Philadelphia Eagles news and links for 3/14/17.

Let's get to the Philadelphia Eagles links ...

If Dalvin Cook is available, Eagles should take him and draft CB later - CSN Philly
I know the argument: You don't draft running backs in the first round. The NFL is a passing league. You can find serviceable running backs later in the draft. Sometimes you can find really good ones. LeSean McCoy was a second-round pick. Brian Westbrook was a third. Wilbert Montgomery was still there in the sixth round. It is a mistake to draft one high. That is the conventional wisdom but I think it is about to change. Last year Jerry Jones was widely criticized for using the fourth overall pick to select Zeke Elliott, a running back from Ohio State. Of course, all Elliott did was lead the league in rushing (1,631 yards) and dramatically reshape the Dallas offense. The Cowboys went 13-3 with a first-year quarterback, Dak Prescott, and the rest of the league took notice. Elliott was the only running back chosen in the first round last year.

Eagles host Alabama linebacker on pre-draft visit - BGN
From late last night.

Ezekiel Elliott pulls down woman’s top at parade - PFT
Elliott, who remains under investigation for domestic violence allegations made against him last year, pulled at the top of a woman and exposed her breast in an incident that was captured on video during a St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Per TMZ, one of Elliott’s representatives claims it was “all in good fun” and that the “woman wasn’t upset.” Whether the woman whose clothing was partially removed in a public place by Elliott is upset doesn’t matter. Whether the league office views the behavior in a negative way does. If the folks at 345 Park Avenue trying to sift through the evidence are still undecided on whether to believe Elliott or the woman who has accused him of five incident of domestic violence in a six-day period, this is the kind of thing that could break the tie under the very low “more likely than not” standard of evidence.

Chasing Nick - Iggles Blitz
There is no question the Eagles are tight against the cap and this is going to be a challenging offseason because of that. At the same time, the Eagles are outstanding when it comes to the cap and contracts so I trust them to work through this. The key thing to remember is this…every weakness, hole or issue isn’t getting settled this offseason. And that’s okay. The Eagles are building something. That takes time. They have the franchise QB. The other stuff can be worked on.

The Eagles Should Take a Page Out of Hinkie’s Playbook and Still Draft Sidney Jones - Philly Football Talk
Sidney Jones, in my estimation, is the second best corner in this draft behind Marshon Lattimore. I was fully preparing for the Eagles to take Jones at 14 and you know what? I think the Eagles were too. He fits what they’re looking for. He keeps everything in front of him, he’s a dog, he’s got great length and great ball skills. I fully believe that he was going to be the pick if he made it to 14. Now, I think it would be wise for the Eagles to take Jones in the second round. Yes, Jones won’t help the team this year, but it’s not about this year, it’s about taking a chance on the upside and Jones has all the makings of being a #1 corner in this league. I’ll patiently wait a year, draft a stud at 14, take Jones in the second and go from there.

Eagles try to erase the Chase Daniel mistake - Inquirer
The Eagles will save at least $1 million by waiving him, but they could be on the hook for as much as $7 million in dead money in 2017. Daniel may have agreed to restructure his contract to facilitate his release. And there is offset language in his deal that would allow the Eagles to recoup some of his base salary, but he isn't likely to get a large contract from a new team, and the relief may not come until 2018. Once again: Oops. Roseman ultimately shoulders responsibility for the Daniel signing. The offseason is his domain. But Pederson authored the initial decision to have the quarterback follow him from Kansas City. He often compared Daniel to his circumstances as Donovan McNabb's placeholder, especially after Wentz was drafted.

Nick Foles signing signals end of Chase Daniel with Eagles - ESPN
What’s the risk? There were some questions during Foles' first stint with the Eagles about whether he was wired to be the front man in an intense sports market like Philadelphia. He seems pretty well-suited for this role, though, as a veteran voice in the quarterback room who could step in for a couple of games if Wentz is unavailable. Removing one of Wentz's mentors in Daniel is a mild risk, but Wentz has a strong support system in the building and should be fine.

Bears just fine with Alshon Jeffery signing Eagles’ one-year deal - Chicago Sun Times
The structure of Jeffery’s deal is rooted in concerns that the Eagles, Bears and other teams had with committing to a player with availability issues. But general manager Ryan Pace didn’t seem bothered that the Bears’ best playmaker from last season settled for a one-year, prove-it deal. “I wouldn’t say it was a disappointment to us, no,” Pace said. “It just didn’t work out. I wish him the best. I wish Philly the best. We’re moving forward.”

Free Agency’s First Days: Making Sense of All the Movement - The MMQB
Smith is fast but too stiff to run anything other than straight go routes and the occasional slow-developing comebacker or dig. He’s little more than a No. 4. (Expect him to edge out Nelson Agholor for this role.) Jeffery is a different story. He’s a big body with speed and bendability. In other words, he’s a polished Dorial Green-Beckham. The question is how well can he fit a quick-strike game? The Eagles prefer to get the ball out on three-step dropbacks.

2017 NFL Draft: Trading down might make sense for Eagles - NJ.com
Outside of Humphrey, however, it is hard to see a player worth taking at No. 14 that would be more beneficial to the franchise than exploring a trade back. After Humphrey, there is not much separation between the next group of cornerbacks. Florida's Jalen Tabor, USC's Adoree Jackson, LSU's Tre'Davious White and Florida's Quincy Wilson all have great potential, but it is hard to say one is considerably better than the other. The Eagles could likely get their hands on one, if not all of them in the 20's, as opposed to No. 14.

Chiefs sign free agent DT Bennie Logan - Arrowhead Pride
Interesting. I'm guessing this isn't much money if it's one year. The Chiefs don't have much anyway. He was drafted by the Eagles in 2013 - after Andy Reid left. He went to LSU (because of course he did ... The Chiefs and their history with LSU defensive linemen). This looks like the guy that will help replace Poe. Maybe he's not a 900 snap a season guy like Poe but it's a start.

LA Rams Sign DB Kayvon Webster - Turf Show Times
Eagles had interest, but no cigar. Dang.

Chargers have released LT King Dunlap - Bolts From The Blue
The former Eagles draft pick is a free agent.

DeMarcus Ware announces retirement - Mile High Report
Used to be a problem for the Eagles when they played for the Cowboys. Now the future Hall of Famer is calling it quits.

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50 prospects for 2017 NFL Draft 3.0 - NFL.com
17) White started all four years at cornerback for the Tigers. He has average size and bulk for the position. In my opinion, he is one of the most improved players in this draft class. He made big strides from 2015 to 2016. He is very physical in press coverage and he's shown the ability to match up with tight ends when necessary. He is a fluid athlete, but there are some concerns with his deep speed. In zone coverage, he is outstanding. He has a quick pedal with outstanding route recognition and anticipation. He arrives in time to make plays on the ball or deliver big hits. I love his aggressiveness. He does have a bad habit of getting a little handsy when the ball is in the air; that can be fixed. He is very aggressive and reliable in run support. Overall, White is trending in the right direction and his best football is ahead of him.

Malcolm Butler, a Super Bowl hero, is the latest victim of the Patriot Way - SB Nation
No single player is ever that important to the Patriots, not even the hero of Super Bowl 49.

...

Social Media Information:

BGN Facebook Page: Click here to like our page

BGN Twitter: Follow @BleedingGreen

BGN Radio Twitter: Follow @BGN_Radio

BGN Radio Facebook: Click here to like our page

BGN Radio Patreon: Support the show!

BGN Manager: Brandon Lee Gowton: Follow @BrandonGowton