Josiah Scott in a nutshell via Tommy Lawlor:

"He’s got good ball skills and plays with good awareness. He is similar to Avonte Maddox, but not as talented."  Howie is doing his job, constantly tweaking the roster to make it better. 

If adding a player who is similar to but not as talented as Avonte Maddox is a good move, we are in a heap of trouble.  I understand the point Tommy is trying to make in that the bottom of the roster should always be churning, however I would rather bring in players who are more talented than Maddox. 

 

6 hours ago, Green_Guinness said:

That's a great shot.  Four Cheatriots closer to him than an teammate and he's looking the ball into his hands.  Lights out performance by him and the whole O that game.  Thank you, BDN.

 

And great job to Pederson allowing that play to be called. It was absolutely his best game as a coach ever and I will always be thankful for it. 

39 minutes ago, bpac55 said:

If adding a player who is similar to but not as talented as Avonte Maddox is a good move, we are in a heap of trouble.  

That’s the wrong way to look at it. Tommy is giving you a generic look at Scott. Similar but not as talented does not necessarily mean not as good. Maybe Gannon and Co. see Scott developing into a starting nickel in 2022, giving us two cheap years of starter’s snaps. Maybe they see him as a fourth corner/role player for the next three years. Considering the hit rate of sixth round picks (something like 10 percent), that’s good return.

I understand the concern at CB2, but we aren’t done with roster building yet. We don’t even know what Gannon wants to run defensively yet. We have very limited resources to build with. So far I think it’s been an OK offseason — even if I wish they had taken the money for Flacco and Kerrigan and put it towards a real corner. 

54 minutes ago, bpac55 said:

Josiah Scott in a nutshell via Tommy Lawlor:

"He’s got good ball skills and plays with good awareness. He is similar to Avonte Maddox, but not as talented."  Howie is doing his job, constantly tweaking the roster to make it better. 

If adding a player who is similar to but not as talented as Avonte Maddox is a good move, we are in a heap of trouble.  I understand the point Tommy is trying to make in that the bottom of the roster should always be churning, however I would rather bring in players who are more talented than Maddox. 

 

I didn't realize Maddox will be making 2 mil this year, which is his last year under contract. I would be fine if they moved on from him. I can't see him being worth 2 mil.

8 hours ago, Iggles_Phan said:

Sure... but then that's also derailed by the fact that the organization (reportedly) tried to keep Wentz, and reportedly tried desperately to move up to #2 for a QB.   Makes you question the commitment to Hurts, too, doesn't it?    And leaving him off the schedule announcement?   I'm not one for conspiracy theories, but nothing the Eagles have done since making the selection of Hurts in the 2nd round last year has said, "We are committed to this guy."  

Huh? Howie making a phone call is "desperately trying to move up?"

Obviously, he though Wilson was the only QB worth inquiring about, they had a shot at Fields and Jones and passed without a second thought.

Due diligence requires you ask about every player you think is worth acquiring, and yes, they probably rate Wilson above Hurts, but not 3 1st rd picks better.

6 hours ago, BigEFly said:

Damn. I must be a tough old coot.  Not even a sore arm from my second shingles or second Pfizer Covid shot. 

Or your immune system is out to lunch. 😄

5 minutes ago, greendestiny27 said:

I didn't realize Maddox will be making 2 mil this year, which is his last year under contract. I would be fine if they moved on from him. I can't see him being worth 2 mil.

2 million aint crap anymore

Scott may be terrible, but trading a likely mid-round 6th rounder in 2023 is not a big deal. If we really want that pick back, we can trade our 7th during the draft next year. 

8 hours ago, ManuManu said:

SI.com's Eagle Maven texted a former AFC personnel executive to get the skinny on Scott as a prospect coming out of Michigan State.

"Was a really good inside prospect who mirrored well at the college level," the exec said. "Not enough length to play outside but he's physical and understands run fits."

***

Of the lesser-known options, keep your eye on Shakiel Taylor, who has some of that needed length at 6-foot, and started as a UDFA in Indianapolis with Gannon in 2019. The Eagles claimed Taylor on waivers from the New York Giants in February on the recommendation of Gannon, according to a team source.

https://www.si.com/nfl/eagles/news/handicapping-the-eagles-cb-situation-after-the-addition-of-josiah-scott

Repeat after me, Kenny Moore. Who was the DB coach for Indy?

My suspicion is Gannon looked at film on Maddox, decided he was too soft for that role, and gave Howie a list of potential acquisitions who might be better fits.

Indy used Moore like a 3rd safety as much as a nickel CB.

https://horseshoeheroes.com/2020/12/16/colts-kenny-moore-former-patriots-undrafted-free-agent/

https://www.stampedeblue.com/2020/6/30/21307358/film-room-kenny-moore-ii-is-the-perfect-star-cb-for-this-colts-team

https://www.pff.com/news/pro-kenny-moores-read-and-react-ability-earns-multi-year-extension-with-the-colts

I'd point out that Maddox played outside in college, and has played FS and outside CB here, he may not be suited to how Gannon uses his NB.

2 minutes ago, austinfan said:

Repeat after me, Kenny Moore. Who was the DB coach for Indy?

My suspicion is Gannon looked at film on Maddox, decided he was too soft for that role, and gave Howie a list of potential acquisitions who might be better fits.

I have my complaints about Maddox, but toughness is not one of them. 

4 minutes ago, RLC said:

I have my complaints about Maddox, but toughness is not one of them. 

Being tough and being a good tackler are very different. Honestly, I can’t remember how good of a tackler he is. 

Just now, ManuManu said:

Being tough and being a good tackler are very different. Honestly, I can’t remember how good of a tackler he is. 

100%, but that doesn't make Maddox "soft", it makes him bad. 

6 minutes ago, RLC said:

I have my complaints about Maddox, but toughness is not one of them. 

No, but he's not very physical and may not have the instincts to play near the box on run fits.

He tackled well enough to be acceptable at FS. But Gannon may not see him as a fit for the way he uses his NB.

Playing near the LOS is not just about willingness to tackle, but also the ability to navigate through traffic to make a tackle.

The issue I'd have with Scott are shorter arms, but the NB is not going to be shedding blocks on a regular basis, it's more about being the uncovered guy in the hole, making the stop.

 

17 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

That’s the wrong way to look at it. Tommy is giving you a generic look at Scott. Similar but not as talented does not necessarily mean not as good. Maybe Gannon and Co. see Scott developing into a starting nickel in 2022, giving us two cheap years of starter’s snaps. Maybe they see him as a fourth corner/role player for the next three years. Considering the hit rate of sixth round picks (something like 10 percent), that’s good return.

I understand the concern at CB2, but we aren’t done with roster building yet. We don’t even know what Gannon wants to run defensively yet. We have very limited resources to build with. So far I think it’s been an OK offseason — even if I wish they had taken the money for Flacco and Kerrigan and put it towards a real corner. 

I know, I'm just being a grump as of late with some of this stuff.  It's the spin machine in full force.  The Eagles aren't practicing, instead they're learning...this is a good thing we're told!

ManuManu is lining up at CB2 next year but don't worry, they traded for ANOTHER slot corner! 

To make matters worse, the NFCE not only has loaded offensive weapons but every NFCE team addressed CB better than the Eagles this year and every one of them was already in a better position than the Eagles to start.

Dallas needed a CB and took Kelvin Joseph in the 2nd, Nahshon Wright in the 3rd and Israel Mukuamu in the 6th.  Joseph some concerns but I think a lot of us were OK with drafting him in our mock drafts leading up to it.  He's a day 1 starter.  Mukuamu is versatile and very solid addition.

Washington added the top CB in FA in William Jackson and just recently signed Bobby McCain, a safety who would have been a starter here the minute he signed his contract.  In the draft they added Benjamin St-Juste who would be CB2 here and Darrick Forrest at safety, another player who would be in line to potentially start here.

NYG added Adoree Jackson in FA to an already loaded defensive backfield.  They then added Aaron Robinson in round 3, thanks to our trade back and Rodarius Williams in round 6.  Robinson was a player many thought would be a great fit here.

The Eagles added Zech McPherson in the 4th, traded for Josiah Scott, signed Andrew Adams and Anthony Harris at safety.  Harris is a nice piece but it's hard to get excited about a soon to be 30 year old safety who's coming off a 0 INT season.  

 

If you look at my one post yesterday which shows the entire Eagles defensive backfield and the investment made it's just sad.  Outside of Slay, who was a 2nd round pick, our entire secondary is a few 4th rounders and 6th rounders with 10 UDFA.  Scott may very well be a ST/CB4 but in the grand scheme of things it just continues the trend of taking minimal action to address CB/S.

Who needs a CB2 when you have CB4.

 

Either the players go to Mandatory Mini Camp and do as little or possible or you "teach", whatever that ultimately is.  Unless the NFL mandate that all players report to team facilities as per the Collective Bargaining, there isn't a lot clubs can do other than try and meet in the middle on it, and make it work.

13 minutes ago, bpac55 said:

I know, I'm just being a grump as of late with some of this stuff.  It's the spin machine in full force.  The Eagles aren't practicing, instead they're learning...this is a good thing we're told!

ManuManu is lining up at CB2 next year but don't worry, they traded for ANOTHER slot corner! 

To make matters worse, the NFCE not only has loaded offensive weapons but every NFCE team addressed CB better than the Eagles this year and every one of them was already in a better position than the Eagles to start.

Dallas needed a CB and took Kelvin Joseph in the 2nd, Nahshon Wright in the 3rd and Israel Mukuamu in the 6th.  Joseph some concerns but I think a lot of us were OK with drafting him in our mock drafts leading up to it.  He's a day 1 starter.  Mukuamu is versatile and very solid addition.

Washington added the top CB in FA in William Jackson and just recently signed Bobby McCain, a safety who would have been a starter here the minute he signed his contract.  In the draft they added Benjamin St-Juste who would be CB2 here and Darrick Forrest at safety, another player who would be in line to potentially start here.

NYG added Adoree Jackson in FA to an already loaded defensive backfield.  They then added Aaron Robinson in round 3, thanks to our trade back and Rodarius Williams in round 6.  Robinson was a player many thought would be a great fit here.

The Eagles added Zech McPherson in the 4th, traded for Josiah Scott, signed Andrew Adams and Anthony Harris at safety.  Harris is a nice piece but it's hard to get excited about a soon to be 30 year old safety who's coming off a 0 INT season.  

 

If you look at my one post yesterday which shows the entire Eagles defensive backfield and the investment made it's just sad.  Outside of Slay, who was a 2nd round pick, our entire secondary is a few 4th rounders and 6th rounders with 10 UDFA.  Scott may very well be a ST/CB4 but in the grand scheme of things it just continues the trend of taking minimal action to address CB/S.

Who needs a CB2 when you have CB4.

 

So if we sign Steven Nelson all is well?

1 hour ago, greend said:

And great job to Pederson allowing that play to be called. It was absolutely his best game as a coach ever and I will always be thankful for it. 

yup.

1 hour ago, austinfan said:

Huh? Howie making a phone call is "desperately trying to move up?"

Obviously, he though Wilson was the only QB worth inquiring about, they had a shot at Fields and Jones and passed without a second thought.

Due diligence requires you ask about every player you think is worth acquiring, and yes, they probably rate Wilson above Hurts, but not 3 1st rd picks better.

Good for them.   They weren't first round QBs anyway.  


But, if you are settled at QB, you don't look to move up to #2 to grab a QB.   They aren't settled at QB by a long shot.   Hurts will get his opportunity and the issue will likely be settled as a result of this season... one way or the other.

14 minutes ago, UK Eagle said:

Either the players go to Mandatory Mini Camp and do as little or possible or you "teach", whatever that ultimately is.  Unless the NFL mandate that all players report to team facilities as per the Collective Bargaining, there isn't a lot clubs can do other than try and meet in the middle on it, and make it work.

Or in this case the players can 'be professional' and do their job and stop using Covid as a bargaining tool.   The boycotts have nothing to do with Covid and everything to do with future negotiations, but they played the Covid card so that the PR wouldn't hit hard against them.    Boo-hoo.   "Do your job'.   Mini-camp isn't 'hitting' anyway.  At most they are in shells.

Looking at corner, there’s Sherman, Nelson, Conley. Anyone else in FA?

Looking back at the draft, we couldn’t get the best two corners after the trade down (which was a great move anyway). In round 2, Samuel was the best available but some see him as a slot prospect. Was there anyone else? It seems like the board was picked over at CB by the time we were on the clock. Aaron Robinson projects as a slot and was taken in round 3, and we might have had McPherson over him anyhow. Once you’re into round 5 (in a weak draft) you’re looking at UDFA types. 

55 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

Being tough and being a good tackler are very different. Honestly, I can’t remember how good of a tackler he is. 

I don't think Maddox is a bad tackler just seems Everytime he makes a tackle he gets hurt.

I think his best fit is at FS but his lack of size limits him there.

This thought that maddox is automatically better than Scott just because is what I mean when I say eagles fans overrate maddox. 

Maddox has been trash his last two seasons, last year he was out of place at outside corner and got hurt making a drag down tackle of a WR and the year before playing in the slot and moving around a bit he sucked before he got hurt.

If Maddox didn't go to Pitt I think fans would be more realistic about what he is, which is an oft injured not very good corner 

1 minute ago, ManuManu said:

So if we sign Steven Nelson all is well?

I'm not on the Steve Nelson bandwagon.  He clearly wants to get paid.  Where the Eagles are now, I want them to take a chance on Gareon Conley.  That move would be a low risk, high reward signing at an outside CB. 

The issue I have is they continue to add slot CB.  Last year they had Cre'Von LeBlanc coming back and he was highly touted as a slot corner.  I thought he was their best CB coming back last year.  They had Avonte Maddox, who is built to be a slot CB.  What do they do?  Bring in NRC, another slot CB all while ignoring the need for 2 starting outside CB.  FWIW, Slay is not who I would have brought in.  I was not on board with using draft capital on top of the large contract extension.  I wanted James Bradberry.  Wasn't a fan of Byron Jones and the ridiculous cash he got. 

BTW, pick 85 that was traded for Slay turned in to Julian Blackman who started 14 games at safety for the Colts (traded w/Detroit) coming up with 2 INTs, 6 PD and a FF.  

Pick 166 turned in to Quintez Cephus.  He tested HORRIBLY but was a stud at Wisconsin.  Would have loved to have him here.  He could be a big slot WR.  As a rookie, he's already out performed JJAW with 20 catches for 349 yards and 2 TDs.  He went 2 picks ahead of John Hightower.  For me I would have been much more happy with Cephus and Watkins.  Gives you 2 different skillsets rather than just taking speed guys.

Would you rather have Darius Slay or James Bradberry, Julian Blackman and Quintez Cephus?   

3 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

Looking at corner, there’s Sherman, Nelson, Conley. Anyone else in FA?

Looking back at the draft, we couldn’t get the best two corners after the trade down (which was a great move anyway). In round 2, Samuel was the best available but some see him as a slot prospect. Was there anyone else? It seems like the board was picked over at CB by the time we were on the clock. Aaron Robinson projects as a slot and was taken in round 3, and we might have had McPherson over him anyhow. Once you’re into round 5 (in a weak draft) you’re looking at UDFA types. 

It was deemed to be a "slot heavy" CB draft.

I do believe that they were anticipating the strong class next year as a reason to wait until day 3 to pick a CB this year.

2 minutes ago, bpac55 said:

I'm not on the Steve Nelson bandwagon.  He clearly wants to get paid.  Where the Eagles are now, I want them to take a chance on Gareon Conley.  That move would be a low risk, high reward signing at an outside CB. 

The issue I have is they continue to add slot CB.  Last year they had Cre'Von LeBlanc coming back and he was highly touted as a slot corner.  I thought he was their best CB coming back last year.  They had Avonte Maddox, who is built to be a slot CB.  What do they do?  Bring in NRC, another slot CB all while ignoring the need for 2 starting outside CB.  FWIW, Slay is not who I would have brought in.  I was not on board with using draft capital on top of the large contract extension.  I wanted James Bradberry.  Wasn't a fan of Byron Jones and the ridiculous cash he got. 

BTW, pick 85 that was traded for Slay turned in to Julian Blackman who started 14 games at safety for the Colts (traded w/Detroit) coming up with 2 INTs, 6 PD and a FF.  

Pick 166 turned in to Quintez Cephus.  He tested HORRIBLY but was a stud at Wisconsin.  Would have loved to have him here.  He could be a big slot WR.  As a rookie, he's already out performed JJAW with 20 catches for 349 yards and 2 TDs.  He went 2 picks ahead of John Hightower.  For me I would have been much more happy with Cephus and Watkins.  Gives you 2 different skillsets rather than just taking speed guys.

Would you rather have Darius Slay or James Bradberry, Julian Blackman and Quintez Cephus?   

You can’t make Bradberry sign here. It’s not that simple. And Cephus is a JAG. Who cares?

Let’s be honest, if Howie drafted a safety who was coming off a torn ACL in round 3, people would have crushed him.