Wednesday, May 4, 2011

2011 Draft Review for the Eagles

By: Steve Johnson

Rd 1. Pick 23. Danny Watkins, OL Baylor
Reaction: Watkins is a top rated linemen prospect, a real blue collar, hard nosed "Philly type" player, that will give 110% and start immediately. With that being said, it's not always about need as is about value. When the season kicks off (if it kicks off), Watkins will be 27 years old, meaning by the end of his rookie contract he will be 31. Watkins didn't play football until community college. He is Canadian born firefighter, that played rugby and hockey before attending Butte College in California and then transferring to Baylor in 2009. I don't hate this pick because Watkins will start day 1 and immediately have an impact protecting franchise quarterback Mike Vick. He has all the physical tools to be a great player, he even took over at left tackle for Rams '09 first-rounder Jason Smith. Downside is, he is still learning the game and his age. This pick is safe, the Eagles know what they are going to get, and to me with not much talent still left on the board, the pick of Danny Watkins is solid, just not exciting.

Rd 2. Pick 54. Jaiquawn Jarrett, S Temple
Reaction: Like Watkins, Jarrett can probably play day one for the Eagles and also is a hard working, give it all type guy. He's slightly undersized but he plays bigger and more physical than his height and weight show. He can play either safety position, although it would be beneficial for him to add some bulk to his frame. The local product is a very smart, "coach on the field", vocal leader, and can line up in multiple positions, which defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will love.


Rd 3. Pick 90. Curtis Marsh, CB Utah St
Reaction: Marsh is very athletic, has good size and speed. Great explosion showing a broad jump of 10 feet, 3 inches, and a vertical leap of 37 1/2 inches at the NFL Combine. He is still a project player that will need time to learn the game from good coaching. Also needs to learn how to use his size and strength to his advantage. Should have immediate impact on special teams from day one.

Rd 4. Pick 116. Casey Matthews, ILB Oregon 
Reaction: Got this pick from the Donovan McNabb trade. Matthews comes from a football family if you've ever seen one. His father, Clay, played 19 years in the NFL, his uncle, Bruce, is a hall of famer, his uncle played in the 1950s, and his brother, Clay III, won a Super Bowl last year with the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately Casey is not as talented as any of them. He works hard, great awareness, always knows where the ball is. Plays every down like it is his last, has a special-teams type mentality that will help him get playing time early. Doesn't have the athletic ability of his older brother. Undersized, will have to add some bulk (hopefully not the way his brother is rumored to have). Bottom line is he has the bloodlines and smarts to play in the NFL, his size and skill set will have to be worked on.

Rd 4. Pick 120. Alex Henery, K Nebreska
Reaction: David Akers has played his last year as an Eagle. You don't draft a kicker in round 4 unless he is your future. Henery has a extremely strong leg and he is accurate at times. Probably the best kicker in the draft and will have a job right away. Punted in college, but projects only as a kicker in the NFL. Very confident and poised, who has been through tough games and made even tougher kicks.

Rd 5. Pick 149. Dion Lewis, RB Pittsburgh
Reaction: Think Brian Westbrook (I hope) when he was first drafted. Lewis is very short at 5-6' but surprisingly bulky at 193. More quick then fast, with a stop on the dime type first step. Vision is most like Westbrook, he sees the hole before it opens, and can hide behind blockers and make his first move. Won't run away from anyone in the open field, but will make them miss. Should provide a good backup to former Pitt teammate and current Eagles starter Shady McCoy. Getting Lewis in the 5th round is somewhat of a steal, should be able to make the team as a backup.


Rd 6. Pick 161. Julian Vandervelde, G Iowa
Reaction: Very thick, extremely weight room strong player. Very smart, maybe even too smart to stick it out in the NFL. Surprisingly quick on his feet, but is short with short arms. Will have to fight to make it on the roster, if he doesn't, look for him to retire and use his smarts in something other than football.


Rd 6. Pick 191. Jason Kelce, C Cincinnati 
Reaction: Very athletic, but small player. Has decent height (6-2 5/8), but has small arms and only weighs 280. Kelce is a former walk-on, hard working, give it his all type player that will struggle to make the team. Ran the fastest 40 time at the combine among offensive linemen, but too often gets tossed around by bigger stronger players. Would have to add strength and bulk to compete for a roster job.


Rd 6. Pick 193. Brian Rolle, OLB Ohio St
Reaction: Very fast, very fluid hips, quick feet, and surprisingly stronger then he looks (benched 28 reps of 225 at the combine). Was a running back in college, and has the height of one (5-9). Will have to make an immediate impact on special teams in order to make the team. Typical small, fast linebacker the Eagles tend to go after, hopefully he plays better then his predecessors.


Rd 7. Pick 237. Greg Llyod, ILB Uconn
Reaction: Son of Grey Llyod Sr, played in the NFL for 11 years, although he hasn't been in his life since 2002 for being accused of sticking a gun in his son's mouth. Llyod is very well built with long arms and big hands. His size slows him down and prevents him from being very fluid. Will not chase anyone down or make plays outside the tackles. Played some defensive end in pass rush situations, which makes you think the Eagles will look at him there, and if he can't do that he's gone.


Rd 7. Pick 240. Stanley Havili, FB USC
Reaction: Running and receiving type with great speed and soft hands. Very experienced but sometimes tends to play soft, which doesn't look good for a fullback. Most likely won't make the final roster, even with the injury to Leonard Weaver. Not the type of player you look for in a fullback.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

2011 NFL Mock Draft

By: Steve Johnson, Jon Balant, and Mike Duncan

1. Carolina: Cam Newton, QB Auburn
Why: In the NFL you need a franchise Quarterback to build your team around. While there are plenty of questions concerning Cam's off the field issues his upside is completely worth the gamble. Cam is a playmaker at the Quarterback position, he is big, strong, quick athlete with a cannon for an arm.


2. Denver: Marcell Dareus, DT Alabama
Why: New head coach John Fox loves his defensive linemen, Dareus is the most dominant in this class and will start day 1.


3. Buffalo: Patrick Peterson, CB LSU
Why: Peterson is the best player in the draft hands down. He has the great physical skills and the intangibles to be a shut down cover corner.


4. Cincinnati: A.J. Green, WR Georgia
Why: Green is probably the 2nd best player in the draft and one of the better receiving prospects we've seen in years. With Chad Ocho Cinco and T.O. not getting any younger, Green can be an impact player right away.


5. Arizona: Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M
Why: Last offseason the Cardinals let defensive playmakers walk via free agency, this draft they need a player to step up and make an immediate impact. Miller is the best pure pass rusher in this draft.

6. Cleveland: Robert Quinn, DE UNC
Why: Has the size and speed to be a pro bowler. Has off field issues that forced him to sit out all of 2010. Cleveland is in need of a pass rusher like Quinn on their defense.


7. San Francisco: Blaine Gabbert, QB Missouri
Why: Because they have one quarterback on the roster, and it's David Carr. San Francisco desperately needs someone to give the ball to Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, and if Gabbert falls to them, they will bite.


8. Tennessee: Julio Jones, WR Alabama
Why: Since there are no top quarterbacks available anymore, they take the best player available and that is Julio Jones. There are 2 top receivers in this draft, and don't expect Jones to last much longer then A.J. Green. Jones would provide a nice big, strong playmaker for whoever their quarterback is.

9. Dallas: Tyron Smith, OT USC
Why: Dallas needs to solidify their offensive line, and Smith is the best prospect among the offensive tackles. There is no premier offensive linemen in this draft, but Smith has the most upside.


10. Washington: J.J. Watt, DE Wisconsin
Why: Although I think Washington will trade out of this pick, J.J. Watt would be a solid pick to sure up their front seven. He is a hard nosed blue collar work horse that will give 100% on every play.

11. Houston: Nick Fairly, DT, Auburn
Why: If Fairly falls this far, Houston has to take him. Fairly has dropped off significantly but is still a top prospect. Although they could use help in the secondary Houston would love to draft someone to help out Mario Williams.

12. Minnesota: Ryan Kerrigan, DE Purdue
Why: Minnesota loves their defensive linemen, but they are getting old. Ryan Kerrigan has the potential to be Jared Allen 2.0. He has a relentless motor and you know what you are getting out of him.




13. Detroit: Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska
Why: Detroit would be licking their lips if Amukamara is still on the board at 13. They desperately need help on defense, especially the secondary. This would be a great pick to go along with last years #2 overall Suh.


14. St. Louis: Corey Liuget, DT Illinois
Why: Steve Spagnola loves his defensive linemen, Liuget is a force at defensive tackle, and is very underrated. He would be a great compliment to Chris Long.

15. Miami: Mike Pouncey, OG Florida
Why: Although Pouncey is a good prospect, he might be over drafted because of the impact his brother made last year. With that being said Miami would love this pick because they know what they get from day 1. Look for them to sure up their offensive line and then go QB in round 2.


16. Jacksonville: Aldon Smith, DE Missouri
Why: Aldon Smith would be a great compliment to last years free agent signing Aaron Kampman and last years 1st round pick Tyson Alualu.

17. New England (From Oakland): Muhammad Wilkerson, DT Temple
Why: The Patriots traded Richard Seymour to Oakland and received this pick back. Although they probably thought it'd be a higher pick, they'd love to get a replacement for Seymour, who dominated that line for years. Although Wilkerson comes from a small football school, he dominated when playing against tougher competition.

18. San Diego: Cameron Jordan, DE Cal
Why: Jordan is a value pick right here, an underrated versatile defensive linemen, he has the size and athleticism to start day 1 for the Chargers.

19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT Boston College
Why: The Giants offensive line is getting old, Castonzo has the experience to step in day 1 and start at tackle, shifting David Diehl inside.

20. Tampa: Da'Quan Bowers, DE Clemson
Why: Before his knee injury, Bowers was considered a top 5 pick. If he drops this far, Raheem Morris will run to the podium and announce the pick himself. Although their are huge concerns about how long he can actually play, they will take what they can get by throwing him along side last years top 2 picks Gerald McCoy and Brian Price.

21. Kansas City: Akeem Ayers, OLB UCLA
Why: Tamba Hali led the league in sacks last year, but that was about the only pass rush they got. Adding Ayers would give them the 1-2 punch to go along with their great secondary and line play last year.

22. Indianapolis: Nate Solder, OT Colorado
Why: Because Peyton Manning needs to be protected, it's that simple. Protect Peyton Manning and you win, and in recent years the Colt's have went cheap on linemen. Solder has huge upside.

23. Philadelphia: Jimmy Smith, CB Colorado
Why: Smith has some character concerns, that's why he would drop to 23. Other than that Athletically he is a top prospect. This would be a steal for the Eagles who desperately need someone opposite Asante Samuel.

24. New Orleans: Marvin Austin, DT UNC
Why: There are concerns with Austin, who didn't play in 2010 because of NCAA violations, but talent wise he is a top prospect. This would be a steal from what he was projected before his suspension. Would make an immediate impact on the Saints D-Line.

25. Seattle: Cameron Heyward, DE Ohio St
Why: Seattle could probably take a Quarterback here, but Heyward provides good value here. He doesn't have the top end talent of some of the other linemen but he provides toughness and hard work.

26. Baltimore: Brandon Harris, CB Miami
Why: Cornerback was a huge concern for the Ravens last year. They can't afford to not get a cornerback, so they go up and grab Harris, who has shown flashes of great playmaking skills. We know he'd fit in with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, former THE U players.

27. Atlanta: Brooks Reed, DE Arizona
Why: John Abraham is getting older, and the Falcons could really use a defensive linemen to sit in his shadows until he's ready. Reed has a relentless motor and pass rush skills, he will have to put on weight.

28. New England: Mark Ingram, RB Alabama
Why: Ingram is the best running back in this class. The Patriots have so many picks in this draft that they can afford to take a back here. The Patriots would love his north south running style, and would be an immediate upgrade over their current backs.

29. Chicago: Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin
Why: Chicago need to upgrade their offensive line and keep Cutler healthy. With Carimi falling to them at 29, they would have to take him. Carimi provides an upgrade in the run game, but he will have to work on his pass blocking.

30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT Baylor
Why: If Taylor fell to Rex Ryan, he might offer to foot massage on spot. With Jenkins going down last year, they were really hurt up the middle. Taylor would provide that big mauler at Nose Tackle the Jets are looking for.

31. Pittsburgh: Aaron Williams, CB Texas
Why: Pittsburgh is pretty solid at most positions especially on defense, but without many top offensive linemen still available, they will look to upgrade their corner position.

32. Green Bay: Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa
Why: Before the season started Clayborn was being talked about as a top 15 pick, then came concerns with an arm disorder he's had since birth. He has a relentless motor and toughness that Dom Capers looks for and would provide great depth for a team that could use d-line help.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Harry Kalas: Gone, but Not Forgotten

By: Steve Johnson

"The 0-2 pitch, swing and a miss! Struck him out! The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 World Champions of baseball!" said the late, great, Harry Kalas, just 6 months before his eventual death. It was like the sand in his hour glass of life would not run out until he made that call. The call announcing that after 25 years, Philadelphians were finally champions. I remember that call like it was yesterday falling to my knees, tears rolling down my face, my phone ringing off the hook. That's the type of impact Harry Kalas made on people. He was a Philadelphia sports legend that never had to tie his cleats or put on a jersey. Like many others in the greater Philadelphia area, Harry Kalas taught me the game of baseball. For years, his classic "That ball is outa hereeee" and "struck em' out" lines made watching Phillies games that much better. It's hard to believe it's been two years since he's passed. Now that the Phillies are finally something to cheer about, the voice of the Phillies is gone. It's a shame he isn't able to call these games. He would have loved this team. Even with the pitchers the Phightins have, that "struck em' out" line would never get old coming out of HK's mouth. The man was not only beloved by the fans, but the players as well. Never have I heard of a member of the media ever allowed to fly with the players. An exception was made for Harry, because people just loved being around him. Harry was one of a kind, never replaceable, never forgotten.  Keep on watching these games, making you're great calls. Rest in peace Harry. You sure are missed.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

"Bob" is The Man For The Playoffs

By: Steve Johnson

Today Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette announced that rookie goaltender Sergei "Bob" Bobrovsky will be his netminder in the playoffs. It's no shock that "Bob" is named the starter over veteran Brian Boucher, but it does bring some concerns. This time last year twenty two year old Bobrovsky was playing in Russia, while the Flyers were making the same switches in net with Boucher and Michael Leighton. One year later, the rookie has earned his shot to take the Flyers to their 2nd consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. It's not that the rookie hasn't had a great year, but the inconsistency is what concerns Flyers fans. "Bob" is 4-6 in his last 10 starts with the Flyers, four of those losses when it counts the most in Overtime or Shootouts. Luckily though for the Flyers, there are no shootouts in playoff hockey. Overall, "Bob" is 28-13-7 on the year, with a 2.51 Goals Against Average, and a .917 Save Percentage. Those numbers represent a bright spot for the future of the Flyers goaltending job, but the Flyers need a bright spot in the present. With the season dwindling down, and the Flyers stumbling with injured players, they still represent the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. With two games remaining, and the playoffs set to start next Thursday the 14th, "Bob" and the rest of the Flyers need to turn their jets on, if they expect to make another run at Lord Stanley's Cup.