Regardless of Covey's effectiveness as a PR, he's a bottom-of-the-roster guy and his viability on the roster comes down to whether he's significantly better as a PR than the other options -- or if he earns a spot on the WR depth chart.  We're not talking about a dynamic ST weapon like Dante Hall or Devin Hester here.  He's a "good" PR.

53 seems like a lot of roster spots, but it isn't.  Once you get near the bottom you have to evaluate how to maximize value.  Your offense, defense, and ST need depth; multitasking is important for the bottom of the roster.  Covey has caught 4 passes in two years, and he's 27 years-old. 

I'm not saying Covey is sure to be cut/traded .... but if the Eagles get a long PR in preseason, Covey had better hope it's him with the ball in his hands.  

Greg Lewis was a better PR than Covey 

21 minutes ago, bpac55 said:

Even if Covey is better it's by a small fraction. He's done nothing to say he's way better than Mahe...and again, I was not a Mahe fan. 

Yes, 14.4 is better than 12.8 when comparing their best season averages. Mahe had a long of 44 compared to Covey's long of 54 so they are pretty even when it comes to their biggest plays. Neither has taken one to the house. 

They really aren't that far apart when it comes to productivity. 

Career					55	1	95	851	0	44	9.0	35	749	0	64	21.4
2003	23	PHI	RB	34	2	0	6	55	0	17	9.2			0			60	0
2004	24	PHI	RB	34	11	0	19	109	0	25	5.7	3	44	0	22	14.7	367	2
2005	25	PHI	RB	34	15	0	21	269	0	44	12.8	1	19	0	19	19.0	443	1
2006	26	PHI	RB	34	12	1	18	169	0	23	9.4	30	667	0	64	22.2	877	0
2007	27	PHI	RB	25	15	0	31	249	0	32	8.0	1	19	0	19	19.0	279	0

 

Career					33		62	725	0	54	11.7	11	236	0	30	21.5	1003	0
2022	25	PHI	WR	18	17	0	33	308	0	27	9.3	10	206	0	26	20.6	514	0
2023	26	PHI	WR	18	16	0	29	417	0	54	14.4	1	30	0	30	30.0	489	0

Bruh you'll never convince me that Covey isn't way better than pedestrian 4.7 40 Reno Mahe. I don't care what Roob like stats you throw up that mean nothing.

47 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

Keep in mind, Covey isn’t ultra conservative like a lot of punt returners when it comes to decision making. He’s willing to take a short return to gain a couple of extra yards while a lot of others protect their stats with fair catches. 

People are way too eager to replace him. 

I also like the fact that he isn't scared to take that thing into the trash instead of running East and West to avoid contact.

3 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

Regardless of Covey's effectiveness as a PR, he's a bottom-of-the-roster guy and his viability on the roster comes down to whether he's significantly better as a PR than the other options -- or if he earns a spot on the WR depth chart.  We're not talking about a dynamic ST weapon like Dante Hall or Devin Hester here.  He's a "good" PR.

53 seems like a lot of roster spots, but it isn't.  Once you get near the bottom you have to evaluate how to maximize value.  Your offense, defense, and ST need depth; multitasking is important for the bottom of the roster.  Covey has caught 4 passes in two years, and he's 27 years-old. 

I'm not saying Covey is sure to be cut/traded .... but if the Eagles get a long PR in preseason, Covey had better hope it's him with the ball in his hands.  

Having the ability to keep JAG vets on the practice squad should factor into the equation. We can go lighter at some positions because guys like Davante Parker and Parris Campbell should be able to stick on the PS, or maybe even a guy like Avonte Maddox or the nickel from the Raiders I keep forgetting. 

3 minutes ago, judunno said:

Bruh you'll never convince me that Covey isn't way better than pedestrian 4.7 40 Reno Mahe. I don't care what Roob like stats you throw up that mean nothing.

His Roob stats actually show that Covey is much better than Mahe!

5 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

Regardless of Covey's effectiveness as a PR, he's a bottom-of-the-roster guy and his viability on the roster comes down to whether he's significantly better as a PR than the other options -- or if he earns a spot on the WR depth chart.  We're not talking about a dynamic ST weapon like Dante Hall or Devin Hester here.  He's a "good" PR.

53 seems like a lot of roster spots, but it isn't.  Once you get near the bottom you have to evaluate how to maximize value.  Your offense, defense, and ST need depth; multitasking is important for the bottom of the roster.  Covey has caught 4 passes in two years, and he's 27 years-old. 

I'm not saying Covey is sure to be cut/traded .... but if the Eagles get a long PR in preseason, Covey had better hope it's him with the ball in his hands.  

You're thinking take it to the house. I'm thinking ball security and productivity. When you have an offense that is projected to be as high powered as the Eagles i'd prefer the reliability that can be consistent and on occasion break one than anything else for this coming year. After this year when we know what we have with the rooks and they prove themselves sure maybe then consider a move.

1 hour ago, HazletonEagle said:

And I think its ridiculous how people are discounting Covey this year as our PR.

And doesnt make sense to me either why people have ruled out any chance of contributing on offense with new offensive coaches and a new role that perfectly matches his skill set.

Its stupid to think he has any value on the roster 

I’ll say this about Covey: I don’t recall thinking at any point last year that he left yardage on the field… except when Nolan Smith tackled him in the open field. 

1 minute ago, judunno said:

Bruh you'll never convince me that Covey isn't way better than pedestrian 4.7 40 Reno Mahe. I don't care what Roob like stats you throw up that mean nothing.

Look, I hated Reno Mahe. The JAGGIEST of JAGS if there ever was one. But are we going by results or how they looked doing it. If you would have told me that over 5 years, Reno Mahe's punt return average was less than 1/2 yard less than DJack's I would say you're crazy. But proof is in the pudding. From a productivity stand point, Mahe produced a very respectable 9 YPR. 

I have no problem with Covey as the PR. I think he's just fine and a good option back there. I just think the Eagles have other options now that offer position flexibility. 

1 minute ago, ManuManu said:

His Roob stats actually show that Covey is much better than Mahe!

Not really... Roob stats are usually fallacies. In this case it's this is the fallacy of small sample. I'm using the eye test and based on what I've seen of Mahe throughout his career vs what I've seen in Covey. Covey is light years better. That's my opinion and I'm sticking with it.

Just now, bpac55 said:

Look, I hated Reno Mahe. The JAGGIEST of JAGS if there ever was one. But are we going by results or how they looked doing it. If you would have told me that over 5 years, Reno Mahe's punt return average was less than 1/2 yard less than DJack's I would say you're crazy. But proof is in the pudding. From a productivity stand point, Mahe produced a very respectable 9 YPR. 

I have no problem with Covey as the PR. I think he's just fine and a good option back there. I just think the Eagles have other options now that offer position flexibility. 

That's the problem. No one knows if those options are reliable yet. And as I said... putting DeJean back there to put him at risk would be pretty damn stupid.

1 minute ago, HazletonEagle said:

That might be true if he was just a returner,  and just an average one

 But I don't think it holds true being that he's one of the best returners in the league. 

There's value there.  Even if it's not on our roster,  you can get some kind of draft pick out of that. 

If they can trade him, great.   

 

But, the difference between him and the middle of the pack returner isn't worth a roster spot.   He's not a game changer from the position.   He's not Dante Hall.  He's not Devin Hester.   He's not even Brian Mitchell, who was also a very nice 3rd down back.   

He was a 'nice' returner.   Yes, he lead the league with 20+ yard returns with 7.  Middle of the pack PRs had 3.    He led the league with 40+ yard returns with 2.   Middle of the pack had 1.   But, he also had 2 fumbles... which is 'middle of the pack', but IMO, ball security is job #1 of the PR.  You can't give away possessions.      And his per punt return average was 5th most (also 5th most in returns), at 14.4 yards.   Middle of the pack was 11.4 yards.   Is 3 yards more on 29 punts, for a total of 87 yards difference in field position over the season worthy of a roster spot?   I don't think so.  Right now I'd say that Covey is a top 5 punt returner.   That's nice to have, but its a luxury to keep a guy if that's literally his only contribution to the team.   He's not a cover guy.  He's not a kickoff returner as well.   And to date, he's not a guy who's been a part of the offense.  So, as of right now, Covey IS JUST a returner.   He needs to prove otherwise... or I don't believe he'll be here.   He needs to prove that he is of more value than that.

 

Why do I think that?   Because Jalyx Hunt might be a guy that they need to red-shirt on the roster to keep him away from other teams, while still being able to practice.   Similarly, they might need to stash Johnny Wilson in much the same way.   I don't see him getting through waivers either.   And, now there are more options as a punt returner that are going to be on this roster AND are going to be active on game day.   The obvious option is Dejean.  According to his interview on NFL Network yesterday, he mentioned being worked at nickel before mentioning CB.  A guy who's primarily playing in the slot could absolutely be the primary punt returner.  And, he's a guy that has done it at a high level in college.   So, I feel very comfortable with him as the guy.   

 

And then there's Ainais Smith who could be the primary returner for BOTH kickoff and punt returns and fill both roles, and he could fit the same role that some envision for Covey, if he were to get that shot.   Ainais Smith seems to be the guy that fits better and at 5 years younger, slightly bigger and slightly stronger.   Maybe he's not the guy... and maybe Covey is.   Both will get a chance to prove it.   And the one who does, is the one that gets the roster spot.  I think this is the real battle.   Smith might get cut and be brought back on PS, but I don't see both making the team.   IMO, it is either Smith or Covey.  I think its actually more probable that neither make the 53 man roster than both make it.  We'll see.   

 

 

PR will be an interesting watch this summer.  But, I think there's no way that this is Covey's position and he's not going to get a major battle for the spot.   He's not a game changer at PR, and that's what it would take to be the undisputed PR on this roster.   There's lots of options now.  Covey is just one of them.

14 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

Having the ability to keep JAG vets on the practice squad should factor into the equation. We can go lighter at some positions because guys like Davante Parker and Parris Campbell should be able to stick on the PS, or maybe even a guy like Avonte Maddox or the nickel from the Raiders I keep forgetting. 

It will for sure.  I mentioned that yesterday referencing Johnny Wilson.  He may not be a top 5 WR coming out of camp, but Campbell and Parker can likely both be exposed to waivers with a low likelihood of getting claimed.  

If Maddox even glances at the trainer's room this season there should be a bus ticket placed in his locker.

2 minutes ago, Alphagrand said:

It will for sure.  I mentioned that yesterday referencing Johnny Wilson.  He may not be a top 5 WR coming out of camp, but Campbell and Parker can likely both be exposed to waivers with a low likelihood of getting claimed.  

If Maddox even glances at the trainer's room this season there should be a bus ticket placed in his locker.

Yeah PS candidates if Wilson shows out.

34 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

11.7 yards per return seem significantly better than 9.0, but I’m not a math guy. 

I'm a math guy and I can confirm, 11.7 is the larger number of the two.

17 hours ago, Random Reglar said:

Johnny Wilson v Mike Evans

And here’s why RAS isn’t the end all be all that you think it is. Stats matters more. Film matters more. Evans blows Wilson out of the water in productivity.

Mike Evans may be the most nationally underrated WR of the past 20 years. If Johnny Wilson produces at half the level Evans does, it’s a success. 
 

19 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

Having the ability to keep JAG vets on the practice squad should factor into the equation. We can go lighter at some positions because guys like Davante Parker and Parris Campbell should be able to stick on the PS, or maybe even a guy like Avonte Maddox or the nickel from the Raiders I keep forgetting. 

That's good for injury insurance, but only 46 get to dress on gameday.   You've already got 3 spots dedicated to niche positions with the LS, P and PK.  Do you need a 4th for PR?  Ideally, the PR is also the KR and offers something else, either on ST or offense/defense.   If you don't dedicate one slot for PR only, it frees up another OL to dress... or whatever else they need in a given week where they might need to dress more DBs due to some guys being banged up and try to give it a go... or an extra LB or extra RB.  Whatever.   It just gives options to not dedicate one of the 46 slots to a guy who is only a PR.   It's not out of the question, but having added so many other options, it seems like a luxury for a guy who isn't an elite PR.  If he were, there'd be no discussion.   He's top 5 of the crop from 2023.  With an influx of young talent in this draft, he might drop down lower than that to about top 10.   Is that really worth a roster spot when someone could do more than one thing and be relatively equivalent as a PR?

18 minutes ago, judunno said:

That's the problem. No one knows if those options are reliable yet. And as I said... putting DeJean back there to put him at risk would be pretty damn stupid.

Go on.

 

2 hours ago, bpac55 said:

Yes, Covey is good, but you do realize that Cooper DeJean was a Unanimous All-American as a return specialist. You want the ball in his hands. There's a reason Iowa was considering him on offense. 

Ainias Smith was 1st team All-SEC in 2023 as a return specialist and a 1st team All-SEC in 2021 as a Punt Returner. He was injured in 2022.

Even if Covey get some reps at WR, let's not pretend a 27 year old 170 LB guy is going to automatically turn in to some slot machine. They drafted Ainias Smith to do that.

I think the best scenario is that Howie can fleece a team in a trade for Covey. 

New kickoff rules put two back.  I think the days of a TE as the up man are long gone.  Now lots of back up players are going to get looks.  If Smith is the starting slot, he may get the role, but I think that position goes to Campbell.  I also think the Pascal position WR is active on game day so Smith, like Covey, has to have the most value (Wilson may be in the lead but in competition with all those other big WRs they brought in.)Maybe Shipley gets a look.  Maybe DeJean gets a look but that may be dependent on which CBs they keep.  Rodgers is a long shot and kind of dependent on coverage teams as well.  Another long shot is Shon Stephens who also did some returning. At 173 lbs, he seems a bit like a faster Covey (and almost as old).  STs as a whole will be interesting to watch develop this summer.  

3 minutes ago, Outlaw said:

And here’s why RAS isn’t the end all be all that you think it is. Stats matters more. Film matters more. Evans blows Wilson out of the water in productivity.

Mike Evans may be the most nationally underrated WR of the past 20 years. If Johnny Wilson produces at half the level Evans does, it’s a success. 

Plus, it demonstrates that if you don't test in every metric your score is invalid.  He didn't 3-cone or bench, so his score should default to the lowest quartile in those areas.   

38 minutes ago, bpac55 said:

The thing is, they now have multiple players who offer that flexibility. I don't foresee Cooper DeJean as the Eagles PR for the next decade...but as a rookie, when he isn't a starter, 100% he could be the Eagles starting PR. 

Ainias Smith, a 3rd or 4th WR who is going to play on offense. No reason he can't be the PR either. Look at a few WR3 and PR numbers. 

Braxton Berrios. WR3 for Miami.  27 catches for 238 yards and 1 TD. 23 PR for 235 yards at 10.2 YPR. 

Kalif Raymond. WR3 for Detroit. 35 catches for 489 yards, 1 TD. 29 PR for 331 yards, 11.4 YPR.

The point being is that they have players on the roster who can do multiple things rather than just 1 thing. Covey, for as good as he is, can be replaced by one of the young guys and open up a roster spot that might be needed.

Add Will Shipley to the possible returners list.

We should not be talking about a 53-man limit, not with the changes to practice squad rules. It’s 69 players now, with teams able to protect a certain number of PS guys and can activate and move them up and down as needed. Covey only has to be one of 69.

So is the schedule not getting released today as planned?