I've always seen myself as an open-minded individual. I'm not a person who likes to force my thoughts on anyone, but Ive always wanted to get my thoughts out on things somehow. I've also always loved writing and thought that blogging was the perfect way to do this. I hope you enjoy what I have to offer and feel free to offer your thoughts and opinions on things as well, whether you agree or not.
So yeah, just be ready. Generally, I'd just like to give brief thoughts on the season and then some more on what they need to do this season(possibly some wishes and dreams will be spoken as well. WHICH MEANS ME MOST LIKELY TALKING ABOUT TRADING UP FOR MARCUS MARIOTA!!! YAYYYY!!!!
How the people tired of hearing about MM look now
So as always, Im gonna get started; after I thank you for reading this! Thank you.
The 2014 NFL Draft is in the books and it was probably one of the deepest in recent years. Of course, we can only truly judge a draft class once they get on the field, at the earliest. However, everyone loves to throw in their two cents on how teams did. For today, let's discuss the Eagles' six picks, their statistical predictions and their pro comparisons.
Before that, let's get into some overall things that were noticed. In the rating of each pick, the player felt like a bit of a reach, in some way or another. We're just going to get that out of the way now. However, if you dig a little deeper, you'll realize there was another pattern with each pick, actually a few. Most of them were seniors, most were picked over a significantly similar prospect, all have leadership capabilities, very versatile, are team players, scheme fits and very high football IQ's.
1. Louisville
DE/OLB Marcus Smith
250 lbs 6'3''
Here's where that pattern began. After trading back four spots the Eagle's drafted him at 26 overall. You almost get the feeling like the Eagles were hoping someone would fall to them here. Its almost a shame, at 22 they were just out of reach from all of their top prospects. Yet, in a deep draft, where they only held six picks, it is easy to understand why they didn't trade up. Many wanted a WR here, however, there wasn't a lot of great pass rushers available. So, they went for the guy they felt was the best fit and filled a need. It still left some fans looking like this though.
Who?
Grade: C+
Why: While the pick makes sense there were better prospects available, like Bradley Roby, who was picked next.
Pro Comparisons: Shaun Phillips for body type, Dion Jordan for speed, versatility and how similar Chip could use him on his defense and special teams. 2014 Stats: 37 tackles, 13 for loss, 5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT, 1 2-pt conversion catch.
2. Vanderbilt
WR Jordan Matthews
215 lbs 6'3''
Anyone who knows me as an Eagles' fan, knows I love this pick. The Eagle's traded up from 54 all the way to 42 to pick up the lengthy wide receiver. Jordan, a cousin of Jerry Rice, was very happy being picked and you could see it as he marched to the stage. Obviously a respectable player, as he had nothing but great things to say when asked to compare himself to Desean Jackson. The intelligence of this man is very obvious. He graduated from Vanderbilt in 3.5 years. The skill is there too. He was the Vanderbilt offense, everyone knew it. Even though everyone knew, the defenses still couldn't stop him.
Grade: A-
Why: There were some arguably better WRs available on the board, ala Cody Latimer and Allen Robinson. However, the Eagles are obviously looking for mature, smart players.
Pro Comparisons: Terrance Williams, both tall players with great hands, catch radius and underrated speed. Both show great concentration near the sideline to get keep feet in bounds while making the catch. 2014 Stats: 37 receptions, 524 yards, 5 TDs
3. Oregon
WR Josh Huff
206 lbs 5'11''
Another receiver so early? That was probably the first reaction from many Eagles fans. Especially with all the CBs available and the need. Plus, there is the idea that perhaps Chip only picked him up because of his Oregon ties. That isn't the case. In the end, the same CBs that they missed out on slid to their next pick and in fact, the Eagles were replacing both of the WRs they lost/released. Also, the guy has a great story behind how he came to be the man he is today and I cant blame Chip for wanting to reunite with one of his best receivers.
Grade: B-
Why: It was the biggest reach out of all the picks, IMO. So I still cant really just give it a perfect mark.
Pro Comparisons: Antonio Brown, not the tallest receivers in the world but are very strong for their size. Fast enough to blow by cornerbacks easily. KR/PR experience. Also, Santonio Holmes concentration is a big comparison as well. If you look at his highlights, there's a certain play that reminds me of the game winning catch Holmes made in the Super Bowl.
Then the run on cornerbacks began. The Eagles started it. Out of the three CBs on the Gators, he was the one the Eagles chose. Once again, he had no off the field issues, no question of character and highly versatile. They had him visit before the draft and studied him extensively. So, the pick made a great deal of sense. He doesn't match the size that the Eagles want in CBs, so he must've made a big impression on them other wise if they took him over guys like Pierre Desir, Antone Exum, etc. Out of all the picks this was the last pick you can call a reach. On the contrary, you can say it is a steal. Jaylen Watkins should've gone in the second round, easily.
Grade: B+
Why: Need filled, great cornerback, they did their homework extensively on him. To get him in the fourth, is very fortunate. Eagles allowed the most pass yards on defense last year and Bradley Fletcher, along with Cary Williams, won't be on this team much longer.
Pro Comparison: Not really sure actually. Kind of reminds me of two Eagles already, on the team, in Brandon Boykin and Malcolm Jenkins. Smart, speedy, great transition, can play anywhere, great in man coverage, good hips. 2014 Stats: 22 tackles, 1 INT
5. Oregon
DE Taylor Hart
281 lbs 6'6''
Thank God for Howie Roseman, Chip wanted to take this guy in the fourth. I think the last two picks show how great a team Chip and Howie make, though. They might have missed out on Jaylen Watkins, if it weren't for Howie's reasoning, but at the same time, Chip Kelly has a great idea of how he wants his players and he's following it. Taylor Hart is a perfect fit for the defense and probably makes a couple guys expendable.
Grade: C+
Why: So much talent at this point in the draft that could've helped at other positions and were way better players. Can't deny that teams who make it to the Super Bowl either have A great quarterbacks or B great defenses/defensive lines.
Pro Comparison: Brett Kiesel, strong, great hands and can run.
2014 Stats: 18 tackles, 2 sacks
6. Stanford
S Ed Reynolds
207 lbs 6'1''
Some say this is a steal. Some people say this guy is a ball-hawk hard-hitting safety and I'm sure you'll see the same. I see it too. However, I didnt see a guy great in overall coverage. He does fit the team's overall scheme and what they have been looking for through out the draft. Smart, high character, etc.
Grade: C
Why: Could've gotten a lot better players just as good. It's late in the fifth round. No one is perfect, so I'm okay with it overall.
Pro Comparisons: A poor man's Ed Reed or Troy Polamalu...or maybe a rich man's Kurt Coleman. Ball hawk and capable of punishing anyone with the ball. Great in run support. 2014 Stats: 3 tackles, 1 FF
7. Wisconson
NT Beau Allen
333 lbs 6'3''
I dont know enough about the guy to be honest.
Grade: C
Why: It is the 7th round, they needed a legit NT and they got him. From the film I did watch, it does seem he needs to be double teams and I hear he is great at stuffing the run.
Pro Comparison: Umm.... 2014 Stats: 9 tackles, 2 for loss
It seems to be a good draft class overall. I really cant wait until the season starts to see them in action.
It is here again, ladies and gentlemen. The NFL Draft. This is probably one of the deepest I have seen in years. Every year around this time, plenty of rumors are coming out about how teams want this guy and hate this guy. This team is so interested in a guy, they're going to trade up. However, this is funny season. So, from an unbiased standpoint, I'm going to write my mock draft based on what makes sense for each team and also how they've drafted in the past. I wont predict any trades because I dont want give away my psychic abilities(you see I'm comfortable with throwing that out there because I know you wont believe me). So, here we go.
With the first pick....
1. Houston Texans
DE Jadeveon Clowney
When youre in my mock draft and you cant trade back, you just CAN NOT pass up a player like Clowney. The man is a freak of nature. They can get a good quarterback later. They cant get a pass rusher like Clowney, later. That is a FACT. I've said before in my Eagle's Schedule Predictions that I think the Texans of this year, remind me of the Eagles last year. I still think that. Instead of picking an athletic OL, They go with the most athletic DL here. The Texans have to go against Andrew Luck twice a year. So, they have to make his life hell, somehow. Clowney can help with that.
2. St. Louis Rams
OT Greg Robinson
I feel that the Rams could be SO good. The problem is their starting QB is always getting injured. So, to protect him, they have to go with who I believe is the offensive line equivalent to Jadeveon Clowney. This is another pick that could be sold to the highest bidder and then the Rams pick up a WR, S or QB with the pick they receive. Yet, as I have stated before, there are no trades in this mock. This guy is big and has a whole bunch of upside. He WILL get better at pass protection and they will become a whole lot better in the run game as well.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
QB Johnny Manziel
Cmon bro, dont look like that. They're...uhh..okay....kinda.
That's also the face the Jaguars made when they witnessed the Texans take Jadeveon Clowney. Ahh....who cares? They get Manziel instead. He isnt my favorite QB in the draft. A lot of people think that he'll be the next Tim Tebow. I cant agree with that statement. #1 guess who won the Super Bowl this year. Guess how tall their QB is. Guess who the defensive coordinator of that team was before coming to the Jaguars. Some fun facts for you. Johnny Manziel lead all QBs last year with a 73.5% completion percentage. Last year, Manziel had a below average amount of passes batted down at the O Line. Blake Bortles was above average. QBs of 6'2'' or shorter had a smaller percentage of their passes batted down than QBs 6'3'' or taller. Manziel has the same hand size of Cam Newton. His hands are also bigger than RG3, Matt Ryan, Derek Carr, Teddy Briedgewater and Colin Kaepernick. Two years ago, guess who had the third biggest hands in the NFL Draft of all QBs? Thats right, the guy that won the Super Bowl. Numbers dont lie.
4. Cleveland Browns
OL Jake Matthews
Once again, they can get a quarterback later on. They cant get a lineman of THIS caliber, though. Jake Matthews had to protect that QB everyone loves to hate, just a pick ago. Johnny Manziel probably had a lot of his success because of this guy being that protector. So whoever that QB is later on, he can feel safe knowing the guy protecting him is Jake Matthews! Put him in on the right side and him and Joe Thomas will be taking care of the QB to be, for years to come.
5. Oakland Raiders
WR Sammy Watkins
This is what the Raiders are doing when Watkins falls into their lap, sprint to make the pick before someone changes their mind. NO it is not because they love speed either. Watkins is the closest wide receiver to Megatron since he went to the Lions. The funny thing about that is one, he is only 6'1'' and he hasn't reached his ceiling either. The Raiders solidified their line and they need someone else for their now protected QB to throw to, other than Denarius Moore. This guy will be fun to watch for years to come.
6. Atlanta Falcons
OLB Khalil Mack
Once again the Falcons should be running up to the podium to pick this guy. He is the best player available. He fills a need. He IS a fit. Make the switch to the 3-4 defense with who they got in FA and have this guy help your defense. The Falcons are decent on offense once everyone is back healthy. However, someone needs to get to Drew Brees, somebody needs to contain Cam Newton. That could be Mack. So you couldn't trade up and get Jadeveon Clowney? Oh well. You got this guy instead! That is one hell of a consolation prize.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TE Eric Ebron
I wanted to go with Jerry Ricecakes here SO BAD! But they dont need a WR. So, probably the biggest athlete of all time, is going to continue to fall. They do however, need a TE. Eric Ebron is going to be a difference in this league. He will be the next Vernon Davis without the early attitude problems. Look at that catch! Man oh man!
8. Minnesota Vikings
QB Teddy Bridgewater
I dont know what is happening to this guy's draft stock but it has decreased and decreased. I dont think he deserves it. He's the closest thing to Aaron Rodgers and the most NFL ready QB in this draft. Ponder isnt the answer and neither is Matt Cassell. Let this guy battle for a starting spot and give a pretty good receiving corps a pretty good quarterback. AND PLEASE....let the man wear his gloves.
9. Buffalo Bills
LB CJ Mosley
See look...they even already have his jersey photoshopped. It just works. After missing out on Khalil Mack and Eric Ebron, the Bills will take their need and once again the best player available. He is another guy who I just cant place why he is sliding in mocks....but he doesnt in mine. He's talented and a great leader. Bills always need any help they can get. Why? Tom Brady. That's why. And when CJ Mosley can learn in his early years, going against one of the greatest QBs of all time, that is a great blessing for him and his future.
10. Detroit Lions
WR Mike Evans
It was between him and Justin Gilbert. The Lions pick Evans because they saw how it benefited the Bears last year with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey. Imagine Calvin Johnson on one side, Evans on the other and Golden Tate in the slot, with Reggie Bush in the backfield. That is one set offense and one happy quarterback.
11. Tennessee Titans
HaSean Clinton-Dix
So, Titans always need help, everywhere. Plain and simple. Give them a safety that can help compete against Andrew Luck. Also known as HaHa, Clinton-Dix is a great midfielder with great range. He also has made some good plays against the run. Alabama always has great defenses, but sometimes they dont always translate well into the league. HaSean will.
12. New York Giants
OT Taylor Lewan
Defense is a possibility here. As I said before, the Giants defense isn't really that scary in my Eagles Schedule Prediction. I also stated that if Super Eli returns, their season could be a different story. If they want Super Eli to return, they need to protect him. Taylor Lewan is the best choice for that.
13. St Louis Rams
QB Blake Bortles' girlfriend
And Bortles himself as well, I guess. I mean...the guy can OBVIOUSLY make good decisions. Why wouldn't you invest in someone that Greg Robinson can protect for the next ten years? This guy is the next Ben Roethlisberger...and with a girlfriend like THAT...you're not going to have to worry about any sexual assault charges.
14. Chicago Bears
DT Aaron Donald
The Bears need someone to help them in every aspect of the defense. Aaron Donald is that guy. He will help the rest of the DL, the LBs and the CBs. It all starts at the line and with Donald, you get a great player who can play!
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
CB Justin Gilbert
The defensive backfield over there is getting a little old. So, they help sure up their future with a guy who probably shouldn't have slid this low in the first place. Justin Gilbert is what you look for in a cornerback and hasn't hit his ceiling yet. 8-8 for the team with the highest amount of super bowl rings is unacceptable. This will be a great start towards helping that record out.
16. Dallas Cowboys
CB Kyle Fuller
The most NFL ready CB is Kyle Fuller. They need him bad. They have to go against the talented receiving corp of the other three teams in their division. Kyle Fuller does that. He's a steal at this point. I think he's better than Darqueze Dennard as well.
17. Baltimore Ravens
WR Marqise Lee
Give that man some more people to throw to. PLEASE! Jadeveon Clowney was pretty non-existent in 2013, but he did have one HELL of a 2012. If he can be the #1 pick in this draft, Marqise Lee can be the 17th. Give him a good quarterback and let him show everyone what he can do.
18. New York Jets
CB Darqueze Dennard
They got their wide receiver, they have an okay line. Two QBs are going to battle it out. There's two picks I am looking at here. CB or OL. Zack Martin is a possibility, but they need to replace Cromartie. This guy will make their CB corp one of the strongest in the league, which they need if they're going to go against the Patriots. Dennard doesnt get beat deep, ever.
19. Miami Dolphins
OL Zack Martin
Put him anywhere on the line and you're good to go. They're decent anywhere else but maybe RB. They could use him. Not much else to say.
20. Arizona Cardinals
QB Derek Carr
Carson Palmer isnt going to play forever. The Cardinals will need to think about the future. So here, they pick their future quaterback because they most likely wont get the chance to get a QB as good as him, later on.
21. Green Bay Packers
Calvin Pryor
He pretty much falls in their laps here. He is the perfect guy for them at 21. The Predator look-alike, the Louisville Slugger. This guy will help Green Bay on D a lot. He'll knock out his opponents and he'll keep offensive coordinators up all night. Packers run to the podium after this one.
22. Philadelphia Eagles
OLB Anthony Barr
This is what Chip Kelly yells for them to do when they see he makes it to them at 22. Alright, I admit it...I think if he makes it to the Cowboys, they'll take him. This is my mock draft though dammit. He's a PERFECT pick for them. And people have been reporting he has been sliding. I dont agree with it too much though. Tall, fast, hasnt reached his ceiling. Perfect pick here.
23. Kansas City Chiefs
DT Stephon Tuitt
Andy Reid loves him some linemen. I mean he REALLY values them. Plus, he likes to reach. Im sure Big Red sees the chance to draft Tuitt and he's salivating. After making an order to the nearest barbecue spot. Andy makes the call to Stephon next. Not like its a bad pick or anything. I just dont think he will get a WR because thats what Andy Reid does.
24. Cincinnati Bengals
LB Ryan Shazier
Best player available and fills a need. Throw him on any LB spot on the defense and he'll produce for you. I see him as a Mychal Kendricks type of guy. He'll be a beast. Roby is also a possibility but.....
25. San Diego Chargers
CB Bradley Roby
The Chargers get him instead. Once again the best player available, fits perfectly for the need on the team. Plus, some people think he's better than Justin Gilbert.
26. Cleveland Browns
RB Carlos Hyde
The Browns need to get the right RB this time. They can get their QB next pick which isn't too far away. Carlos Hyde will be the RB that finds his way into the first round. I couldnt help but having three Ohio St. players getting drafted in a streak.
27. New Orleans Saints
CB Jason Verrett
Put him with Jairus Byrd and you have a great defensive backfield. The Saints know how to pick players and they will get the best guy available. Thats Jason Verrett, who I believe will be the next Asante Samuel.
28. Carolina Panthers
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Can you think of a more perfect guy to replace Steve Smith? Can you think of a more perfect guy to pick? This is who Andy Reid should've picked, but nope he's too smart for you. This is who the Panthers will be happy they see available. Although under 6' he has the leap of someone many inches taller. He fights for the ball. He can kick return it. He fits. Do I really need to explain myself further?
29. New England Patriots
DE Kony Ealy
It seems that someone of a high caliber ALWAYS falls to the Patriots. That continues here with Kony Ealy. He'll be an instant starter and will benefit greatly from being on that team. I hate saying this. I hate the Patriots. However, I respect the Patriots and I accept this as a certain truth. Could also be a WR as well.
30. San Francisco 49ers
DT Louis Nix III
The Niners are a smart team. Somebody has to help slow down Beast Mode. This guy will be given the opportunity to do so. He is a lot leaner than he was in school and is fully healthy after his injury. If he never got injured, he'd probably get drafted sooner. The 49ers dont complain.
31. Denver Broncos DT RaShede Hageman
They could take some other positions here, but I think Hageman is the best player available, which is who they'd want to take. After a crazy free agency, they continue to make the defense better. I think Sua-Filo is also a possibility though.
32. Seattle Seahawks
WR Brandin Cooks
After losing Golden Tate, they pick up a guy who's probably better than Tate could wish to be. Their defense is set! They extended Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman. They won the Super Bowl, they're living good. They had to have seen this guy play. Oregon isnt too far away. So they take a chance on the speedy guy.
So thats it...
I would've liked to do a full one, but its getting a little late. Perhaps after the first round is finished I'll continue from the points that were actually made. Thank you for your time and I hoped you enjoyed it! Join me for my next article soon!
