8 hours ago, brkmsn said:

I'm not sure I understand what difference he would make in that regard. Blankenship and CJGJ are our starting safeties already and they are projected to be the starters for several years. There is no immediate need to draft a safety. If it's depth you're worried about, signing a vet to a 1-year deal hardly changes a draft strategy. Brown will eventually return and McCollum actually played well in his opportunity last season. Maddox also provides depth at safety.

 

It just doesn't look like adding another "starting" safety is in the Eagles' plans. 

If this organization is going into the draft thinking Blankenship is a starter for years to come they are screwed!!! He is solid but far from anything locked in.. I would instantly start Simmons over him based on his talent level and years in Fangio’s system. 
I easily see times where we could have 3 "safeties” on the field at the same time much rather Blankenship be the #3 and play in some packages be available if someone gets injured then him be the starter.

7 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

Blankenship for me is fine but I’m not sold on him being a starter. And even if he is a starter he’s not a high level one and I’d feel a lot better if he was the #3. 

 

1 hour ago, Cheesteakitis said:

If this organization is going into the draft thinking Blankenship is a starter for years to come they are screwed!!! He is solid but far from anything locked in.. I would instantly start Simmons over him based on his talent level and years in Fangio’s system. 
I easily see times where we could have 3 "safeties” on the field at the same time much rather Blankenship be the #3 and play in some packages be available if someone gets injured then him be the starter.

Blankenship is a pretty sizable upgrade over Epps who was "solid" for us. I'm not sure where all this doubt about a young player starts, but he's showing all the signs of being a productive starting safety for the next few years. It took Simmons until his 4th year to do enough to get recognition. We all know that once you get recognition as a player, you tend to get awards based as much on the past as the present. Simmons is a 4-time 2nd team all pro, including last season. He played 15 games in 2023, had 70 tackles (combined), 2 TFL, 3 INTs, 8 PD, 2 FF, 1 FR and 1 sack. Blankenship played 15 games, had 113 tackles (combined), 2 TFL, 3 INTs, 11 PD, 1 FR, and 1 QB hit. PFF gave Simmons a grade of 67.9 on the season and Blankenship 73.4. Honestly, both players measure up pretty evenly, statistically and analytically. One is a young player that is still getting better and the other one is an experienced vet playing at approximately the same level. Simmons has an 8.7 career missed tackle percentage and Blankenship has an 8.2 career missed tackle percentage. 

Simmons has had a nice career, but only his career reputation is currently better than Blankenship. That's why he was a cap casualty and why Blankenship got an extension. Blankenship was also 2nd in the NFL in performance based pay in 2023 (behind John Simpson, ahead of Purdy) and 1st among defensive players. 

I can certainly see where the doubts about Blank come from … he appears to be limited athletically.  However, I also see the side where it makes sense to let him continue to develop and see if he can grow into an all around solid starting safety.  I’ve been on the bandwagon of playing the younger guys to give them valuable learning experience knowing there will be bumps early (but hopeful to be rewarded in the end) for the past several years, so I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t feel the same about Blank.  Personally I don’t want to bring in Simmons now that we’ve signed CJGJ (and I'd bet the FO is thinking the same).  I’d much rather use a day 3 pick to add another body to the competition to fill out the depth chart and push those ahead of him.  

I think when someone says that a player is decent and an average starter people think that’s a huge dig. Blankenship was a UDFA (I believe) and so being an average starter is a huge achievement. But we can and we should be looking to upgrade. He’s a good #3 but he’s limited athletically and I think the S position needs improving.

3 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I think when someone says that a player is decent and an average starter people think that’s a huge dig. Blankenship was a UDFA (I believe) and so being an average starter is a huge achievement. But we can and we should be looking to upgrade. He’s a good #3 but he’s limited athletically and I think the S position needs improving.

Being solid is not a huge dig and Blankenship clearly is already proven to be solid. I just don't understand why people create these mythical "ceilings" for young players and act like "solid" is the most we can hope for. I also understand expectations and undrafted players aren't expected to become starters. When one does, he exceeds expectations by all accounts. So, I guess, believing he can improve beyond "solid" is too much to believe. Reed wasn't expected to even make the team as a rookie. Not only did he impress enough to make the team, he made the final roster. When injuries gave him an opportunity to play on defense, he played like one of the best players on the field. In his second year, he was a starter and was our best player in the secondary despite playing through a couple rib injuries. He was missed in the wild card game. 

Also, WTH does "limited athletically" mean exactly? Does that mean he's not "generationally" gifted? I mean ... yeah ... he's not the leader in any athletic measurement, but he's not near the back end of the group either. From Lance Zierlein: "Versatile safety with adequate size and good athleticism." I think a lot of people around here just parrot what other people around here say and that (limited athletically) is one example. 

I keep seeing reports on youtube that Howie may go after Justin Simmons. How it's a natural fit with Vic Fangio. He knows the plays and could be the signal caller in the secondary.

CJGJ and Simmons as our starting safeties. Wow. That would be special. Not sure how much money he wants. Good thing Howie has cap money to spend if he chooses.

On 5/17/2024 at 1:59 PM, jsdarkstar said:

I keep seeing reports on youtube that Howie may go after Justin Simmons. How it's a natural fit with Vic Fangio. He knows the plays and could be the signal caller in the secondary.

I think there’s a slight chance and I still think it would be a good addition. I know some are higher on Blankenship then I am and that’s fine… But they are still short at Safety and a veteran who knows the scheme would be beneficial.

We currently have Blankenship and CJGJ set to start. DeJean was drafted because of his versatility. He is starting out as the nickel in practice. If he wins that role, that leaves Maddox available to fill in at safety. We also have S. Brown returning at some point and Tristin McCollum was given a shot in the regular season finale and played very well. 

 

Honestly at this point, I don't understand why this topic is still pinned. It made sense before CJGJ was signed. But since then we have brought back Maddox, drafted DeJean, and Brown appears close to returning. 

 

Should one of our starters get hurt in TC, then maybe this idea would be relevant again. 

When the reason behind a rumor is nothing more than "It seems like a nice fit", it's probably just a rumor.

On 5/20/2024 at 12:51 PM, ilikepargo said:

When the reason behind a rumor is nothing more than "It seems like a nice fit", it's probably just a rumor.

Funny how people can read something like that and run with it like there is a legitimate report and not just a rumor concocted on pure speculation.  Just click bait nonsense (kinda like "Pickett is outperforming Hurts in OTAs").  

This thread was started back in October.  Given the recent signings and draftees, I would have to think the Eagles defensive backfield is well stocked at the moment.  And as T2R pointed out, the team looks to be on a youth movement.  If somebody gets injured, and a guy like Simmons is available for the right price, I can see it.  Otherwise, might be a bit of overkill at the moment. 

On 5/26/2024 at 4:49 PM, Procus said:

This thread was started back in October.  Given the recent signings and draftees, I would have to think the Eagles defensive backfield is well stocked at the moment.  And as T2R pointed out, the team looks to be on a youth movement.  If somebody gets injured, and a guy like Simmons is available for the right price, I can see it.  Otherwise, might be a bit of overkill at the moment. 

I think they have numbers and options and certainly youth but I still have concerns at the options. Reed is fine, CJGJ is a good player but right now we have no idea where DeJean is going to play? Maddox can play Safety but hasn’t in a few years now and struggles to stay healthy. And who else do we have? The DB room is full right now but it’s a lot of potential and hope and players having versatility.

2 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

I think they have numbers and options and certainly youth but I still have concerns at the options. Reed is fine, CJGJ is a good player but right now we have no idea where DeJean is going to play? Maddox can play Safety but hasn’t in a few years now and struggles to stay healthy. And who else do we have? The DB room is full right now but it’s a lot of potential and hope and players having versatility.

Sydney Brown will be back in due course. 

You sign a guy like Simmons - it has to be on the cheap, and most likely a short term deal.

1 hour ago, Procus said:

Sydney Brown will be back in due course. 

You sign a guy like Simmons - it has to be on the cheap, and most likely a short term deal.

At this point, Simmons will want to sign with a team that has a starting job open. He won't be looking for a backup role. Since most teams already have an idea who their starting safeties will be, it's unlikely Simmons will sign until after a projected starter is lost to injury. In other words, there is little reason for him to sign with anybody this early.

I'm with this move. Simmons can come in start, mentor Blankenship and Brown for a yr or two then we'll be set for the future. Simmons and Gardner-Johnson starting would put great fear in a lot of quarterbacks throwing into our secondary with two ball hawk safeties on the back end.

26 minutes ago, henrijhaskinsjr21 said:

I'm with this move. Simmons can come in start, mentor Blankenship and Brown for a yr or two then we'll be set for the future. Simmons and Gardner-Johnson starting would put great fear in a lot of quarterbacks throwing into our secondary with two ball hawk safeties on the back end.

Blankenship played well last year. I'm all for depth tho

Pretty surprised he hasn't been signed yet

Colts and Saints are interested. Eagles seem to be out

6 hours ago, Godfather said:

Colts and Saints are interested. Eagles seem to be out

Which I just think is such a mistake. Unless of course he’s asking for too much. We need options at S especially given CJGJ can’t stay healthy.

13 hours ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

Which I just think is such a mistake. Unless of course he’s asking for too much. We need options at S especially given CJGJ can’t stay healthy.

We're fine

9 hours ago, Godfather said:

We're fine

I know that you truly believe you bud and all credit to you… I just don’t see it. I’m not even saying Simmons at this point is an upgrade on anyone… We have no depth. CJGJ does tend to miss games and we have nobody behind him. Bradberry has moved to S because he knows he can’t play at CB anymore. I like Maddox at S but he’s not played there in what 4 years now? And he’s also likely to miss time. 

On 8/9/2024 at 1:30 AM, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

 We have no depth.

I completely disagree. If the statement was, " We have no big name depth," I would agree. Last year we drafted Sydney Brown in the 3rd round. He played 335 snaps on defense and another 220 on ST. He will be returning soon. This year we drafted Cooper DeJean in the 2nd round because of his versatility. He's almost ready to be a full participant.

Maddox is preparing at S in practice. Last year McCollum was elevated from the PS in the final week and came in when Sirianni pulled the starters. He played well:

 

Just because you have doubts about Sydney Brown's health, DeJean's experience, Maddox's health, and McCollum's experience, does not mean we don't have depth. Regardless of what happens with Bradberry, that's 4 guys we can turn to if a need arises. Or we could just sign Simmons to a $5M, 1-year deal to sit behind the starters all year if they stay healthy, have 1 less guy that will play ST on the roster and if his number is called, comes into the game instead of Brown or DeJean. There's no guarantee Simmons won't get some freak injury and miss time himself. 

10 hours ago, brkmsn said:

Just because you have doubts about Sydney Brown's health, DeJean's experience, Maddox's health, and McCollum's experience, does not mean we don't have depth

So wait… Just because I have doubts about literally every back up player? In addition to knowing CJGJ tends to miss time? I mean yeah honestly what am I worried about!

16 minutes ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

So wait… Just because I have doubts about literally every back up player? In addition to knowing CJGJ tends to miss time? I mean yeah honestly what am I worried about!

Simmons is an all pro he isn't going to come here as a depth piece and the eagles aren't going to pony up the money for an all pro when they don't even have a starting position for him until someone actually gets hurt. 

1 hour ago, UK_EaglesFan89 said:

So wait… Just because I have doubts about literally every back up player? In addition to knowing CJGJ tends to miss time? I mean yeah honestly what am I worried about!

I'm saying your doubts don't mean we don't have depth. We have pretty strong depth. Right now, the starters are Blankenship and CJGJ. Blankenship slightly outproduced Simmons last year statistically and also received a slightly higher grade than Simmons from PFF. CJGJ may not be a prototypical safety, but he is a playmaker that finds the ball, makes big hits, and helps set the tone on defense and motivate teammates. Last year we brought in Byard and he was about the equivalent of Simmons. He was an upgrade over Edmunds, but it just didn't seem to make the defense come together. In fact, the opposite happened as each week passed. 

Anyway, if you don't think we can get 16 games out of any combination of CJGJ, Blankenship, Maddox, DeJean, S. Brown, and McCollum, then we have bigger issues. 

Last year's PFF grades:

CJGJ --- 72.7

Blankenship --- 73.4

S. Brown --- 62.0

Maddox --- 50.6

McCollum --- 76.6

DeJean (college grade) --- 77.4

---------------------------------------

Byard --- 74.0

Simmons --- 67.9

 

Don't get me wrong, I want Blankenship and CJGJ to stay healthy and start every meaningful game. I also happen to think Maddox provides good, solid depth at nickel and safety. His play was a bit off when he returned from injury because, IMO, he was moved to safety without having much time to prepare for the switch and played with Byard whom he had never played with before. His grade took a hit. He's getting the necessary preparation this season and there's a good chance that the arrival of Mitchell and DeJean will mitigate his "injury risk" by taking away his playing time. S. Brown did enough as a rookie to remain excited about his future. McCollum last year reminded me of Blankenship as a rookie --- elevated from the PS and played extremely well.

I'm not saying your not entitled to worry. That's your prerogative. I'm just arguing that I disagree with the notion that we don't have depth.