Weekend Reading: Foles, Senior Bowl Studs

A few links to pass along to get you through the weekend.

Tedy Bruschi unveiled his second annual  “All-Bruschi Team,” which recognizes some of the less-heralded players that are “flag carriers you need in order to win games.” Nick Foles is his quarterback.

Foles was the most efficient quarterback in the NFL this year. He led the league in passer rating and passing yards per attempt, and he threw only two interceptions. This is no dink-and-dunk quarterback; he will take you deep and make you pay. Foles led the Eagles to the NFC East title despite entering the year knowing Michael Vick was the starter. Once Vick went down, Foles stepped in and didn’t look back. The Eagles might have found their franchise quarterback.

Josh Norris of Rotoworld ranks the participants in the Senior Bowl, taking into account not just their performance in Mobile but their overall body of work as well. A few that might be of interest to Eagles fans:

Slot Receivers

1. Robert Herron, Wyoming – Herron is extremely slippery from the slot, and if the defensive back fails to get a hand on the receiver, he will only generate more separation. Herron did have a few drops earlier in the week, but this was not an issue at Wyoming.

Interior Defensive Linemen

1a. Will Sutton, Arizona State – Weight is still a major part of the discussion when bringing up Sutton’s game. I still think it has been used as a bit of a crutch for critics, but his balance has been worse this season. After speaking with someone close to Sutton, the goal is for the defensive tackle to weigh in around 305 lbs at the Combine, which would be a drop of 10 lbs from this event. Add on the fact that Sutton is very aware of this criticism, and I am not worried in the least. On the field Sutton is a technician, with each of his movements having purpose. Wrist control to lift, steps to gain the balance or angle advantage. I doubt Sutton is selected in the first-round, but interior disruption is king.

Defensive Backs

1. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois – Not only was Ward the best S at the event, he might be the best corner as well. I like his versatility to win over the slot, against tight ends, or in a traditional safety role. Ward has a good chance of being the third safety selected in May.

Pro Football Focus put out its All-NFC East team, and has Trent Cole and Brian Orakpo as its top edge defenders.

Two players used to being showered with accolades, Trent Cole and Brian Orakpo both make the All NFC East team but neither was the dominant force they have been in the past. Cole has in the past led the league in Pass Rushing Productivity but this season was only the 13th-ranked 3-4 OLB notching 51 total pressures. Orakpo fared better, ranking sixth as well as performing well against the run and making a few plays in coverage.