The Philadelphia Eagles currently have a little over $13 million in actual salary cap spending room for 2012--- but that money will be needed to help sign DeSean Jackson, other potential free agents and also rookies to new contracts--- not counting any money that may be loosened up by the trading or contractual restructuring of expensive veterans like Asante Samuel ($9.5 million).
Understanding the NFL’s salary cap isn’t always easy, which is why every team has a capologist to crunch the numbers. I don't pretend to know all the in's and outs of many of the variables that go into figuring a team's final salary cap number, such as prorated signing bonuses, performance incentives, backended contracts and the like...
But I understand the basic concept---- the NFL salary cap in 2011 was $120,375,000 "soft", with teams having the flexibility to borrow $3 million from future years. That means the real cap was $123,375,000.
The salary cap for 2012 has not been set, but it is projected to be between $121-125 million, with teams being able to borrow another $2 million from future caps. Therefore, we’ll safely project the Eagles salary cap to be at $124 million in ’12. But please understand this is an estimation.
Second, keep in mind that teams must preserve at least $5 million to sign their rookie class. The more picks, the more cap space needed.
Where do the Eagles rank in affordable spending for 2012? Here's a list compiled by Omar Kelly and Shandel Richardson of the Miami Sun Sentinel showing who's got the dough leftover to spend in 2012 and who's got to cut make significant cuts in spending:
POSSIBLE BIG SPENDERS
Teams that have the cap space to make big moves in free agency:
Cincinnati Bengals $80,641,237 [currently allocated salary cap dollars]
Tennessee Titans $92,739,765
Washington Redskins $94,351,284
Kansas City Chiefs $95,844,195
Tampa Bay Buccaneers $98,899,458
Atlanta Falcons $100,227,174
Denver Broncos $101,389,121
New England Patriots $101,827,381
Chicago Bears $101,887,741
San Francisco 49ers $102,938,980
Cleveland Browns $103,789,162
WORKING ON A BUDGET
Teams that aren’t up against the cap, but need to make smart moves to avoid trimming a ton of players and salaries:
Jacksonville Jaguars $107,270,274
Buffalo Bills $108,426,522
Seattle Seahawks $111,742,430
San Diego Chargers $111,960,165
New Orleans Saints $113,358,069
Philadelphia Eagles $113,964,694
Baltimore Ravens $115,670,281
Minnesota Vikings $116,078,422
Houston Texans $116,306,676
Miami Dolphins $116,636,173
Indianapolis Colts $116,773,288
Green Bay Packers $118,001,169
Arizona Cardinals $118,787,639
TIGHTENING THE BELT
Teams that will be at, or over the projected salary cap once they’ve signed the rookie class. These teams must purge their roster moving forward. The higher the cap number, the more drastic the cutbacks need to be:
St. Louis Rams $120,982,904
Detroit Lions $122,760,121
New York Giants $124,735,807
New York Jets $128,092,733
Dallas Cowboys $128,910,735
Carolina Panthers $129,962,768
Oakland Raiders $140,861,316
Pittsburgh Steelers $149,885,537
All in all, the Eagles look to be in pretty good shape going forward from their current salary cap status. They're in that middle group that has the flexibility to do some serious shopping as long as they free up some money by trimming some expendable contracts. And I would expect to see them doing some free-agent window shopping among the teams who are in the "Tightening The Belt" category and in danger of exceeding their caps.
For the record, I like the salary cap in the NFL--- it's what keeps the league fair and competitive.
I love these early mock drafts, but to be honest, I don't take them seriously until after Free Agency and the Scouting Combine happen...
But the National Football Post carries some degree of credibility, so I'll put their version 2.0 Mock Draft for 2012's "Round 1" out here...and they have the Eagles holding their 1st round pick at Number 15 and selecting Luke Kuechly, linebacker from Boston College:
Luke Kuechly, LB, junior from Boston College...6-3, 240 and still growing at age 21... 2011 Butkus Award winner playing on a 4-8 team, with 191 tackles (102 solo)...
Here's how the NFP sees it going down:
1. Indianapolis Colts: Stanford QB Andrew Luck
With news coming out this past weekend that the Colts possibly have already made up their mind on QB Peyton Manning, Luck is looking more and more like a slam dunk.
ICONRG3 moves up to number two.
2. -TRADE- Washington Redskins via St. Louis Rams: Baylor QB Robert Griffin III
RG3 is the kind of athletic quarterback that would be an ideal fit in the Washington offense. He can make plays outside the pocket, throw on the run and create second lives with his legs.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Southern Cal OT Matt Kalil
Quarterback Christian Ponder has shown flashes in year one, but he needs to stay healthy. Therefore, bringing in the top offensive tackle prospect in the draft who has a chance to mature into a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman seems like an easy selection at three.
4. Cleveland Browns: Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon
Quarterback is the biggest missing piece in Cleveland. However, if they can’t land RG3, getting one of the best offensive weapons in the draft is a nice consolation prize.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LSU CB Morris Claiborne
Tampa Bay has done a great job over the past two drafts improving the overall talent along its defensive line. Therefore, adding a playmaking corner who can capitalize on all the potential pressure is a must for this defense to take that next step.
6. –TRADE- St. Louis Rams via Washington Redskins: LSU DT Michael Brockers
As bad as the Rams need to add talent on the outside at receiver, they are also in need of some talent inside at DT. Brockers has the talent to develop into an All-Pro caliber lineman for the Rams and they can always add a receiver with their additional picks from the Redskins later in the draft.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alabama CB Dre' Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick adds a physical element to the Jaguars secondary. He’s got the ability to press off the line, make plays in zone and consistently tackle the ball carrier. Plus, he has the size to handle some of the bigger wideouts in the AFC South.
8. Carolina Panthers: Penn State DT Devon Still
The Panthers need a big body inside who can anchor on contact, push the pocket and find the football. Still isn’t a dynamic pass rusher and there are some other linemen on the board with a little more talent. But he has the size to fend off blocks inside and in my mind is one of the safer defensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft.
9. Miami Dolphins: Iowa OT Riley Reiff
Who knows how the Dolphins offensive line is going to look after free agency. They have some potential holes looming and bringing in a talent like Reiff who can play both inside and out gives the Fins another talented blocker who eventually should win in both the run and pass game.
10. Buffalo Bills: Stanford OT Jonathan Martin
Martin is a finesse tackle with good feet, natural range and the ability to mirror in space. He has some holes in his game, but offers the Bills a better athlete than anyone playing their tackle spots now.
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Stanford OG David DeCastro
The Chiefs need to improve at a number of spots up front on their offensive line and DeCastro is by far the best prospect still on the board.
12. Seattle Seahawks: North Carolina DL Quinton Coples
The Seahawks have a real unique blend of athletes on the defensive side of the ball and because of that it makes me think Coples would be able to fit right in and fill a number of roles at both DT and DE. Plus, Pete Carroll seems like the kind of coach that could get the most out of Coples’s talent.
ICONPerry could rise with a big postseason.
13. Arizona Cardinals: Southern Cal DE/OLB Nick Perry
Finding a long term complement for OLB Sam Acho this offseason is becoming more and more of a need for the Cardinals. Perry is a little tight, but has a great first step, is learning to use his hands better and can cleanly turn speed into power off the edge.
14. Dallas Cowboys: Wisconsin OL Peter Konz
Center and guard are both needs in Dallas and the idea of adding a potential blue-chip lineman who has the skill set to play either spot is simply too good to pass up even at 14.
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Boston College ILB Luke Kuechly
A tackling machine with good size, natural instincts and knowledge to fend off blocks and find the football. Is the kind of talent the Eagles need inside to improve their struggling linebacking corps.
16. New York Jets: Alabama OLB Courtney Upshaw
Upshaw is a thick, powerful kid who can line up all over the Jets 34 front and get after the passer. He’s got the power to win consistently on contact vs. both the run and pass game.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Alabama RB Trent Richardson
Running backs always seem to fall on draft day and the Bengals get a steal at 17. Richardson has the ability to be the workhorse back in Cincinnati for the next 5-7 years and gives the Bengals another talented young skill position player.
ICONThe Bengals get a great value at pick 17.
18. San Diego Chargers: Alabama ILB Dont’a Hightower
ILB Takeo Spikes will turn 36 next season and adding a physical body inside like Hightower will go a long way in improving their front seven. Hightower is a “plus” run defender who can be used as a blitzer inside or a pass rusher off the edge.
19. Chicago Bears: Ohio State OT Mike Adams
You have to think after the struggles the Bears have had at left tackle this season, drafting a guy like Adams who has the size and athleticism to handle premier NFL pass rushers is a must for them this off-season.
20. Tennessee Titans: South Carolina CB Stephon Gilmore
With starting CB Cortland Finnegan potentially leaving via free agency, getting a tall, physical defensive back who displays a natural feel in zone and can go get the football could become a pressing need in Tennessee.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: North Alabama CB Janoris Jenkins
Jenkins is a bit undersized and he does have some character concerns. However, he’s a fluid kid with a “plus” initial burst and when motivated he’s about as tough as any corner in the draft to separate from.
22. Cleveland Browns: Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill
The Browns missed on their quarterback in the top ten. However, they get a good athlete in Tannehill who can throw on the move, create with his legs and has as much upside as any prospect at the position outside of RG3.
23. Detroit Lions: Georgia OL Cordy Glenn
The Lions need to improve both their tackle and guard spots on the offensive line and Glenn has the talent to play either spot. He’s a gifted athlete for his size with natural movement skills and if he can ever put it all together he has the skill set to play at a high level in the NFL.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers Iowa State OG Kelechi Osemele
The Steelers have a ton of holes up front, but adding a talented body who can play some guard or right tackle like Osemele is a solid value at the end of round one.
25. Denver Broncos: Georgia TE Orson Charles
NFL teams are looking for mismatch tight ends who can play with their hand on the ground, split out into the slot and play in the backfield as well. The Broncos don’t have much in the terms of dynamic skill position guys and Charles can mature into a real safety blanket for QB Tim Tebow down the line.
26. Houston Texas: Notre Dame WR Michael Floyd
Floyd is a good value at this stage and would give the Texans a legit number two threat to take pressure off WR Andre Johnson in the pass game.
27. New England Patriots: Alabama SS Mark Barron
New England has had to piece together their secondary this year, but in terms of talent they could certainly use an upgrade at a number of spots. Barron is a smart, instinctive safety with good ball skills, can play in the box and be effective bumping/running with tight ends underneath.
ICONBurfict to the Ravens makes a lot of sense.
28. Green Bay Packers: South Carolina OLB/DE Melvin Ingram
Finding another pass rusher off the edge is becoming more of pressing need for the Packers and Ingram has the ability to reach the QB in a number of ways off the edge.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Arizona State ILB Vontaze Burfict
If Burfict is going to end up going in round one, a team like the Ravens would be an ideal situation for him. He’s got a great role model to look up to in Ray Lewis and can be brought along slowly under him.
30. San Francisco 49ers: Baylor WR Kendall Wright
Wright might be the draft’s top vertical threat and has the ability to open up a lot of options for the 49ers offense down the field.
31. New York Giants: OLB Zach Brown: North Carolina (6-2, 230)
Brown’s a gifted run and hit athlete who adds some much needed range to the Giants linebacking core. He should be able to come in and make an impact on special teams early on as well.
32. New England Patriots: Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus
Age is creeping up on the Patriots at the defensive end position and Mercilus has the type of measurables to really move up draft boards with a solid post-season.
Speaking of "bases", here is the current scorecard for the lifetime "First Post" totals of the players who frequent this page and the pages of PE.com at Dave Spadaro's "On The Inside" column... As a certified obsessive-compulsive stat keeper, I've been tabulating these "home run" totals going back to 2007... And everyone on this list of career posting achievers has shown a knack for waiting for their pitch and not missing it when it comes.
The Lifetime Totals:
Brizer………………………………544
DDD……………………………….252
JB99……………………………….135
Hoser………………………………. 57
Jerked Up…………………………...57
Brozer………………………………48
ATV……………………………….. 43
Hud Huston………………………....40
Eagle Nut…………………………...39
French Lady Fan (Nathalie)………...34
Boner………………………………..32
Kenny Kenemeka…………………...30
Leo Pizzini…………………………..20
Fields………………………………..20
Poet………………………………….18
Kent Phil…………………………….17
Birdcrazy…………………………….16
Don Pardo…………………………...13
Lupes………………………………...12
Blasphemizer………………………...11
Dutch Rubb………………………….11
Hedge…………………………………9
Italicon………………………………. 8
Mr. Kraxx…………………………….4
J. Wood……………………………… 4
Spiffo…………………………………3
Genetic Freak…………………………3
B.Quick……………………………….2
usmcBattsy……………………………2
Bruzer 9.5……………………………..2
Luke………………………………….. 2
Cast of Thousands…………………….1 each
Onward through the fog!
Is there enough salary cap room for the Eagles to both franchise DeSean Jackson and sign Plaxico Burress at the same time? You bet there is...
This is the edge Burress gives you in the red zone... even at age 35... but is the emotional baggage the guy brings to your team worth the investment of money and potential locker room turmoil?
Plaxico Burress, who signed a one-year, $3.017 million contract with the Jets last July following his release from prison, expressed interest in joining the Eagles while in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl, according to sports radio personality Howard Eskin of Philadelphia station WIP.
Eskin, who ended his WIP talk show last year but continues with the station as a member of its broadcast team for Eagles games, said on Wednesday via his Twitter account (+howardeskin) that he "Saw and talked to Plaxico Burress at the Super Bowl," and that Burress said "he wants to play for the Eagles. Badly!"
Burress, who will be 35 when the 2012 season begins, caught 45 passes for 612 yards and eight touchdowns in 2011. It was his first season since the 2008 campaign, when he accidentally shot himself in the right thigh at a nightclub while he was with the New York Giants. Burress subsequently pleaded guilty to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. He was released from prison last June.
The Eagles, like the Jets, finished 8-8 in 2011 and missed the playoffs despite high preseason expectations. If Burress were to join the Eagles as a free agent, it would be his first season outside the New York area since 2004, when he played the last of his five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Jets allowed a contract clause to kick in this week for leading wide receiver Santonio Holmes... Holmes, who was second on the Jets in receiving yards last season with 654 (tight end Dustin Keller led the team with 815 yards), is guaranteed $15.25 million over the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The team would have had to release Holmes before the waiver period in order to avoid paying the big money.
The commitment of big bucks to Holmes by the Jets would appear to make Plaxico Burress expendable.
That's where the Eagles could come in to fill in the blanks on Burress' next paycheck...
Popular concensus is: the Eagles need to get a jump-ball wide receiver to help them score more touchdowns inside the 20. Jeremy Maclin would be the Eagles' number one wideout if DeSean Jackson is gone, but winning jump balls is about the only thing Maclin doesn't excel at. Riley Cooper was supposed to be that type of player, but he rarely comes back to the football in a jump situation and has failed to win jump balls against even the smaller corners.
A healthy Burress would allow the Eagles to get that desired red-zone target at a much cheaper rate than a Vincent Jackson or a Dwayne Bowe. The Eagles would still need to get a quality outside receiver to play opposite of Maclin if DJax leaves the team, as Burress isn't an "every down" outside receiver anymore.
The Eagles have the 15th overall pick in the draft and two second-round picks as well to use to get a big name wideout in the draft--- like a Justin Blackmon if they decide to trade up, or take a Mohamed Sanu or Michael Floyd with their first-round pick.
In a dream scenario the Eagles would use their three draft picks in the first two rounds to move up and take a player that can come in right away and play as a Pro Bowl caliber player. Justin Blackmon is that player, and if DeSean Jackson goes elsewhere Blackmon could be a definite replacement.
Blackmon could be the perfect complement to Jeremy Maclin on the outside. He is listed at just 6'1", 215 pounds, but when you watch him on film he plays more like a 6'5", 230-pound receiver. He has the athleticism to jump out of the building and he is an incredibly strong receiver for someone listed under 220 lbs.
Justin Blackmon, WR, (#81), 6-1, 215, Oklahoma State, is within range of early Eagles draft pick as insurance against DeSean Jackson's free agency...After redshirting his freshman year, Justin Blackmon started to immediately make an impact. In his redshirt freshman season, he saw snaps while looking up to former Cowboy (and current Cowboy) great Dez Bryant. After Bryant departed, Blackmon came out of his shell as a redshirt sophomore to win the 2010 Biletnikoff Award, Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, became an unanimous All-American, and even finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy race. Blackmon has improved immensely in his route running, and his versatility as a wide receiver is fantastic. He can stretch the field with above average speed, and he can make plays underneath to turn them into big gains. Blackmon has soft hands, and is very tough. He will fight for the ball and does a nice job of making a play on it whether he can catch it or not. His athleticism is also exceptional, and he will make even the toughest catches, while also having the awareness to keep his feet in bounds. Blackmon is generally fearless, not being afraid to take a hit after making a catch. He doesn’t get jammed easily at the line and his physical presence helps him make plays in the red zone, despite not being very tall. Weaknesses?--- Blackmon needs to learn how to get better separation in man coverage. He has improved on his route running as mentioned before, but he still needs a bit of work. He doesn’t possess elite speed, and won’t be a burner in the NFL. He seems to have occasional mental lapses, not always concentrating when catching the football. He doesn’t always look the football in, and at times will run before the ball is in his hands. He has soft but not strong hands, which could be worrisome in the red zone in the NFL against defenses that can lay the wood on the opposition. Intangibles could be a concern. He seems to be a bit of a show boat player, and also has been arrested with a DUI, in which he was suspended for one game for in 2010.
Blackmon can gain separation on deep routes, is outstanding on crossing routes and has also excelled in the screen pass game while at Oklahoma State. He is also a great jump ball receiver which could really get Eagles fans excited.
Blackmon should go around the fifth or sixth pick in the draft, which means the Eagles only need to spend enough to move up 10 picks. He could be worth the Eagles trading away three or four picks to get the next superstar at wide receiver for a very pass-oriented team.
Or the Eagles will decide to do the smart thing--- either sign DeSean Jackson to a long-term contract or put the franchise tag on him for 2012... and back out of the Justin Blackmon sweepstakes. As good as Blackmon is and could be, he's just not worth mortgaging first-round draft picks that could be better spent on defensive personnel needs.
The point of all this: the signing or franchising of DeSean Jackson for 2012 by the Eagles will be an event that changes the direction of a lot of NFL careers, including those of currently undrafted rookies like Justin Blackmon. But whether DJax is signed or not by the Eagles, there is a very real free-agent opportunity for guys like Plaxico Burress to get a shot with Philly. The red-zone job market is currently hiring...
At least twice a year I try to catch up with our Detroit buddy, Big Al Beaton, who is one of the most original football bloggers and radio personalities in the biz.
Big Al Beaton does the Detroit Lions blog called The Wayne Fontes Experience. He also appears on local Detroit radio sports talk shows.
Big Al takes shots at whoever or whatever is most deserving at the moment--- it suits him. This week he's taking on Detroit Free Press NFL beat writer Drew Sharp, who I guess is the Motor City's version of Philly's Paul Domowitch...
Seems Drew Sharp is building a following over his campaign to urge the NFL Rules Committee to install a new category of scoring on offense: call it the "2-point Field Goal"...
Big Al does not like the idea one bit.
"I try to ignore the Freep's resident contrarian and in-house hack Drew Sharp, but I had to post my thoughts after he unleashed another gem of a column. The latest piece de ridiculousness is his suggestion for an NFL rules change.
The league is constantly tweaking the rules, such as charging defensive backs with assault and battery for looking at a wide receiver the wrong way. But the NFL Competition Committee should seriously consider making a field goal of fewer than 30 yards worth two points instead of three.
"I stopped reading after that paragraph, as I was choking on laughter.
"Now that I've regained my composure, I have 2 thoughts about Sharp's proposal:
1. On a list of 100 problems the NFL has, the worth of a chip shot field goal is number 569. The NFL has several serious problems they need to tackle (from reducing head injuries to improving officiating) instead of worrying over piss ant complaints over games being decided by gimme field goals.
"If Sharp seriously feels NFL rules changes are needed, how about championing this instead? Have a rule deciding once and for effing all what exactly is a catch and not a catch. Eliminate the gray area so Mike Pereira is put out of a job. Enough of the "process of the catch" bullshit. Stab the "process" in the heart, kill it with fire and throw it on the same smoldering trash pile as Matt Millen's GM career."
2. [Here Big Al launches into a photoshop essay dedicated to Drew Sharp's IQ as measured on traditional scales of intelligence...]
I get Big Al's point... to which I would add, have we not noticed how many FG's are actually missed underneath 30 yards? Did we not just witness an AFC championship game that ended on a 23-yard miss?
Now something I could actually go for would be a "4-point Field Goal" for a kick of 60 yards or longer...but like Big Al says, the NFL has more important things to consider reviewing and changing before we even get close to the subject of traditional FG scoring.
Moving in a different direction, Big Al gives us a nice review of the NFL's new Verizon app for android phones...
"I do love technology and messing around with gadgets. So when Verizon and the NFL offered me an opportunity to play with an Android smartphone running an exclusive mobile app, I jumped at it. For the past week, I've been using Verizon's NFL Mobile app for Android on a Pantech Breakout 4G phone running Honeycomb."
"As useful as any NFL mobile app will be to a football fan, Verizon's version of the app has a killer feature: Live streaming video from the NFL Network. Killer, that is, as long as you can tolerate watching the likes of Steve Mariucci, Warren Sapp and Dieon Sanders over your smartphone. Sacrifices must be made for the sake of advancing technology..."
Verizon streamed NBC's Super Bowl broadcast live via the app as well.
"I played with the mobile app extensively during the Super Bowl, putting it through it's paces, taking a screenshots along the way. Video can be watched over the phone's data stream (the Breakout is a 4G phone, but in my neck of the woods I could only receive 3G speeds) or wifi. Unsurprisingly, I got the best video quality on my home network, which is running wireless G speeds."
The big game, live on a 4" screen!
Belichick isn't happy...
This was the NFL Network's live stream during the Super Bowl.
You could also stream the radio play by play.
I tried to connect to the Super Bowl stream using 3G,
but had connection issues during the game.
"Sunday night I could only connect intermittently to Verizon's 3G network while at home, but that's not necessarily a problem with the app or phone. I'd swear my house is actually a Faraday Cage in disguise, as cell reception is an issue, no matter the network provider. After the game ended, I had a much easier time connecting to Verizon's network."
"Overall, I have to admit I loved using the app, especially the live streaming video features. When you're on the go, there's no better way to get your NFL news fix than over live streaming NFL Network video."
"As for the gang of analysts and talking heads on the NFL Network, and especially NFL Total Access...I just grit my teeth and learn to deal. It's a a small price to pay."
You can see a bunch more screen shots and video commentary by Big Al Beaton on the new Verizon NFL app for androids at his site The Wayne Fontes Experience. Thanks for the time, Big Al !
Especially since our own Nebraska alumnus JB99 is pretty high on the guy, and since ATV asked for more info on the man, let's meet the young offensive tackle who was just claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens by the Eagles...
D.J. Jones, age 23, OT, Nebraska, 6-5, 320, undrafted free agent from the class of 2011...was signed by the Miami Dolphins before the 2011 season. After the Dolphins waived him from their practice squad on Oct. 17, the Ravens signed him to theirs two days later. He was promoted to the 53-man roster in Week 17, but he didn’t play in the season-ending victory in Cincinnati.
After claiming Jones from the Miami Dolphins (in his Phins uniform above), the Ravens waived the undrafted rookie offensive tackle from Nebraska before their win over the Houston Texans in the AFC divisional round on January 14, 2011...
It's been a whirlwind season for Jones, who has gone from the Miami Dolphins' practice squad to the active roster of the Baltimore Ravens to getting claimed off waivers by the Eagles.
Jones was released from both Miami and Baltimore because of personnel moves, and both teams had planned to pick him up again. He'd even had a long talk with his position coach in Baltimore about his future before he was nabbed during the playoffs by the Eagles.
It was a shock because no one with the organization had talked to him beforehand and they haven't since.
"Someone wrote me on Twitter and said, 'Welcome to Philly.' "
Jones admitted he was a little bitter about leaving Baltimore because he really liked the organization and the players on the team. He enjoyed Miami, but he said it was more like being on vacation. "It was just so crazy down there, especially me being a Nebraska guy,'' he said. "We don't have any beaches in Omaha.''
The good thing, Jones said, is that because he was on the active roster with the Ravens, he'll keep that jump in salary now with the Eagles.
Jones said he realizes that the NFL is a business, so it doesn't do any good to get upset about moving from team to team. He said he's in the NFL, other teams want him and he can look in the mirror every day and know that he's given his best at every stop. "That's all that matters to me,'' he said. "I'm up for new adventures.''
Jones is quite the gospel singer, by the way. At one point in his Husker days he had thought of auditioning for American Idol. As it turned out, he did get a singing gig at the recent Super Bowl festivities in Indianapolis.
Jones sang with former and current NFL players in the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration last Friday night at Butler University and last Saturday night at the Taste of NFL party, which previewed the foods that will be served next year at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Jones hasn't sung in public since his days in the a cappella choir at Omaha Central, which he joined on a dare, but said he jumped at the chance to mix with recording artists such as CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin and American Idol winner Fantasia. If former Ravens teammate Ray Lewis could do it, Jones figured that he could too, especially since he was always singing in choirs as a youngster.
"I knew I could still sing,'' Jones said. "I always sing in the shower.''
Jones said he's a little hoarse from all of the fun times he's been having recently with friends in Omaha. He's home working out until he reports for spring drills with the Eagles in April.
Here are the NFL Draft Scout numbers on Jones:
40 Time: 4.95 40 Low: 4.88 40 High: 5.05
Projected Round: Stock: 
High: 6-7 Low: PFA
Rated number 34 out of 87 OT's 413 / 2085 TOTAL
Pro Day Results:
| Dates: 03/10/11 Height: 6053 Weight: 310 40 Yrd Dash: 4.92 20 Yrd Dash: 2.86 10 Yrd Dash: 1.75 |
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 19 Vertical Jump: 26 Broad Jump: 08'02" 20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.83 3-Cone Drill: 7.50 |
||
| 40 Time Range: 4.92-4.98 |
|||
Okay, he's a project... But Andy Reid has had his eye on this guy for a while... and we all know Reid cannot resist a gem in the rough on the OL side of the ball...
Jones was snubbed by the NFL Scouting Combine last year. He is not alone. Here's a list of current Combine snubs as compiled by PE.com's hot new writer Fran Duffy, who deserves a big ole country "Salute!" for giving us access to this report:
Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, DT, Baylor, 6-2, 335, who squats 600 lbs., is among the most notable and unexpected snubs of the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine... be sure to consider him as one of your undrafted free agent wild cards on your Mach 10 ballots this year...
NOTABLE COMBINE SNUBS (by Fran Duffy):
Quarterback:
G.J. Kinne, Tulsa, 6-2, 215 - One of the more underrated players in this draft class, Kinne is a coach's son who grew up in a football culture and originally signed with the University of Texas out of high school. After transferring to Tulsa, Kinne became one of the most productive quarterbacks in school history. Kinne displays decent accuracy, sneaky athleticism, and shows a certain moxie in the pocket. He has a good arm, and the ball flies out of his hand when he's under pressure. I have seen some compare him to former Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia, and I honestly think that's a very good comparison. He's not the biggest prospect, and he struggles making progressions from time to time, but he was a name that mildly surprised me as being left off of the Combine invite list.
Running Back:
Bobby Rainey, Western Kentucky, 5-7, 208 - Rainey has been one of the most productive ball carriers in all of college football over the past four seasons. The former Hilltopper, despite his small stature, has led the nation in carries each of the past two seasons, and finished 2011 as the second-leading rusher in terms of yards per game. Rainey is a tough player who gives all-out effort on every down as a runner and blocker. He's a sure-handed receiver in the pass game as well, and could have a future in the return game at the next level. Though he doesn't have elite speed or quickness, Rainey is a prospect who will dare you to bet against him, just so he can prove you wrong down the road.
Michael Smith, Utah State, 5-8, 207 - If you follow the NFL Draft, you may think that this is a typo and that I'm naming the wrong Utah State running back. If that's the case, you would be wrong. In watching film on running back Robert Turbin (of whom I’m also a big fan), I noticed that his backfield-mate, Smith, was also a solid prospect in his own right. Though he isn't the biggest back and isn't going to run away from anyone in the NFL, Smith does all the little things right that coaches love. He is a very good blocker in the run game as well as in pass protection, and a reliable receiver who doesn't put the ball on the ground. Smith is also a productive contributor on special teams, which is huge for a third or fourth-string running back. While he may not get drafted, I'm of the belief that Smith will sign with a team and stick with a squad after training camp in August.
Wide Receiver:
Lance Lewis, East Carolina, 6-0, 209 - A versatile receiver who produced from a number of different spots in the Pirate offense, Davis is a high-upside player who flashed ability at the Shrine Game. He's a physical prospect who exhibits good quickness off the line and excellent ball skills when the ball is in the air. He doesn't have elite speed or dynamic playmaking ability, but Lewis is the type of complete receiver teams covet in that he plays fast, loves to block, and fights for the football.
Tight End:
Kevin Koger, Michigan, 6-3, 262 - Koger was one of the biggest shocks to not make the cut, at least in my mind. The former Michigan Wolverine is one of the more athletic tight ends in the class, runs good routes, has soft hands, and exhibits good ball skills as a receiver. He needs to be coached up a bit as a blocker in terms of technique, but the effort is there and to see him not get an invite was surprising, especially considering he has only played one year in a pro style system (after playing in Rich Rodriguez's spread look for his first three seasons), I would think teams would want every chance to get an extra look at him. When it's all said and done, I think Koger can be a Jermichael Finley-esque weapon at the next level, and I would say he's a lock to hear his name called on draft weekend.
Offensive Line:
Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State, 6-6, 330 - Adcock may be one of the biggest head-scratchers of them all when it comes to 2012 Combine snubs. Widely considered in media circles as one of the top ten offensive linemen in the draft class, Adcock not only didn't get an invite to Indianapolis, but didn't play in the Senior Bowl either after declaring he had a knee injury. He's got good size, plays with a nastiness and shows decent athleticism as well with his ability to bend. While he doesn't have the quickest feet and may have to move inside to guard, his omission from the Combine roster was a shock to many in the draft community. Regardless, it's widely suspected that Adcock will still be drafted, and has the ability to develop into a starter down the road.
Brandon Brooks, Miami (Ohio), 6-4, 353 lbs - One of the apparent gems from the Shrine Game in January, Brooks was one of the most talked about linemen during the week of practice in St. Petersburg. A physical marvel who shows good athleticism for a man his size, Brooks followed up his week in practice with a strong showing in the game, plowing consistent holes in the run game, including on the game-winning touchdown run. An experienced four-year starter, I don't think this snub will affect Brooks' draft status too much, as he should still be one of the top interior linemen drafted as a solid mid-round selection.
Derek Dennis, Temple, 6-3, 315 - Another linemen who showed well down in St. Petersburg was Dennis, who played his college ball just a few miles up Broad Street from Lincoln Financial Field at Temple University. Dennis is a good athlete for the position, with the ability to get out to the second level while displaying solid lateral quickness and range as a pulling guard. While some wanted to see him play with better pad level throughout the week, he improved as practices went on and showed why he is considered to be one of the more intriguing linemen in the draft class. Look for Dennis to rebound from the snub and come back with a strong performance at his Pro Day a few weeks after the Combine.
Defensive End:
Adrian Hamilton, Prairie View A&M, 6-2, 245 - Hamilton has been extremely productive over the past couple of seasons, setting the record for most sacks in SWAC history after transferring from Texas Tech. A solid pass rusher with an explosive first step, variety of pass rush moves, and good closing speed, the tools he brings to the table are tough to match when it comes down to pure raw ability. While he doesn't have a great motor, some hard coaching at the next level may change that (especially from a coach like Jim Washburn.) Of all the "small-school" prospects that failed to receive an invite, Hamilton was by far the biggest surprise, as most thought he would be a shoe-in to work out in Indianapolis in front of the NFL masses.
Kentrell Lockett, Mississippi , 6-5, 243 - Lockett showed at the Shrine Game a few weeks ago that he absolutely has the tools to be worthy of a draft selection. The former Ole Miss star is a ferocious pass rusher that plays with good pad level, quickness, and lateral agility. He has a variety of pass rush moves, but excels most when he transitions from speed to power as a bull rusher. He's got good size and the frame to put on more weight at the next level. Lockett did tear an ACL in the fall of 2010, but rebounded from that and put his sixth year of eligibility to good use in 2011.
Defensive Tackle:
Nicolas Jean-Baptiste, Baylor, 6-2, 335 - The big nose tackle out of Baylor is another prospect who made some noise during the week of the Shrine Game, proving why he has as high an upside as any prospect in his class. He plays with a high motor, uses his hands well and exhibits good power at the point of attack. Jean-Baptiste is still raw, and plays a little out of control at times, but the ability is clearly there and I would have liked to see him work alongside his peers in Indianapolis.
Micanor Regis, Miami, 6-2, 309 - Along with Jean-Baptiste, Regis was a shining light at the Shrine Game earlier this year and showed everyone that he too is worthy of a draft pick. The former Miami Hurricane displayed solid short area quickness and an explosive first step in St. Petersburg, proving to be one of the more active linemen in the game. Regis set up shop time and time again in the opposing backfield, verifying his penetration skills that he displayed during his time at "The U." While he will never be mistaken for the strongest player at his position, Regis makes up for that with his hand usage and suddenness as a pass rusher. It would not shock me to see a team take a late-round flier on him late, but if not he will be a priority free agent signing in a deep defensive tackle group.
Linebacker:
Sammy Brown, Houston, 6-1, 243 - One of the most underrated pass rushers in this draft class, Brown made a living getting after the quarterback during his time with the Cougars. A very productive senior year helped him garner an invitation to the Players All Star Classic, where he again showed his speed off the edge and variety of pass rush moves to get to the quarterback. He has a quick first step, solid closing burst, and the ability to flatten out on the edge that will make teams that run a 3-4 scheme very intrigued on film. It's a shame that Brown was not invited to Indianapolis, because I feel confident he would have been one of the standout performers in the speed and agility drills. Still, we all know the premium set on pass rushers, so it won't surprise me to see him get drafted in the later rounds in April.
Jerry Franklin, Arkansas, 6-1, 241 - While Brown would have thrived at the Combine, Franklin is the type of player that could have seen his stock fall in Indianapolis. Not to be mistaken for an elite athlete, Franklin depends on his instincts and nose for the football to succeed on the field. One of the more productive defenders in the country based on tackles, Franklin is an experienced player that knows the ins and outs of the game. While he may not ever be a starter at the next level due to his athletic limitations, he should be able to develop into a very good backup and special teams player once he latches onto an NFL squad.
Defensive Back:
Donnie Fletcher, Boston College , 6-0, 201 - The lone Senior Bowl participant who didn't net a Combine invite, Fletcher raised perhaps the most eyebrows when his Combine exclusion was revealed. An experienced player out of the ACC, Fletcher is considered by many to be one of the better zone defenders at his position, and a great fit in a zone-scheme at the next level. He doesn't have great speed, and looks a bit stiff in his back pedal, but he has good ball skills and instincts when breaking on the football. By no means do I think that this will keep him from hearing his name called, but the fact that he didn't receive an invite does make you think that maybe he has more questions surrounding his game than previously thought. Regardless, he will have a lot to prove when his Pro Day comes around after the Combine.
Aaron Henry, Wisconsin, 5-11, 208 - Henry showed at the Shrine Game that he is one of the better cover safeties in this draft class, displaying good feet, fluid hips, and excellent range. The former Badger didn't always have the production to show for it, but his raw athletic ability is undeniably there. In a safety class that doesn't have a lot of standout names, I was shocked to see Henry left out of the group set for Indianapolis.
no comments
So let's move on. First of all, here's the mandatory football post--- the NFL has just released its 2012 list of invitees to the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis:
| Jr | Player | Goes by | School | Camp # | Pos |
| ACHO, EMMANUEL | TEXAS | LB01 | OB | ||
| ADAMS, ADAM | JOE | ARKANSAS | WO01 | WO | |
| ADAMS, MICHAEL | MIKE | OHIO ST | OL01 | OT | |
| ALECXIH, PETER | CHAS | PITTSBURGH | DL01 | DT | |
| ALEXANDER, FRANK | OKLAHOMA | DL02 | DE | ||
| ALLEN, ANTONIO | SOUTH CAROLINA | DB01 | SS | ||
| * | ALLEN, DWAYNE | CLEMSON | TE01 | TE | |
| ALLEN, JEFFERY | JEFF | ILLINOIS | OL02 | OT | |
| ANDERSON, JUSTIN | GEORGIA | OL03 | OT | ||
| ANGER, BRYAN | CALIFORNIA | PK01 | PT | ||
| ASPER, MARK | OREGON | OL04 | OG | ||
| * | BAKER, EDWIN | MICHIGAN ST | RB01 | OH | |
| BAKER, RYAN | LOUISIANA ST | LB02 | OB | ||
| * | BALL, MIKE | NEVADA | RB02 | OH | |
| BALLARD, VICK | MISSISSIPPI ST | RB03 | OH | ||
| BARRON, MARK | ALABAMA | DB02 | SS | ||
| BEACHUM, KELVIN | SMU | OL05 | OT | ||
| BENFORD, TIMOTHY | TIM | TENNESSEE TECH | WO02 | WO | |
| BENJAMIN, TRAVIS | MIAMI-FL | WO03 | WO | ||
| BENTLEY, DWIGHT | LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE | DB03 | DC | ||
| BEQUETTE, GEORGE | JAKE | ARKANSAS | DL03 | DE | |
| BERGSTROM, TONY | UTAH | OL06 | OT | ||
| BETHEL, JUSTIN | PRESBYTERIAN | DB04 | SS | ||
| * | BLACKMON, JUSTIN | OKLAHOMA ST | WO04 | WO | |
| BLAKE, PHILIP | BAYLOR | OL07 | OC | ||
| BLANTON, ROBERT | R J | NOTRE DAME | DB05 | DC | |
| BLATNICK, ANTON | JAMIE | OKLAHOMA ST | DL04 | DE | |
| BOLDEN, BRANDON | MISSISSIPPI | RB04 | OH | ||
| BOLDEN, OMAR | ARIZONA ST | DB06 | DC | ||
| BOYKIN, BRANDON | GEORGIA | DB07 | DC | ||
| BOYKIN, JARRETT | VIRGINIA TECH | WO05 | WO | ||
| BRADHAM, NIGEL | FLORIDA ST | LB03 | OB | ||
| BRANCH, ORLANDUS | ANDRE | CLEMSON | DL05 | DE | |
| BRAZILL, LAVON | OHIO | WO06 | WO | ||
| BREWSTER, MICHAEL | OHIO ST | OL08 | OC | ||
| * | BROCKERS, MICHAEL | LOUISIANA ST | DL06 | DT | |
| BROOKS, ROND'TRIQUE | RON | LOUISIANA ST | DB08 | DC | |
| BROWN, CHARLES | NORTH CAROLINA | DB09 | DC | ||
| BROWN, JAMES | TROY | OL09 | OT | ||
| BROWN, ZACH | NORTH CAROLINA | LB04 | OB | ||
| BROYLES, RYAN | OKLAHOMA | WO07 | WO | ||
| BULLOCK, RANDOL | RANDY | TEXAS A&M | PK02 | PK | |
| * | BURFICT, VONTAZE | ARIZONA ST | LB05 | IB | |
| BURRIS, MILES | SAN DIEGO ST | LB06 | OB | ||
| BUTLER, ANDREW | DREW | GEORGIA | PK03 | PT | |
| CARDER, RICKY | TANK | TEXAS CHRISTIAN | LB07 | IB | |
| CATTOUSE, SEAN | CALIFORNIA | DB10 | SS | ||
| CHAPMAN, JOSHUA | JOSH | ALABAMA | DL07 | NT | |
| * | CHARLES, ORSON | GEORGIA | TE02 | TE | |
| CHILDS, GREGORY | GREG | ARKANSAS | WO08 | WO | |
| * | CLAIBORNE, MORRIS | LOUISIANA ST | DB11 | DC | |
| COALE, DANIEL | DANNY | VIRGINIA TECH | WO09 | WO | |
| COLE, AUDIE | NORTH CAROLINA ST | LB08 | IB | ||
| COLEMAN, BRYON | B J | TENNESSEE-CHATT | QB01 | QB | |
| COMPTON, THOMAS | TOM | SOUTH DAKOTA | OL10 | OT | |
| COOPER, JOSH | OKLAHOMA ST | WO10 | WO | ||
| COPLES, QUINTON | NORTH CAROLINA | DL08 | DE | ||
| CORNICK, PAUL | NORTH DAKOTA ST | OL11 | OT | ||
| CORP, AARON | RICHMOND | QB02 | QB | ||
| COUSINS, KIRK | MICHIGAN ST | QB03 | QB | ||
| * | COX, FLETCHER | MISSISSIPPI ST | DL09 | DT | |
| CRAWFORD, JACK | PENN ST | DL10 | DE | ||
| CRAWFORD, TYRONE | BOISE ST | DL11 | DE | ||
| CREER, LENNON | LOUISIANA TECH | RB05 | OH | ||
| CRICK, JARED | NEBRASKA | DL12 | DT | ||
| CRINER, JURON | ARIZONA | WO11 | WO | ||
| CULLEN, JOHN | UTAH | OL12 | OT | ||
| CUNNINGHAM, B J | MICHIGAN ST | WO12 | WO | ||
| CURRY, VINCENT | VINNY | MARSHALL | DL13 | DE | |
| DANIELS, MICHAEL | MIKE | IOWA | DL14 | DT | |
| DATKO, ANDREW | FLORIDA ST | OL13 | OT | ||
| DAVID, LAVONTE | NEBRASKA | LB09 | OB | ||
| DAVIS, AUSTIN | SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI | QB04 | QB | ||
| DAVIS, DEMARIO | ARKANSAS ST | LB10 | OB | ||
| * | DECASTRO, DAVID | STANFORD | OL14 | OG | |
| DEMPS, JEFFERY | JEFF | FLORIDA | RB06 | OH | |
| DENNARD, ALFONZO | NEBRASKA | DB12 | DC | ||
| DEVER, ANTHONY | TAYLOR | NOTRE DAME | OL15 | OT | |
| DIMKE, DEREK | ILLINOIS | PK04 | PK | ||
| DUNSMORE, DRAKE | NORTHWESTERN | TE03 | TE | ||
| EDWARDS, PATRICK | PAT | HOUSTON | WO13 | WO | |
| EGNEW, MICHAEL | MISSOURI | TE04 | TE | ||
| ELLISON, RHETT | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | RB07 | FB | ||
| EWING, BRADIE | WISCONSIN | RB08 | FB | ||
| FANGUPO, HEBRON | LONI | BRIGHAM YOUNG | DL15 | DT | |
| FENELUS, ANTONIO | WISCONSIN | DB13 | DC | ||
| FLEENER, JACOBY | COBY | STANFORD | TE05 | TE | |
| FLEMING, DARIUS | NOTRE DAME | LB11 | OB | ||
| FLEMING, JAMELL | OKLAHOMA | DB14 | DC | ||
| FLOYD, MICHAEL | NOTRE DAME | WO14 | WO | ||
| FOLES, NICK | ARIZONA | QB05 | QB | ||
| * | FORSTON, MARCUS | MIAMI-FL | DL16 | DT | |
| FRANCIS, JUSTIN | RUTGERS | DL17 | DE | ||
| FREDERICK, TERRENCE | TEXAS A&M | DB15 | DC | ||
| FULLER, JEFFREY | JEFF | TEXAS A&M | WO15 | WO | |
| GALIPPO, CHRIS | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | LB12 | IB | ||
| GANAWAY, TERRANCE | BAYLOR | RB09 | OH | ||
| GERHART, GARTH | ARIZONA ST | OL16 | OC | ||
| GETTIS, ADAM | IOWA | OL17 | OG | ||
| * | GILMORE, STEPHON | SOUTH CAROLINA | DB16 | DC | |
| * | GIVENS, CHRIS | WAKE FOREST | WO16 | WO | |
| GLENN, CORDY | GEORGIA | OL18 | OT | ||
| GOODE, NAJEE | WEST VIRGINIA | LB13 | IB | ||
| GRAHAM, TREVOR | T J | NORTH CAROLINA ST | WO17 | WO | |
| GRAY, CYRUS | TEXAS A&M | RB10 | OH | ||
| GRAY, JONAS | NOTRE DAME | RB11 | OH | ||
| GREEN, LADARIUS | LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE | TE06 | TE | ||
| GREENE, A J | AUBURN | OL19 | OT | ||
| * | GRIFFIN, ROBERT | BAYLOR | QB06 | QB | |
| GUY, WINSTON | KENTUCKY | DB17 | SS | ||
| GUYTON, TREVOR | CALIFORNIA | DL18 | DE | ||
| HAMILTON, DOMINIQUE | DOM | MISSOURI | DL19 | DT | |
| * | HAMPTON, JEWEL | SOUTHERN ILLINOIS | RB12 | OH | |
| HANKS, DARIUS | ALABAMA | WO18 | WO | ||
| HANNA, JAMES | OKLAHOMA | TE07 | TE | ||
| HARKEY, CORY | UCLA | TE08 | TE | ||
| HARNISH, CHANDLER | NORTHERN ILLINOIS | QB07 | QB | ||
| * | HARRIS, CLIFF | OREGON | DB18 | DC | |
| HARRIS, DAJOHN | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | DL20 | DT | ||
| HARRIS, JACORY | MIAMI-FL | QB08 | QB | ||
| HARRIS, JOSHUA | JOSH | AUBURN | ST01 | LS | |
| HARRIS, MIKE | FLORIDA ST | DB19 | DC | ||
| HAYWARD, CASEY | VANDERBILT | DB20 | DC | ||
| HEMINGWAY, KENNETH | JUNIOR | MICHIGAN | WO19 | WO | |
| HERRON, DANIEL | DAN | OHIO ST | RB13 | OH | |
| HICKS, AKIEM | REGINA | DL21 | DE | ||
| * | HIGHTOWER, QUALIN | DONT'A | ALABAMA | LB14 | IB |
| * | HILL, STEPHEN | GEORGIA TECH | WO20 | WO | |
| * | HILLMAN, RONNIE | SAN DIEGO ST | RB14 | OH | |
| HILTON, EUGENE | T Y | FLORIDA INT | WO21 | WO | |
| HOLMES, LAMAR | SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI | OL20 | OT | ||
| * | HOSLEY, JAYRON | VIRGINIA TECH | DB21 | DC | |
| HOWARD, JERRY | JAYE | FLORIDA | DL22 | DT | |
| HOWELL, DELANO | STANFORD | DB22 | SS | ||
| HUGHES, JOHN | CINCINNATI | DL23 | DT | ||
| IGWENAGU, UCHECHUKWU | EMIL | MASSACHUSETTS-AMHERST | TE09 | HB | |
| IHENACHO, DUKE | SAN JOSE ST | DB23 | SS | ||
| ILOKA, GEORGE | BOISE ST | DB24 | FS | ||
| INGRAM, MELVIN | SOUTH CAROLINA | DL24 | DE | ||
| IRVIN, BRUCE | WEST VIRGINIA | DL25 | DE | ||
| JACKSON, ASA | ACE | CAL POLY ST | DB25 | DC | |
| * | JACKSON, JANZEN | MCNEESE ST | DB26 | FS | |
| JACKSON, JERRELL | MISSOURI | WO22 | WO | ||
| JACKSON, MALIK | TENNESSEE | DL26 | DT | ||
| * | JAMES, LAMICHAEL | OREGON | RB15 | OH | |
| JARRETT, JAMAAR | ARIZONA ST | DL27 | DE | ||
| JEFFERSON, JORDAN | LOUISIANA ST | QB09 | QB | ||
| * | JEFFERY, ALSHON | SOUTH CAROLINA | WO23 | WO | |
| JENKINS, ALFRED | A J | ILLINOIS | WO24 | WO | |
| JENKINS, JANORIS | NORTH ALABAMA | DB27 | DC | ||
| JOHNSON, CAMERON | CAM | VIRGINIA | DL28 | DE | |
| JOHNSON, JAMES-MICHAEL | NEVADA | LB15 | IB | ||
| JOHNSON, LEONARD | IOWA ST | DB28 | DC | ||
| JOHNSON, RISHAW | CAL U-PENN | OL21 | OG | ||
| JOHNSON, STEVEN | KANSAS | LB16 | IB | ||
| JOHNSON, TRUMAINE | MONTANA | DB29 | DC | ||
| JONES, BENJAMIN | BEN | GEORGIA | OL22 | OC | |
| * | JONES, CHANDLER | SYRACUSE | DL29 | DE | |
| JONES, DWIGHT | NORTH CAROLINA | WO25 | WO | ||
| JONES, JEREMY | J J | WAYNE ST-MI | DB30 | DC | |
| JONES, MARCEL | NEBRASKA | OL23 | OT | ||
| JONES, MARVIN | MARV | CALIFORNIA | WO26 | WO | |
| JUDIE, CORYELL | TEXAS A&M | DB31 | DC | ||
| KADDU, JOSHUA | JOSH | OREGON | LB17 | OB | |
| * | KALIL, MATT | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | OL24 | OT | |
| KEARSE, JERMAINE | WASHINGTON | WO27 | WO | ||
| KEENUM, CASEY | CASE | HOUSTON | QB10 | QB | |
| KELEMETE, SENIO | WASHINGTON | OL25 | OT | ||
| KENDRICKS, MARVIN | MYCHAL | CALIFORNIA | LB18 | IB | |
| * | KIRKPATRICK, D'ANDRE | DRE | ALABAMA | DB32 | DC |
| * | KONZ, PETER | WISCONSIN | OL26 | OC | |
| * | KUECHLY, LUKE | BOSTON COLLEGE | LB19 | IB | |
| KUHN, MARKUS | NORTH CAROLINA ST | DL30 | DT | ||
| LEARY, RONALD | MEMPHIS | OL27 | OT | ||
| LERIBEUS, JOSH | SMU | OL28 | OG | ||
| * | LEWIS, RONNELL | OKLAHOMA | DL31 | DE | |
| LEWIS, TRAVIS | OKLAHOMA | LB20 | IB | ||
| LINDLEY, RYAN | SAN DIEGO ST | QB11 | QB | ||
| LINDSEY, BRANDON | PITTSBURGH | DL32 | DE | ||
| LOISEAU, SHAWN | MERRIMACK | LB21 | IB | ||
| LOONEY, JOSEPH | JOE | WAKE FOREST | OL29 | OG | |
| * | LUCK, ANDREW | STANFORD | QB12 | QB | |
| LYNN, ANTHONY | D' ANTON | PENN ST | DB33 | DC | |
| * | MANNING, TERRELL | NORTH CAROLINA ST | LB22 | OB | |
| MARSHALL, BRANDON | NEVADA | LB23 | OB | ||
| MARTENS, KYLE | RICE | PK05 | PT | ||
| MARTIN, DOUGLAS | DOUG | BOISE ST | RB16 | OH | |
| * | MARTIN, JONATHAN | STANFORD | OL30 | OT | |
| MARTIN, KESHAWN | MICHIGAN ST | WO28 | WO | ||
| MARTIN, MARKELLE | OKLAHOMA ST | DB34 | FS | ||
| MARTIN, MICHAEL | MIKE | MICHIGAN | DL33 | NT | |
| MASSAQUOI, JONATHAN | TROY | DL34 | DE | ||
| * | MASSIE, BOBBY | MISSISSIPPI | OL31 | OT | |
| MATTHEWS, RISHARD | NEVADA | WO29 | WO | ||
| MAZE, MARQUIS | ALABAMA | WO30 | WO | ||
| MCCANTS, MATT | ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM | OL32 | OT | ||
| MCCLAIN, ANTOINE | CLEMSON | OL33 | OG | ||
| MCCLELLIN, SHEA | BOISE ST | DL35 | DE | ||
| MCCRAY, KELCIE | ARKANSAS ST | DB35 | SS | ||
| MCMILLIAN, JERRON | MAINE | DB36 | SS | ||
| MCNUTT, MARVIN | IOWA | WO31 | WO | ||
| MCSURDY, CALEB | MONTANA | LB24 | IB | ||
| MEATOGA, VAUGHN | HAWAII | DL36 | DT | ||
| MEGGETT, DAVIN | MARYLAND | RB17 | OH | ||
| MENZIE, DE'QUAN | ALABAMA | DB37 | DC | ||
| * | MERCILUS, WHITNEY | ILLINOIS | DL37 | DE | |
| * | MILLER, LAMAR | MIAMI-FL | RB18 | OH | |
| MILLER, RYAN | COLORADO | OL34 | OG | ||
| MINNIFIELD, CHASE | VIRGINIA | DB38 | DC | ||
| MITCHELL, CHARLES | MISSISSIPPI ST | DB39 | SS | ||
| MOLK, DAVID | MICHIGAN | OL35 | OC | ||
| MOORE, KASHIF | CONNECTICUT | WO32 | WO | ||
| MOORE, KELLEN | BOISE ST | QB13 | QB | ||
| MOORE, RENNIE | CLEMSON | DL38 | DT | ||
| MORRIS, ALFRED | FLORIDA ATLANTIC | RB19 | OH | ||
| MOSLEY, BRANDON | AUBURN | OL36 | OT | ||
| MOYE, DEREK | PENN ST | WO33 | WO | ||
| NIELSEN, TYLER | IOWA | LB25 | OB | ||
| NIX, LUCAS | LUKE | PITTSBURGH | OL37 | OG | |
| NORMAN, JOSHUA | JOSH | COASTAL CAROLINA | DB40 | DC | |
| NORTMAN, BRADLEY | BRAD | WISCONSIN | PK06 | PT | |
| OGLESBY, JOSHUA | JOSH | WISCONSIN | OL38 | OT | |
| OSEMELE, KELECHI | IOWA ST | OL39 | OT | ||
| * | OSWEILER, BROCK | ARIZONA ST | QB14 | QB | |
| OWUSU, CHRIS | STANFORD | WO34 | WO | ||
| * | PAGE, ERIC | TOLEDO | WO35 | WO | |
| * | PAIGE-MOSS, DONTE | NORTH CAROLINA | DL39 | DE | |
| PAULSON, DAVID | OREGON | TE10 | TE | ||
| PEAD, ISAIAH | CINCINNATI | RB20 | OH | ||
| PELLERIN, MICAH | HAMPTON | DB41 | DC | ||
| * | PERRY, NICK | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | DL40 | DE | |
| PETERSON, DEANGELO | LOUISIANA ST | TE11 | TE | ||
| * | PIERCE, BERNARD | TEMPLE | RB21 | OH | |
| PLEASANT, EDWARD | EDDIE | OREGON | DB42 | SS | |
| * | POE, DONTARI | MEMPHIS | DL41 | DT | |
| POLK, CHRISTOPHER | CHRIS | WASHINGTON | RB22 | OH | |
| POOLE, TAUREN | TENNESSEE | RB23 | OH | ||
| POSEY, DEVIER | OHIO ST | WO36 | WO | ||
| POTTER, NATHANIEL | NATE | BOISE ST | OL40 | OT | |
| POWELL, CHAZ | PENN ST | DB43 | DC | ||
| POWELL, SHAWN | FLORIDA ST | PK07 | PT | ||
| POWELL, TYDREKE | NORTH CAROLINA | DL42 | DT | ||
| PRATER, SHAUN | IOWA | DB44 | DC | ||
| PRESLEY, DE'ANDRE | APPALACHIAN ST | DB45 | DC | ||
| PROVO, NICOLAS | NICK | SYRACUSE | TE12 | TE | |
| QUARLES, CYHL | WAKE FOREST | DB46 | SS | ||
| QUICK, BRIAN | APPALACHIAN ST | WO37 | WO | ||
| RAINEY, CHRISTOPHER | CHRIS | FLORIDA | RB24 | OH | |
| RANDALL, KHEESTON | TEXAS | DL43 | NT | ||
| * | RANDLE, RUEBEN | LOUISIANA ST | WO38 | WO | |
| REED, ANTWUAN | PITTSBURGH | DB47 | DC | ||
| * | REIFF, RILEY | IOWA | OL41 | OT | |
| RELIFORD, XIANGDRE | BEAU | FLORIDA ST | TE13 | TE | |
| REYES, KENDALL | CONNECTICUT | DL44 | DT | ||
| REYNOLDS, MATTHEW | MATT | BRIGHAM YOUNG | OL42 | OT | |
| RICHARDSON, SEANDRE | SEAN | VANDERBILT | DB48 | SS | |
| * | RICHARDSON, TRENT | ALABAMA | RB25 | OH | |
| ROBERTSON, TRAVIAN | SOUTH CAROLINA | DL45 | DT | ||
| * | ROBINSON, JOSHUA | JOSH | CENTRAL FLORIDA | DB49 | DC |
| ROBINSON, KEENAN | TEXAS | LB26 | OB | ||
| ROBINSON, LA'DIVIOSIA | GERELL | ARIZONA ST | WO39 | WO | |
| ROBINSON, TRENTON | TRENT | MICHIGAN ST | DB50 | FS | |
| RODGERS, JAMES | OREGON ST | WO40 | WO | ||
| RODRIGUEZ, EVAN | TEMPLE | TE14 | HB | ||
| ROY, BRETT | NEVADA | DL46 | DT | ||
| SANDERS, ZEBRIE | FLORIDA ST | OL43 | OT | ||
| * | SANU, MOHAMED | RUTGERS | WO41 | WO | |
| SAULSBERRY, QUENTIN | MISSISSIPPI ST | OL44 | OG | ||
| SCHWARTZ, MITCHELL | CALIFORNIA | OL45 | OT | ||
| * | SCOTT, DARRELL | SOUTH FLORIDA | RB26 | OH | |
| SENSABAUGH, COTY | CLEMSON | DB51 | DC | ||
| SHELBY, DERRICK | UTAH | DL47 | DE | ||
| SILATOLU, AMINIASI | AMINI | MIDWESTERN ST | OL46 | OT | |
| SMITH, HARRISON | NOTRE DAME | DB52 | FS | ||
| SMITH, JACQUIES | MISSOURI | DL48 | DE | ||
| SOLOMON, SCOTT | RICE | DL49 | DE | ||
| SPENCE, SEAN-RYAN | SEAN | MIAMI-FL | LB27 | OB | |
| STAHOVICH, BRIAN | SAN DIEGO ST | PK08 | PT | ||
| STEED, RYAN | FURMAN | DB53 | DC | ||
| STEPHENSON, DONALD | OKLAHOMA | OL47 | OT | ||
| STILL, DEVON | PENN ST | DL50 | DT | ||
| * | STREETER, TOMMY | MIAMI-FL | WO42 | WO | |
| STUPAR, STEPHEN | NATHAN | PENN ST | LB28 | OB | |
| SWEEZY, JUSTIN | J R | NORTH CAROLINA ST | DL51 | DT | |
| TA'AMU, ALAMEDA | WASHINGTON | DL52 | DT | ||
| TANNEHILL, RYAN | TEXAS A&M | QB15 | QB | ||
| TAYLOR, BRANDON | LOUISIANA ST | DB54 | SS | ||
| TEGGART, DAVID | DAVE | CONNECTICUT | PK09 | PK | |
| * | THOMAS, DARRON | OREGON | QB16 | QB | |
| * | THOMAS, JOHNNY | OKLAHOMA ST | DB55 | FS | |
| * | THOMAS, PHILLIP | SYRACUSE | DB56 | FS | |
| THOMPSON, BRANDON | CLEMSON | DL53 | DT | ||
| THOMPSON, CHRISTIAN | SOUTH CAROLINA ST | DB57 | FS | ||
| TILLER, ANDREW | SYRACUSE | OL48 | OG | ||
| TOON, NICHOLAS | NICK | WISCONSIN | WO43 | WO | |
| TREVATHAN, DANIEL | DANNY | KENTUCKY | LB29 | OB | |
| TROUTMAN, JOHNNIE | PENN ST | OL49 | OG | ||
| TUPOU, CHRISTIAN | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | DL54 | NT | ||
| TURBIN, ROBERT | UTAH ST | RB27 | OH | ||
| TYLER, MARC | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA | RB28 | OH | ||
| TYSON, DEANGELO | GEORGIA | DL55 | DE | ||
| UPSHAW, COURTNEY | ALABAMA | LB30 | OB | ||
| * | VERNON, OLIVIER | MIAMI-FL | DL56 | DE | |
| WADE, TREVIN | ARIZONA | DB58 | DC | ||
| WAGNER, BOBBY | UTAH ST | LB31 | IB | ||
| WALDRON, DUSTIN | PORTLAND ST | OL50 | OT | ||
| WALSH, BLAIR | GEORGIA | PK10 | PK | ||
| * | WASHINGTON, BRANDON | MIAMI-FL | OL51 | OT | |
| WATKINS, ROKEVIOUS | SOUTH CAROLINA | OL52 | OT | ||
| WEEDEN, BRANDON | OKLAHOMA ST | QB17 | QB | ||
| WHITE, COREY | SAMFORD | DB59 | DC | ||
| WHITE, JORDAN | WESTERN MICHIGAN | WO44 | WO | ||
| WHITEHEAD, TAHIR | TEMPLE | LB32 | OB | ||
| WHITTAKER, FOSWHITT | FOZZY | TEXAS | RB29 | OH | |
| WIGGS, CARSON | PURDUE | PK11 | PK | ||
| WILBER, KYLE | WAKE FOREST | LB33 | OB | ||
| * | WILSON, DAVID | VIRGINIA TECH | RB30 | OH | |
| WILSON, RUSSELL | WISCONSIN | QB18 | QB | ||
| WINN, WILLIAM | BILLY | BOISE ST | DL57 | DT | |
| WITT, PATRICK | YALE | QB19 | QB | ||
| WOLFE, DEREK | CINCINNATI | DL58 | DT | ||
| * | WORTHY, JEREL | MICHIGAN ST | DL59 | DT | |
| WRIGHT, JARIUS | ARKANSAS | WO45 | WO | ||
| WRIGHT, KENDALL | BAYLOR | WO46 | WO | ||
| WYLIE, DEVON | FRESNO ST | WO47 | WO | ||
| WYNN, DESMOND | RUTGERS | OL53 | OG | ||
| ZEITLER, KEVIN | WISCONSIN | OL54 | OG | ||
| ZUSEVICS, MARKUS | IOWA | OL55 | OT |
Now, to the theme of "Pet Sounds"...
Meet our Emeritus GK Brizer's new Eagles mascot, "L.J.", a Doberman mix who is our latest symbol of "Boy Dog" energy and determination for the 2012 edition of the Philadelphia Eagles:
In a few months time and with the proper training by the Brizer household, L.J. will be playing Cover 2 safety and will look more like this:
Oh yeah... that's what I'm talkin' about... Try to throw underneath the zone against this guy...attention must be paid!
Though I know the Brizer family still misses their beloved yet deceased old canine buddy, the arrival of L.J. symbolizes a new beginning to the Eagles quest for championship glory. For the first time in many a season, I sense the Eagles are going on the attack defensively as a matter of prime focus. No longer will they foolishly rely upon the MM offense to score 30 points a game and wash away defensive responsibility... No longer will the defense be given a "get-out-of-jail" card with the excuse it is still "learning as it goes"...
No-- the Eagles defense is on the clock in 2012... the pressure to excel is already put into place... We are going to be a defense-led team again, come hell or high water...and this is Andy Reid's final mandate. And what better symbol to elect for the resurgence of an attacking defense than young L.J., Brizer's prize Doberman?
Exceptional intelligence is not an exaggeration when describing a Doberman. If given proper care, training, and attention, the Doberman has the capacity to amaze you with intelligence. They have been used as working dogs by the military and law enforcement for many years because of their superior mental ability. The Doberman rates very high in learning ability, particularly in the area of basic obedience. When given proper (and hopefully –early) training, the Doberman easily masters the basic commands of sit, stay, and down. They are also capable of signaling the need to go outside to relieve themselves or when they are hungry. As the Doberman matures, its intelligence and interactive personality can be a source of great pleasure and happiness. They have a sense of humor, wonderfully expressive faces and a curiosity that will make you laugh and love them more than you can imagine.The physical prowess of the Doberman has been widely popularized. They are sleek, graceful, and powerful dogs. Their body is very lean and muscular.Dobermans also like to play fetch, although they will often tauntingly and playfully challenge you to try and get the ball or stick back. Tug-of-war is also a favorite game.
The above description of the well-trained Doberman summarizes all the qualities I want in an Eagles linebacker or safety...
Here, we see Mrs. Brizer running L.J. through some preliminary gap coverage and lane contain drills prior to OTA's...
But to remain consistent to the Eagles' offensive philosophy of a supremely athletic and opportunistic grouping of high-score potential, I hold on to the ideal that cat-like qualities are more of what we need on "O"... Guys like DJax, Maclin, Vick, Shady, and Avant must be ready for the Year of The Cat...
My athletic, apple-head Siamese cat "Phoebe" is nicknamed Ochocinco for a good reason... she can catch anything you throw at her from any wide-receiver formation... she doesn't drop it...and she can take a hit. And the yards-after-catch are a major bonus.
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Changing the subject from the Giants' big win--- I'm sitting here in the Neptune Lounge beneath that big neon Eagles sign, nursing a rum and coke, and the phone rings--- it's my old cousin "Carl the Tipper" calling to tell me to check out the latest odds for the 2013 Super Bowl... MGM Grand in Vegas just released the numbers...
Anything sounded better than further analysis of the 2011 season or the 2012 Super Bowl just concluded. So I went to the Tipper's site and downloaded the Vegas odds for picking the winner of next year's Super Bowl...
| Odds to win the 2013 Super Bowl XLVII | Odds |
| All wagers have action. | |
| Arizona Cardinals | 30/1 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 22/1 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 14/1 |
| Buffalo Bills | 60/1 |
| Carolina Panthers | 50/1 |
| Chicago Bears | 30/1 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 40/1 |
| Cleveland Browns | 100/1 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 18/1 |
| Denver Broncos | 50/1 |
| Detroit Lions | 18/1 |
| Green Bay Packers | 6/1 |
| Houston Texans | 12/1 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 50/1 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 100/1 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 50/1 |
| Miami Dolphins | 35/1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 75/1 |
| New England Patriots | 7/1 |
| New Orleans Saints | 17/2 |
| New York Giants | 15/1 |
| New York Jets | 16/1 |
| Oakland Raiders | 50/1 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 12/1 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 12/1 |
| San Diego Chargers | 16/1 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 16/1 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 60/1 |
| St. Louis Rams | 75/1 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 75/1 |
| Tennessee Titans | 40/1 |
| Washington Redskins | 60/1 |
Interesting... Vegas sets the Eagles' odds at 12 to 1, and makes the Giants even more of a long shot to repeat at 15 to 1.
Most bookmakers will release their Super Bowl odds in February of each year, right after the Super Bowl of the prior season is completed. Thus, the initial odds are primarily based on the results of the previous year. Once the first odds are released, there will be various shifts in the odds during the spring and summer based upon personnel changes for each team. The free agency period can also turn the fortunes of several teams in the offseason. The NFL Draft in April is closely monitored, and coaching changes can certainly lead to shifts in the odds.
During the offseason, the Super Bowl odds are based on speculation. After all, the actual teams have yet to play a game. Once the season begins, the odds have a deeper rooted foundation because bettors can evaluate the teams on the field each week. It is during the regular season when the odds will fluctuate the most as teams move up and down, like stocks, depending on their perceived value.
Big Super Bowl long-shots are tougher to find
The appeal of Super Bowl betting involves the favorable odds of these wagers compared to the 10/11 odds of football point spread bets. It wasn’t uncommon to find teams at odds of 200/1 before the start of the season in the recent past. However, these kind of odds have basically disappeared since the 1999 St. Louis Rams and 2001 New England Patriots ended up winning Super Bowls after being in the 200/1 range at certain points during their championship seasons.
Still, some teams are priced in the 100/1 range prior to each season. These favorable football odds can attract serious professional gamblers and casual sports fans who want to take a shot with their favorite team.
A good bet for the house....The Super Bowl pool is usually a favorable bet for the house. There are 32 wagering options but only one winner. Because money is pumped into the pool on a year-round basis, online sportsbooks have plenty of opportunities to adjust the odds in their favor. If certain teams are getting bet too heavily, there odds can be adjusted to a lower payout to make the clubs a less favorable wager. In addition, teams that aren’t getting much support can have their odds adjusted to a higher payout to lure in more wagers.
Other types of bets available to wager upon right now at the MGM Grand Casino...
| Football - NFL Player Props | All Times Eastern |
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| "Check back soon, these lines update often." |
Welp, you get the picture. You can bet on almost anything in football right now. Odds on DeSean Jackson being franchise-tagged by the Eagles ?--- just ask the MGM Grand guys in Vegas...
The funny thing is, I rarely get around to actually placing a bet on any of these offseason wager concepts. But it's what, two more weeks before the Combine scouting activities begin...no real-life football until then ?... Maybe I'll actually put down a wager this week just to keep things interesting...
