Tim McManus at Birds 24/7 discussed how the Eagles use measurables to help them scout later round draft picks:
Prior to the draft, Ed Marynowitz was asked for his thoughts on what it takes to hit on picks in the later rounds.
“I think the best philosophy to have is, ‘What can they do?’ There is a reason why, certainly, they’re not a guy that is in the top three rounds. But it’s more about what they can do rather than what they can’t do in the later rounds,” he said. “I think sometimes in the later rounds you may defer a little bit more to numbers in terms of testing numbers and what they have in their body. You want guys that have athleticism and traits that can translate. Guys that are wired the right way in terms of being willing to develop and improve as players.”
Brian Mihalik is the manifestation of that philosophy.
The pick is in many ways about the numbers. Chip Kelly rattled them off shortly after using the 237th overall pick on the defensive lineman out of Boston College: Six-foot-nine, 300 pounds. Thirty-four-inch vertical. Forty time of 4.88.
"If you could put [a 3-4 D-lineman] together, that's what it is," said Kelly. "Now, he hasn't played it, so there's a projection there. That's why he got drafted where he got drafted.
Yikes.
It's not as if Maxwell is among the league's elite at CB by any stretch, but he's an above average starting CB, and the only proven outside corner the Eagles have. If they lose him, they're likely starting a rookie and whoever outlasts the rest of the bunch.
Kempski did not list Sam Bradford, which prompted a follow up post to respond to fans who thought he should have been included in the list. In addition to stating he expects Bradford to be injured given his injury history, Kempski had this to say:
I don't see the Eagles as legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2015, and I don't see Bradford as the long-term answer at quarterback. Therefore, I don't think his loss would really be all that devastating.
I understand the notion that Bradford being unexpectedly special this season is the only way the Eagles have any chance of doing great things in 2015, so there is certainly a valid argument there. I just don't see it. Of course, that probably means he'll be the Super Bowl MVP.
Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com provides 25 random thoughts, including some interesting statistics that puts the Eagles roster turnover into perspective:
3. I’m not sure what any of this means, but it’s fascinating to me: This will be the first time since 1997 that the Eagles’ leading rusher won’t be a player the Eagles drafted. The last 17 years, the Eagles’ leading rusher was Donovan McNabb once, Duce Staley four times and Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy six times each. The last player the Eagles didn’t draft to lead the team in rushing was Ricky Watters in 1997.
4. Even crazier, there’s a chance no player the Eagles drafted will even get a carry this year. None of the Eagles' running backs was drafted by the Eagles, and of the quarterbacks, only Matt Barkley was. Unless Barkley makes the team and gets in a game and gets a carry … or unless Riley Cooper, Nelson Agholor or Josh Huff has an end around … or unless the Eagles re-sign Anthony Toney … this will be the first time since 1943 no player drafted by the Eagles has a carry for the Eagles.
5. Similarly, unless Barkley gets in a game and gets a passing attempt, this will be the first year since 1984 no player drafted by the Eagles throws a pass for the Eagles.
6. I think the above few items help explain why so many fans feel so disconnected to this team. There are only 15 players left who were here before 2013, and that number will go down by opening day. Who will be the last Andy Reid guy on the team? I’m guessing Jason Kelce.
Finally, Tommy Lawlor at IgglesBlitz.com identified undrafted free agent Texas WR John Harris as a player worth watching this offseason:
Harris got lucky that there was a coaching change at Texas. New coach Charlie Strong wasn’t impressed with Harris at all initially. He saw talent, but not the consistent practice performance that coaches crave. The WR coach challenged Harris to step up. That helped a lot. So did a change at QB. Harris had caught a lot of scout team passes from Tyrone Swoopes prior to 2014. When Swoopes became the starter, the two of them clicked and that helped Harris to have a breakout season.
Harris is a good fit for the Eagles. He can play in the slot or on the outside. He will need to work on his route-running and making better cuts, but that is true for most college receivers. I love the fact he catches the ball so naturally and is such a physical player. He’s not afraid of contact and can take some good shots. He will catch short passes and work the middle of the field. He has good RAC ability due to a combination of some elusiveness and the ability to break arm tackles.
I don’t want to make Harris out to be something he isn’t. He isn’t 6-4, 225. He doesn’t run a 4.3. He wasn’t a college All-American. At the same time, this is a much better UDFA receiver than the Eagles have had in a while. He’s far more than just a camp body. I do think Harris has the potential to play in the NFL. I’m really looking forward to seeing him play this summer.
He also had some positive things to say about Kansas CB JaCorey Shepherd:
I said some good things about JaCorey Shepherd. The more I watch of him, the more impressed I get. The Eagles might have gotten very lucky in finding that guy in the 6th round. Sure feels like a major steal.
