(note, these are opinions, not facts)
1. Donovan McNabb is older than 30 years old
Ok, I'll start with the obvious TATEr topic. Donovan is 30 years old and will be 31 in November. That is not old for a QB. If you remember, Trent Green didn't really get his career started until he was 31, while guys like Elway and Marino both played 8 years after turning 31. And I don't think anyone thinks that those guys are exceptions in longevity like Favre or Peyton Manning will likely be. McNabb had his successor drafted when he was 30 years old. (Mind you, so did Elway so I could be wrong here) But with the injuries that McNabb has had, paired with the beatings he's taken by using his large frame on the field, I think it's safe to say that our 30 year old QB is closer to 33 or 34 years old. Remember the beating Aikman took over his career? The man lasted until he was only 34, and this could potentially be the fate of McNabb as well, which is why Kolb may turn out to be such a great pick. (There still hasn't been a worthy successor to Aikman since)
2. The Coaching Staff believes in Max Jean-Gilles
MJG was a tremendously popular pick when we got him as a steal in the 4th round last year. It was immediately heralded that he would eventually start at Guard, moving Herremans/Andrews outside to replace Runyan. Then the voice of reason came down hard and said: "Hold up there Tiger!". MJG slipped for a reason, and his weight is a genuine problem. You don't draft a starter in the 4th round, no matter how early he was originally projected. Although many fans saw him as a no brainer to start down the road (ala Winston Justics), reality is that there is a good chance that he isn't that guy. I said before this draft that if the Coaching Staff doesn't believe in MJG, that an O-Lineman such as Joe Staley or Ben Grubbs could be an outside (and very unpopular) possibility. Staley and Grubbs were BOTH available at #26. Yet, the OL LOVING Andy Reid still traded out of the round and didn't take any OL later in the draft. This must mean that the Front Office believes this guy can still be the answer. If you're thinking: well it's only been one year... I'll stop you by saying that Runyan is most likely in his last year as an Eagle (or pro), as is William Thomas. In other words, we will have TWO new starters on our O-Line next year. For Andy Reid not to draft an OL, it must mean that they really believe MJG can step in and start in 2008.
3. LJ Smith will have his contract resolved
No matter what you think, Brent Celek will not be a starter in the NFL. He could be a very good depth guy, but neither Celek nor Schobel will ever challenge LJ's spot or has the ability to start if LJ should leave next year. If you remember how long LJ played alongside Chad Lewis when he was first drafted, you can deduct that the Front Office would draft a TE to groom if they felt they were going to lose their Tight End. Ben Olsen was another guy on the list that could have helped. Plus, with the many 2-TE sets that we like to run I don't think LJ Smith would feel threatened by us drafting a TE early. Thus, since no future replacement was drafted, and I doubt Andy Reid would want a rookie TE starting, even further backed up by the lack of interest we showed in Jerramy Stevens, I think the FO believes that they will be able to work out a contract with LJ Smith.
Another angle of course, is the notion that perhaps drafting a TE early would show a lack of commitment towards LJ and take touches away, thus promting him to explore the market. This would invalidate my theory, but again, it's just a theory.
4. The Eagles are looking for an UDFA to fill out the Defensive Backfield
Al Harris, Rod Hood, Joselio Hanson - all random Training Camp guys that have come in and done solid jobs. Harris and Rood have even gone on to compete for starting jobs. Despite a plea to draft a CB to be our Nickle - or Dime Back, we waited until the 6th round to draft a guy who won't be ready for 2007. Meanwhile, Chris Houston was on the board at both #26 and #36. (The Eagles didn't like him since he doesn't fit the profile they look for, but it's still interesting to pass him up considering the need) The Eagles now have 3 Safeties and 4 Corners on the roster. They generally like to have 4 Safeties and 5 Corners. CJ Gaddis will probably take one spot. Outside chance he would assume both roles, since I think he's raw enough for one NFL responsiblity. That means that there's a big chance there will be an UDFA on the final 53-man roster. The Eagles were reportedly high on Considine's Iowa teammate Marcus Paschal, so he could have the inside track. Barksdale I highly doubt will compete this year, so that leaves a spot open for UDFA competition.
oh, and by the way, Quintin Mikell was an UDFA as well.
5. The Eagles don't believe in one of their young Linebackers
After signing Takeo Spikes, we assumed 6 guys in our LB rotation: 3 veterans and 3 prospects. Takeo, Trotter and, obviously Dhani, are not long term solutions. That means the future belonged to Chris Gocong, Matt McCoy and Omar Gaither; all recent draft picks. Then, the Eagles drafted Stewart Bradley; a SAM who also plays MIKE. That means, however, that there are now 4 guys competing for 3 future spots. Gaither is what he is: very solid, low ceiling but high floor. McCoy and Gocong are question marks however. Gocong hasn't played SAM yet, and McCoy wore down badly last year. Don't get me wrong, I'm a McCoy fan, but the signing of Takeo Spikes may be a sign that the Eagles believe him to be better suited as a Nickle LB. Apparently, Bradley was drafted to be a SAM, so there's also a good chance that Gocong isn't developing as they would have hoped.
so that's my shtick. Remember, only opinions, not facts
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