Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Position battles......

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Position battles......

    Spuds latest....

    So the Eagles went out and changed things around. No more 21-of-22-starters talk. The Eagles added a starting wide receiver, a starting linebacker and maybe a starting defensive tackle. They may even have signed a starting kick return man during a memorable March.
    But April is when things really finish off the roster, give it some new life and new direction.

    And with that, it is time to look at this Eagles team and speculate on which players might emerge to impact the 2007 season.

    Think about last year, for example. Two of the team's top receivers weren't even on the team until a few weeks after the draft (Hank Baskett) and then a few months later (Donte' Stallworth). Twelve months ago, Jeff Garcia was as unwanted as any scrap-heap quarterback you could find.

    So, the point is that we analyze the roster for what it is now and we understand how things change before the season starts and then, of course, during 16 games.

    There are a handful of players I think can make the team and play a little bit more than maybe we all think right now. Call this The Under-The-Radar-Eagles Report ...


    SAVERIO ROCCA, P
    The guy has major, major league. Dirk Johnson cannot compete with the upside of Rocca, and that is not a lack of respect directed toward Johnson. Rocca has a cannon for a leg and has been in the off-season conditioning program the last couple of weeks working hard.

    He punted in front of some media the other day and the media came away astonished at Rocca's leg strength.

    It is a totally different game in a live game, with a uniform on and with 10 men rushing, and the lights are a lot brighter with 65,000 fans in the stands. Rocca won't be afforded many shanks, because the Eagles just can't be in position where they lose field position because of a mis-kick.

    But Rocca has exciting ability, and the thought of a 65-yard punt with hang time has to give new special teams coordinator Rory Segrest pause to consider over the next few months.

    I will say the Eagles are taking care of Segrest. They have the reliable, steady hand at punter with Johnson. They have David Akers, one of the best in the game, as the kicker. They have a couple of options in the return game -- Jeremy Bloom and Bethel Johnson -- and they retained the core of the special teams coverage units in Quintin Mikell and Juqua Thomas.

    All of this done, mind you, before the draft has even arrived.

    I think special teams practices in training camp are going to be a bit more interesting than usual. I imagine some fans are going to want to stick around to watching the punting battle as well as the competition in the return game.


    LaJUAN RAMSEY, DT
    Yes, the Eagles traded Darwin Walker and they expect Brodrick Bunkley to step up and they think Montae Reagor will step in and contribute.

    But why isn't anybody talking about LaJuan Ramsey?

    It's probably because he vanished from the lineup after playing well early in the season. Ramsey's demotion from the tacke rotation was surprising and, really, not explained. OK, OK, so the Eagles wanted to get Sam Rayburn some snaps. Did that mean the coaches were down on Ramsey?

    We'll see this spring and summer. Ramsey is going to weigh in the range of 295 pounds and he will be more advanced in the teachings of line coach Pete Jenkins. The opportunity is there for Ramsey, a sixth-round draft pick last year, to gain more playing time.

    The tackle position is still one that makes some fans a bit nervous. Is the position good enough to stop the run? Are the tackles big enough to stand ground against 340-pound offensive guards? What if Bunkley doesn't ...

    So here is Ramsey in all of this, largely overlooked. I know the coaching staff was thrilled with the way he picked up the technique side of things last year, and he made the roster after an impressive summer. Then he seemed to play pretty well early in the regular season and then he was on the sidelines week after week.

    The Eagles want to rotate up front. I'm not saying it is out of the question that they draft a tackle, honestly. You know if Andy Reid likes a tackle when it is his time to pick, he will think long and hard about it.

    However, Ramsey has a real chance to fit into the picture. I think he will.


    BETHEL JOHNSON KR/WR
    This is a hunch and nothing more. I think a kid with this kid of speed is going to find the right niche here. I think Johnson and Bloom are going to duke it out for the return man job.

    Johnson has all the measurables, doesn't he? Size, speed, the tantalizing big plays that he has made. He looked for a time to have put things together in New England, and then he was traded to New Orleans and that flat-out didn't work.

    Johnson did some good things in Minnesota last year, enough to gain the Eagles' attention. I think Johnson will get some good coaching and an opportunity and the Eagles will see what they have. They know Johnson adds world-class speed at wide receiver. They know that if he has a seam in the return game, he will hit it on up and make a big play.

    It's my hunch. I don't know much about the guy, truly. But I just have this feeling.


    TANK DANIELS, LB
    The second-year linebacker goes by Tank. He is no longer Torrance. Fine. He needs a new twist to stand out in a suddenly-crowded field at linebacker.

    Thing is, Daniels started making his own name last year. He earned a spot on the practice squad after a good summer and then made the most of his opportunity when he came up to the active roster late in the season.

    He runs well and he has size and he is a kid who realizes he has his shot right now. I wouldn't be surprised to see Daniels right in the thick of things at SAM and, without a doubt, on special teams. I see this kid as Ike Reese with more size and maybe more speed. Reese excelled in the NFL because he was smart and he knew he role and he embraced it.

    Daniels can be the same kind of player, and then some.


    BILL SAMPY, WR
    I look at these Eagles wide receivers and I think the position is virtually filled. Kevin Curtis is going to make it. Same with Reggie Brown and Greg Lewis and Jason Avant and Baskett. Am I right? Or am I guilty of overlooking too many factors, or maybe overrating the talent?

    Could be.

    I know that the Eagles think a lot of Sampy and I know that he has been in the system for a year plus now and I know that he is in the off-season conditioning program and that he is going to push for a roster spot. He will offer competition. It may look like a long shot right now. I agree there. But Sampy has a little something in his game, a quickness, I think, and I want to see more from him in the spring and summer.


    PAT McCOY, OT
    Would I be shocked if Pat McCoy unseated Jon Runyan at right tackle this season? Yes, absolutely. Would I be shocked if every Eagles fan watching the preseason games noticed McCoy and said, "Who is that big, rangy young fella at right tackle?"

    No, not at all.

    McCoy is 6 feet 5, 328 pounds. He is putting more meat on his bones in the off-season conditioning program and he is still on a raw side, but, oh, what feet the kid has. What long arms the kid has. What an athlete the kid is.

    McCoy is coming. I don't have enough evidence to show you and, yeah, you will probably think I'm crazy for suggesting that McCoy would even challenge Runyan, but if Juan Castillo keeps working McCoy and bringing out a little more every day, McCoy will be a player to respect this season.

    How much playing time can McCoy realistically gain this year? In a perfect world, very little. But he can push Runyan and show the Eagles that there is someone to count on behind Big Jon at right tackle right now.
    http://shop.cafepress.com/content/global/img/spacer.gifOK, let's try this again...

  • #2
    Runyan's on the last year of his contract, and this is probably his last year in Phila. It's not suprising that they have a RT in the works. T Thomas' replacement is on the roster too, and when it's cap friendly enough to pull the trigger they will. Both played well last year, but age and money will make them expendible. Runyan should have his Jersey retired, dude gave the Eagles a Pro Bowl season every year since he's been here, and always played. A terriffic FA move.
    Redskins Suck Ass

    Comment


    • #3
      A few comments about this piece...

      Decent read, for Spads-work. Nice to see him drop the company-line stuff and print what appear to be actual opinions he has formed.

      That said....the Bethel Johnson thing confused me then, and still does. I wondered at the time, does this say something about how the Eagles feel about Bloom, and whether he is going to pan out? At best, Id say it shows they have a real question mark there. Both of these guys will NOT be on the opening day roster.

      I liked the comments about McCoy. I wish I knew the structure for Big Jon's contract, becasue I'd then know when to send him his going away gift.

      Who is Bill Sampy? LOL!


      Somebody on here was high on Daniels...was it VFK? I want to see what this kid's got.

      If Rocca can establish any type of rythm and consistency, he'll be our punter. Buh-bye Dirk.
      http://shop.cafepress.com/content/global/img/spacer.gifOK, let's try this again...

      Comment


      • #4
        True enough that the birds are giving Segrest some good options in ST areas but Bethel J/Bloom are really up in the air as to what they will give and who is going to hold has to be considered with some question. So all may be OK but it isn't peaches and cream in ST.
        I agree about Ramsey and Daniels. I think they are young guys that are ready to make an NFL squad. Whether it is with the birds or as trade throw ins we will see.
        To say Bethel J did some good things with Minn last year is a stretch. It should be a good battle in the return game during this year's camp.
        Sampy---don't see him making it but Spads should have a much better idea than I. Just not sure he is going to pass that on.
        McCoy--I can see him in a trade scenario. The birds are pretty stocked on OL so making the team will be tough.
        Just gotta find the right team to take McCoy and some of the other young guys who can play in the NFL---just can't crack the birds lineup.
        Wait until next year is a terrible philosophy
        Hope is not a strategy
        RIP

        Comment


        • #5
          nc, so this is Runyans' last year? Ok. man, you are right about Runyan, I think he might just be the best FA signing we've had in my years as an Eagles' fan. Just MR consistent, solid every year, never hurt.....there is an example of a highly paid FA who was worth every penny....and there aren't many of those, IMO. Jon will ALWAYS be one of my favorites.
          http://shop.cafepress.com/content/global/img/spacer.gifOK, let's try this again...

          Comment


          • #6
            I'm not curious about why they brought Johnson in when they have Bloom. The kid admitted last year that he didn't have his legs. He did too much ski work before coming here. I'm sure they didn't bring him in without liking him, but I know they don't want to get to Sept without having a good return guy. They now have two possible options...with one proving himself inthe past. The only bad thing I see about Johnson is he isn't a good receiver. Well, I don't care about that. Sure it is good for your return guy to play someon O or D, but, if we have to start depending on him, we're worse off than losing Donny.

            I'm really pulling for Rocco. As a former Rugger, I love the thought of having an Ausie rules player on our team. This guy was a star in a sport that hit without much protection. He has to be tough. I keep thinking about a returner trying to run him over, but getting leveled instead. I just hope he learns to change his tackling style...which is different in rugby. Plus, I always like upgrades at postions that can hurt you.

            Tank is suppose to be a big athlete. I liked him in camp last year, butI guess he wasn't mentally ready last year. I'd love to see someone step up and distance themself from Jones.
            Pedro

            Comment


            • #7
              He signed a two year extension, and this is the last year. I assume the Eagles won't offer him another contract, but with the way he played last year he certainly isn't done IMO. He just wont play here or his wife will make him retire.
              Redskins Suck Ass

              Comment


              • #8
                Runyan got a two year deal? I thought it was a three year deal, around 12-15 mil?
                "You will dress only in attire specially sanctioned by P.E. special services… You are no longer part of the system. You are above the system, over it, beyond it. We're "them." We're "they." We are the Men in Green."

                Comment


                • #9
                  "END OF 2006 BIO
                  Armed with a feisty on-field mentality, Runyan has been one of the most consistent players on the team since originally signing with Philadelphia in 2000.

                  A mainstay on the offensive line, Runyan has started in 112 consecutive regular season contests for the Eagles and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2002. In addition, Runyan's 18 playoff games since 1999 are the most by any player in the NFL. He was re-signed to a three-year deal prior to the 2006 season. "

                  According to this he has two years left.

                  http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/team/ ... jsp?id=489

                  I still find it curious in how Spads is portrayed on message boards. Sometimes he is just giving his honest opinion and sometimes he is only a FO shill and propaganda machine and sometimes he is just a hack journalist and sometimes he has inside info and sometimes he doesn't know squat and sometimes he.....................! Sorta cracks me up at times.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    "Sometimes he is just giving his honest opinion and sometimes he is only a FO shill and propaganda machine and sometimes he is just a hack journalist and sometimes he has inside info and sometimes he doesn't know squat and sometimes he....................."

                    Exactly!!!!!!!!
                    http://shop.cafepress.com/content/global/img/spacer.gifOK, let's try this again...

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      To make this as clear as mud, MD, here are my thoughts on Spads.

                      Yes he is an overly positive mouthpiece for the FO. Yes, he does sometimes sugarcoat things and put positive spin on potentially poor situations. So in that regard, I take what he says with a grain of salt.

                      However, I DO give some credit to him for having information that is valuable, and here's why: He has accees to members of the organization tht you and I don't. He has access and periodically talkes to our players. You and I don't get to do that. So sure, he sometimes has some inside info that is worth discussing. And when he props up a player that makes some of us go.......HUH?.....I MIGHT take that as in insight to what some members of our FO are thinking.

                      This PARTICULAR piece I liked because it simply brought up some worthwhile topics of discussion, whether one agree with Spads viewpoints on the players or not. When Spads makes mention of a guy like Sampy, should I take that to mean that the Eagles might actually like this kid?? Or Daniels?? Maybe. But at a minimum it is suitable fodder for discussion on our board.
                      http://shop.cafepress.com/content/global/img/spacer.gifOK, let's try this again...

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        "But at a minimum it is suitable fodder for discussion on our board. "


                        And who disagreed with that?

                        Man relax, I just find it funny that people think of Spads as wearing all those different suits and that they can decide which suit Spads is wearing on any particular day.

                        I like Spads, I understand what his job is, and I don't rely on his postings/writings to make any judgments on the Eagles. And I'm not going to be hypocritical from one day to the next about him and his job. He is what he is.

                        Now, as for the topic the punter has a long way to go IMO, he can boom, but there is much much more to American football, and it remains to be seen if he can pick those things up. TC should be fun to watch... I'm planning on going if for no other reason that to watch that guy kick the ball.

                        Ramsey may be the biggest mystery there-- what happened to him? Why was his playing time reduced? Spads offers no insight, does that mean he doesn't know or that he isn't talking? (what suit is spads wearing? J/K J/K)

                        Johnson has had enough time in the pro's and he hasn't stuck anywhere, I personally think the guy has some personality problems, and we will see if he has matured into a good NFL player. From every thing I have now read, he has lousy hands, and if you got bad hands, trying to catch #5's 200 mph fastballs ain't gonna help ya.

                        Sampy??? Will have no impact on this team, IMO. I will be shocked if he makes this team.

                        Daniels might be a comer, and he may get his chance to prove himself this year. But I feel much better that Spikes is on this team then I did.


                        McCoy is a bit of a surprise as we all thought Andrews was just gonna slide out there,,, but maybe just maybe McCoy is the guy to do that. I just love the depth and flexibility that AR and this team has built on the OL-- this is certainly the best OL and backups that I have ever seen on the Eagles.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          No offense taken MD, just wanted to explain my perspective.
                          http://shop.cafepress.com/content/global/img/spacer.gifOK, let's try this again...

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Its clear the Eagles staff thinks highly of McCoy. He' just what they like, a huge, outstanding player from DivII who is very intelligent (an important trait on the OL). Word from camp had been that he had great quickness for such a big guy. They clearly thought enough of him to stash him on the ACTIVE roster last year rather than chance losing him from the PS. Now we could well see the same development with McCoy as we did with Jackson and Cole (also UDFAS) and Herremans and Young (second day picks). Look for McCoy to get a lot of reps in camp and get phased in some this year. These guys know linemen!

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I can't imagine McCoy is in line to take over for Runyan at RT. Even if they don't want to move Andrews over, Herremans seems like a more likely candidate than McCoy. Of course, McCoy's only been in the NFL for one year, so who knows where he goes this season. He could look like a future starter or he could not even make the team, neither outcome would be all that surprising.

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X