Eagles To Check Out Safety Bucannon
There is little doubt that the Eagles will continue to look for safety help in May’s draft.
One name to keep in mind is Washington State’s Deone Bucannon. The 6-1, 211-pounder will take an official visit to Philadelphia, according to a report:
Also receiving plenty of interest is Washington State S Deone Bucannon, who visited with the Lions & Bears this week with the Eagles next up
— Rob Rang (@RobRang) April 3, 2014
Bucannon played against Chip Kelly in college. Washington State never held Oregon to fewer than 43 points while he was there, but Bucannon had three interceptions in his career against the Ducks.
Here’s NFL.com’s write-up on Bucannon:
Although he’s built like a cornerback, Bucannon’s style of play makes it easy to identify him as a tone-setting strong safety. Has coverage limitations, but brings the aggressiveness and physicality to carve a niche as a downhill box defender and core special-teams player.
We caught up with Bucannon at the Senior Bowl, and he pointed out that he needs to prove to teams that he can cover.
“I’m trying to make it my goal [to show people] that I can actually cover,” he said. “I can actually cover and stay with the slot receivers, with the tight ends and my hips aren’t as tight as what people may think because I’m a big safety.”
Bucannon ran a 4.49 at the combine. Mocks have him going as early as the second round.
COOKS ON DESEAN
One name that’s been brought up as a potential WR fit in the draft for the Eagles is Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks.
Jimmy Kempski of Philly.com recently caught up with Cooks.
“His game is unbelievable,” said Cooks. “The man can blow the top off, catch the deep routes, catch the underneath routes, produce in the return game. He’s just special. He’s a freak. I definitely admire his game. Maybe Chip Kelly is looking to take another speedy receiver in that first round, and that could be me. Who knows? And if that’s the case, a lot of people will wonder ‘Can he do it like DeSean Jackson?’ In my opinion, I can do it like him and do it better.”
Adam Caplan suggested that both Cooks and Texas A&M’s Mike Evans are of interest to the Birds:
Mike Evans (trade up) and Cook are on their radar. RT @isaiah520: @caplannfl how good is Brandin Cooks and is he a potential #Eagles target?
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) April 3, 2014
Evans is another WR who has been reported as an official visit to the Eagles’ facility. Kelly and wide receivers coach Bob Bicknell were also at his Pro Day with Johnny Manziel last week.