The Overlooked: The 2010 Eagles Special Teams (Part 2 of 2)-Kick Returners/Specialists
by RyanGiggs11 on Feb 7, 2010 12:13 AM EST
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PrintCheck out Part 1 of 3 here: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/2/4/1292099/the-overlooked-the-2010-eagles
Part 2 will focus on kick returners, as yet again the Eagles lacked a consistent kick returner all season, due to injury and/or lack of talent. Will internal options prevail over free agents and draft picks? That is highly more likely than at punter, but I still feel that Andy may seek help elsewhere. NEW: Part 3 has been added here due to lack of easily found information on the internet about coverage specialists (see bottom of post).
Current kick returner on roster: Quintin Demps/Macho Harris/Ellis Hobbs - *RFA/Jeremy Maclin
Why so many names? Hobbs was the starter until a neck injury put him on IR. Demps took over but then was injured for part of the season. Harris filled in for Demps until a ghastly number of fumbles forced another change. In came Maclin, who wasn't woeful but underperformed. I'm cutting him a little slack because he's a rookie, but if he returns kicks next season, I won't give him any.
Stats:
Quintin Demps - 6 attempts, 155 yards, 25.8 yards per attempt, long of 48 yards
Rating for 2009: B-, he did the job he was asked, averaged a nice amount of yards and showed he may be able to break one a couple of times - but didn't.
Macho Harris - 19 attempts, 394 yards, 20.7 y/a, long of 32 yards
Rating for 2009: D-, fumblerooksi. 'nuff said.
Ellis Hobbs - 20 attempts, 481 yards, 24.1 y/a, long of 63 yards
Rating for 2009: B+, he was a threat every time he touched the ball. Probably my favorite choice for the Eagles to use as a kick returner next year and his ability to play a solid #4 corner/fill-in for Joselio Hansen when needed are also a deal maker in my eyes. B+ would have been an A if he broke one for a TD, but unfortunately he got hurt.
Jeremy Maclin - 7 attempts, 124 yards, 17.7 y/a, long of 28 yards
Rating for 2009: D, he's a rookie who underperformed at a position he probably barely practiced at. No harm no foul in my book. Andy, please don't try him again next season. Let him develop into a great WR alongside DeSean.
Ace in the Hole? Bobby April, the new Special Teams Coordinator. See here for why his addition will greatly benefit the return team: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/1/14/1251806/eagles-hire-special-teams-coach.
He will bring his 18 seasons of NFL experience and two special teams coach of the year awards to the coaching staff... This is a huge move for Philly, who will look to improve production from their punting unit, which has been lacking of late. Every upgrade is welcome, and it will certainly be exciting to see the changes April will bring to our talented young team.-Bob_Q, Bleeding Green Nation
April is considered one of the league's top special teams coaches and has won several coaching awards. This was the first major move by the Eagles this offseason.
-ESPN.com story on the signing
Internal options (signed/RFA)
1) Hobbs (if resigned, RFA), probably our best kick returner since Brian Mitchell and a solid #4 corner.
2) Demps, above average but not the fastest of returners (ask any Madden player).
3) Harris, in the incredible event that all players capable of returning kicks suffer season ending injuries.
4) Maclin, on the basis that he needs to just spend time working on his receiving skills.
Options at Kick Returner (Free Agents):
For this edition I will be trying out a more concise approach to my write-ups about the options. I plan on doing at least one quote and at least three sentences for each section, if possible. I will also be posting a link to each player's stats from nfl.com, along with occasionally posting stats relevant to the conversation I'm starting with this article.
Option #1: Dominic Hixon (Giants) - http://www.nfl.com/players/domenikhixon/profile?id=HIX462619
Why?: He's at least an average kick returner and is an below average WR. To be honest, I don't really know what else to say about Hixon that's good.
The following quote doesn't directly discuss Hixon's kick return skills, but it does show his overall return ability:
Domenik Hixon was a big part of the reason the Giants Special Teams performed well, returning a key punt for a touchdown. For his efforts, he has been named the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Amazingly, that was the Giants first punt return touchdown since Chad Morton returned one against the Cardinals back in 2005.
-cjmulrain, Big Blue View - http://www.bigblueview.com/2009/12/9/1192594/new-york-giants-news-notes-giants
Why Not?: I only hear Giants fans (unfortunately they're mine friends) whining about Hixon's flaws and also about that huge drop versus the Eagles as a WR.
The Giants ranked 28th in the league in kickoff returns with a paltry 20.9 yards per return average. This despite having, I believe, an above-average return man in Domenik Hixon. I do have to give some credit, though, since the Giants finished tied for sixth in punt returns with a 10.9-yard average. That, I think, is mostly due to Hixon's individual skill.
-Ed Valentine, Big Blue View - http://www.bigblueview.com/2010/1/10/1242461/new-york-giants-firing-line-tom
2009 Rating: D+, if you factor in his punt returns then he's a C, otherwise he's a weak D+ because he's a below average receiver and returner.
Option #2: Courtney Roby (Saints) - http://www.nfl.com/players/courtneyroby/profile?id=ROB808006
Note: Thank you to saints-nation of Canal Street Chronicles for his fantastic gradings of Saints every week. I don't think my job for a write up of Roby could have been any easier.
Why?: saints-nation of Canal Street Chronicles had him ranked as the second best performer on the Saints special teams for this season. He is not only above average as a kick returner, he's also a very good player on the special teams coverage team. The following quote speaks as highly of him as possible:
I'm glad we have him. What were we thinking cutting him prior to week 1? We're extremely fortunate no one snatched him up.
-saints-nation, Canal Street Chronicles - http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2010/1/28/1271837/new-orleans-saints-defensive-and
Roby was rock solid on coverage, forcing both fair catches and Percy Harvin / Darius Reynaudinto redirecting their returns to lanes that led to nowhere. On his returns, Roby never went down to the first hit. He showed good speed and tackle breaking ability. He was able to rip one 61 yard return, and he averaged 28.6 yards per return off 5 tries.
-saints-nation, Canal Street Chronicles - http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2010/1/28/1271837/new-orleans-saints-defensive-and
Why Not?:
Roby, per usual, was very good covering kicks and punts. He kick returns were spotty, though. He had a decent one that went 25 yards, but he also had a terrible one where he was hit inside the 20 after a 12 yard return.
-saints-nation, Canal Street Chronicles - http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2010/1/19/1256117/new-orleans-saints-defensive-and
Roby was off to a great start in the game. He had a great tackle with the coverage unit, then he downed two of Morstead's punts inside the Panthers' 20. He was headed towards a really nice little grade. Then, he had to negate a big time Reggie Bush punt return with a block in the back, and he had to fumble a kick return with under 5 seconds left in the half to set up one last John Kasay field goal before going into the locker room. I'm sorry, but fumbling a kickoff like that before halftime is a cardinal sin.
-saints-nation, Canal Street Chronicles - http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2010/1/5/1233484/new-orleans-saints-defensive-and
2009 Rating: B-, good at coverage teams, returned a kick for a TD and averaged a nice 27.5 yards per return.
Option #3: Danieal Manning (Bears) - http://www.nfl.com/players/daniealmanning/profile?id=MAN468179
Why?: If Ellis Hobbs is not resigned, Manning may be a suitable candidate for a straight-up replacement at both KR and #4 CB.
50% or Less Still on the Roster:
Danieal Manning (depends on contract demands, but 1 heckuva return man, and knows nickel and safety spots)
-MuleTrain, Windy City Gridiron, http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2010/1/6/1233586/way-way-too-early-2010-roster
...all purpose Danieal Manning all gave gut check performances for a beat up, beleaguered Bears defense.
-Mark Saade, Windy City Gridiron, http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2009/12/30/1227163/great-win-bad-timing
Danieal Manning continues to impress at KORs.
-Dane Noble, Windy City Gridiron, http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2009/12/29/1223569/notes-scribbles-and-things-jotted
Danieal Manning looks really fast when returning kickoffs. He also seems like he could be very shifty, but has a straight-ahead approach to his returns.
-Dane Noble, Windy City Gridiron, http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2009/12/29/1223569/notes-scribbles-and-things-jotted
DB Danieal Manning-keeper/shown potential on special teams and a decent backup
-bearsfan87, Windy City Gridiron, http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2009/12/8/1191622/taking-inventory-bears-have-a-mess
Why Not?:
Manning fell, he didn't slip
He always loses his balance
-Trey 23, Windy City Gridiron, http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2009/12/29/1223569/notes-scribbles-and-things-jotted
He’s a true athlete, but football is not his thing. He seems like a great kid and I am not for anyone losing their job. I would have been happier trading him at the beginning of the season to a team needing a good return guy in exchange for a WR or DB or whatever. I believe the Bears would have been better off not trying to force him into a position he’s just not suited for. Now at the end of this season, he’s a FA and either the Bears will have to overpay for his mediocrity or lose any value he may have had as trade fodder at the beginning of the year. I just see it as wasteful.
-LostinSTL, Windy City Gridiron, http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2009/12/4/1185585/musical-secondary-bears-switch
2009 Rating: C+, above average returner, about average CB (maybe slightly below average).
Option #4: Leon Washington (Jets)* - RFA - http://www.nfl.com/players/leonwashington/profile?id=WAS503628
Why?: Is not just an explosive returner, but also is a very good speed back, one who can only improve any team's running back corps
http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/2/3/1289634/leon-washington-stay-or-go (See below for the text of the article), read the comments at the link.
I don't think I'm alone being frustrated the Jets didn't sign Leon Washington to an extension a year ago. He's the biggest playmaker the Jets have had in a long time. If Brad Smith is a homerun threat, Leon is this team's version of Albert Pujols, a threat to take the ball to the end zone every time he touches it.
Washington has a 4.8 career average per carry, blazing speed, and an uncanny ability to make people miss in space. He has 4 career kickoff returns for touchdowns. He is a threat as a receiver out of the backfield that Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene aren't.
Yes, he had a bad leg injury, but he's also expected to recover fully. Yes, the Jets could use a first and third round tender on the restricted free agent to be and get some team to bite. Yes, they could refuse to tender him, allow him to sign elsewhere, and open up a spot to sign an unrestricted free agent with a healthy chunk of change. How do you justify taking that dimension from the team? I don't think anybody you would replace him with would be as valuable. I know the Jets made the AFC Championship Game without him, but Washington makes the offense so much more dangerous.
I vote stay, and it might be the easiest decision of the offseason.
-John B, Gang Green Nation, http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/2/3/1289634/leon-washington-stay-or-go
Just to make sure you notice: "He has 4 career kickoff returns for touchdowns."
Why Not?: He is a RFA who will more than likely be tendered a contract by the Jets. When I say more than likely, I mean 99.9% likely. But that fact only proves to show how valuable a player Washington is.
2009 Rating: B+. should have been a career year for Washington but an injury cut it short.
Option #5: Brad Smith (Jets)* - RFA - http://www.nfl.com/players/bradsmith/profile?id=SMI080910
Why?: (1) Wildcat: He can throw (not NFL level, but better than non-QBs) (2) He can catch, maybe at the level of a #4 or #5 wide receiver. Hell, I don't care so long as Reggie isn't back. (3) He's pretty fast, a "home-run" kind of player, according to comments from Gang Green Nation.
Brad Smith: The throw wasn't pretty. That's probably why he's not a pro quarterback. The bottom line is it was accurate enough for a huge 45 yard gain.
-John B, Gang Green Nation, http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/1/24/1267902/colts-30-jets-17-second-half
I like his overall contribution to the team
Brad adds an element of misdirection and makes some unexpected plays possible. His pass to Eric Smith on a fake punt against Tampa Bay was a classic. He also got some good runs in on stolen snaps. While he isn’t great at route running or extremely sure-handed, I think he could work as a screen receiver or pitch runner, plus he could take handoffs and then throw.
I don’t agree with the argument that just because our conventional offense is improving (Sanchez can pass better, Greene has stopped fumbling, etc.) an unconventional player like Brad won’t add more. After all, the goal is to get more yards and end up in the end zone, and if you make the opposing defense lose a step and miss potential tackles because they’re not sure what’s coming, I’m all for it.
-Rabbit T, Gang Green Nation, http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/2/1/1286187/brad-smith-stay-or-go
Why Not?: He is a RFA who will be tendered a contract by the Jets and has not developed into a WR nor has he worked on his throwing, leaving him as a kick returner who can catch and slightly throw. KR/Wildcat only for the Eagles?
2009 Rating: B-, he's above average at so many different things.
Option #6: Jalen Parmele (Ravens) - http://www.nfl.com/players/jalenparmele/profile?id=PAR593998
Why?: Take a look at his stats and tell me he wouldn't be good for us - 9 returns, 283 yards, 31.4 yards per return, long of 53 yards, all but 1 of the 9 returns was less than 20 yards and 2 of the 9 went for 40 or more yards. Now, I know that he only returned 9 balls, but he showed that he can be well above average at returning kicks.
He's also strong:
Mike Duffy of BaltimoreRavens.com put up a cool story of the Baltimore Ravens second annual competition to find out which player on their roster deserves the title as "Ravens' Strongest Player." The "strongman-style" competition, breaks down the players by offense and defense, then again by weight group. The linemen are in one group, then the linebackers, running backs and tight ends, followed by the defensive backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks.
The results were surprising, and while last year's winner did indeed repeat overall on his side of the ball, he was actually upset in his own weight class by a much smaller and lesser known Raven. Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo won the overall competition for the defense, although he was beaten out in his weight group by running back Jalen Parmele!
-Bruce Raffel, Baltimore Beat Down, http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2009/6/16/911187/ravens-strongest-player
Why Not?: He's really got nothing on him other than college footage. It's tough for me to figure out anything about him when youtube and Baltimore Beat Down give me almost nothing on the player. Only nack is that he's young without too much experience returning kicks (9 returns in 2009).
2009 Rating: A-, yes, I did just give him an A-. He has the potential to be very good career returner/3rd running back.
* = UFA under current CBA, RFA if a new CBA is not reached by March
Then where does that leave us? (If Ellis Hobbs is not re-signed)
My choices, ranked:
1. Jalen Parmele
2. Leon Washington
3. Brad Smith
Jalen Parmele is my choice for three reasons: Young, a good returner and a 3rd running back. Plus, he's a straight up free agent who had very good stats in a limited role as kick returner for the Ravens. Leon Washington would be my favorite but he would cost us a first round pick if he's tendered, like he should be, by the Jets. He would easily be my #1 choice if not for that fact. Brad Smith would be my choice to be brought in as a WR/QB/wildcat/crazy Andy plays guy.
I got a little lazy with this one, because of various events over the last two nights, but it still turned out to be 800 more words than Part 1. Hope you enjoy it.
Check out Part 1 of 3 here: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/2/4/1292099/the-overlooked-the-2010-eagles
Check out Part 2 of 3 here: http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/2/7/1295995/the-overlooked-the-2010-eagles
Part 3 will focus on coverage specialists. Unlike my other two write ups, hopefully this one will be short and to the point, because that's all it really needs to be (it will be the hardest of the three, because statistics on this write up are so hard to find for some odd reason).
Some of you reading Part 3 may be wondering "why?" Well, I thought that it might be interesting to see if there were any coverage specialists out there to supplement Tracey White, our current special teams coverage specialist. I know that this position isn't a favorite or the most interesting to anyone, but it can prove to be one of the most important on the field, i.e. Roby in the Super Bowl for the Saints.
Current specialist on roster: Tracey White (under contract)
Stats: 18 tackles, 78 blocks (return team), 1 fumble recovery, 1st man down the field 20 times, 385 points (graded by Eagles staff) which was #1 on the team.
2009 rating: A, he was past serviceable, not only playing as probably our third best special teamer (DeSean, Akers), but also filling in amiably at nickel linebacker. He went well past what his job description was and excelled at whatever he was asked to do. I can't wait to continue to watch him develop, especially at linebacker where he may become a very suitable back up at one of the two OLB positions.
Options at specialist (free agents):
Unlike Part 1 and Part 2, Part 3 is not to replace a player. Rather, it is to add a player as a complement to White in order to produce a sublime coverage team. So who's out there?
Option #1: Courtney Roby (Saints) - http://www.nfl.com/players/courtneyroby/profile?id=ROB808006
Why?: Decent kick returner and coverage specialist extraordinaire. His play in the Super Bowl was telling enough for anyone watching, as he downed a punt on the four, something that he had done with regular consistency all season.
The five 'could-have-been' MVPS
Courtney Roby(notes) -- What? A special teamer in consideration for the MVP? Well, consider this: The Saints started their average drive at their own 29. The Colts started their drives on average at their own 17. Roby, a backup receiver, had a great deal to do with that -- he averaged 25.5 yards on four kick returns, stopped the return of the Saints' first punt for no gain, and downed the punt with 5:22 left in the first quarter at the Colts' own 4-yard line. In a game as close as this one, special teams can be the deciding factor, and nobody was more important in that department than Roby.
I'm glad we have him. What were we thinking cutting him prior to week 1? We're extremely fortunate no one snatched him up.
-saints-nation, Canal Street Chronicles - http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2010/1/28/1271837/new-orleans-saints-defensive-and
Roby was rock solid on coverage, forcing both fair catches and Percy Harvin / Darius Reynaud into redirecting their returns to lanes that led to nowhere.
-saints-nation, Canal Street Chronicles - http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2010/1/28/1271837/new-orleans-saints-defensive-and
Why not?: I've got nothing. He's a fantastic coverage guy and would only help us there and at kick returns.
2009 rating: A+, Super Bowl performance puts him into a place unto himself.
The internet finally failed me. It's just too much work to find the stats and free agent statuses of the players I was trying to discuss in Part 3. The above is as far as I got, but I think that's all I need. Just sign Roby if you're not going to sign Parmele, Washington, Smith or Manning (or re-sign Hobbs).
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We could just go after Justin Miller. He is a damn good kick returner (2006 Pro Bowl/All-Pro). Plus, he’s still young. Turns 26 this month. That would solidify our KR spot. He’s already a FA.
He’s actually on the Jets, with a contract. I just checked and he’s not on the free agent/restricted free agent lists I use for my posts. Here’s his NFL.com profile: http://www.nfl.com/players/justinmiller/profile?id=MIL366437
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
Correction
He was on the Jets. If you notice, it ends on week 11 because they resigned him shortly and waived him after week 11. Yeah…nfl.com didn’t update. But I’ve been following him every since he was cut though.
I stand corrected, but that doesn’t sway me into thinking about adding Miller.
1) He was released by a team that lost its star returner.
2) He hasn’t returned a season’s worth of kicks in two years, and before that it was another two seasons. That means over the past five seasons he has only been a team’s starting returner once.
The thing that does catch my attention is the fact that in the three seasons he returned kicks he has 5 TDs and at least 1 in each of those seasons and averaged about 26 yards per return. Still, I just feel like the years off will affect him this time around.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
Ignore my former comment, it was based upon a mistake in reading the statistical data. The following, however, remains true:
“He was released by a team that lost its star returner.” Miller was expected to take Washington’s return spots with the Jets, but was instead released. That says a lot to me.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
trade for josh cribbs
Desean Jackson- Im Number 1, the real deal, The 1(0)ne to Watch.
Interview while at Cal.
Trade what for Cribbs? If the Eagles got him, it’d be another ridiculously talented weapon to add to an already stocked offense. He’d be the #3 WR (or maybe #2), the kick returner, the wildcat “QB” and possibly even play a little bit at RB (he did a couple times this season). But what would we have to give up for him? I’m going to take a guess and say at least a first and second. He’s currently the only true bright spot for the foreseeable future of the Browns, so he won’t be cheap. I chose to go realistic with this write-up. Plus, Andy isn’t big on trading for high profile players without the last name of Owens.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
He'd be the #4 WR at best
but they’d make sure he sees the field more than Reggie did this year, guaranteed.
About 10 minutes ago, I was pondering my own existence. Then I decided that it didn't matter.
I’m thinking #3 on the basis of size, speed and the fact that Reggie and Curtis aren’t better than him/may not be back next season.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
You're right about that much
however, I don’t see Cribbs getting past Avant on the depth chart, and Maclin/Jackson are going to start no matter who else is here. In my mind, he’d be the 4th WR because of that… but he’d still see the field a good amount.
About 10 minutes ago, I was pondering my own existence. Then I decided that it didn't matter.
If you get Cribbs you aren’t resigning Avant, just too much money would be tied up in receivers otherwise.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
Given the choice
I donno what I’d take. Avant has the best hands on the team and he’s just not scared of contact at all. I know Cribbs is no slouch, but who knows how injury prone he might become if we make him take a lot of contact. If we get Cribbs and allow Avant to go, then we need to sign another receiver.
About 10 minutes ago, I was pondering my own existence. Then I decided that it didn't matter.
Hell fucking no, he'd be lucky to be our #4 and get any snaps in the WC
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
What are you smoking? Are you trying to be funny or something, because that’s the stupidest thing I’ve heard in a long time.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
Ok... Lets see here..
Maclin and Desean are going to be the starters at WR next year unless the unthinkable happens.
Avant is a slot guy and is damn good at it, No way Cribb takes that away from him expecially since were about to give Avant a new contract and most likely pay him pretty well for a slot guy.
Therefore with Desean being #1, Maclin being #2, Avant being #3 he’d be lucky to be #4 assuming Kevin Curtis returns, because Kevin definantly gets priority over Cribbs should he arrive here…
Also if vick stays Cribbs cannot run the WC because Vick just fits that formation alot more naturally..
So actually your the one who has said the stupid shit… Cribbs would hardly see the field in our Offense, were so talented on that side of the ball that Cribbs would hardly see the field… I also believe he is highly overrated and he’d want to much money to warm the bench for the real WR’s.
thats Cobb on Kolb crime if you ask me... as said by yophillybro
"I'm trading Kolb to Buffalo for Cribbs"- the brilliant Trade Kolb
1) Cribbs would be a trade, so we’d be going out of the way to get him.
2) Avant would not be resigned, because too much money would be tied up in WRs otherwise.
3) Vick would not be here, because he’s getting traded anyway and Cribbs is a better overall player for the Eagles, because he can play anywhere they need him.
4) The Eagles would not acquire Cribbs without trading Vick.
5) The Eagles would not acquire Cribbs without signing him to a long term, big contract like he wants (which means the Eagles won’t acquire him).
6) Cribbs would see the field plenty on ANY team. He’s one of the most talented players in the NFL.
7) Overrated? Have you looked at his stats from one of the worst teams in the NFL, one on which he was the only good thing for most of the season, leading the opposing teams to key in on him and only him?
20 catches, 135 yards, long of 35, 1 TD
55 rushes, 381 yards, 6.9 yards per rush, long of 37, 1 TD
38 punt returns, 452 yards, 11.9 yards per return, long of 67 yards, 1 TD, 5 20+ yard returns, 3 40+ yard returns.
56 kick returns, 1542 yards, 27.5 yards per return, long of 103 yards, 3 TD, 39 20+ yard returns, 6 40+ yard returns.
Put him in Andy’s hands and we’d see improvement on all of those stats, guaranteed. Of course, that would mean the Eagles going out and trading for a guy who wants a large(ish) contract. That is that. But don’t tell me he’s overrated. He’s probably underrated by most people. So hop off my D and get educated on one of the more talented players in the league.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
I know Washington
and a few of these others. That Ravens guy seems intriguing. I liked what I did see out of Manning though. They actually said ,Bears announcers, that the coaches thought he could be a better kick returner then Hester was for them. I’d take that.
But like I said, that Parmele guy seems very interesting. I would probably put him 1st, followed by Manning and then Smith. I take Washington out of the equation completely, because I can’t see the Jets not re signing him if he is healthy or if they don’t resign him then that would make me question his health. Another nice write up. looking forward to part 3.
"You know...I think you got the wrong impression about me. I think in all fairness, I should explain to you exactly what it is that I do. For instance, tomorrow morning I'll get up nice and early, and take a walk down over to the bank, walk in and see ya, and uh. If you don't have my money for me, I'll...crack your fuckin head wide open in front of everybody in the bank. And just about the time that I'm coming out of jail...Hopefully you'll be coming out of your coma, and guess what? I'll split your fuckin head open again! Cause I'm fuckin stupid! I don't give a fuck about jail. That's my business. That's what I do." - Joe Pesci in Casino
I agree with what you said, but I’m looking for Andy to go multi-dimensional with his return man again. By that, I mean another guy who, like Ellis Hobbs, can not only return but prove serviceable at another position, such as corner like Hobbs did before his injury last season. Manning seems like he could be a very good returner, like you said, but his coverage skills are weak. Maybe I’m just too partial towards that two-part player, but I’m much rather have Parmele. If we don’t want to touch Washington or Smith because of their restricted-free agent status, then Manning would be my second choice.
Part 3 is going to be as short as I can possibly make it, because it’s on coverage team specialists.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
One name
Ike Taylor
"You know...I think you got the wrong impression about me. I think in all fairness, I should explain to you exactly what it is that I do. For instance, tomorrow morning I'll get up nice and early, and take a walk down over to the bank, walk in and see ya, and uh. If you don't have my money for me, I'll...crack your fuckin head wide open in front of everybody in the bank. And just about the time that I'm coming out of jail...Hopefully you'll be coming out of your coma, and guess what? I'll split your fuckin head open again! Cause I'm fuckin stupid! I don't give a fuck about jail. That's my business. That's what I do." - Joe Pesci in Casino
He really only returned kicks his rookie season and hasn’t returned any kicks or punts in three seasons, but I get what you’re trying to convey.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
wait, wait. I said the wrong name.
Ummm, damn who was it. He was an Eagle LB, known mostly for special teams. Ike Reese perhaps? I was just trying to be funny. Helps if I get the name right next time.
"You know...I think you got the wrong impression about me. I think in all fairness, I should explain to you exactly what it is that I do. For instance, tomorrow morning I'll get up nice and early, and take a walk down over to the bank, walk in and see ya, and uh. If you don't have my money for me, I'll...crack your fuckin head wide open in front of everybody in the bank. And just about the time that I'm coming out of jail...Hopefully you'll be coming out of your coma, and guess what? I'll split your fuckin head open again! Cause I'm fuckin stupid! I don't give a fuck about jail. That's my business. That's what I do." - Joe Pesci in Casino
Just a little mistake: Option #3: Danieal Manning (Giants)
If Hobbs returns healthy from his neck injury, I want him as our kick returner. He is damn good at it (fumble against the Saints that pretty much cost us the game notwithstanding).
if not, I wouldn’t mind keeping Demps around to return kicks. He did have a kick return TD against Ravens couple years back.
RIP Jim Johnson, best ever.
Kurt Warner: HOF Class of 2015
demps and hobbs is solid
Desean Jackson- Im Number 1, the real deal, The 1(0)ne to Watch.
Interview while at Cal.
Good post
Another area where it is going to be interesting to see what the Eagles do given the unlikelihood that Dobbs comes back. Almost certainly Eagles bring in to handle this need I just don’t know if it it is via FA or the draft.
What about the draft/rookie FA's?
Great post, but what about players coming out of college next year? I assume you didn’t include them because of the vast possibilities, speculation, and the length it would add to this article, so I totally understand. But I think there are a few names worth considering in these comments.
I personally like LeRoy Vann out of Florida A&M. He’s predicted as 7th rounder or undrafted because of his size (5’8" and 180 lbs) and because he’s playing the wrong position. They were using him at CB, but he also played some WR and some scouts think he has potential there as well. But he’s an insane return man and could be a great value in the 7th round or rookie FA pool. I also like CB Amari Spievey out of Iowa. He’s a projected third rounder, but he’s gonna be an excellent CB, and he played RB at my local high school and did some limited return duty for Iowa. I’d love to see him brought in as the nickel guy until Sheldon slows down. Any other returners you like out of the draft?
Yeah, it was a lot of work to go through the draft/rookie FAs. It was tough enough tracking down who is a FA and who is not a FA for this one. I might do a look at the top 5 draft picks at each position, not sure yet though. Maybe I’ll do the other positions the Eagles are looking at, like RB, OL, DE, OLB, CB, S.
I’ve heard Spievey’s name a lot for the Eagles in the 3rd round and if he’s used like you say, I can’t argue with him being selected by the Eagles and tried out as a kick returner. If we draft him, though, that means the end of Hobbs, who plays essentially the same positions that you want Spievey to play, so it may save a little money in the process too.
"College is only 4 years. The Eagles are a lifetime pursuit." - IronHank
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