link (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2005-12-14-rookie-mainbar_x.htm)
QuoteEAGLES Grade: A
A huge 11-player class didn't just bolster the depth chart, it produced a bounty. DT Mike Patterson (first round) and WR Reggie Brown (second) have garnered most of the attention, but DE Trent Cole (fifth) is an emerging pass rushing force and RB Ryan Moats (third), and T Todd Herremans (fourth) are getting a chance to make their marks down the stretch.
QuoteTOP 10 DRAFT SURPRISES
1. Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seahawks, 2nd round (45th overall). Tatupu has solidified Seattle's long-running weakness at middle linebacker and is helping the Seahawks make a run at home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.
2. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Rams, 7th round (250). Fitzpatrick provided one of this season's highlights as he came off the bench to throw for 310 yards and two TDs in his first action, leading the Rams to a 24-point second-half comeback in a 30-27 overtime win against Houston on Nov. 27. The Rams have struggled in his two starts since.
3. Reynaldo Hill, CB, Titans, 7th round (218). Although Tennessee has been last in the league in passing TDs allowed for most of the season, the Titans think they found an unexpected long-term starter in Hill, despite some rookie struggles. Hill has started alongside first-round pick Adam Jones since Week 8.
4. Trent Cole, DE, Eagles, 5th round (146). Injuries to the defensive line promoted Cole to the starting lineup for the last four games; he already is one of the team's best pass rushers and has five sacks.
5. Rob Petitti, T, Cowboys, 6th round (209). Petitti has started all season at right tackle, although he has earned some criticism from coach Bill Parcells for his inconsistent play.
6. Nick Collins, S, Packers, 2nd round (51). A widely panned and largely unknown pick from Bethune-Cookman College, Collins has started every game this season and appears to be a potential long-term replacement for the departed Darren Sharper.
7. Chris Henry, WR, Bengals, 3rd round (83). Henry immediately stepped into the regular rotation and has 30 receptions for the AFC North-leading Bengals.
8. Cedric Houston, RB, Jets, 6th round (182). Expected to be the starter for the rest of the season after Curtis Martin had season-ending knee surgery, Houston's 74 rushing yards in his first start Sunday were better than Martin did in all but three games this year.
9. Ryan Moats, RB, Eagles, 3rd round (77). Given an opportunity to play after a foot injury to starter Brian Westbrook, Moats flashed his speed and explosiveness and scored twice Sunday against the Giants.
10. Michael Boley, LB, Falcons, 5th round (160). Forced into the starting lineup in the sixth game because of injuries, Boley has become more active in recent weeks but has not helped solve Atlanta's problems stopping the run.
Who is Trent Cole? I've never heard of him. Is he a linebacker or something?
Those guys have looked fine. Unfortunately, a lot of the guys who have been here 2-4 years have looked like shtein.
This all is obviously wrong, as a very respected local writer compiled an article contrary to this. Click here for da troof:
Eckels saying it like it is: 2005 Draft Class (http://www.nj.com/eagles/times/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1134205637262401.xml&coll=5)
Keep dreaming Lurie-lappers.
Eckel's hatred of the Eagles borders on the pathological.
It really is bizarre.
Good research job, Eckel.
Who the hell is Michael Bergeron?
It's David Bergeron, dope.
And Chris Canty being the best day 2 pick? Please. Eckel talks about the Dallas draft, which was a good one, all the time on the radio. But he is going over the top to blast the Birds which doesn't shock me.
Which is more satisfying to Mark Eckel?
a. sex with a hot woman
b. the Eagles sucking so he can rip Reid and the Eagles?
Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on December 18, 2005, 07:37:06 PM
Good research job, Eckel.
Who the hell is Michael Bergeron?
It's David Bergeron, dope.
And Chris Canty being the best day 2 pick? Please. Eckel talks about the Dallas draft, which was a good one, all the time on the radio. But he is going over the top to blast the Birds which doesn't shock me.
Which is more satisfying to Mark Eckel?
a. sex with a hot woman primate
b. the Eagles sucking so he can rip Reid and the Eagles?
Fixed.
Not even a hot primate?
Mr Eckel might attempt to have sex with a primate. As I doubt the vast majority of primates would voluntarily submit to such an ordeal.
im not overly thrilled with this draft but eckel trying to disparage the eagles because they traded a 4th round pick and the guy picked in that spot is starting for one of the worst teams of the last five years is pathetic
if thats the case then he should mention the feely trade that got them reggie brown
This was a good draft. We know we have 5-6 guys that can play at an NFL level, which is not too bad.
I wonder if they're learning a lesson about drafting white defensive players, though.
We know we have 5-6 guys that can play at an NFL level, which is not too bad.
we dont know anything either way...because moats and herremans have gotten run and looked decent in meaningless late season games does not mean they can play at a real nfl level...now if they are starting/playing a lot in the season opener next year then you may have something
patterson- promising
brown- nfl player for sure...should be good #2 for a long time
moats- shown flashes but in meaningless spots...eckel makes a valid point in that they shouldnt have drafted a westbrook type player when they already had one
mccoy- yikes...but still imo could be a great special teamer
considine- many seem to be high on him...much higher than myself...hopefully turns into a real good special teamer and solid back up safety
herremans- has great potential
cole- great pick
the rest....eh
patterson and herremans are the keys here...if they turn into good starters then its a A+ draft...if they dont not so much
It was a solid draft, for sure. I'm not sure how Eckel is holding players on IR against the draft. If you already know in the rookie year that quite a number of guys can contribute, that's a pretty good job. And you have to figure the jury is still out on the other guys at this point. Patterson, Brown, Moats, Herremans, Cole have all contributed at least as much as one could reasonably expect this year, even based on their draft positions.
All I'm saying is that we already know it was a pretty good (B/B-) draft at the very least, and that's not so bad considering these guys aren't even all the way through their rookie season yet and playing for a surprisingly zesty team.
Hey, when they guys have had opportunities to contribute...they have. Moats has looked really good; it's not like opposing defenses are laying down for him. If he can pick up his pass protection, he could be a serious threat-- even with Westbrook in the backfield at the same time. That could be a nightmare formation for defenses, because Westbrook is such a threat to split wide.
And Herremans looks like a complete steal based on his draft spot, and there's not doubt about that. Shoot, he'd be a steal even if he turned out to be a solid backup at that spot. And Patterson and Brown are legit starters next year. Cole will be part of a starting rotation. We get other guys back-- even on ST-- and that's quite a bit from one draft.
Shoot, he'd be a steal even if he turned out to be a solid backup at that spot
he was a fourth rounder...that doesnt qualify as a complete steal...you should hope to get back ups in the fourth round...if at that point in the draft youre expecting players to not be back ups then your priorities need serious reevaluation
that said he appears to have the potential to be a very good pick
as for patterson i dont think at his size he is guaranteed to ever be a starting nfl dt...he could be a great rotation guy...but without some bulking up he doesnt start...he has nice quickness but his off the charts quickness in college is neutralized in the pros with the superior athletes
overall...a year later...this draft has the possibility to be an A+... and you cant ask for much more than that...but as of now its an incomplete
But saying the rest is "Eh" means we didn't get great value out of our 6 and 7 round picks, which are flyers of the nth degree. They didn't work out, boo hoo. Neither do they work out on most teams.
Quote from: ice grillin you on December 20, 2005, 09:26:16 AM
Shoot, he'd be a steal even if he turned out to be a solid backup at that spot
he was a fourth rounder...that doesnt qualify as a complete steal...you should hope to get back ups in the fourth round...if at that point in the draft youre expecting players to not be back ups then your priorities need serious reevaluation
Hope is the key word there. The draft in general can be a crapshoot-- and the fourth round is where I think it starts to get really dicey.
Quote from: ice grillin you on December 20, 2005, 09:09:05 AM
moats- shown flashes but in meaningless spots...eckel makes a valid point in that they shouldnt have drafted a westbrook type player when they already had one
Eckel likes to leave out minor details, I guess. At the time of the draft Westbrook was still a potential injury waiting to happen and didn't have a long term deal.
Trade Moats!
Yeah, for Samkon Gado. He's teh awesum.
I guess. At the time of the draft Westbrook was still a potential injury waiting to happen and didn't have a long term deal.
when you have a great player and are 11 mil under the cap you dont waste a draft pick on a potential replacement
That 11 mil has nothing to do with the rookie cap. Just stop posting already.
His potential looks pretty good right now.....
That 11 mil has nothing to do with the rookie cap. Just stop posting already
omg youre slow
sometimes i wonder why i even try
His potential looks pretty good right now
im not complaining about him...he does look like he has potential..and if he pans out its a good pick...im saying that eckel has a point in that you can make an argument that they could have spent the pick on position of higher need
Quote from: ice grillin you on December 20, 2005, 02:46:52 PM
That 11 mil has nothing to do with the rookie cap. Just stop posting already
omg youre slow
sometimes i wonder why i even try
Not slow, just groggy today. I did eventually figure out what you're babbling about, but it still has nothing to do with drafting Moats. Take a look at how long it took Westbrook to sign a deal and tell me he signed just because there was 11 mil to spend.
Yeah, yeah. How many teams have gotten into trouble drafting for need instead of taking the highest guy on their board?
If Moats OR Westbrook were going to be used for kick/punt returns then I could see justification in having both. As it stands, there is no point in having two undersized speed backs who play all or nothing football. Might as well punt on third and 1.
Hey now, Moats can pick up a single yard after his first carry of the game.
Quote from: rjs246 on December 20, 2005, 03:02:57 PM
If Moats OR Westbrook were going to be used for kick/punt returns then I could see justification in having both. As it stands, there is no point in having two undersized speed backs who play all or nothing football. Might as well punt on third and 1.
Moats should get a crack at it for sure.
I think that Moats could get the team a little bit in a trade. Not a lot, mind you, but something and there's no chance that he'll be used well on the Eagles so the team may as well get something for him now while he's showing this home-run ability.
It would be pointless to trade him for anything less than a second....and even then, eh.
Quote from: Zanshin on December 20, 2005, 03:41:42 PM
It would be pointless to trade him for anything less than a second....and even then, eh.
When did the Eagles grab him? 3rd? 4th? I guess a 2nd would be the only reasonable thing to get for him. Ugh. Ridiculous. No Mahe and Moats returning kicks is the only possible happy ending I can see here.
3rd.
Noone is gonna bite on a second rd pick for a player who shows promise in only a few games....Oh wait is Miami interested?
Quote from: rjs246 on December 20, 2005, 03:36:56 PM
I think that Moats could get the team a little bit in a trade. Not a lot, mind you, but something and there's no chance that he'll be used well on the Eagles so the team may as well get something for him now while he's showing this home-run ability.
Not sure but can players be traded after only one year ??? Thought labor agreement prevented it ???
QuoteRookie WR catches on fast
By REUBEN FRANK
phillyBurbs.com
Reggie Brown knew all about the Eagles rookie receiver jinx, and he was determined not to let it affect him.
He knew how none of the six other wide receivers Andy Reid has drafted in the first five rounds had more than 21 receptions or 188 yards as a rookie.
So what happens?
This year, everybody but Brown was jinxed.
The Eagles are sputtering to the end of their first non-playoff season in six years, virtually the entire starting offense has been hurt (or suspended), the replacement quarterback has been ineffective, the defense is struggling, and Brown is having one of the best seasons by a rookie wide out in franchise history.
"A lot of things have been going on around me and it takes a toll on you," Brown said yesterday. "I just try to focus on what I need to do and not worry about who's here, who's not here, who's hurt, or whatever else is going on.
"Just try to stay focused, prepare, get better, and learn the offense and let everything that's out of my hands work itself out. You can't worry about things you can't control. It's hard to do that sometimes, but as a rookie in this league there's enough to worry about that you can control that you can't afford to get caught up in everything else."
That philosophy has served Brown well. Despite playing half the season with an ineffective Mike McMahon at quarterback, Brown goes into the Eagles' season-ending game Sunday against the taterskins with 36 receptions for 494 yards and two touchdowns.
He leads all NFC rookies in receiving yards and is just 18 yards behind Braylon Edwards of the Browns — the third pick overall — for the rookie yardage lead.
Brown's 36 catches lead all NFL rookie wide outs and rank second among all rookies, four behind Buccaneers tight end Alex Smith, a third-round pick, and tied with Steelers tight end Heath Miller and Ravens receiver Mark Clayton, both first-round picks.
"I look at my year and I feel disappointed with the numbers because I know I could have been a lot better," Brown said. "I know what happened with the other rookies at that position, but I have high expectations of myself."
Nonetheless, Brown has a chance to break two franchise records for rookie receivers, both set by Victor Bailey 12 years ago.
He needs six receptions for 42 and he needs 52 yards for 546. Bailey caught 41 passes for 545 yards as a rookie in 1993.
Brown trails tight ends Keith Jackson (88 in 1988) and Charle Young (55 in 1973), running back Lee Bouggess (50 in 1970), Bailey, running back Junior Tautalatasi (41 in 1986) and Calvin Williams (37 in 1990) on the Eagles' all-time single-season rookie receiving list.
Brown set a career high with six catches Saturday in the Eagles' loss to the Cards. After catching 13 balls in his first six starts, he's caught 16 in his last four.
Thanks to Todd Pinkston's season-ending injury and Terrell Owens' suspension, Brown has become the Eagles' primary outside target. That means he's drawing the opposing team's best cornerback most of the time.
"I look at that as a positive," he said. "You can't help get better playing against good players. They might get me one play, but when you make a play on a veteran cornerback, it gives you confidence and you feed off that."
Whatever happens Sunday, Brown will be back next summer one year smarter, one year savvier, one year more experienced.
Reid has said he thinks Brown's progress these past few months reduces the likelihood that the Eagles will go out and sign or draft a receiver this offseason. So it's likely Brown will begin next year as the No. 1 guy.
"It's nice to know they have that kind of confidence in me," he said. "It makes you want to keep working hard."
Brown, a second-round pick out of Georgia, said he needs some time off to recharge but is already looking forward to next year and playing a full season with a healthy Donovan McNabb.
"It's been a long year," he said. "I've basically been training hard since the start of last year, through the offseason, and all this year. I need a vacation. But I know after a month or so, I'll be ready to get back to work again and get ready to take my game to the next level."
that's good for Reggie, but it shows how inept the Eagles have been at picking a WR.
and if they go into next year with Reggie Brown as the #1, they are in trouble. next year and every year until Donovan retires, it's about winning the Super Bowl. If Reggie Brown is the #1, that means Pinkston is the #2, Greg Lewis is the #3, and McMullen is the #4. That group may be good enough to win regular season games, but they won't get it done in the playoffs. They need to sign a better WR bump everybody back a spot.
to all the people who were ripping me in the giants' game thread for pointing out aikman's comments about reid saying brown could be a #1 so he won't bring in a wr......hah!
you know who you are.
and so do i...http://www.concretefield.com/forum/index.php?topic=17387.120
thats disgusting if it ends up happening
Quote from: mhunt on December 28, 2005, 09:02:17 AM
to all the people who were ripping me in the giants' game thread for pointing out aikman's comments about reid saying brown could be a #1 so he won't bring in a wr......hah!
you know who you are.
Having another writer paraphrase the same comment doesn't vindicate anything. ;)
I don't think there is anyone out there next year who's going to be the "#1 WR" anyway, so whether Reid will or won't sign one is moot. I would be surprised if he didn't get some help at WR though.
this comment took things a step further than the aikman comments...just admit you were wrong now & get it over with. ;D
one day everyone will realize hunt is never wrong...and the world will be a better place for it
Quote from: ice grillin you on December 28, 2005, 09:42:03 AM
one day everyone will realize hunt is never wrong...and the world will be a better place for it
we can only hope.
The problem is less with Brown being next year's number 1 and more with the fact that there are no legit number 1s available in free agency and this year's WR draft class is weak. I'd like to see Randal El b/c he can help as a reciever and a kick returner, but he's not a #1. Wayne isn't a #1. Moulds is old, but would be an upgrade and is probably the closest thing to a #1 available.
Bottom line is that Brown being the #1 may be by necessity rather than by choice.
cole is the real deal.all your other draft picks,throw um in the trash,there worthless.moats could be good,but with westbrook coming back,he will not be on the field much
What do the taterskins know about the draft? How many picks have they had combined over the past three years? 9? Get lost.
lets look around,arrington,samuels,thrash,jansen,cooley,taylor,rogers,jacobs,raymer,marshall,to name a few of the nfc east 2005 champion washington taterskins
arrington - semi bust
samuels - good pick
thrash - not drafted
jansen - good pick
cooley - great pick
taylor - beast
rogers - rookie
jacobs - bust
raymer - drafted in 95
marshall - not drafted
in other words youre an IDIOT
Are you listing every drafted player on the roster from the past 6 years? You do know that most teams make up the MAJORITY of their team through the draft right? Not just a few players here and there. Pathetic.
Do you really think the Giants are going to lose to Oakland? You can't be that stupid, can you?
Oh yeah, you are a Skins fan.
do you guys really think the eagles are going to beat washington?you guys cant possibly be that stupid
hey douche nozzle, way to try to deflect attention from the fact that you don't even know which players on the your team's roster were drafted by them.
but hey, that Mark Brunell, great draft pick by those skins
you guys are probably the same guys that where on the bus with angelo booing mcnabb on draft day
No, I don't. But if the Giants beat Oakland, they're 11-5. If (when) the Skins beat the Eagles they'll be 10-6.
Do math much?
Quote from: dmek25 on December 28, 2005, 10:27:29 AM
you guys are probably the same guys that where on the bus with angelo booing mcnabb on draft day
yeah, probably. but hey, i'm sure you didn't boo when you drafted Clinton Portis, he was a great pick.
yeah and one more makes 6-10 right.even an idiot like you can count that high(or low)
Dude, do you even know what you're talking about? Cause I sure don't.
Calling the Skins the 2005 NFC East champs won't happen unless the Giants lose.
Dumbass.
You don't even know your own teams record, and you're bashing Eagles fans?
ah the smell of sweet sucess,and the smell,stench of defeat.which one are eagle fans experiencing right now?
dude, it's one year, yeah great, enjoy it. congrats.
next year, when the Eagles don't have 13 guys on IR, and 4 guys on PUP, we'll see if things are a bit different.
what cha gonna do about wr?still dont have one on the roster except for owens.by the way,what a great move that was
Yeah, cause his numbers sucked last year.
If he could've kept his mouth shut, it would've been fine. He couldn't, hurt him as much as the Birds.
We'll see how the Skins are doing when the have Ramsey/Campbell throwing 30 picks a season.
as long as your defense keeps playing this way,your secondary wont get any of them
Quote from: dmek25 on December 28, 2005, 10:35:11 AM
ah the smell of sweet sucess,and the smell,stench of defeat.which one are eagle fans experiencing right now?
Dude... this is the first time you've even sniffed the playoffs in 6 years. 6. Settle down.
ok settling