2 hours ago, eagle45 said:

Yup.  Couple issues though, aside from the forthcoming X/Y/Z alphabet soup:

In general, I believe in more fluidity at the WR position with more talented players.  Get 3 fast WRs who are tough to cover, each with some unique traits...and move them around X/Y/Z as you see fit in a chess match.  TO, Desean, Maclin...all our best WRs in recent years always moved around the formation.

But we also have very young, very raw talent.  We don't want to throw too much at them at once.  So a more narrowly defined role, for now, may be best.

I love Reagor at X.  He's a first round pick.  The hope is that he can separate at all levels of the field and run all the routes.  If we have an X with Reagor's speed, it's really, really exciting to then pair him up with a prototypically fast Z.  

Desean is capable of playing anywhere for brief looks, but the Z is his home.  Keep it simple for Watkins and let him focus on learning from Desean here.  However, some simple underneath routes from the slot may help Watkins to get his feet wet.

Goodwin should probably spend time in both the slot and Z, based on where he's needed.  We all know Desean won't be available for 16 games.  Even at 29, he needs some seasoning.  But he's a vet and he can figure it out.  He has experience at both spots.

Hightower is the tough one.  He's got the speed for Z and the size for X.  I'd like to see him opposite Reagor long term.  

And then JJAW.  He needs to learn the slot, end of story.  I think 2021 will see the departure of Ertz or Goedert, likely Ertz.  Ertz is ALWAYS in the slot when Goedert is on the field.  That's the role JJAW needs to master.  That's how he can still help this team.  In the red zone, situationally, he can line up as an X.  

The general consensus and smart money is that only one of Watkins/Hightower or two of Watkins/Hightower/Goodwin make the team.  I'd really like to see them all make it.  Ward is insurance.  And I hate to continuously toss the poor guy's life around, but he's insurance that will be available to us week 8 if we need him then.  I really want to give both Watkins and Hightower an extended chance to turn into something.

Here’s the thing.  Watkins is Godwin insurance initially.  I don’t think both make the team. If Goodwin shows he can catch a bit better and run slot routes AND stay healthy, he may make the team but if Watkins demonstrates any ability to do more than run straight line fast, Goodwinis expendable and with his new contract, movable.   I could see the Eagles flipping him to a team like Green Bay for a late round pick.  I doubt you and I will agree but unless he slips backward, I think at worst Ward is a solid #4 WR.  He can play the X and Slot.  He clocked at UH with a 4.4 forty. 21 catches in seven games isn’t bad for his position. 
Arcega-Whiteside can play some slot but I think he is best in the X.  Let’s say for the sake of illustration that the Eagles rate their receivers a DJax 1, Reagor 2, JJAW 3, Ward 4, Hightower 5, Goodwin 6.   I think we would see DJax, Reagor, Goodwin play the most Z snaps in that order.  I think we would see Ward, JJAW, and a toss up of runs by Goodwin, DJax and Hightower in the slot.  At X, I think it is Reagor, JJAW then Hightower.  Why is JJAW, if rated 3 backing up Ward and Reagor?  Because I think both are probably better at the Slot and X respectively.  

This will change through the season.  I doubt they have six active.  More likely 4 or 5.   Allows Hightower to develop and frankly, gives Watkins a better chance to make the team than Goodwin.  Goodwin was basically a late seventh round level value this year to us but we are paying him a Vet level salary.  If he doesn’t demonstrate being a top three WR on this roster, he is cut or flipped.

2 minutes ago, Nightwish said:

Oof, I hate watching Hurts throwing highlights and seeing CeeDee make plays all over the field...I might be in the minority here, but I think I like Watkins slightly more than Hightower. Comparing the tape, Watkins seems a little faster and catches with his hands more. Hightower seems like a certified body catcher.

Howie has brought up twice now that they had a tough choice between Hightower and Watkins at 168 so when they traded down and got extra picks and Watkins was still there at 200 they had to take him. I like getting a shot with both and don't pretend to be an expert on either. That said, based on the highlights and what I have read it looks like Hightower might be a little more versatile in what he can do, and also has some room to add to his frame being almost 6'2.

1 minute ago, BigEFly said:

Here’s the thing.  Watkins is Godwin insurance initially.  I don’t think both make the team. If Goodwin shows he can catch a bit better and run slot routes AND stay healthy, he may make the team but if Watkins demonstrates any ability to do more than run straight line fast, Goodwinis expendable and with his new contract, movable.   I could see the Eagles flipping him to a team like Green Bay for a late round pick.  I doubt you and I will agree but unless he slips backward, I think at worst Ward is a solid #4 WR.  He can play the X and Slot.  He clocked at UH with a 4.4 forty. 21 catches in seven games isn’t bad for his position. 
Arcega-Whiteside can play some slot but I think he is best in the X.  Let’s say for the sake of illustration that the Eagles rate their receivers a DJax 1, Reagor 2, JJAW 3, Ward 4, Hightower 5, Goodwin 6.   I think we would see DJax, Reagor, Goodwin play the most Z snaps in that order.  I think we would see Ward, JJAW, and a toss up of runs by Goodwin, DJax and Hightower in the slot.  At X, I think it is Reagor, JJAW then Hightower.  Why is JJAW, if rated 3 backing up Ward and Reagor?  Because I think both are probably better at the Slot and X respectively.  

This will change through the season.  I doubt they have six active.  More likely 4 or 5.   Allows Hightower to develop and frankly, gives Watkins a better chance to make the team than Goodwin.  Goodwin was basically a late seventh round level value this year to us but we are paying him a Vet level salary.  If he doesn’t demonstrate being a top three WR on this roster, he is cut or flipped.

Injuries are a factor too, which could easily open up another spot. Or perhaps one of Hightower or Watkins gets ''hurt'' right before the final cut down and ends up on season ending IR.

If you go off Pederson’s words, one of the reasons for the Goodwin trade was because he expects to lean on vets more than usual due to the uncertainty of OTAs and TC. I think his status will depend a lot on how Hightower and Watkins progress. 

2 hours ago, justrelax said:

Tut, tut. Social distancing.

If social distancing includes the wife, then it’s not happening. 

I don’t care if people want to defend the Hurts pick but stop using his win-loss record. Freakin AJ McCarron and Greg Mcilroy hardly lost games at Bama. You could take any Power 5 QB, put them on Bama, and they’d win 10 games. 

33 minutes ago, ManuManu said:

 

I really don't think they the plan was to adjust the scheme.  This may be a benefit but I doubt this was a big factor in the plan to take him. 

2 hours ago, Ialone said:

I dont know about that.  I love Sanders and Scott together.  There will be a host of options for the 3rd spot at RB. 

I only had a few targets and all were Day 3.   I thought Michael Warren II would go in the fifth.  Howie got my choice of RB and at no draft capital.  Not sure about Killens as a number four.  Voice my choices earlier. 

3 minutes ago, 4for4EaglesNest said:

I am warming up to the Wallace pick.  

He’s one of my favorite players in this draft for the eagles. I’m super high on him. I think you’ll grow to love him. I think if developed right you are gonna have a quality starter at safety in 2021. 

13 minutes ago, 4for4EaglesNest said:

I am warming up to the Wallace pick.  And can appreciate the fact that they threw numbers at the WR position.   Cause we are going to need to increase the odds on hitting on one or two.  

To me, that is the entire point of a draft: pick a lot, hit a few.  With these 10 picks, if the Eagles get 2 starters and 3 contributors I'd say its a great draft.  

2 hours ago, Casey @ Bat said:

Can Schwartz actually develop 1 young Defensive Back ? Has he since he’s been here?

Schwartz doesn’t do that, Undlin did.  I do wonder at the inconsistency in what was being looked at by Undlin and Schwartz.  Undlin did a great job with getting some scrubs to be just good enough to get us by.  James and Leblanc are still here from that group.  I am real hopeful Manuel does better with that. Glad Dino Vasso is here and with a more pronounced role. His film cuts of WR tendencies got strong praise. Glad Jones is working with a guru this offseason.  For Jones to take the next step, he has to realize his skill set isn’t enough in the NFL.  He has to play smart, read tendencies and nuances. Maddox too.  Sure hope they have a camp.  Put Slay on anybody but DJax and Reagor.  One thing I like about Reagor is he has some refined feints and jukes.  What Vasso needs to do us record those and show them to Jones, Maddox, Wallace and Mills.  Play Asante sharp.  Hopefully in this virtual world, that is something Vasso and Manuel are putting together for Phase II offseason for the DBs to take home and study.  

The FIRST time Jalen Hurts hits the field in a Wildcat and throws a TD to Carson, I want you all to get down on your Knees and Kiss the Ring. 

Calling it now. JUST RETIRE his Jersey AhReady ! 

12 minutes ago, e-a-g-l-e-s eagles! said:

He’s one of my favorite players in this draft for the eagles. I’m super high on him. I think you’ll grow to love him. I think if developed right you are gonna have a quality starter at safety in 2021. 

He'd be the first one this defensive staff has developed right.

To be honest, I don't really care WHAT Happens in this Offseason, SO Long as by the end of the year, Carole feeds Tom Brady to a Bengal Tiger. 

40 minutes ago, BigEFly said:

Here’s the thing.  Watkins is Godwin insurance initially. 

   First HE... now you...   So painful... 

4 minutes ago, eagle45 said:

He'd be the first one this defensive staff has developed right.

Mills/Maddox?

5 minutes ago, schuy7 said:

Mills/Maddox?

Nate Gerry. I’m not a huge fan of gerry but can’t tell me going from college safety to now a starter at lb and isn’t completely useless as a 5th isn’t developing him  

38 minutes ago, BigEFly said:

If social distancing includes the wife, then it’s not happening. 

I agree.  I tried telling mine that we were going to start social distancing and she wouldn't have any part of it.

3 minutes ago, e-a-g-l-e-s eagles! said:

Nate Gerry. I’m not a huge fan of gerry but can’t tell me going from college safety to now a starter at lb and isn’t completely useless as a 5th isn’t developing him  

Well, that's a little different since he plays LB. Maddox played safety his rookie year and was very good. And they seem confident Mills will be able to produce at safety next year. Those are a couple late-rounders who have developed at safety.

9 minutes ago, schuy7 said:

Mills/Maddox?

Mills is changing positions to where the fans wanted him 4 years into his career and Maddox was worse in year 2 than he was fresh out of the oven as a rookie.  If those are the secondary coaches' crowning achievements, they haven't done a great job.

56 minutes ago, T-1000 said:

With increased rosters sizes during the offseason and bigger rosters and practice squads during the season, it's time for the NFL to enable WR's to get single digit numbers or something. Currently the Eagles have four WR numbers available and they just drafted three, traded for one, and signed on or two more as undrafted free agents. So much for getting to pick a number when you make it to the NFL.

13, 18, 82, and 87 that's it.

Easy, cut JJAW and open 19 up.  There's one.  I've said it numerous times in the past I wish they would do away with retiring numbers.  Have an honorary patch if you want to wear 20 or 92 or whatever but to have over 10% of the numbers available not actually available is silly.  Ring of Honor, patch or helmet sticker and call it a day.  

2 minutes ago, schuy7 said:

Well, that's a little different since he plays LB. Maddox played safety his rookie year and was very good. And they seem confident Mills will be able to produce at safety next year. Those are a couple late-rounders who have developed at safety.

I thought he was just talking about defense in general not specific unit. 

Just now, eagle45 said:

Mills is changing positions to where the fans wanted him 4 years into his career and Maddox was worse in year 2 than he was fresh out of the oven as a rookie.  If those are the secondary coaches' crowning achievements, they haven't done a great job.

They've been very good for day 3 picks IMO.

10 hours ago, Iggles_Phan said:

I agree with nearly everything here, but wanted to point out that I believe with almost 99% certainty that Driscoll is an Interior OL only in the NFL. 

For one, he was announced as a guard when the pick was made official.  Secondly, he has short arms. And third, he's fairly short as OTs go.  Ideally, I see him as the Kelce replacement, or at least in that discussion.  He needs to drop the fat, get stronger and learn how to make the protection calls.

Here's the thing that most people don't realize. When the team turns in a pick, they list the position for him, and the league announces it that way. For example, Shawn Andrews was announced as a tackle, even though the Eagles intended to use him at guard and actually did so for the five or six years he was on the team. The problem is that unlike the old days when ESPN was simply covering the draft and would be caught off guard by announcements, they are now co-producing it with the league. So the league holds the pick for a couple of minutes to allow the networks to get their graphics ready. Which is why the instant the pick is announced, there are graphics all ready to go. They appear instantly on the television screen. The networks always have their player positions set in advance, irrespective of what is actually submitted by the teams.

On the official league documents after the draft, Driscoll was listed as a tackle. That doesn't mean he won't be slotted as a guard. My guess is that he probably will, pretty much for the reasons you cited. But it an example of where the network position should not be taken as gospel. 

3 minutes ago, FranklinFldEBUpper said:

Here's the thing that most people don't realize. When the team turns in a pick, they list the position for him, and the league announces it that way. For example, Shawn Andrews was announced as a tackle, even though the Eagles intended to use him at guard and actually did so for the five or six years he was on the team. The problem is that unlike the old days when ESPN was simply covering the draft and would be caught off guard by announcements, they are now co-producing it with the league. So the league holds the pick for a couple of minutes to allow the networks to get their graphics ready. Which is why the instant the pick is announced, there are graphics all ready to go. They appear instantly on the television screen. The networks always have their player positions set in advance, irrespective of what is actually submitted by the teams.

On the official league documents after the draft, Driscoll was listed as a tackle. That doesn't mean he won't be slotted as a guard. My guess is that he probably will, pretty much for the reasons you cited. But it an example of where the network position should not be taken as gospel. 

The network had him as an OT.  The Commish said OG.