Twitter Mailbag: On Robinson, Dion And CBs
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@Tim_McManus do you think Allen Robinson slips to 3rd round? Would eagles take him as early as rounds 1 or 2?
— tod henderson (@selflessgift) April 17, 2014
I can see Robinson as a fit. He’s a big (6-3, 220), physical receiver who got it done in multiple ways on the college level. As Sheil points out, 28 percent of his catches last season came on screens, and he averaged over 14 yards after the catch on those plays.(The quick receiver screens were a pretty big part of Chip Kelly‘s offense last year.) The Penn State product is a reliable pass-catcher who will fight for the ball downfield and provide a nice option in the red zone. Plenty to like even if he’s not a burner.It’s possible that Robinson slips. If he does, he won’t be alone.
“Guys will be pushed back because of the quality and the depth of the class,” predicts Howie Roseman.
If that proves true, teams should find really good value at wideout beyond the first round. That’s why I’m more inclined to think the Eagles will select a receiver outside of the first round instead of at No. 22 (unless there is a receiver on the board with a significantly better grade than the other options). Not sure if it will be Robinson, but could be.
@Tim_McManus Is the CB trio of Boykin, Fletcher and Williams better than they are given credit for? Like to see draft focus elsewhere. — Mark Kaliss (@mattsdad42) April 17, 2014
Looking at it differently. I see Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher as solid short-term options but long-term answers still need to be found. I would be comfortable with the Eagles addressing the secondary (and cornerback specifically) early and often in this draft. Depth at corner remains an immediate need in my mind. When one of the starters was missing for any period of time last season, the defense really struggled. The addition of Nolan Carroll should help in that respect, but they need to continue to stockpile talent at this position. Ideally, they’ll eventually hand one of the outside positions over to an impact playmaker. Some would argue that player is Brandon Boykin, but the Eagles love him in the slot and are reluctant to move him.
@Tim_McManus do you see Chip getting his guy Dion Jordan? Seems like Gamble wants him too. And will they deal the 22nd pick for him?
— Tom Welke (@TomWelke) April 17, 2014
Not ruling a trade for Dion Jordan out but the asking price (a first-round pick as well as a former first rounder in Brandon Graham) is probably too rich for the Eagles’ blood. All is quiet on this front right now, from what I’m told. Talks could heat up as we get closer to the draft, of course, but there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of momentum at the moment.
I believe the Eagles will stay aggressive, though, one way or another. They need to find answers at outside linebacker.