The Eagles' 15 second-year players could suffer the most during a long lockout

by JimmyK on Mar 3, 2011 3:15 PM EST

Interesting little quote from Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome in the Baltimore Sun yesterday, who thinks that 2nd year players will be hurt the most by a lockout. Unfortunately, his comments make a ton of sense:

"I think the group that could get hurt the most by the work stoppage is last year's draft class on all 32 teams," Newsome said."Because this is where they get the opportunity to start from March to go all the way to Game 1, to work with coaches, to work with strength coaches and get themselves better and become better football players."

Anyone with 2 eyes and a brain that attended training camp last offseason saw how good LeSean McCoy was going to be in 2010. He already had the talent, but with an entire offseason to work on getting his game to an NFL level, he excelled.

This quote from Newsome should be of particular concern to Eagles fans, since the Eagles have an absurd number of 2nd year players on their roster, many of whom showed flashes of NFL ability during their rookie seasons. A quick list of the Eagles' (15) 2nd year players:

Brandon Graham, Nate Allen, Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, Trevard Lindley, Keenan Clayton, Clay Harbor, Mike Kafka, Ricky Sapp, Riley Cooper, Jamar Chaney, Kurt Coleman, Jeff Owens, Austin Howard, Jorrick Calvin, and Jamar Wall.

Many Eagles fans are frustrated because the large number of big-name players that are going to be available in free agency are untouchable until a CBA gets worked out. It's equally frustrating knowing that Kevin Kolb will very likely bring good value in return should the Eagles deal him.... but again, that's not happening until a new CBA is in place. You can now add this comment by Newsome to the pile, which in my opinion, might be the most frustrating "lockout annoyance" of the three.

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Comments

That's a great point.

Imagine if somehow Allen and Coleman managed to make a Shady-sized jump before next season. Wow.

I really want a new CBA, please.

Veritas Liberabit Te

by DSmith215 on Mar 3, 2011 3:38 PM EST reply actions

WOW is right

If that did occur I know I would feel SOOO much better about going into next season.

by Two Nickels on Mar 3, 2011 3:51 PM EST up reply actions

imagine if Chaney did it.

Shit, imagine if Graham did it.

It’s hard to make Shady jumps, but we have a lot of extremely talented young players with a ton of potential.

Sigh.

by Alon on Mar 3, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

FLY #7 FLY !!!

by BWestFactor on Mar 3, 2011 5:10 PM EST up reply actions

shady definitely got a lot of criticism his rookie year

Kid definitely dotted some i’s and crossed some t’s

JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason

by Joe_D on Mar 3, 2011 5:06 PM EST reply actions

I seriously think this thing is going to last until late summer, maybe worse. Just that gut feeling.

"If I can get you to think twice, I'm in your head."
-Brian Dawkins

"Yeah, I like to hit people"
-Brandon Graham

by immynimmy on Mar 3, 2011 5:07 PM EST reply actions

Dsmith

that would be sweet.. the thing is about Shady had the talent and athleticism he just needed to put it together. I think Coleman is someone who has the smarts and instincts to be a good stop gap player but not a great NFL talent…

JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason

by Joe_D on Mar 3, 2011 5:07 PM EST reply actions

I think that Coleman can be a solid player in this league. But that’s all that we need him to be. Sorta like Q.

Jason Peters: Heart of a Lion, Face of a Chipmunk.

by DickMuffin on Mar 3, 2011 5:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

A lot of Q’s skills and talents came from experience and working with the great late Jim Johnson (RIP). I am fuming though at the thought of all the extra work and reps these players could be getting to really increase the overall quality of our team for next season, but let’s all hope and pray that the new CBA is resolved today…

by notfromphilly on Mar 3, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not really feeling that

I understand that these guys need to be around the coaches and the game to become the best the could. But, I really feel that you are making too much of it.

Sure there could and prolly will be some drop off, because of the lock out.

But, these guys are Pro’s now. They need to be working anyway. They could go to their old colleges, have programs made up before they get locked out from the coaches and staff. It isn’t the same sure, but if these guys really are dedicated, they shoudl be fine.

And all of the other teams are going to have the same thing going on too. Because we have more 2nd year, we need to be more responsible to not be at a disadvantage.

by topcat6 on Mar 3, 2011 5:17 PM EST reply actions

If thats the case, then this actually helps us. Our top 2 guys werent going to be playing anyway, so it hurts every other team more than it hurts us.

by philiafan14364 on Mar 3, 2011 7:51 PM EST reply actions

Interesting post and comments

You guys hit all the major points. Just one more reason to root for the miracle agreement to drop from the sky pre-draft

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

by D3Keith on Mar 3, 2011 9:24 PM EST via mobile reply actions