulnerable in pass protection. Were the problems a result of injuries creating a lack of continuity or a greater problem that needs to be addressed? Tackles: The Eagles offensive tackle position has been settled in by long-time rocks Jon Runyan and the artist formely known as Tra Thomas, the duo has been teaming up to bookend the line since Runyan's signing in 2000. The duo has been phenomenal in protecting Donovan and his backup for most of their career but recent years is seeing age catch up to the ends. Runyan (34) and Thomas (33) have a lot of miles on their tires and injuries are taking their toll on the duo. Recent years with the picks of Shawn Andrews, Winston Justice, and Max-Jean Gilles are starting to prepare for the post Runyan-Tra era. Winston Justice was coveted by fans and draft experts as a steal when drafted in the second round by Philadelphia. Projected that year to be a possible top ten pick character issues had Winston fall down the board. Winston's defining moment to date was Osi Umenyiora's destruction of him on a Sunday night game earlier this season. Many fans were calling Winston a bust immediately after the game and while it certainly didn't help, judging a 2nd year player by a game against the league's premiere young pass-rusher isn't fair. The Eagles hung poor Winston out to dry all game long refusing to get blocking help from a tight end or running back. The jury is still out on Winston. Guards: The Eagles may be old and near the time to reload at tackle but the Eagles have struck gold with solid guards for years to come. Pro-Bowler Shawn Andrews (25) is now the anchor on the line. Former Division 2 standout from Saginaw Valley State Todd Herremans (25) has been a reliable member of the line now since his drafting. Max Jean Gilles showed promise when getting playing time and could possibly insert himself into the starting lineup when Runyan/Thomas move on with Andrews or Herremans moving outside. Former BYU standout Scott Young is the other backup on the depth chart and has been around for three seasons. While not getting much playing time he has stuck around for a few years beating out many challengers in training camp. I can't say I see any potential for starting down the line and Young is probably a career backup. Centers: The Eagles let go of fan favorite Hank "Jiggles" Fraley two seasons ago in a trade to make room for current starter Jamaal Jackson. Jackson has impressed management so much he got a seven year contract extension and will be the center for years to come. Jackson doesn't get the spotlight the other members of the line do but he has been an improvement on the center position that was mediocre before him. Maybe most importantly with the fellow members of the line all missing playing time Jackson played a full 16 games and provided some continuity on the line. Backup Nick Cole played in all games, sometimes on special teams or even blocking in goal line situations. I can't say anything about his potential to be a solid backup if Jackson goes down but the fact the Eagles allowed him to block in the goal line show he is doing enough to stick around. Wrap: The 2008 season should be a productive one from the offensive line if they can be a healthier unit than last season. The concern is not for the upcoming season but in the near future a changing of the guard will occur at the tackle spot. Will Herremans or Andrews move outside making room for promising young guard Gilles? While it may not be a popular move, a first day pick on a lineman is not out of the question. Sun, 24 Feb 2008 06:36:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/164015 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/164015 After this past season, it is clear to me that the Eagles need to do some tweaking to their roster, and it starts with the draft. Great teams build from within and then supplement that with smart free agent pick ups i.e. Troy Vincent, Jon Runyan, Hugh Douglas. The Eagles used to be the golden standard not too long ago with their philosophy of drafting well and making good decisions on how much to spend on certain free agents. Flat out the Eagles need a better strong safety, a successor to Brian Dawkins, overall just more depth in the secondary. All of the Eagles corners are short, and while I think Brown and Sheppard are great when healthy, and Hanson looks like a find, they could use a taller corner in the mold of a guy like Cromartie. We all know how that Will James experiment worked out. Different name, different team, same overhyped piece of garbage. I don't think theres as much of a need for wide receivers as other people do, not that I don't think it needs to be upgraded. I'm not interested in a rookie receiver, too risky and too much of a bust factor with early picks. If the Eagles go for a receiver it should be 3rd round and later or go get a Chad Johnson(anyone who buys that hes not going anywhere is foolish). We could use a better guard than Todd Herremans, he needs to replaced. I don't know if hes just not good at guard but that was a sore spot on the line. Defensive line could always use some depth, since Ramsey, Howard, and Kearse were ineffective at best. Juqua Thomas is much better as a situational rusher, though I believe Abiamiri will be the starter this year with his overall game improving. All things considered I don't think the Eagles are desperate at any position. They should be back to being contenders as long as they stay relatively healthy. Once again our hopes as fans will rest squarely on Mcnabb and Westbrook. Also it'd be nice if Dawkins and Sheppard could play a full season haha. Until next time, GO EAGLES! Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:36:06 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/83683 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/83683