A Safety Net...at the Safety Position

An article was released about a week ago entailing the problems the Eagles have on their offensive line and some potential things that could be done to make the situation better. The team’s Quarterback spot has also drawn a large (and probably unnecessary) amount of discussion, with tons of speculation and rumors flying around about the Birds’ passers. In this particular offseason piece, the Safety position, which was stocked with inconsistency in 2009, is examined similarly to the way the o-line was. Both a summary of what went wrong and right in the season, as well as a few possible ways to fix the issues, have been compiled; all made for the intentions of providing suggestions for a bit of a safety net…at the Safety position.

Last offseason, Sean Jones was added in free agency in hopes of becoming (at the very least) the short-term starter in the defensive backfield at the Free Safety spot. Previously a solid member of the Cleveland Browns’ secondary, the 27-year-old had been among the league’s top pass interceptors in terms of the past few years, and looked to have a quality first season in Philadelphia that would then potentially lead to a contract extension. However, Jones began and ended the season as a reserve, taking repetitions as the starting FS here and there throughout the season. Despite his 61 total tackles (good for 3rd overall on the team), the University of Georgia product failed to display a dominant sense of coverage skills, and has not been mentioned as one of the team’s top priorities this offseason (he is due to become an unrestricted free agent on March 5th).

At the other Safety spot, Quintin Mikell earned an appearance in the Pro-Bowl, but certainly did not have the best season of his career. Regardless of his team-high 90 tackles and decent total of 2 interceptions, the veteran seemed to lack a lot of leadership and ability to play at a consistent level. There is no doubt that he will be among the starting defensive backs in the 2010 season (barring a serious injury or unlikely transaction), but there is still room for improvement. There is always the possibility that Mikell will be moved over to the Free Safety spot, a place in which I believe he seems to be more comfortable.

As for the other contributors to the ‘09 Safety ordeal, rookie Macho Harris (pictured) and backup Quintin Demps took a lot of heat from the fan base for their mistakes, but still have potential. Harris surprised many when he opened the season as the starting FS, but injuries (among other things) led to his demotion in the depth chart. Demps, on the other hand, was slated to be the replacement for Brian Dawkins last offseason, but failed to impress the staff with his arrogance and poor work ethic. He gained some respect back during the season, for he was the team’s most consistent kick returner down the stretch, but remains a questionable member of the roster. Harris showed signs of immaturity with some bad game day decisions, but is undoubtedly someone who could make an impact in the future.

If not for what are likely to be failed Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, top-tier defensive backs like O.J. Atogwe and Antoine Bethea would be easier to acquire in the free agency period. However, decent players remain in the upcoming pool of unemployed Safeties. Here are some notable names that should be considered when the market is opened and the Eagles will perhaps strike for a player to fill their “safety net” (in hopes of making the listed suggestions realistic, only players set to be unrestricted free agents under the CBA guidelines have been displayed):

• Darren Sharper: At 34, Sharper would be somewhat of a risky signing, especially for a team like the Eagles who has lately emphasized a youth movement on the roster. Despite his age, though, the veteran has managed 5 Pro-Bowl appearances and 4 All-Pro earnings over the course of his career, and looked brilliant in 2009 with the Super Bowl champion Saints. Not only did he record 9 interceptions (tied for best in the NFL) and record a trio of defensive scores, but the FS also notched an impressive 71 tackles, 51 of which were solo take-downs.
• Ryan Clark: Like Sharper, Clark’s age poses a potential issue with the Eagles’ current philosophy (and also increases the risk of injury or lack of production). But he remains a decent free agent option, seeing he has had over 70 tackles in 3 of the last 4 years. His latest seasonal performance was clearly his best, for the Pittsburgh Steeler grabbed 3 interceptions, 89 tackles, and 8 pass deflections. He is also known for placing bone-jarring hits on opposing players, and has the ability to cover well down the field.
• Hiram Eugene: Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Raiders in 2006, Eugene is definitely not the flashiest Safety set to be available in free agency, but has a lot of potential. In the last 3 seasons (the only years that he has actually gotten opportunities on the field), the Louisiana Tech graduate has averaged roughly 40 tackles and recorded his first career interception in the 2009 campaign. He is best known by the Oakland fans for overcoming 1st-round Draft pick Michael Huff for the starting FS spot in the ‘07 season, and could provide the Eagles with a future option at the position. Then again, his presence would certainly not be overwhelming, and he might not be the answer the Birds are looking for.

Besides free agency, there is always the NFL Draft for acquiring players at a position of need. And while history has shown that taking Safeties early in the selection process typically does not work out well, there are some fine players from the back end of the secondary that will be available, and most likely at the Eagles’ spots on the Draft board. Below are some of those players (like the realistic factor in the free agency suggestions, Safeties projected to go very early in the 1st-round have not been included):

• Taylor Mays: Some love him. Some hate him. Blessed with ideal size for a hard-hitting Free Safety, the product of USC has drawn major amounts of both praise and criticism. His tackling skills are extremely solid, and he is probably one of the most trustworthy players in the 2010 class in terms of players you’d rely on to halt a play. However, his coverage ability has been pointed out and proven to be weak in events such as the Senior Bowl. Mays possesses the size to play at the Linebacker position as well, so clearly he is a versatile rookie to-be. The only question is whether teams (especially the Eagles, who might be looking for a strong coverage man at the FS spot) are willing to take a chance on him.
• Nate Allen: Projected to be taken in the 2nd round of the Draft, Allen would probably be available to the Eagles at least once, and might draw some serious consideration from them. He’s a bit smaller than Mays, but remains one of the best Safeties entering the league. A respectable 4-year collegiate career at South Florida, which included an impressive total of 216 tackles, has Allen on the radar of various teams.
• Reshad Jones: Despite usually lining up as a Strong Safety, Jones is definitely among the underrated defensive backs heading into the 2010 Draft. With an imposing physical frame and ability to consistently tackle the ball-carrier hard, it’s easy to compare the graduate of Georgia a miniature Taylor Mays. However, he has shown a lot more promise in his coverage techniques, and appears to have a bright future in the NFL.

It’s likely we will have to continue to wait in this offseason to see how things actually develop, but I had hoped to provide you with what could become somewhat of a safety net…at the Safety position. Now, be sure to share your own thoughts on the situation.

(picture source)