Don’t hate the move. More low risk type moves by Howie. 

19 hours ago, Procus said:

This is a great signing - five year starter with the Steelers, former first round pick.  He should be able to replace CJ with no issues.

More like a replacement for Epps. Good signing - fills a need. 

The plan seems pretty clear ... take care of the interchangeable positions in Howie's eyes (like Safety, LB, RB) in free agency with versatile players ... and use the draft to take care of the higher importance positions in Howie's eye (Trenches and CB). I'm fully expecting DL in Rd 1 at either 10 or a trade down. Possibly a slight trade up even if Jalen Carter starts to drop.

2 hours ago, Rey said:

The plan seems pretty clear ... take care of the interchangeable positions in Howie's eyes (like Safety, LB, RB) in free agency with versatile players ... and use the draft to take care of the higher importance positions in Howie's eye (Trenches and CB). I'm fully expecting DL in Rd 1 at either 10 or a trade down. Possibly a slight trade up even if Jalen Carter starts to drop.

Agree, the front office prioritizes the trenches with blue chip talent. Our salary cap this year forces the team to bring in that talent via draft on rookie deals. That's what makes this draft so important to hit on the right guys.

I'd be suprised if they don't address both sides of the line in the first 3 rounds.

8 hours ago, CheesesteakNBeer said:

Agree, the front office prioritizes the trenches with blue chip talent. Our salary cap this year forces the team to bring in that talent via draft on rookie deals. That's what makes this draft so important to hit on the right guys.

I'd be suprised if they don't address both sides of the line in the first 3 rounds.

I totally agree that the Eagles would likely add more depth on the DL, but with the younger talent, years locked in, and overall talent level on the OL is that really a priority for them? On top of that Stoutland is turning guys like Seumalo and Mialata into league best type players and undrafted guys into more serviceable backups. I highly doubt the Eagles draft a guard in the first round, and do they really need to waste another first on a backup Dillard type situation? Lane and Kelce are still playing at a high level and Mialata could make an even bigger jump next season. I’d argue that their OL right now isn’t nearly as big of a need as some other positions especially the DL with Graham and Cox on one year deals and a lack of depth. 

On 3/24/2023 at 8:11 PM, CheesesteakNBeer said:

I don't think going into the season with Blankenship penciled in as a starter is very smart. Edmunds is more of a box safety than a cover safety, same can be said for Reed. Howie need's to still address FS. I wouldn't bank on a Justin Evans with his injury history either.

Agreed. The Safety position is still a bit weak, IMO. Let’s see what shakes out over the next few months. I think I’d rather have another vet added instead of a draft pick there.

19 hours ago, EazyEaglez said:

I totally agree that the Eagles would likely add more depth on the DL, but with the younger talent, years locked in, and overall talent level on the OL is that really a priority for them? On top of that Stoutland is turning guys like Seumalo and Mialata into league best type players and undrafted guys into more serviceable backups. I highly doubt the Eagles draft a guard in the first round, and do they really need to waste another first on a backup Dillard type situation? Lane and Kelce are still playing at a high level and Mialata could make an even bigger jump next season. I’d argue that their OL right now isn’t nearly as big of a need as some other positions especially the DL with Graham and Cox on one year deals and a lack of depth. 

I'd probably guess the first 2 picks are on defense. But there depth on the oline took a hit this off season. We're one injury away from starting Driscoll and who? I'm not comfortable playing Driscoll, Toth or Opeta at Left tackle. I think 2nd or 3rd round would be a good spot to pick a a swing tackle, possibly guard guy to build up for the future.

16 hours ago, CheesesteakNBeer said:

I'd probably guess the first 2 picks are on defense. But there depth on the oline took a hit this off season. We're one injury away from starting Driscoll and who? I'm not comfortable playing Driscoll, Toth or Opeta at Left tackle. I think 2nd or 3rd round would be a good spot to pick a a swing tackle, possibly guard guy to build up for the future.

They had Big V in that role for a few years ... he was a 5th rd pick.  Of course we don't have any picks this year (at this time, at least) in rounds 4-6, so Howie will have to do some draft day maneuvering to acquire additional picks (and I do think he does that).

11 hours ago, time2rock said:

They had Big V in that role for a few years ... he was a 5th rd pick.  Of course we don't have any picks this year (at this time, at least) in rounds 4-6, so Howie will have to do some draft day maneuvering to acquire additional picks (and I do think he does that).

I agree, and Big V and Dillard provided that insurance if and when someone went down. I'm just not that comfortable with our depth at this point. I'm sure Howie isn't either. We shall see.

2 million for Edmunds is so much better than 6 million for Epps. That's the difference between teams throwing stupid money around on day one of free agency versus being patient and finding bargains 10-14 days later.

On 3/25/2023 at 9:56 AM, Rey said:

The plan seems pretty clear ... take care of the interchangeable positions in Howie's eyes (like Safety, LB, RB) in free agency with versatile players ... and use the draft to take care of the higher importance positions in Howie's eye (Trenches and CB). I'm fully expecting DL in Rd 1 at either 10 or a trade down. Possibly a slight trade up even if Jalen Carter starts to drop.

I expect them to make that pick at 10.  There aren't enough picks in this draft to get the team to trade up.

I am hoping that someone wants the 5th year option badly enough to trade for the Eagles #30 pick.  If a QB is still there, a trade would be made.

28 minutes ago, Vee said:

I expect them to make that pick at 10.  There aren't enough picks in this draft to get the team to trade up.

I am hoping that someone wants the 5th year option badly enough to trade for the Eagles #30 pick.  If a QB is still there, a trade would be made.

They have a bunch of picks in 2024 that they could use to move up if need be. Last I saw count could be up to 12 with comp picks. They have 2 2nd rounders.

On 3/26/2023 at 3:38 PM, CheesesteakNBeer said:

I'd probably guess the first 2 picks are on defense. But there depth on the oline took a hit this off season. We're one injury away from starting Driscoll and who? I'm not comfortable playing Driscoll, Toth or Opeta at Left tackle. I think 2nd or 3rd round would be a good spot to pick a a swing tackle, possibly guard guy to build up for the future.

I really hope Howie doesn't consider the corner position resolved. If one of those top two guys falls to 10, I hope he grabs one... I just get the feeling like he is going to go D-line (which is also an area of need).

11 hours ago, T-1000 said:

2 million for Edmunds is so much better than 6 million for Epps. That's the difference between teams throwing stupid money around on day one of free agency versus being patient and finding bargains 10-14 days later.

Also teams over paying for a player that was on a Super Bowl team. We see it every year, some bum from a Super Bowl team gets a contract way bigger than they should. 

4 hours ago, judunno said:

They have a bunch of picks in 2024 that they could use to move up if need be. Last I saw count could be up to 12 with comp picks. They have 2 2nd rounders.

Ok, good to know that. 

5 hours ago, Vee said:

I expect them to make that pick at 10.  There aren't enough picks in this draft to get the team to trade up.

I am hoping that someone wants the 5th year option badly enough to trade for the Eagles #30 pick.  If a QB is still there, a trade would be made.

Teams are always looking to move if the price is right. They don't just move for Blue Chippers. That being said, I actually agree that they may just stay and pick at 10 and that 30 is more likely the pick they move back from ... unless QB Will Levis is still there at 10.

43 minutes ago, Rey said:

Teams are always looking to move if the price is right. They don't just move for Blue Chippers. That being said, I actually agree that they may just stay and pick at 10 and that 30 is more likely the pick they move back from ... unless QB Will Levis is still there at 10.

Agreed, I just hope the Eagles aren't willing to trade down for any offer just for the sake of increasing the quantity of picks.  It's not often this team will be in a position to pick at #10.

I think all four QBs get taken within the first 8 picks.  If one falls past Tennessee, then sitting just ahead of Atlanta (at #11) could be something that the Jets at 13 might consider moving up for.  If not, he might have a long night.

On 3/27/2023 at 7:07 AM, time2rock said:

They had Big V in that role for a few years ... he was a 5th rd pick.  Of course we don't have any picks this year (at this time, at least) in rounds 4-6, so Howie will have to do some draft day maneuvering to acquire additional picks (and I do think he does that).

I agree.

6 hours ago, judunno said:

They have a bunch of picks in 2024 that they could use to move up if need be. Last I saw count could be up to 12 with comp picks. They have 2 2nd rounders.

This is exactly what I was about to post til I saw yours.  He has to use some of those future picks in trades to get more picks this year.  I actually don't love being at #10 as much with this class and would like to move back just a little to maybe 14 or 15 and get an additional pick.  Or, trade up from #10 using a combo of picks including a future, then trade back at some point for more picks.  Whatever works to get a couple extra picks in this draft because they really need to fill in a lot of depth and groom future starters at some key positions.

If Howie nails this draft we are talking about a potential Eagles dynasty. So much riding on it.

14 minutes ago, NOTW said:

This is exactly what I was about to post til I saw yours.  He has to use some of those future picks in trades to get more picks this year.  I actually don't love being at #10 as much with this class and would like to move back just a little to maybe 14 or 15 and get an additional pick.  Or, trade up from #10 using a combo of picks including a future, then trade back at some point for more picks.  Whatever works to get a couple extra picks in this draft because they really need to fill in a lot of depth and groom future starters at some key positions.

I don't have a preference for picking at 10, moving up, or trading back (although not too far ... like you said, probably not further than mid way through the round).  All I care about is adding an impact player.  With 3 QBs almost surely (and 4 likely) going ahead of us, there is a pretty good chance an impact player falls right into our laps at 10 and we could potentially even move back a couple of spots and still land one.  Alternately, Howie could potentially use our 2024 3rd to move up to 7 to get his guy knowing we'll have a comp pick in the 3rd next year.  Whatever the avenue ... just get an impact player with that pick.  

55 minutes ago, NOTW said:

I agree.

This is exactly what I was about to post til I saw yours.  He has to use some of those future picks in trades to get more picks this year.  I actually don't love being at #10 as much with this class and would like to move back just a little to maybe 14 or 15 and get an additional pick.  Or, trade up from #10 using a combo of picks including a future, then trade back at some point for more picks.  Whatever works to get a couple extra picks in this draft because they really need to fill in a lot of depth and groom future starters at some key positions.

For sure... and not just depth but guys that can actually play special teams. The down side to getting these vet 1 year deals is these guys don't typically want to play any STs. Get some young guns in here that are hungry to make a difference on STs while they learn their way.

1 hour ago, opa-opa said:

If Howie nails this draft we are talking about a potential Eagles dynasty. So much riding on it.

@EazyEaglez @Bwestbrook36

 

1 hour ago, time2rock said:

I don't have a preference for picking at 10, moving up, or trading back (although not too far ... like you said, probably not further than mid way through the round).  All I care about is adding an impact player.  With 3 QBs almost surely (and 4 likely) going ahead of us, there is a pretty good chance an impact player falls right into our laps at 10 and we could potentially even move back a couple of spots and still land one.  Alternately, Howie could potentially use our 2024 3rd to move up to 7 to get his guy knowing we'll have a comp pick in the 3rd next year.  Whatever the avenue ... just get an impact player with that pick.  

Agree completely.  You don't pick in the top 10 unless you traded for the pick like we did, or have a losing season.  It's an opportunity to get a top blue chip type prospect, and as you said with the QB situation that really helps us.  I just don't want a risky pick or something at 10 or wherever they pick.  I don't like to reach for need.  Take the guy that 2-3 years from now you'll be so glad you did because he's one of the best players on the team and perhaps in the league, rather than the guy who was a decent solid starter after being a backup.  That's what #30 and other rounds can be for.

On 3/26/2023 at 3:38 PM, CheesesteakNBeer said:

I'd probably guess the first 2 picks are on defense. But there depth on the oline took a hit this off season. We're one injury away from starting Driscoll and who? I'm not comfortable playing Driscoll, Toth or Opeta at Left tackle. I think 2nd or 3rd round would be a good spot to pick a a swing tackle, possibly guard guy to build up for the future.

After hearing Lurie talk about how this is an offensive league will I’m not so sure anymore. With that being the case would the Eagles really waste picks on backup offensive players with their first two picks? I feel like the Eagles believe they have the best Oline coach in football so they’re probably comfortable with Stoutland training up a lesser talent. It’s a good luxury to have a guy capable of doing such things. There’s holes in the starting roster on both sides of the ball. They have passable backups on the Oline who can play for small stretches. I think it’s just as possible for them to trade one of these first for a starter on another team (AJ Brown type trade) than it is they draft two players. We have now seen them have multiple firsts for a few seasons and yet to see them actually take two players with those picks.

6 minutes ago, EazyEaglez said:

After hearing Lurie talk about how this is an offensive league will I’m not so sure anymore. With that being the case would the Eagles really waste picks on backup offensive players with their first two picks? I feel like the Eagles believe they have the best Oline coach in football so they’re probably comfortable with Stoutland training up a lesser talent. It’s a good luxury to have a guy capable of doing such things. There’s holes in the starting roster on both sides of the ball. They have passable backups on the Oline who can play for small stretches. I think it’s just as possible for them to trade one of these first for a starter on another team (AJ Brown type trade) than it is they draft two players. We have now seen them have multiple firsts for a few seasons and yet to see them actually take two players with those picks.

The last time we made multiple picks in the first round?  30 years ago.  In 1993 they picked Lester Holmes and Leonard Renfro in the 1st.