FanPost

Way too early 2015 Offseason Mock

Alright fella's. Since the season is now officially over for the Eagles aside from one meaningless game, figured it was time for me to write up my annual off-season mock. There's been a few key players I've been watching and keeping an eye on all year and this is how I would turn things up if I was the GM...

Coaching Changes? - There is one coaching change I'd make. Bill Davis needs to go. He was mediocre in ARI and mediocre in SF, he's been mediocre for a third run here in Philly. Let's face it, he's an average coach. Good for a rebuilding franchise, but not when your trying to get over the top with a head coach obsessed with offense. We need a truly great defensive mind to control this defense.

Obvious choice here ... Rex Ryan. I don't want to get into a full discussion on this, I think he got a bad wrap in New York with a terrible GM. Regardless, he's always posted solid defenses with terrible talent and I think he could of gotten more out of our disgrace of a secondary than Bill Davis did. Ryan also gets little credit for how well of a game planner he is for opposing offenses.

-- Free Agency --

I'm not a fan of overkilling it in free agency, but our defense needs some serious work in key spots. This Free Agency class is loaded at starting talent for defense this year. I'm not going to go "dream team" on Free Agency, but in the end you'll understand my cuts/additions, etc.

Players to Cut (Trade if possible of course)

James Casey - Special teams player, made a few key catches this year though. He's the third TE on the roster and due to get 4mil this year. A lot of people wanted him cut last year but there was too much dead money, there's zero dead money this year and I think they should open that slot for another position. Burton has been fantastic this year on special teams as well.

DeMeco Ryans - The heart and soul of this defense before going down. Kendricks has really stepped up since and I think is ready to be the captain of this defense. Ryans play had been on the decline all year this year and was suspect in coverage. Love the guy, but he's really lost a step and not worth the 6.9 mil we'd save cutting him.

Trent Cole - This one is a little harder for me to do, but he's really not worth the 11mil cap hit he gives us if we keep him. Cutting him has some dead money involved, but still saves 8.425 mil. Graham has really begun to step forward this year and is ready for a chance to start in my opinion.

Jeff Maehl - It's time for Chad Hall 2.0 to leave the team. This is a pre-season type cut though.

Carey Williams - The eagles DB's need a complete overhaul. They're terrible, but cutting Williams would cost more than it would be worth, he's a solid CB2 just not a number 1 guy. If they can trade him for anything, do it, if not keep him another year. Putting in italics because I'm 50/50 on this really, but I'm going to set up Philly so they can bench him if they need to and not worry about it anymore.

Cutting these three players leaves some serious voids on the defense/special teams, but are solid resources that can be spent elsewhere to really improve the team overall.

Eagles to let walk in Free Agency -

Mark Sanchez - Philly was the first step for him to begin his journey as a career journeyman backup. I was rooting hard for Sanchez to revive his career and prove that NY was just because Rex sucks with offense and ruined him. I think he is what he is though. Saw enough of him to think he's just a turnover machine who can win some spot games occasionally.

Nate Allen - I liked the idea of bringing him back on a one year prove it deal this past year. But I'm starting to get the feeling with him that he's like the really hot girlfriend who as long as she keeps occasionally coming around you'll never move on. It's time, I'm really tired of watching him give up last minute TD's to end the game.

Bradley Fletcher - Do I really need to get into this one?

Brad Smith - I've seen literally nothing from this guy that doesn't make me think he can be easily upgraded in the draft or elsewhere.

Eagles to re-sign -

Chris Polk - Restricted Free Agent, I think we should give him a small 2 year deal to continue and be the bruiser we need. Really like what I've seen from him the last 2 years. Injuries is a concern though.

Brandon Graham - Really hoping for a team friendly deal here if we let him have a shot at actually starting. Obviously if we don't resign him then we shouldn't cut Cole. These two guys go hand in hand. I'm comfortable with him starting a year though to see what he has.

Jeremy Maclin - This is the obvious one. Kid is a special talent and a team leader. Let's pay the man. One of the main reasons I want to free up all that cap space even though we have a ton already.

Cedric Thornton - Great against the run, depending on the money he wants he's worth keeping. I think he'll be realistic and take a good 2-3 year deal.

Free Agent Additions -

Again, I don't see Philly needing to make a huge splash in free agency. I believe the best teams build through the draft which we have been doing well the last 2 years. There will be 2 key additions though I think NEED to be made.

Brandon Marshall - ILB - Marshall has been completely tearing it up for Denver since Danny Trevathan can not seem to stay healthy. I liked him coming out of college as a late round project, but he's really blossomed lately. Putting him next to Kendricks would make a very athletic duo, with Marshall being great in run defense.

Byron Maxwell - CB - The other corner in Seattle. Seems every Eagles fan is salivating for this kid, since he plays for the legion of boom and is a solid, very young, corner. Maxwell was on my radar last year, making tons of plays when given limited playing time, and he's improved this year. Maxwell will make for a very solid starting corner, and fits the scheme as well as a long bodied type.

Akeem Ayers - OLB - Pass rushing specialist, NE recently traded for him from TENN. Worth a stash as a situational pass rusher for insurance if Marcus Smith can't find the field next year either.

Christian Ponder - QB - A lot of you are pushing for Jake Locker as the next Eagles project for Chip. Honestly it could go either way and I wouldn't be mad, I just think Ponder has a bit more potential and isn't nearly as injury prone. In this scenario we let him and Barkley battle it out to be the back-up. Loser leaves town.

Marcus Easley - WR - This is my favorite target in free agency (I'm biased, grew up down the street from him and knew him my whole life). Regardless to that fact though. 6'2 WR with some solid wheels on him. Led the entire NFL in special teams tackles last year. That's something that will get Chip/David Fipp's attention. This would be Brad Smiths replacement in my eyes.

NFL Draft! - Everyone's favorite part of the mocks. The Mock Draft. Projected us at about pick 19.

Trade every pick and grab Mariota!

Just kidding...

Round 1 - PJ Williams - FSU - CB - Here's your starting corner opposite Maxwell. Long body mold that fits the scheme perfectly. Prefers press coverage and seems to enjoy attacking the run as well. Added bonus - If we can trade Carey Williams any unfortunate fan who bought Williams jersey can keep them!

Round 2 - Cody Prewitt - Ole Miss - SS - Easily my favorite safety in a terrible draft class. Landon Collins is a stud, but I don't trust Alabama safeties and he'd be no where near the Eagles first rounder anyway. Prewitt is a hard hitting safety who makes plays. Hoping he is still available for the Eagles in 2nd half of round 2 in this one.

Round 3 - Bryce Petty - Baylor - QB - I'm a bit surprised at the fall this kid has taken. Last offseason people saw him as a mid first rounder, now he's not even being mocked in most 3 round mock drafts. I wouldn't be mad if Philly took him in the 2nd honestly, but for the sake of giving draftniks the benefit of the doubt a bit I'll take him in the third. Petty runs the fastest offense in college football, is deadly accurate and has a mean deep ball. Downside - makes some really stupid decisions and inconsistent with his mechanics. I'd love to snag him and let him sit behind Foles for a year.

Round 4 - DJ Humphries - OT/OG - Florida - Versatile and athletic offensive lineman. Has played several positions for Florida. Herremans, Mathis, Peters aren't getting any younger, think it's time to start adding some young pieces to develop. I do like what I've seen from Gardner though.

Round 5 - Henry Anderson - DE - Stanford - Let the Pac~12 bias begin .. Anderson gives the DL some depth and has played very well against shit talent and struggled against good talent this year. Could be a solid developmental piece for Jerry Azz.

Round 6 - Joe Walker - ILB - Oregon - Has really showed some great flashes this year for the Ducks. Could add great depth in case of injury. I dont want to see Acho/Matthews combination ever again.

Round 7 - Bralon Addison - WR - Oregon - Addison was Mariota's go to in 2013 and looked great before an injury derailed him and he didn't play in 2014. This would be Jeff Maehl's replacement.

For fun ... here's some priority UDFA's to keep an eye on...

Justin DuVernois - P - Illinois - I think Donnie could use some competition. Just haven't seen that same game changing spark this year he gave us last year. Justin has averaged over 45 yards a kick this season.

Devonte Fields - OLB - TCU - First round talent, undraftable off the field issues. What the fuck is wrong with this kid? Regardless, I'd love to bring him in for a try out this offseason.

Josh Shaw - CB/S - USC - Similar to the above player. Off the field issues killed his college career. This one was a bit bizarre, making up stories about saving drowning kids and such. Regardless, was a mid round prospect that could be worth a look. Can play both corner and safety so that's a plus.

This is just how I see things at the moment, some food for thought to see how others feel. Let me know what you think below and I'll respond.