Eagle Fan Diary

  After starting the draft by adding 4 potential pro bowlers to their roster (Jordan Davis, A.J. Brown, Cam Jurgens and Nakobe Dean) in days 1 and 2 during the first 3 rounds, the Eagles entered day 3 with dramatically reduced draft ammunition.  They had given up a 3 rd round pick, a 4 th round pick and two 5 th round picks as additional draft capital to supplement picks 15 and 18 to acquire Davis and Brown.  While this appears to have been a good use of resources, it certainly wasn’t “cheap” either, so left only a 5 th and a 7 th round pick for the drafts final 4 rounds.  The Eagles manipulated this pair of picks into a pair of 6 th rounders and made the following 2 selections: Kyron Johnson is a player apparently taken to back up Hassan Reddick at the SAM to be a special teams ace.   With significant special teams success last season alone for Kansas (per Howie Roseman, “ He was a captain and had 17 special teams tackles ”), Johnson appears to   h...

  Perhaps “shock” is too strong a word, but the Eagles zagged to my recommended zigs yesterday.   While I suggested using their two 2 nd day picks to address their needs at defensive end (edge) on the defensive line and in the defensive backfield, the Eagles went in 2 differing directions. With their day 2 pick, the Eagles selected Center Cam Jurgens at #51.   This was a surprise:   Not because Jurgens is not a good player, but because it appears unlikely he’ll play much in 2022 unless injury deems that a necessity.   The Eagles apparently involved their likely future Hall of Fame Center, Jason Kelce, in their search for his successor, since Kelce has indicated he is close to retirement.   The Eagles were fortunate to get Kelce back this season, and it may very well be his last, although in 2021 he played at the highest level (All-Pro).   Per Kelce: This is my favorite player in the draft. I’m not just saying that because we picked him. The Eagl...

  So what will the Eagles do tomorrow, in the first round of the NFL Draft?  Armed with picks 15 and 18 in this first round after the trade a few weeks ago with the Saints, we will have a chance to see trader Howie at work. No QB in this draft has a first-round grade.   Anticipate some QB’s being taken in round 1 because some teams will still be desperate to acquire a (2 nd round valued) QB in round 1.   I expect the over/under will be 3 QB’s… Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett and likely either Desmond Ridder or Matt Corrall will be selected in round 1, but they are unlikely to be chosen till the 2 nd half of this first round.   It's too bad for the Birds, because you’d like those QB’s to get chosen early in round 1 to push better position players down to the team in Green.   Perhaps Detroit (at #2) or Atlanta (at #8) will panic for a QB, but this is doubtful.   If I am wrong about this, though, I will rejoice, since it will better situate the Eagles at ...

  Rumor suggests the Eagles “went after” a number of high profile NFL receivers (unsuccessfully) via both free agency and trade (Various rumors linked them to Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk and Robert Woods, among others).   The Birds eventually settled on Nick Sirianni favorite Zach Pascal after coming in (at best) 2 nd place in pursuit of the other aforementioned players.   Given the expensive contracts signed by Kirk in Jacksonville, as well as top echelon receivers Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill in the AFC (plus a lucrative early re-signing of Stephon Diggs in Buffalo), a new more expensive market and value has been established at the position. Pascal would appear to be an ideal 4 th wideout in Philly.   But the Eagles, with an already expressed desire to upgrade (per perceived actions, not words), and an opportunity to lock into rookie contract value at the position, it would not be surprising to see the Birds select at least 2 receivers amongst their 10 draft...