Who is this year's Brent Celek?
by JimmyK on Jul 15, 2010 1:21 PM EDT
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PrintThere's the theory that in an NFL player's 3rd year in the league, they "stop thinking," and instead "begin to just react," which enables them to start playing at a high level. It's when "the light bulb comes on" for some players. It's the reason you hear people say "You can't judge a draft until they've played 3 years." Last year, that player was Brent Celek, as he caught 76 passes for 971 yards and 8 TD's, and was unfortunately snubbed for a trip to the Pro Bowl.
In 2008, despite flashing talent, Celek was stuck behind L.J. Smith on the depth chart for the bulk of the season. Every time L.J. dropped a pass or went to the ground without even a hint of trying to break a tackle, my phone would ring with my father screaming "Get that CEE-lick guy in there!" He now pronounces it correctly.
Eventually in '08, Celek got his chance in the playoffs and in 3 games, he caught 19 passes for 151 yards and 3 TD's, including a 10 catch, 83 yard, 2 TD performance in the NFC Championship against the Cardinals. The Eagles felt comfortable with Celek as their guy at TE going into the 2009 season, and Celek broke out.
After the jump, we turn our attention to the 2008 draft, and we look at the candidates for this year's "3rd year breakout player."
The Eagles 2008 draft
| Round | Selection | Player | Position | School |
| 2 | 47 | Trevor Laws | DT | Notre Dame |
| 2 | 49 | DeSean Jackson | WR | California |
| 4 | 109 | Mike McGlynn | C/G | Pittsburgh |
| 4 | 117 | Quintin Demps | FS | UTEP |
| 6 | 200 | Joe Mays | ILB | North Dakota State |
| 7 | 230 | King Dunlap | LT | Auburn |
Of the Eagles 10 selections in 2008, 4 are no longer with the team. Quick updates on those players...
- Bryan Smith landed with the Jaguars, but is done for the season with an ACL tear. Can you call a 3rd round pick a bust? If so, Smith qualifies.
- The Eagles were able to draft Jack Ikegwuonu, formerly considered a 1st round talent, in the 4th round because he was recovering from an ACL tear. Nice idea, didn't pan out. I'll be nice and say he's currently a free agent.
- Seattle signed Mike Gibson off the Eagles practice squad last season, and he saw some game action at the end of 2009. He'll be fighting for a job this preseason with the Seahawks.
- Kansas City plucked Studebaker off the Eagles practice squad in '08, and in his first start in the NFL ('09 vs. the Steelers), Studebaker picked off Ben Roethlisberger twice, returning one of those picks 94 yards to the Steeler 8 yard line. The Chiefs won that game in OT, in a huge upset.
So who is this year's Brent Celek?
Trevor Laws - Certainly a disappointment so far, Laws had 22 career tackles in 27 NFL games. He didn't suit up in the Eagles' final 4 games last season.
DeSean Jackson - Pretty sure he already "broke out," unless he can dramatically improve on the bar he set last season, which probably isn't going to happen.
Mike McGlynn - Here's an interesting one. There's no better opportunity for McGlynn than right now, with Jamaal Jackson recovering from an ACL tear. Can he beat out Nick Cole in camp?
Quintin Demps - Showed some really solid promise his rookie season (a few bonehead plays aside), got annoyed that the Eagles didn't hand him the starting FS job on a platter last season, barely saw any action in '09, watched as the Eagles signed Marlin Jackson as a free agent and drafted Nate Allen with the 37th overall pick, and is now vowing that he has matured.
Joe Mays - Saw his first game action last year. Nice special teamer, unimpressive as a linebacker so far.
King Dunlap - No comment.
Alex Hall - Hall was part of the trade that sent Sheldon Brown and Chris Gocong to the Browns. He'll likely be competing in camp as a SAM linebacker.
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agreed. I was thinking Maclin, but he is 2 yrs
I think Maclin becomes the number 1 guy by year end. Both he and DJax are studs.
In Kolb we trust
agreed
The correct answer is “dont see any 3rd year break out players.” DeSean has already established himself the best punt returner in the NFl and one of the more electrifying WRs in the nfl; he broke out like a 15 year old who forgot to clean his face for a week last year.
If ANYONE can give me a legitimate reason what they saw on the FIELD for one of these guys to break out — I’ll be on board… Some bias homerism that your mind came up with doesn’t count — let’s leave that to the Skins fans
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
Only Demps and Mays have done anything on the field – Demps in ’08, and Mays as a special teamer, but the other guys are pure hope.
Formerly Bye, Dawk :(
I GUESS Mays has the best opportunity
I think he has more talent than Demps does. I’m not sure if his problems on the field are physical or mental. Usually LBs don’t have too much trouble transitioning into the NFL though —lots of them qualify for DROY. Actually come to think of it Mays probably still won’t see the field unless it’s S/T and Demps probably won’t see much action unless it’s S/T too..
OK, I GUESS again it must be Mike McGlyn and the only reason why is because C and RG are two spots that are “open.”.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
I picked DJax
because I think he will be the only one to really “stand out” although he already has. I couldn’t say none considering he could still have a big year.
In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard.
-Theodore Roosevelt
what would be a breakout season though?
1600 yards10+ tds and an even better performance on S/T? Even then he’s only improving his game by a few hundred yards
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
I think a DeSean re-breakout would go along the lines of (Carolina) Steve Smith’s ’05 season. The line: 103 catches, 1563 yards, 12 TDs, 10.5 yards per PR on 27 PRs.
I personally don’t think DeSean’s the type of guy who would make 100 catches in a season, but a line like 90-1300-10 isn’t out of the question.
Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us. - C&H
by alcatraz0109 on Jul 15, 2010 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions
If our gameplay and play calling remains the same, I can’t see Djax getting more than 60-70 catches just because he’s not a receiver who can consistently take inside routes and take those beatings. We need to incorporate way more WR screens and plays to just get him the ball so he can make a player. If we do, then 90+ catches is a possibility.
I said "stand out"
This was my personal pick and I choose so because I don’t really seeing the other players making as much of an impact on the field as DJax will. Do I think Laws could get better… I sure hope so but I don’t really see him being a team favorite once the year is over. That was the only point I was trying to make. DJax is already considered good but I still see him being the best and the fan favorite out of that bunch.
Otherwise I would change my vote to the last option, if that will suffice for you Mr. JoeD
In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard.
-Theodore Roosevelt
I voted none
but if I had to pick one, I’d go with Demps in a photo-finish over McGlynn.
Trevor Laws is a Winston Justice candidate, but I don’t think he fits as a Brent Celek candidate. The WJs have done nothing and come out of nowhere. BCs have shown a little promise in game action. Which I guess makes McGlynn more of a WJ than a BC.
Secretary of State for BGN aka "Most diplomatic man on this site," as appointed by Talon Talent
Still waiting for the Eagles to Bring It Home For Jerome
What if Jackson hasnt "Broken Out" how crazy would that be.
This is a continuation of the conversation we had recently. I personally think the McGlynn has a huge chance at beating out Cole. If he does obviously the coaches are confident in him but would you be confident in him despite the fact that he had to wrest the spot away from Cole who you arent confident in? I am
UDDDDAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Η κόλαση δεν έχει μυστικά
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!!!!!
"fuk u i hate peas"- CNCITINFO (Random BGN troll)
I personally think the McGlynn has a huge chance at beating out Cole. If he does obviously the coaches are confident in him but would you be confident in him despite the fact that he had to wrest the spot away from Cole who you arent confident in?
Haha, OK, had to read that 2nd sentence a couple times, but I got it now. Here are my thoughts on the C position, in order from best case scenario to worst case scenario…
Good scenarios…
- Best case scenario – Mike McGlynn wins the job outright, not because he’s better than Nick Cole, but because he’s better than Jamaal Jackson.
- Runner-up – Jamaal Jackson is healthy and plays like he used to, and Nick Cole goes back to his valuable role as a versatile backup.
- Honorable mention – Nick Cole, with a full offseason under his belt working at C, is improved and plays well.
Bad scenarios…
Not horrible – Jackson isn’t ready, and Mike McGlynn beats out Nick Cole in camp, but is only a little better than Cole.
Bad – Jackson isn’t ready, Nick Cole beats out Mike McGlynn, but is only marginally improved from his stint at C last year.
Worse – Jackson isn’t ready, Nick Cole wins the job, and is exactly what he was against Dallas last season.
Worst case – Jackson comes back too soon, Cole and McGlynn get limited reps with the first team offense in practice, Jackson gets injured again, and the Eagles are forced to slog through the season will a major weakness at C.
Formerly Bye, Dawk :(
by JimmyK on Jul 15, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Lol I should have broken it up, but im busy trying to clean my house and get ready for work
But that sounds like a great break down
UDDDDAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Η κόλαση δεν έχει μυστικά
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!!!!!
"fuk u i hate peas"- CNCITINFO (Random BGN troll)
I thought
it was already stated that Jackson will not be at camp and most likely not ready for the start of the season. Not sure the difference in recovery time is for a OL but Andrews didn’t seem to fair well and look where that got them. I guess that puts us right into the bad scenarios…
Not necessarily
Honorable mention could happen if Jackson isnt at camp
UDDDDAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Η κόλαση δεν έχει μυστικά
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!!!!!!
"fuk u i hate peas"- CNCITINFO (Random BGN troll)
Well eliminate jj because the risk isn’t near worth it for the reward.
I think we all agree best case scenerio is that mcglynn wins at C because he’s the better option over cole. This allows cole to slide to RG and allows andrews to be a flop.
the other scenerio, because I only think there are two, is cole is better than last year at C. I think an entire season to prep for being a center, he’ll be markedly better (and perhaps the future).
It’ll be a tough call between mcglynn and cole at center.
I think if (when) we see our first injury on the line, cole slides out of center and mglynn pops in (cole for herremans who slides out for peters, ect kinda example)
2010-11 Predictions:
Kevin Kolb will go to the probowl and complete >65% of passes.
Jeremy Maclyn will have more receptions than Miles Austin & Steve Smith
Graham will have the starting LDE spot tied up by week 5, win ROTY, and have >10 Sacks
11-5 finish.
by corn on the kolb on Jul 15, 2010 6:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I really dont see anyone like that this year unfortunatley
but I think Mike McGlynn has the best chance
Eff age, were winning now!
I'd really love to see Mays improve
He’s shown some potential in the past, and any improvement in our linebacking corps would be most welcome.
Nope.
He's definitely borderline
But I think as a pure MLB, he has a good chance of making the team among all the OLB/DE “hybrid” sort of guys who round out out LB corps right now.
That said, none of these year three guys strike me as particularly ready to blow up, but the one I’d most like to see is Mays. I’d say most likely is probably McGlynn, but you can’t rule out Demps or Mays.
Nope.
I went with Desean but he has already broken out, the only other one on that list that has a chance in my opinion is Demps.
I'm holding out hope for Laws
Hey, you make a great post on break out players and don’t mention Winston Justice? Ok, ok, last year was his 4th season, but still! A guy who many thought wouldn’t make it past training camp becomes the starting RT??? I defy a single blogger, pundit, or sportscaster who saw that one coming.
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." - Bear Bryant
Yeah, I was actually annoyed that he made the team last year. Sorry Winston. He was a late bloomer. Laws is an example of a guy that could follow in Winston’s footsteps.
Formerly Bye, Dawk :(
Laws
I voted for Laws on this one. I’m just holding out hope for him. What a huge boost for our DL if he can come through and give Bunk and Patterson a breather now and then with some quality plays……push the pocket now and then, make a few TFL would be great too. Can never have enough good interior linemen in my opinion.
Quentin Demps
Seems like his head’s finally in the right place after that bullshit last season. And, he’s healthy. So a healthy, no-bullshit Demps = a better player than the past two years.
thats why i voted for demps
he played decently for a rook in 08 for jim johnson (not many rookies can say that) and he got a little butthurt when he wasnt given the safety job straight up. so now hes healthy and has a chip on his shoulder (at least i would if i were him)..lets hope he can turn that into a starting gig and if not starting, at least productive snaps with nate
It's like Hank, the rightfielder, is passing the ball on to the next rightfielder, and saying, 'Here it is, kid. Catch it.'"
I voted
for none. Not even one has a chance in my mind. Djax is currently the best player on our offense.
I believe Kolb will be our best player by the end of year.
by MightyJoeBanner on Jul 15, 2010 2:04 PM EDT reply actions
Demps
Not 100% confident in that decision, but I felt choosing DeSean shouldn’t be an option… he’s already out, he still has room to improve, but he’s already broken out… Should he destroy all numbers and manage to catch 30 TD w/ 3000 Yards, I’d still label him as already broken out prior to that insanity, as every DC facing him already has a headache.
So with that, and my inability to say nobody… Demps is the next choice for me. But I’d love to see Mays & Hall find themselves this year.
I went to training camp that year and saw Studebaker…I was really pissed when he got grabbed by the Chiefs.
Demps by default
but that is almost like rooting against Allen, right? Minus D-Jax this class doesn’t look to good.
I want to say Demps as well, but I’m not sure where he would break out at. Could he move over to Strong Safety if Mikell’s ’08 season was just a fluke?
Let the beasting begin.
by TransplantedFan on Jul 15, 2010 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Kick returner?
Hobbs and Demps will be competing there. I’m not sure how you break out as a KRer? Speaking of which, is D-Jax done being the PRer yet? Was this talked about based on this years draft class?
To me...
All depends if Allen signs…if there’s a holdout, Demps may be the guy…rookie missing some training camp would not be a good thing…
---AstrosFan (Austin Lawyer and Sports Fan)
thats how i feel
Demps was my favorite at FS when marlin went down. Still is, but I can see how allen may end up being torched in the fire.
I don’t want to root against allen.. I just feel demps makes enough plays, next year we’re talking about him vs mikell, since mikell is in a contract year.
2010-11 Predictions:
Kevin Kolb will go to the probowl and complete >65% of passes.
Jeremy Maclyn will have more receptions than Miles Austin & Steve Smith
Graham will have the starting LDE spot tied up by week 5, win ROTY, and have >10 Sacks
11-5 finish.
by corn on the kolb on Jul 15, 2010 6:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I voted for Mike McGlynn
I think the competition at Center is closer than most believe.
With J. Jackson out and Cole best suited as a backup OL, I think McGlynn has the potential to be the starter at C this year. Cole is obviously the front runner, but I would not be surprised at all if McGlynn supplants him. Not only was he an early 4th rounder with good size and versatility coming out, but he has three solid years of experience as Kolb’s practice C.
Demps is terrible.
Queen Dunlap is also terrible. Laws sucks and could get cut. Mays won’t see the field. My “breakout player” will be a surprise entry…
Ernie Sims.
Why Sims? With Bradley back and (hopefully) playing up to his vast potential along side him and arguably the worst secondary in the league playing behind him, Sims will have the opportunity (and the responsibility) to make lots of big plays. So why Sims? Because it has to be. Macho Harris is one of the worst football players at any position I’ve ever seen and Demps is arguably worse. Hobbs is not the answer at CB and Asante and Q are the only two back there holding things down. Playing in Detroit, Ernie Sims has yet to show he is a #9 overall pick. This is the year he does it.
...But if he pulls the rug on his quarterback, Reid must do it knowing that he let McNabb down more than McNabb ever let him down.
Phil Sheridan--Philadelphia Inquirer
Sims was drafted in 2006 but thanks for playing.
I agree he should have a good year though. If he does and stays for a while (contract?) it will be a steal.
Yes. I know he was drafted in 2006
But the choices above are dreadful (except for Desean, who has already broken out). If it has to be someone, it will be Sims.
...But if he pulls the rug on his quarterback, Reid must do it knowing that he let McNabb down more than McNabb ever let him down.
Phil Sheridan--Philadelphia Inquirer
dude
thats not even the discussion. thats like going to KFC and saying “hmm, i dont like any of the chicken you have here, give me a cheeseburger!”
It's like Hank, the rightfielder, is passing the ball on to the next rightfielder, and saying, 'Here it is, kid. Catch it.'"
expecting big things from sims as well
^Nights Of Cabiria
by RadioheadbeatlesEagles on Jul 15, 2010 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
yes
Expecting sims to bring a linebacker presence that we’ve been missing. You guys swing from stew like he’s amazing, but I think you’ll see sims light it up. Both should become improved, and next year this time, I expect to be top 10 on “who has the best linebackers” list
2010-11 Predictions:
Kevin Kolb will go to the probowl and complete >65% of passes.
Jeremy Maclyn will have more receptions than Miles Austin & Steve Smith
Graham will have the starting LDE spot tied up by week 5, win ROTY, and have >10 Sacks
11-5 finish.
by corn on the kolb on Jul 15, 2010 6:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
No it's not.
It’s like going to KFC and saying “hmm, this place sucks,” leaving and going to Chick-Fil-A. It’s still chicken, just a different restaurant. I have chosen the Chick-Fil-A of the 2006 Lions draft as opposed to the KFC of the Eagles 2008 draft.
...But if he pulls the rug on his quarterback, Reid must do it knowing that he let McNabb down more than McNabb ever let him down.
Phil Sheridan--Philadelphia Inquirer
Sorry.
Meant for jman.
...But if he pulls the rug on his quarterback, Reid must do it knowing that he let McNabb down more than McNabb ever let him down.
Phil Sheridan--Philadelphia Inquirer
Considering Sims played in Detroit’s abyss of a team for four years, I’d expect that he’ll shine now that he isn’t lining up with 10 scrubs like he did in Detroit.
Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us. - C&H
by alcatraz0109 on Jul 15, 2010 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions
King Dunlap is snatching the LT spot from Peters this year.
Jim Johnson(RIP). Brian Westbrook(36). Donovan Mcnabb(5). Brian Dawkins(20). Sheldon Brown(24). Jeremiah Trotter(54).
Thanks for the memories...
by Route36 on Jul 15, 2010 4:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Peters would halfto smoke meth all offseason come into camp at 140lbs.
by sowhatifitisasportste on Jul 15, 2010 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions
trevor laws
Yes. Trevor laws because I think we’re desperate at DT. Last year it was obvious when mcd played the run and when he played the pass. It had to do with his DTs.
This year, look for laws and t’eo to get mixed in with bunklesworth and patty. Laws is coming back heavier and making more of an attempt to be the all around DT that mcd needs for vanilla situations.
Of note, mcglynn has the best chance to get to the field the most. I think he is only not center under 1 circumstance (stacy andrews is good at RG, nick cole is improved at C, and there is absolutely no injuries). This and only this keeps him off the field. I think otherwise cole covers injuries (with guards sliding outside or feeeeen) and mcglynn is on the field.
I hope he is good.
Also, demps will probaly not see the field unless of injury and special teams situations. However, I think he’s a candidate for SS next year in mikells contract dispute.
So my vote went with laws, because of those three he’s the guy who I see changed for this year, for the better.
2010-11 Predictions:
Kevin Kolb will go to the probowl and complete >65% of passes.
Jeremy Maclyn will have more receptions than Miles Austin & Steve Smith
Graham will have the starting LDE spot tied up by week 5, win ROTY, and have >10 Sacks
11-5 finish.
by corn on the kolb on Jul 15, 2010 6:47 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I’d go with Patty and Bunklesworth (the order reversed), but otherwise love the combo nickname, and I’ll be stealing it.
Formerly Bye, Dawk :(
by JimmyK on Jul 15, 2010 8:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
yeah thats how we typically say it
But the point remains, I don’t feel that patty and bunklesworth are good enough against the pass. I realise we ask them to be run first, but I think we need to be far less predictable.
2010-11 Predictions:
Kevin Kolb will go to the probowl and complete >65% of passes.
Jeremy Maclyn will have more receptions than Miles Austin & Steve Smith
Graham will have the starting LDE spot tied up by week 5, win ROTY, and have >10 Sacks
11-5 finish.
by corn on the kolb on Jul 15, 2010 9:37 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
yeah thats how we typically say it
But the point remains, I don’t feel that patty and bunklesworth are good enough against the pass. I realise we ask them to be run first, but I think we need to be far less predictable.
2010-11 Predictions:
Kevin Kolb will go to the probowl and complete >65% of passes.
Jeremy Maclyn will have more receptions than Miles Austin & Steve Smith
Graham will have the starting LDE spot tied up by week 5, win ROTY, and have >10 Sacks
11-5 finish.
by corn on the kolb on Jul 15, 2010 9:38 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not gonna lie
That Captain Morgan moment was one of the more badass moments of the year last year for the Eagles.
"World Champions...World F***in Champions" -Chase Utley
I'm going with the Sleeper...
Alex Hall.
Idk why, but I have this feeling he’ll make the team over someone. If McDermott somehow manages a 3-4 package with our personnel, and considering McDermott’s love of “experimenting” with schemes. I could see a 3-4 with Bradley, Sims, and Cole at LB, and Tapp, Dixon, and DTO on the line. That will give offenses something else to gameplan for.
LOL, If Desean Jackson " Breaks out" this year i will just crap myself.. this dude is already electric and i litteraly jump up every time he touches the ball. The last player i jumped out of my seat consistantly for was Brian Westbrook a few years ago in his prime when he had the most yards from scrimmage (sp)
Trent cole is another one of these, edge of your seat players, Possibly maclin in the near future too
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