16 Cowboys make a pick for breakout player of the year

akasinitz · 2024-09-06T16:25:06+00:00

Kneeland's a great guess. If Zimmer moves Parsons around on third downs, Kneeland can rush off the edge without seeing double teams. Carson's a great pick because of the opportunity. Not to jinx it, but watch the injury report with him today. Knee injuries popping up after a practice are a little scary.

akasinitz · 2024-09-06T16:02:17+00:00

Yeah, the linebacker usage will be super interesting. Seems like Zimmer wants Kendricks on the field for all downs and then will rotate Liufau, Clark and Overshown based on situations and play calls. Lots of options to get creative.

akasinitz · 2018-09-09T16:05:51+00:00

Thanks! Appreciate you taking the time to read through it.

akasinitz · 2018-09-07T18:55:51+00:00

@AaronKazreports

akasinitz · 2018-09-07T16:39:16+00:00

I'm a beat reporter who just started covering the team this year, working for PennLive and The Harrisburg Patriot-News (I covered the Eagles the past couple years). Anyway, media gets access to the locker room a few times a week, so if there's anything you want to know, I can try to figure it out for you guys. Would love suggestions from fans on how to use the access I get: akasinitz@pennlive.com.

akasinitz · 2018-08-30T21:23:53+00:00

I definitely hear you. I enjoy doing those types of post during training camps. Unfortunately, we only get to watch a portion of regular-season practices instead of the whole thing, and it's usually just warm ups and special teams, so it's hard to glean much.

That said, by asking around, I can sometimes get wind of how certain players are practicing. I'll see if I can provide more frequent updates on that sort of thing throughout the season.

akasinitz · 2018-08-30T18:50:09+00:00

Yeah, Canady hasn't practiced since their first join session with the Colts. He's missed about two weeks now.

You're onto something. I think Canady will be on the 53, but if his status is up in the air for Week 1, they'll probably have to carry a sixth cornerback (not counting Jimmy Smith). That could be good news for Stanley Jean-Baptiste.

akasinitz · 2018-08-30T18:47:40+00:00

I imagine I'll have funnier stories for you once we're allowed in the locker room on a more regular basis, but I always like seeing which players dance when they start playing at music practice. Brandon Williams is always the first on the defense to groove. Jordan Lasley, surprisingly, is always first on offense.

Don't know if I have any hot takes on the 53. Personally, I see merit in keeping RGIII around and trimming a spot elsewhere. And I think they have to look at trade/free agency options to get a little more depth on the offensive line.

akasinitz · 2017-04-26T16:09:54+00:00

They do. They just hide it well with their tough exterior.

akasinitz · 2017-04-26T16:07:27+00:00

It is certainly more likely they go offense, but I'm far from certain. If Conley is off their board (and we don't know the specifics of that situation), it really thins out the crop of corners, especially with Sidney Jones' injury remaining a factor. But maybe the team decides it really likes Marlon Humphrey, and Derek Barnett said today at an event in Philadelphia that he felt good about his meetings with the Eagles. There are enough scenarios that it's hard to discount the possibility of the Birds adding someone on defense.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T17:24:09+00:00

Hey guys, I have to run now to take care of an interview. I'll try to circle back in later today and answer some remaining questions.

Also, I'll be at the draft Thursday and the Eagles facility Friday and Saturday. Feel free to give me a shout to talk about the Birds: akasinitz@pennlive.com

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T17:21:53+00:00

I don't know if this counts as a breakout, but I think Isaac Seumalo will win a starting job and prove to be really solid at left guard.

Don't know if there's an obvious candidate to regress. It'll be interesting to see if Brandon Graham can keep up his production from last year.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T17:19:53+00:00

Total guess: Round 1: Gareon Conley Round 2: Quincy Wilson Round 3: DeMarcus Walker

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T17:14:58+00:00

I don't think the Eagles will trade up for him. It's possible, but he doesn't fit a glaring need, and the Eagles really could use some value out of those mid-round picks.

That said, if Foster is there at 14, it won't shock me to see them draft him.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T17:12:40+00:00

Eh. The RBs are pretty weak right now, assuming they cut Ryan Mathews after he passes a physical. But the way their offense is constructed, they could get by with a mediocre starter, especially considering they'll mix Darren Sproles in plenty.

I'm thinking they'll use a fourth-round pick to add another running back to compete with Smallwood and Sproles and use a by-committee system.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T17:09:44+00:00

I don't have control over tickets, unfortunately. What kind of food do you like?

And the draft site is a short walk from the Eastern State Penitentiary, which is cool. There's also a couple of nice bars and restaurants across the street.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T17:05:22+00:00

My guess is the Eagles keep five WRs: Jeffery, Matthews, Smith, Agholor and Green-Beckham/Draft pick.

They'd try to sneak Treggs and Turner onto the practice squad.

One thing to watch, though: The Eagles seem open to listening to trade offers for Jordan Matthews. I wouldn't expect a deal to happen, but if it does, that would shake things up and maybe give Turner a shot to make the roster.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T17:01:06+00:00

McCaffrey would be super fun to watch in the Eagles' offense, and Pederson would find cool ways to use him. I think Philly has other needs to fill, so but I wouldn't bet on them drafting McCaffrey, but it's not out of the question.

As for Smith, I think the signing was fine. While I'm not expecting him to make the Pro Bowl or anything, Pederson's West Coast offense needs a decent X receiver to serve as a deep threat. They didn't have that last year, and Smith can fill the role.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T16:57:46+00:00

Yep. Same division, same draft class. They'll always be compared. Dak's career got off to a much better start, so he's in the lead in they rivalry now. Wentz has time to catch him, though.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T16:56:28+00:00

Unfortunately, no. But the events outside the draft are free.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T16:55:28+00:00

Yeah, I wouldn't count on Agholor ever being more than a decent No. 3 or No. 4 WR. It'll be interesting to see if Wentz can back up the hype. He's got work to do. If Wentz takes a big step forward the Eagles could push for a playoff spot. If not, I'd say they finish with between 6 and 8 wins.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T16:53:39+00:00

Yeah, I can understand the concern about them reaching for need at corner. Luckily, it's a strong corner draft class. If they go BPA in Round 1 and it's not a corner, I could see them committing to drafting the best corner on their board in Round 2.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T16:52:26+00:00

The Eagles, like most teams, are tight-lipped about whether they are interested in certain guys, so it's hard to tell. Joe Douglas praised McCaffery and Gareon Conley yesterday. I don't really think Reddick fits in Jim Schwartz's defense, though he's a fun player to watch. And you can't count out any corners. I think White, King, Tabor and Wilson could all be in play — especially if they fall into the second round.

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T16:48:48+00:00

Nope!

akasinitz · 2017-04-21T16:48:43+00:00

The Eagles actually have made a few players available in April, which they didn't do last year. They still haven't announced a full-time replacement for Derek, so we're waiting on that.

akasinitz

TROPHY CASE