2 minutes ago, Desertbirds said:

His argument is about perception and not reality.

I perceive two players throwing the ball around outside.  Not dozens of players in close quarters.

Just now, bpac55 said:

Yea, I get that it's 2 guys.  I just think the NFL and teams are MORE than capable to make sure their players are safe.  There are meeting rooms for each position at NovaCare.  Don't need to have all 90 guys in one room.  

Get on the field together and be outside where coaches can continue to wear a mask if they feel the need.  

I think a large driver is the veterans themselves. They probably enjoy the extended time away, as they know how much of a grind the season is, and will be even moreso with an added game this year. The players gave into the 17th game, and in return, the NFL is probably giving them what they want in terms of off season training. 

2 minutes ago, Peppersmacks said:

And if one of these two guys has it and spreads it to the other, you've knocked out two people.  If a position group is meeting inside and one of the guys have it, not only is the risk of transmission higher, but the result is worse - you could knock out an entire position group.

I understand how it spreads thanks.  They played an entire season.  They tested players.  They practices, used meeting rooms, locker rooms, training rooms and so on.  Don't you think it they could continue the same protocol to have mini camps?

 

Just now, LeanMeanGM said:

Your mistake is assuming boycotting the OTA's is about the pandemic

This.

"You got your seventeenth game, we get a few more weeks off in the spring."

1 minute ago, LeanMeanGM said:

Your mistake is assuming boycotting the OTA's is about the pandemic

Also this.  It has nothing to do with risk for the players.  They have always been pushing back on OTAs and anything else with extra contact (can't say I blame them).  And like the rest of the world, they've learned that a huge part of their job, like position meetings, can be done remotely.

1 minute ago, TorontoEagle said:

I think a large driver is the veterans themselves. They probably enjoy the extended time away, as they know how much of a grind the season is, and will be even moreso with an added game this year. The players gave into the 17th game, and in return, the NFL is probably giving them what they want in terms of off season training. 

I get that too and it makes sense.  I'm just speaking as a fan but I would have loved for our veterans to say, hey we have a brand new coaching staff here.  Every chance we get to be with them. learn what they want is only going to benefit this team in the long run.

2 minutes ago, bpac55 said:

I understand how it spreads thanks.  They played an entire season.  They tested players.  They practices, used meeting rooms, locker rooms, training rooms and so on.  Don't you think it they could continue the same protocol to have mini camps?

 

And people still got it during the season.  In-season meetings is a necessity.  Meeting now?  Not so much.  Just like I still go to the grocery store because I have to.  I don't do indoor dining because I don't have to eat inside during the pandemic.  I understand subtlety is not your strong suit.

1 minute ago, Peppersmacks said:

And people still got it during the season.  In-season meetings is a necessity.  Meeting now?  Not so much.  Just like I still go to the grocery store because I have to.  I don't do indoor dining because I don't have to eat inside during the pandemic.  I understand subtlety is not your strong suit.

Not sure the need to take a dig at someone here.  I'm literally just having a conversation about this and trying to make sense of it all.

Meeting now would be a tremendous benefit to the Eagles and a brand new coaching staff.  

7 minutes ago, Connecticut Eagle said:

I perceive two players throwing the ball around outside.  Not dozens of players in close quarters.

Come on...

 

10 minutes ago, 4for4EaglesNest said:

Round 3- Milton Williams:  D+.  The drama pick.  Seems like a nice young man.  Love his ability to move.  Love the position.  Don't love the fit from a need perspective. And there has been a lot made about the length of his arms.  His nickname should be T Rex.  Chazz Surrat would have been nice.

8 minutes ago, 4for4EaglesNest said:

 Sure we drafted some "nice players".  We had 11 picks.  As far as an overall grade, I'll be nice and give it a C.  We all are told to "wait and see".  I am still waiting and seeing on the past 5 drafts.  Of which most of them were garbage.  We still missed on CB, Safety and LB.  We addressed the lines, which I am never mad at, but even those have question marks.  Howie showed the world what we all knew, (Well most of us)  that the FO is a toxic mess and he's the cause of it.  He looked like a complete fool with the fist bumping like he's looking for a friend.  There will be some apologist that say "that stuff happens all the time in the draft room".  Not it doesn't and not for the NFL world to see.  And that was when they knew they were on camera.  What kind of interaction and instability do you think is displayed behind the scenes?  It needs to be lumped in here because it happened and it's now a thing.  I loved that it was aired.  It was the best part of Friday night.  

Trade down from 6 to 12:  A+.  Getting an extra 1st for 2022 is huge.  There will be more information on players in 2022.  There will be less opt-outs, a combine and some serious studs on defense.  So kudos to Howie for this move.  

Round 1- Devonta Smith:  B.  It is not secret that I was not a fan of getting him.  It's no secret that I wanted to steer clear of WR and build up the secondary and lines.  I would have preferred a trade down.  I love the guy.  Love the production.  Hate the position for us there and of course his size.  But his work ethic and pedigree can only help guys like Reagor.  He'll bring a standard, which is always a plus.  I would have given this a C but that was before I saw the rest of the draft.  By comparison, it makes this pick look even better.  You can move this guy all over the place and his ability to run the whole route tree would pay huge dividends.  If he can stay healthy.  But GD is he small and slight.  Kind of reminds me of the Barnett pick.  Ultra productive in the SEC.  Not as gifted in the NFL.  If we were forced to use a 3rd to trade from 12 to 10 to get him.  Then I wonder what the cost would have been to go to 8 and get PS2?  That would have been my preference.  5 WR drafted in the last 3 years.  Insanity.  

Round 2- Landon Dickerson: D+.  I am always a fan of character guys.  I know he's a mauler.  I know he's huge and he's a good player.  But there is something about a guy who was injured and then dressed for the NCCG and to be picked to walk out as the lone captain, even though he was unable to play.  That's obviously a special dude.  I don't know how true it is, but I heard that Saban said he was the best leader he's ever coached.  But obviously the main issues is his ability to stay healthy.  Am I to believe that a guy who can't finish a college season 4 of the last 5 seasons is going to come to the NFL (17 game schedule) and not wear down?  I am hopeful, because it's a key focus of mine on a football team and he's a special guy.  I would prefer to send him to a Guard spot.  Considering he's massive.  But let's not kid ourselves.  But he's not going to stay healthy guys.  Be honest with yourself.   Obviously, I would have preferred Moehrig.  Barmore would have been great value at that spot.  I know the knock on him was he takes plays off.  We have an All Pro DT of our own, who does that.  And of course AS Jr.  should have been the pick.  

Round 3- Milton Williams:  D+.  The drama pick.  Seems like a nice young man.  Love his ability to move.  Love the position.  Don't love the fit from a need perspective. And there has been a lot made about the length of his arms.  His nickname should be T Rex.  Chazz Surrat would have been nice.  Obviously Aaron Robinson was the target for the grown ups in the room.  Howie again, goes against the scouts.  But the best part of this pick was that Howie looked like a complete fool.  I wonder if Lurie cares.  Don't bother to answer that.  

Round 4- Zech McPherson: C.  Meh.  By this point in the draft all of the good corners were gone.  I am sure when Howie was done fist bumping and bro hugging Friday night, he thought "hey man.....I forgot to draft a corner man". From what I have seen and read, he's a slot guy.  That's not what I had in mind Howie!!!!!  Should be fun to watch them line him up outside to start a game mid-season because the other "outside corner" is either hurt or benched.  I am sure someone will counter with the word "value" here.  You know what I am tired of?  Being told about the value of our mid to late round picks.  Like that's what is going to build a winning franchise.  Terrible Roster management by the Lollipop Kid.  

Round 5- Kenneth Gainwell: C.  Cool, a more explosive and talented Boston Scott.  Awesome.  Not blown away.  We needed a RB.  He's a little fella.  Cade Stern was there.  He can play safety.  We don't have any of those.  Tony Fields was there.  He's a Linebacker....google it.  If this get's Scott off the team.  I am fine with it.  

Round 6- Marlon Tuipulotu: B.  Big guy from a big program.  I never hate building the lines.  I am good with this.  Seems to be just a hole plugger.  No real pass rush skillset.  Will he make the squad?  Wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't.  

Round 6- Tarron Jackson: C.  My kid goes to Coastal.  I have seen probably more Coastal games that any of you people.  Another character guy.  Team leader.  Great career at CCU and really nice Senior year for a pretty good team.  She said he's a good guy.  Has a good reputation around campus as not being an A Hole.  As far as the NFL is concerned, he's a borderline rotational guy.  Would be surprised if he makes the team.  Not very explosive or huge.  Great hustle.   Most notable player to come out of CCU football since Josh Norman.  But he's an A hole.  Last notable Eagles player from CCU?  Denzel Rice....yeah he was a player......LOL

Round 6- Jacoby Stevens:  NA.  I remember him.  Another tweener.  Not a LB but a safety....or is he?  If he can be better than Nate Gerry then I love the pick.  WAIT AND SEE.  I had to.  

Round 7- Patrick Johnson: NA.  No clue.  None of us know who this guy is.  But I am encouraged to see our FO knows there is a position called linebacker.  That's a step in the right direction.  I should give this pick an A just for that alone.  

 

 

 

The draft really hinges on Dickerson. I think Smith will be a very good pro player, and I think Williams will carve out a career for himself. The rest have a lot of questions, though I like Gainwell in the 5th round. But if Dickerson can stay healthy and be a stud centre for let's say 10 years....it's a great draft (combined with the expectations of Smith). If Dickerson can't stay healthy, then the draft certainly takes a very big hit. 

Indy should jump all over that. 

7 minutes ago, TorontoEagle said:

The draft really hinges on Dickerson. I think Smith will be a very good pro player, and I think Williams will carve out a career for himself. The rest have a lot of questions, though I like Gainwell in the 5th round. But if Dickerson can stay healthy and be a stud centre for let's say 10 years....it's a great draft (combined with the expectations of Smith). If Dickerson can't stay healthy, then the draft certainly takes a very big hit. 

Fair to say.

1 hour ago, bpac55 said:

I think there are 3 kinds of fans.

Overly optimistic- No matter what the Eagles do, it doesn't matter because the Eagles are the best and Dallas sucks.

Overly pessimistic- The true Negadelphian, doom and gloom no matter what.

Realistic- Fans who sit back and look at the big picture.  Might come off as negative sometimes but when things aren't great that's just reality.  

 

The draft can really accentuate who we are as fans.  We talk draft prospects for months, do countless mock drafts and fall in love with prospects. We literally build the Eagles team WE want. When you see other teams take guys you really wanted the Eagles to take and then see the Eagles take guys you never would have thought of drafting it can set off a wide variety of emotions. 

The Eagles didn't draft a single player this weekend who I loved watching on Saturdays, watched tons of highlights coming away with the thought that I want this guy, had them take in a mock draft or say that's a guy I want.  There were numerous times that there were players on the board who fit needs and holes and were guys I loved and hoped the Eagles would take.  When this happens, it's really easy to develop a negative mindset.  I'm guilty of that, I think a lot of us are.  However, now that we can dissect the Eagles draft we have a lot of positives to look at, along with a lot of questions yet too.

My thoughts on the outlook fans have.

In all fairness, the bolded is always true. 

Draft's over, let's get training camp started!

Just now, 4for4EaglesNest said:

You really need to hope Smith will be able to stay healthy.  I have my doubts.  

 

As far as Dickerson is concerned.  I would really like to see him at Guard.  Not Center.  Or Centre as you hosers would call it.  

I really went back and forth on Smith pre draft. But he does seem slippery enough to avoid getting crushed. And really, the NFL is shying away from those monster hits more every year. His size is absolutely the only real concern I have about him. His work ethic/intangibles seem to be fantastic, and he crushed it on the field last year as well. All of his positives far outweigh the risk he might get hurt. The other huge benefit is it relieves a ton of pressure on Reagor. The ultimate hope is that we've finally figured out the WR puzzle, as frustrating as it was to get here. 

1 minute ago, EagleJoe8 said:

In all fairness, the bolded is always true. 

I was going to put Dallas sucks under each category.  Opportunity missed.

Really hope Dickerson can stay healthy and have a productive career with the Eagles. He possesses all the intangibles you want in a leader of the OL.

But I'm still disappointed that they passed on Moehrig at 37. Getting him in the 2nd would have made the rest of the draft gravy regardless. That one is going to be a tough pill to swallow for a while.

1 minute ago, 4for4EaglesNest said:

The problem with the "slippery enough" statement is it only takes one shot.  And as far as the bolded........I'm told to "wait and see".  I don't believe it as much as I wish it to be true.  

Yes but the one shot thing can really apply to anybody, with the concussion protocols they have in place now and that blue tent thing. I get it, the weight is a concern. It's probably the only thing that kept him from being the first WR taken. And yeah, it sucks to wait and see, but it's not like we have much choice. IF Smith is what he appears to be, I think we can finally move on from drafting WRs with premium picks. 

2 minutes ago, austinfan said:

I think he competes with Raequan Williams for the 4th DT/backup NT spot. He's shorter, stouter and a big more athletic, but if either has to start, we're in a world of hurt.

I just thought there were some other CB prospects that may have made sense at that spot. 

Just now, 4for4EaglesNest said:

Long way to go before that happens.  And we still have some things to sort out.  Ertz.  Will Howie make a move on a viable option at corner?  Do we bring in another QB?  I still think there will more post draft roster tinkering than usual.  

What are your thoughts on Newman, the UDFA? Obviously can't count on anything at all from him, but I'm certainly intrigued by what I've seen. Also, we get to yell Newman like Jerry Seinfeld used to. 

2 hours ago, Rhinoddd50 said:

Douglas does have to take at least some of the blame for being part of an Eagles FO / Scouting Department that delivered some very poor drafts, and some obviously poor choices (even at the time the picks were made).   He can't have the role of basically #3 in the organization (behind Lurie and Howie) but then blame everyone else around him for failure.

Oh without doubt bud. I'm not absolving Douglas of blame. He was here for a few years and out drafting didn't really get any better so there's questions around what he actually did. But he's got a chance now to do it his way. 

44 minutes ago, Connecticut Eagle said:

This.

"You got your seventeenth game, we get a few more weeks off in the spring."

Honestly didn’t even think of this. Makes sense but also wouldn’t it hinder the players?

45 minutes ago, Peppersmacks said:

Also this.  It has nothing to do with risk for the players.  They have always been pushing back on OTAs and anything else with extra contact (can't say I blame them).  And like the rest of the world, they've learned that a huge part of their job, like position meetings, can be done remotely.

The position group that has really suffered from less contact practice is the Oline. Guessing because it takes time to gel as a unit. But Oline quality has been down league wife since they cut back.