Eagles looking at Vanderbilt WR

by JasonB on Mar 19, 2008 9:35 AM EDT in Philadelphia Eagles News

Vanderbilt WR Earl Bennett

The Eagles have reportedly scheduled a private workout with Vanderbilt WR Earl Bennett.

When the NFL draft commences at the end of next month, remember the name Earl Bennett.

He is a wide receiver from Vanderbilt who is projected to be taken in the second round, and the Eagles are interested enough in him that, according to a league source, they have asked for a personal workout today.

Bennett, 6 feet and 209 pounds, was a three-time all-Southeastern Conference selection and decided to enter the draft after his junior season at Vanderbilt. He led the Commodores in receiving during each of his three seasons, including his freshman year, when Denver's Jay Cutler was his quarterback.

Bennett, who ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, caught 75 passes for 830 yards and five touchdowns last season. His 236 career receptions are an SEC record.

So, a 6 ft WR around 200lbs that runs an okay 40? Yeah, that's a huge need on a team with Reggie Brown, Jason Avant, & Kevin Curtis. Although, Bennett does have experience returning both kicks and punts. Here's some scouting reports on Bennett...

NFL Draft Countdown

Really burst onto the scene as a true freshman in '05 and quickly emerged as Jay Cutler's favorite target..A three-year starter in the SEC...Has experience returning kicks and punts..Not the most physically gifted wideout in the world but makes up for it by doing all of the little things..Profiles as a prototypical possession receiver.

War Room Report

Earl Bennett caught the eye of scouts early in the 2006 season and has continued to progress over the duration of his collegiate career. Earl Bennett may take a page out of the Giants game plan that they utilized on 2006 2nd round draft selection Steve Smith, initially Earl Bennett may be best suited as the slot receiver and then advancing his game to make him a solid #2 WR. Bennett is one of the more NFL ready receivers in the group, but questions about his athleticism will limit his draft status.

FF Toolbox

Bennett has a nice frame. It compliments him having virtually no fundamental weakness. He runs sharp routes, understands coverages and is not only willing to run block, but does it well. He's a quarterback's best friend, because if the ball is anywhere near him, he'll make the catch. You can't put up his reception totals and have drops. Bennett has thrived on being able to find weaknesses in coverages.

If Bennett ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, he'd probably be the top receiver on the board. The problem is, he runs a 4.52 and scouts have taken notice of that. NFL scouts love pure burners and Bennett will never be that kind of receiver. The other concern about Bennett is that he's operated for the most part out of the slot -- which is virtually unheard of for a No. 1 receiver. That may have been to compensate for his lack of speed. While Bennett may never be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, there is no reason to believe he won't at least be a solid possession receiver for several years. But that will likely drop his draft stock to the middle rounds.

The consensus seems to be that he's a very solid slot WR with great hands and runs great routes. Is that a need on this team? Are we in need of a good slot WR? Considering we have about 3 or 4 guys who could be decent slot WRs already, I would think not.

Most mock drafts have Bennett going somewhere in the middle of the second or top of the 3rd round.

Tweet Comment 44 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Yep

I just keep telling myself "It's just a workout. The first one. They'll have a bunch more."

Because if I don't I kind of start to get angry.

http://www.sportsdork.com

by BFH on Mar 19, 2008 9:43 AM EDT reply actions

he is good but is he a good fit

there are a couple of thing that concern me. the greatest of which is this... "Not the most physically gifted wideout" other then that thwre is the slot thing, but again we have some playwrs that couls make a good slot player but they haven't. as long as he can and is willing to catch the ball. but in the end if we are going to gwt a reciver I do want the best. we have delt woth second rate recivers before lets get one that is the top reciver or close too it. I want someone who is projected to become a number 1 reciver when scouts are saying he will EVENTUALLY make a good number 2 that concerns me.

by NickPampani on Mar 19, 2008 9:54 AM EDT reply actions

Jason Avant 2.0

This sounds exactly like Jason Avant, who I actually like as a slot receiver. If we are so concerned with the slot possion, why not just give Jason some clock. If you draft a WR, I hope they pick up a potential #1.

Dallas Sucks

by yophillybro on Mar 19, 2008 9:59 AM EDT reply actions

why him

Hes not tall, doesnt have weight, isnt fast. Why waste a 2nd round pick on this guy? Why are we not working out with guys like limas sweed, malcolm kelly, james hardy, ect? Lets get a huge guy that can help in the redzone. If we take this no namer in the second round, there are going to be a lot of mad eagles fans including myself.

by andyb on Mar 19, 2008 10:03 AM EDT reply actions

why???

I really see no logic in this at all. If we're going to take a WR high, it needs to be a "go big or go home" situation. Either pick someone projected to be a #1 guy, or don't do it. This guy is clearly going to be a slot receiver, and probably a good one, but I agree that we already have the same player... Avant. And I, as well, like Avant as a slot guy, especially for the amount of snaps he sees. A good portion of the time, our slot ends up being Westbrook either by motion or play design anyway. Why spend a high pick on someone we already have. I realize we need a kick returner, but if that's what we forsee this guy doing, once again he's not Hester, don't spend a high pick for that reason either... Arg... I'd much rather us pick appropriate personnel with high picks and take a flier on a 6th or 7th round WR... Maybe pull a NO and find someone like Colston.

by foos05 on Mar 19, 2008 10:13 AM EDT reply actions

Earl Bennett

It would be bad enough if tey were talking about a 2nd round pick, but to hear they would have to use a #1 to get him is sick.

Bama

by Bama on Mar 19, 2008 10:19 AM EDT reply actions

uhh

where'd ya hear that... looks like a late second/early third pick...

by foos05 on Mar 19, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions

EARL BENNETT IF YOUR READING.....

STAY THE HELL OUT OF PHILLY!!!!

by andyb on Mar 19, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions

the only thing

we can hpe for is maybe just maybe the eagles saw something that the reportes didn't. maybe he stumbled coming off the line and twisted his ancle douring the 40 maybe he is that 4.40 player and he just couldn't get it done at rhe combine. this might be a way to test him and give him one last chance. I don't know. or he could be a player to judge everyone elso by. if they do this much better then him then we will concider him. that type of deal.

by NickPampani on Mar 19, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply actions

Couple of thoughts

Keep in mind guys, this is only a workout. There will be more. I have no problem with the Eagles drafting a wide receiver with special teams skills in the middle rounds. Second may be a stretch, but we'll see.

Also, by all accounts the only thing keeping this guy from being considered a potential #1 receiver is his 40 time.

The Eagles could be bringing Bennett in to see if he has "game" speed, how quickly he moves through the breaks in his routes, etc -- and simply to have him run another 40 to see if he's working on his speed.

There are quite a few examples of receivers who disappointed in their 40 times at the combine, but who are still fantastic -- Reggie Wayne for example ran a 4.45 (still better than Bennett, I confess)

What I'm trying to say is -- we're all right -- this roster doesn't need another Avant/Lewis/Baskett. But bringing Bennett in for a workout doesn't necessarily mean the Eagles don't think that as well -- they just want to see if they could get a gem in the middle rounds.

http://www.sportsdork.com

by BFH on Mar 19, 2008 11:03 AM EDT reply actions

Dont hate on earl bennett.

First off, 40 times dont mean shit... How is troy williamson working out? How did jerry rice work out with his shitty 40 time?

It's all about production and if this kid can produce, i'm all for him.

Another thing what people dont realize about the 40 is that you can practice the shit out of it. I ahve videos of kids running legit 4.18's. Ask any strength coach is a 40 time means shit. they will tell you theres plenty of kids who run low 40 times bu tplay like 4.8.....how about Vernon davis...fastest 40 time for a TE that ive seen and what has he done?

Typical philly fans to hate on someone without giving them a chance. cmon now

by JoeD on Mar 19, 2008 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

Bingo Bango

This is JUST a workout ... they may be working him out to say "hey if this guy is around in the 3rd round we should take him or let's move on." They will bring in a bunch of people for workouts.

by Whodie126 on Mar 19, 2008 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Also lets not forget

Steve Smith and Chad johnson came in the second round also. They were considered to be not very physically gifted.

And we all know everyone here who dissed bennett would be singing his praises for life after his first good play. I'm a little bit embarassed to be an eagle fan at the moment, please show some more intelligence people.

by JoeD on Mar 19, 2008 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

either way

he is jason avants clone. He will be at the same position as him. Hes a tiny guy with not exceptional speed. How does it help to just put another mediocre reciever out there? We need help inside the 20 yard line and a bunch of midgets isnt gonna cut it. The only tall guy we have is Hank Baskett who doesnt play. There has to be a reason why players like owens, burress, moss, ocho, fitzgerald, roy williams, and whoseyourmama all score so many tds. Its because they are all huge guys that can get the ball over everyone else. They are prime redzone targets. Only 2 small players i can think of have abilities of a number one and thats steve smith and boldin. The only reason is, smith has blazing speed and boldin is ripped and just runs over all the dbs. Lets get a limas sweed, malcolm kelly, james hardy guy in this draft. Guys with number one talent.

by andyb on Mar 19, 2008 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

He's not tiny

I think it's fair to say he's "average."

Desean Jackson is tiny...

You could be in the discussion! Sign up for a free account at Bleeding Green Nation

by JasonB on Mar 19, 2008 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

..... what???

jason avant's clone? really? come on man. avant got taken 2nd day for a reason. this guy is NFL groomed and only dropping cuz of his speed.

your "big" category?
T.O.: 6'3/224lbs.
RoyW: 6'2/220
Chad85: 6'1/192
Housh: 6'1/199

your "small" category?
Boldin: 6'1/217
Earl Bennett: 6'1/202 (and WR's bulk up in NFL)

I don't get it.

football n b*tches

by crickles on Mar 19, 2008 5:54 PM EDT up reply actions

That's a fair point

I don't put a ton of stock into 40 times, but when you combine that with his other physical characteristics and descriptions of his skill set he sounds a heck of a lot like guys we already have.

Sure, he could be a great WR in this league. I think the concern here is that it's like for like. If Bennett's skill set is like Reggie or Avant, why not focus on turning them into that type of player and get another WR that may compliment what we have better?

That said, Bennett was very productive in the SEC. It's hard to argue with the numbers he put up.

You could be in the discussion! Sign up for a free account at Bleeding Green Nation

by JasonB on Mar 19, 2008 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions

i agree

the guy can contribute for sure. anquan boldin slipped cuz of his speed. anquan boldin finds weaknesses in coverages, which apparently is what earl bennett does too. you dont go 3 years as the top guy in an offense without potential. guys can bulk up in the NFL, this guy's frame can probably hold 220. i don't see a reason why it's anything but a good potential pick. plus you KNOW in round 1 we're going for a lineman, so 2nd round is probably the best we can expect.

football n b*tches

by crickles on Mar 19, 2008 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Your right,

40 times don't mean shit. We don't need a Matt Jones or Sinoris Moss type guy. Run fast straight but no agility or just can't play.
I don't care if the WR is fast as hell the only thing that matters is
Catching
Route Running
Blocking
Football IQ

If he holds the record for Receptions in the SEC he can play. Playing as a true Freshman is another thing to look at. Not too many guys do that.

Lastly, who has seen him play? I haven't, so let's just chill out. I don't want Jordy Nelson from Kanas State.......because he played in the weak ass Big 12. I think him playing and being productive in the SEC puts him ahead of Jordy Nelson. I hope.

Also Mike Lewis ran a shitty 40 and he had a good couple of years with us.

by topcat6 on Mar 19, 2008 8:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah...

I agree that it's just a workout and I'm sure there will be others. But we do seem to really like the kids from Vandy...

by ajay on Mar 19, 2008 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

agreed...

You're right - It is just a workout and you never know how someone is going to work out once they are drafted, make the team, and then start really playing games.

I would really like to see them address the return situation as a top priority though. In almost every game last year - we started out with crappy field position. Once in a while it would be nice to be able to get our offense to start past their own 25 yard line!

by flygirl on Mar 19, 2008 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Ha

Indeed. The KR/PR position needs an upgrade badly. And the only WR with a 1st round grade that would fill that void is DeSean Jackson -- who I am completely against the Eagles taking (how is he different than Roscoe Parrish?).

As a hypothetical, if the options are a) draft DeSean Jackson in round one or b) draft someone without the pedigree but still help on special teams in later rounds... I vote "b".

Also, we should all probably realize that this won't be the last time the Eagles bewilder us a bit between now and the draft.

March and April are a time for secrecy and posturing. You don't want to be the team with all your cards face up on the table. Don't believe much of what you see the teams say (and even do) between now and then.

http://www.sportsdork.com

by BFH on Mar 19, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

What?

How do you know that Deshaun Jackson is going to be another Parrish?

You could say that he might or could end up like Parrish but you don't know that.

by topcat6 on Mar 19, 2008 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

I think me putting the "?" at the end of my statement would have indicated I wasn't laying down some final judgment on the guy.

In my mind, though, he's a lot like Parrish -- a guy with a tiny build who could be a great special teams player but probably not a lot more.

He's super fast, but he's so tiny he'll never be able to be a #1 in the NFL. He'll just get bullied. And if you can't be a #1 you shouldn't be drafted in the first round.

Just my humble opinion...

http://www.sportsdork.com

by BFH on Mar 19, 2008 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I see what your saying

I feel that your putting Parrish and Jackson in the same category even though you didn't see Jackson play a down in the NFL. You asked "How is he any different than Parrish"? Here's something different. One plays in the NFL and you can judge him by his numbers and one doesn't and you don't know what he can do in the NFL.
I know when I saw Parrish at the U, I didn't think he would be the greatest WR ever but I thought he was going to be able to play. Just as I feel Jackson will do.

I think that you are right that he is small but Santa Moss is pretty good and very small. I don't think as good as he was hyped but I feel that he still is a productive player in the NFL. It all depends on their mindsets. If they want to work hard or not. Look at Bunkley's first year and second year. I know experience has a lot to do with the difference in performance but I feel that his mindset was changed. He wanted to work harder and play better. He had all the same physical tools his first year but he didn't know that he had to work harder than he did in college.

I think a lot of WR and skill guys are so gifted that they don't work as hard as they should when they are younger or in college(because the game is easy for them) but when they go to D1(for some guys) or NFL (For the rest) they find out that they have to work really hard to keep up with everyone else. This is where the real players show up and the turds go home.

I feel that this happens a lot and that's why mental tuffness and work ethic are the most important part of football players. 40's and arm length are important in some occasions but most of the time it's not.

Parrish is just as fast and skilled as the average WR. He might not work as hard as he should. Or maybe he is changing his ways

by topcat6 on Mar 19, 2008 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget

They had a workout with Akili Smith, but drafted McNabb.

This whole process is part scouting, and part posturing and misinformation.

When I made the choice that I did I thought I was doing the right thing, not going to Vegas and drinking for two or three days. ---Tony Romo

by BrianS on Mar 19, 2008 1:38 PM EDT reply actions

True

They also worked out Kolb last year...

You could be in the discussion! Sign up for a free account at Bleeding Green Nation

by JasonB on Mar 19, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions

haha

Akili Smith ... Listen they aren't checking this kid out as there number 1 pick they are just looking at some options. Agreed Kolb was a curveball, so who knows what is going on in there heads, we'll find out April 26th same as everyone else. What I don't get is why everyone is getting so angry about this. You never know what will happen or how it will turn out shit we boo'd McNabb (by we I mean you I liked McNabb). That worked out, we were thrilled about T.O. (I was in this group) and that didn't work out. So maybe the Birds need to do anything that upsets the fans because it seems to work.

by Whodie126 on Mar 19, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

It's definitely nothing to get too upset over

It is just a work out...

But hey, it's the offseason. The time to obsess over what little info we do get.

You could be in the discussion! Sign up for a free account at Bleeding Green Nation

by JasonB on Mar 19, 2008 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions

but

McNabb was a top 5 pick. This guy is a second to 3rd rounder who should play on the practice squad at best. McNabb got booed cuz we didnt take ricky williams.

by andyb on Mar 19, 2008 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Harsh

That's a little bit harsh, man. Bennett had an excellent college career. Again, the only reason he's not a first round talent is because of his 40 time.

Also -- second round draft picks project to NFL starters, not practice squad players.

http://www.sportsdork.com

by BFH on Mar 19, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Possibly

the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Because he is a second to third rounder he is going to be "practice squad at best". Just let this sink in for a bit ...

Chad Johnson 2nd round
Anquan Boldin 2nd round
Donald Driver 7th round
Steve Smith 3rd round
Hines Ward 3rd round
Marques Colston 7th round
Jerricho Cotchery 4th round
Bernard Berrian 3rd round
DJ Hackett 5th round
Patrick Crayton 3rd round
Chris Chambers 2nd round
T.J. Houshmandzadeh 7th round
Laveranues Coles 3rd round
Terrell Owens 3rd round

To name a few.

by Whodie126 on Mar 19, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions

doesnt matter

i still dont see anything from him that makes him better than avant. Same size, same speed, pretty much same catching ability. Im just talking out my ass because im getting pissed. James Hardy is projected 2nd round. Hes got talent and size. I want to see the eagles go after some real talent and playmakers. Not just these no namers that have the fundamentals down. Im sick of seeing us waste our picks on these guys because its a "safe" pick. We have so many picks that dont even end up making the team. When i see the eagles looking at random guys like this, it makes me feel like they are not trying to get better.

by andyb on Mar 19, 2008 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

This is one of many...

Many many players they will work out. I have no idea why or how this particular workout made it to the front page of Philly.com, but that's the reason i reported it here.

The Eagles will do tons more of these and have done many more that we won't ever hear of.

RB Justin Forsett is coming here for visit...

These are some other WRs they've been linked with

WR Weston Dessler - North Dakota (also a RS)
WR Jordy Nelson - Kansas State...met with him at the Senior Bowl
WR Adarius Bowman - Oklahoma State...met with him at the Senior Bowl
WR Donnie Avery - Houston...met with him at the Senior Bowl
WR Eddie Royal - Va Tech (also a top RS) ...met with him at the Senior Bowl
WR Limas Sweed - Texas ...met with him at the Senior Bowl
WR Early Doucet - LSU ...met with him at the Senior Bowl
WR James Hardy - Indiana ... to meet with him at The Combine
WR Harry Douglas - Lousiville ... private workout
WR Earl Bennett - Vandy ... private workout

You could be in the discussion! Sign up for a free account at Bleeding Green Nation

by JasonB on Mar 19, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

I see what your saying

Bowman looks really good.... I wish I could have seen more of him.. GCOBB said the Eagles liked him

by topcat6 on Mar 19, 2008 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Hardy is overrated

For as many "big" receivers you can mention that are hyped, drafted in the first or 2nd round, and wind up successful there are ten times as many that aren't successful at all. Matt Jones anyone??

football n b*tches

by crickles on Mar 19, 2008 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

At least Hardy is a WR...

Matt Jones never played the position until he got into the pros.

You could be in the discussion! Sign up for a free account at Bleeding Green Nation

by JasonB on Mar 19, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

I know,

But it seems that some Eagles fans might not know that. WR is more about Football IQ. I'm telling you. Look at that list, there must have been a ton of guys like Ted Ginn Jr, and David Boston etc... Being picked first doesn't guarantee anything

Look at Tom Brady

by topcat6 on Mar 19, 2008 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions

andy B

take notice to some of these guys 40 times aned height... half those WRs aint even tall, most of them didnt run any eye popping 40 times either.

by JoeD on Mar 19, 2008 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions

andy B

just stop talking. i bet you were one of the idiots who booed mcnabb and kolb as well. Just because he's the same size of avant doesnt mean hes going to produce like avant.... Greg Jennigs is like 5'10'' 195 and his 40 time was 4.58 or something in the high 5s.... Is he another jason avant?

Andy b, please stp talking, u make eagles fans look like morons.

by JoeD on Mar 19, 2008 10:12 PM EDT reply actions

suck it joe

Actually I liked McNabb and Kolb. I was very impressed with what Kolb did in the preseason. I think he could take over if he had to but McNabb is number one till hes gone. Greg Jennings also had a hall of fame qb throwing to him not to mention he started so of coarse he will get more yards and tds. This guy wouldnt start. He would be the number 3 guy. Same position as avant. Givin he could be a little better than avant, he wouldnt be any reason why we get to the playoffs or superbowl. I cant see him anything more than a number 2 guy and we already have 2 of those. I doubt McNabb would care if we picked this guy up. Keep your comments to yourself joe. Nice try calling me out. If you love this guy so much then go get on your knees and take one for the team.

by andyb on Mar 20, 2008 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions

alright already

you know debating is fun and arguing your point is fine but enough with attacking each other. I've said it before and ill say it again "lets save it for dallas"

by NickPampani on Mar 20, 2008 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Calm Down

Calm down guys let's all agree that we are not professional football scouts or we wouldn't be talking about this shit in forums. Opinions are opinions however dumb you may think they are. I get pissed when I read something I feel is stupid so I find some stats or information and make an argument to retort, don't go attacking eachother ... we all bleed green remember.

by Whodie126 on Mar 21, 2008 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions

housh

what are your guys thoughts on Houshmandzadeh? nfl.com was talking about how he's not happy with his contract either, and he only has a year left on it at this point. i donno if they'd take a big cap hit or whatever, or if it's feasible. just curious what your thoughts were on the subject.

by eagleyosh on Mar 20, 2008 12:15 AM EDT reply actions