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Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas sat down with Philadelphia media on Thursday morning to talk about the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft and other Eagles topics. Here’s a look at some of the biggest takeaways.
Joe Mixon might be on the Eagles’ board
The Eagles have had multiple opportunities to say Mixon isn’t on their board (as some other teams have), but they haven’t done so.
Howie Roseman won’t confirm or deny if Joe Mixon is on the Eagles’ draft board.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) April 20, 2017
For what it’ worth, recent reports indicate the Eagles do have owner permission to draft Mixon and they’re considering him.
The Eagles believe Joe Mixon is a really good football player
Here’s what Doug Pederson said about Mixon last month:
Doug Pederson on Joe Mixon: Very explosive. Very good hands out of the backfield. Dynamic. Exciting back to watch.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) March 29, 2017
And now here’s what Roseman and Douglas had to say about Mixon’s talent.
Howie says there isn't much Joe Mixon can't do on the football field #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 20, 2017
Douglas: if u take character out of equation, teams feel Mixon is a top talent, "but most teams aren't doing that." pic.twitter.com/y0R3cjvjGE
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) April 20, 2017
The Eagles’ market factors in to taking players with character concerns
Could the Eagles deal with the backlash if they drafted Mixon? They had to deal with a lot of criticism when they signed Michael Vick, so that’s something to consider.
Roseman notes that size of Philly media market makes having character concern players a unique challenge.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) April 20, 2017
The Eagles feel several positions are deep
Joe Douglas says running back, cornerback, tight end, and offensive line are really deep in the 2017 NFL Draft.
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) April 20, 2017
If the Eagles truly feel these positions are deep, perhaps they’ll wait beyond round one to address them. Notice how defensive end, a direction the Eagles could easily go at pick No. 14, wasn’t mentioned here.
Offensive line might seem like a curious inclusion here. I think Douglas’ point here is the class offers more talent later on than it is top heavy.
Deep class doesn’t necessarily mean the Eagles will be patient
Joe Douglas says just Bc a position is deep doesn't mean u can get prospects late. Guys will likely go early Bc of it #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 20, 2017
Howie on taking a deep position early: DT was a real strong class last year and by the time we picked again our board was already gone pic.twitter.com/Wi5H39NFIk
— John Barchard (@JohnBarchard) April 20, 2017
Roseman says they try to study to determine if there will be runs at certain positions, but it's an inexact science.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroCSN) April 20, 2017
The Eagles have a lot of cornerbacks on their board
Good news for a team that needs a lot of cornerback help.
Joe Douglas said amount of draftable cornerbacks is "significantly higher" than past 3-4 years. #Eagles
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) April 20, 2017
Joe Douglas says cornerback is the toughest position to play in the NFL outside of quarterback. "Have to be an exceptional athlete" #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 20, 2017
Here’s a look at the defensive backs the Eagles have hosted on pre-draft visits.
Eagles hosted 11 DBs
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) April 20, 2017
M. Humphrey
O. Melifonwu
G. Conley
J. Adams
M. Golden
D. Kazee
K. King
A. Witherspoon
A. Jackson
Q. Wilson
S. Griffin
The Eagles believe Gareon Conley is an unbelievable talent
Conley is rumored to be one of five players the Eagles are considering with the No. 14 pick. He’s gotten a lot of buzz lately.
Douglas says CB Gareon Conley has unbelievable talent, speed... #Eagles
— Bob Grotz (@BobGrotz) April 20, 2017
Joe Douglas says Gareon Conley’s perceived late rise in the draft is a matter of public perception catching up to league thinking.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) April 20, 2017
Joe Douglas is around to help keep Howie Roseman in check
Jeffrey Lurie noted that Douglas sets the board and Roseman has the final say.
Howie reiterates that part of Joe Douglas’ job is “making sure we do the right thing,” sticking w/their board.
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) April 20, 2017
The Eagles may or may not draft a running back in the first
Philadelphia hasn’t drafted a running back in the first round since 1986.
#Eagles Roseman says some teams philosophically opposed to drafting RBs in first round. Wouldn't say if #Eagles were in that group.
— Bob Grotz (@BobGrotz) April 20, 2017
Last year, Roseman didn’t seem to be totally opposed to the idea of a first round running back. I’d personally be shocked if the team drafted a rusher at No. 14.
The Eagles are not bothered by Christian McCaffrey turning down private workouts
Douglas: on McCaffrey declining to workout for a team..."that's a decision made by him and agent I don't see it as a negative
— Derrick Gunn (@TheRealDGunnCSN) April 20, 2017
Douglas called McCaffey a versatile back. "There's a lot of versatile backs in this draft." #Eagles
— Bob Grotz (@BobGrotz) April 20, 2017
The Eagles still feel good about Zach Ertz despite a slow start last year
Howie says it's clear that Carson Wentz has a ton of trust in Zach Ertz #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 20, 2017
Roseman says Zach Ertz's production has been solid. Hasn't ruled out drafting a TE though.
— Bob Grotz (@BobGrotz) April 20, 2017
The NFL Draft being in Philadelphia won’t impact the team’s draft strategy
The Eagles say this but can you imagine the reaction if they traded out of the first round? So many boos. Alternatively, they might get a lot of cheers for trading up into the late first round.
Howie basically saying it doesn't matter the draft is in Philly in terms of what they will do #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 20, 2017
How the Eagles determine grades
Something to keep in mind if/when the Eagles draft Charles Harris. ;)
Douglas: "Our system isn't based on rounds our system is based on what fits best for the Eagles"
— John Barchard (@JohnBarchard) April 20, 2017
Howie Roseman feels like a year off really helped him
Roseman said this a lot last year but he’s saying it again.
"That year off was the best thing that ever happened to me" -Roseman
— John Barchard (@JohnBarchard) April 20, 2017
The Eagles won’t draft a quarterback in the first round
Duh.
Breaking: Howie says #Eagles will not take a QB in the first round
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 20, 2017
Watch a portion of the Joe Douglas and Howie Roseman press conference below via BGN’s Facebook Page (please like on our page!)
Howie and Doug speaking at NovaCare
Posted by Bleeding Green Nation: For Philadelphia Eagles Fans on Thursday, April 20, 2017