Reuben Franks says…
Russell Shepard, Michael Bamiro, Ifeanyi Momah and Matthew Tucker are headed to the Eagles' practice squad if they clear waivers. 8 spots.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) September 1, 2013
Looks like Kinne will be on practice squad, too.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) September 1, 2013
Kinne is the only surprise. I had figured they might try to keep Dennis Dixon as the QB there.
PE.com has posted a video interview of Howie Roseman.
He didn’t offer any great insight. Tom Heckert used to offer a nugget or two that was interesting. He might let you know about the draft grade they had on a UDFA that made the roster or something like that.
Howie did say that he’ll be on the road next weekend, looking at draft prospects. He also made the point that his job is all about the future and there is very little time for focusing on “the now”. This is a great point and one of the most frustrating aspects of being a GM. His job is to constantly upgrade the roster, even if that is just the 53rd guy or the practice squad. Can’t ever really relax.
From the great Reuben Frank
I'm told offensive linemen Allen Barbre and Matt Tobin have both made the Eagles' roster. Both can play guard or tackle.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) August 31, 2013
I don't think Danny Watkins will play again. I don't think his heart was ever in football. I don't think he likes playing the game.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) August 31, 2013
If Watkins does just retire, that will answer a lot of the questions about his desire to play and his love of the game.
Jimmy Bama breaks down the breakdown. Not a pretty picture.
Jason Kelce and Alex Henery are the best players. They were taken in the 4th and 6th rounds.
The Eagles did trade Dion Lewis for Emmanuel Acho. so that is kinda good.
Ugly draft.
Clay Harbor is gone.
Want to thank the Eagles for the last three seasons it was a great to be able to play in such a passionate city!
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) August 31, 2013
Does this mean the Eagles will only keep 3 TEs? Does this mean Emil Igwenagu makes it? Is the team going to sign or trade for another TE?
Harbor had good potential, but never could put it all together. Someone will give him another chance.
Not a shocker.
Source: #Eagles OL Danny Watkins, former 1st round pick, is being released.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2013
Lack of versatility is what killed him this year. Being just a backup OG isn’t good enough on a team like the 2013 Eagles. Some other team will likely take a look at him.
From a reliable source.
I want to thank the Eagles for the opportunity !!! Just wasn't in GODS plan
— Russell Shepard Jr.. (@LSUShep10) August 31, 2013
I would expect him to be a priority target for the practice squad.
Paul Domowitch got some good info from a scout on the Eagles and what he’s seen this summer.
Scout on NT Isaac Sopoaga: "I didn't see him make a play the entire preseason. Maybe he's saving it for the season.''
— Paul Domowitch (@pdomo) August 31, 2013
Scout on Eagles' OL: "I think they can be really good, but they've got no depth. If they lose 1 of those starters, they're in trouble.''
— Paul Domowitch (@pdomo) August 31, 2013
Scout on Eag Ss: "Colt Anderson probably is their best all-around player, but he just doesn't have range you can trust v. elite player.''
— Paul Domowitch (@pdomo) August 31, 2013
Scout I talked to doesn't think Bennie Logan is big/strong enough to hold point at nose.T hinks he belongs at DE.
— Paul Domowitch (@pdomo) August 31, 2013
Scout on Eagles' outside 'backers: "Outside of Barwin, they don't have one guy that can play that position.''
— Paul Domowitch (@pdomo) August 31, 2013
Is this the same scout who Domo talked to last year? If so, that led to some odd comments that made it into this piece.
I think some of the concerns are totally legit, but others are overblown.
We all agree that Sopoaga has been unimpressive. The backup OL? That group was actually better than expected. Allen Barbre was terrific at LT and LG. Julian Vandervelde had a good summer. Matt Tobin is a UDFA that is pushing for a roster spot. And we’re still waiting to see what Dennis Kelly can do.
Logan isn’t an ideal 2-gap NT, but he’s done much better than I expected.
First big move is in.
The #Eagles released tackle Michael Bamiro. He just told me that they hope to keep him on the practice squad.
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) August 31, 2013
A follow up note from Sam.
If he makes it to the practice squad, the #Eagles can outbid other teams for Bamiro — they are already on the hook for $140k in salary.
— Sam Lynch (@shlynch) August 31, 2013
Bamiro is just too raw for the NFL right now. He has potential, but needs work. He would be ideal for the practice squad. Has elite size. Showed a bit of a nasty streak. Big issues is pass protection. He’s effective now simply due to size. Must learn to move his feet and mirror the rusher consistently. Played in a run-heavy offense in college so he had no pass protection skills when he joined the Eagles.
We have a full day of college football right in front of us. And it is glorious.
Here are some players that could be potential Eagles targets. I’m focusing on LB, CB, QB and S.
Buffalo at Ohio State – Noon – Espn2
LB Khalil Mack is a star player for Buffalo and can be a Top 100 pick. He isn’t the huge OLB that the Eagles prefer (6-3, 245), but this guy can get to the QB.
OSU has a star LB in Ryan Shazier. He would be an ILB for the Eagles. He’s 6-2, 230. Last year he had 5 sacks, 11 PBUs and 3 FFs. Playmaker.
Georgia at Clemson – 8pm – ABC
Tigers QB Tajh Boyd is in the mix to be a high 1st round pick. He is a gifted pocket passer with some mobility. Needs to play like an elite player.
Clemson also has an elite WR in Sammy Watkins. In 2011, he was the best Freshman WR and one of the best Freshman players overall that I’ve ever seen. Electric player when he gets the ball in his hands.
Va Tech at Alabama – 430pm – ESPN
CJ Moseley is a stud ILB for the Tide. He could be a 1st round pick.
QB Logan Thomas has been up and down at VT. He is the poor man’s EJ Manuel, and that’s not a compliment. Thomas has NFL size, strength and athleticism, but he must show that he can be a consistently good QB. He has a new offensive coordinator this year. Will that make a difference?
Ohio at Louisville – Sunday, 330pm – ESPN
QB Teddy Bridgewater could be the #1 overall pick. If things do go horribly wrong for the Eagles this year, he could be the franchise QB that Kelly covets. Bridgewater is a pocket passer. He can run a little, but is most deadly when sitting in the pocket and picking apart defenses.
Nicholls State at Oregon – 4pm – FoxSports 1
I won’t list every Oregon prospect, but obviously they have lots of talent and Kelly knows those players inside-out. Some guys of interest.
DL Taylor Hart – 6-6, 287
QB Marcus Mariota – 6-4, 211
RB De’Anthony Thomas – 5-9, 169
TE Colt Lyerla – 6-5, 250
CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu – 5-10, 185
Hart is the only Senior. Mariota is just a Redshirt-Soph. Normally I don’t like to focus on players that young, but football is changing and I don’t to be naïve and think Mariota stays for 4 years.
