What They’re Saying About the Eagles

Here’s a roundup of what the national media are saying about the Eagles.

Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com weighs in on the DeSean Jackson situation:

Like Harvin, Jackson has a high-maintenance personality — one that is hardly unique among NFL receivers but nevertheless requires extra care in handling. He has a habit of commenting publicly on his contract, something most teams disdain. You have to put in some work to have a smooth relationship with a Percy Harvin or a DeSean Jackson. That’s the sometimes distasteful reality of managing superstars.

The Eagles must determine whether the compensation received in a trade, combined with losing both the contract and eliminating a potential distraction, outweighs the risk of parting ways with a player as talented as Jackson. Last spring, the Vikings determined that it was, happily accepting three draft picks from the Seattle Seahawks for Harvin.

Adam Schefter of ESPN offers his thoughts on whether the trade speculation is real:

“They’re not looking to deal DeSean Jackson, but they certainly would be open if the right offer came along.

“They’re not looking to deal him, but if a team came along with an attractive offer, I’m sure Philadelphia – based on conversations with other league executives – would be willing to at least listen.”

Don Banks of SI.com has the Eagles taking Ohio State CB Bradley Roby in his latest mock draft:

The Eagles have a bunch of good choices at No. 22, but they’re all geared toward upgrading the product on defense. Roby or Virginia Tech’s Kyle Fuller would add a quality cornerback prospect, and that’s where I’m leaning after Philly stocked up at safety in free agency, adding Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Maragos and re-signing Nate Allen. But a defensive end like Missouri’s Kony Ealy or defensive tackles Ra’Shede Hageman and Louis Nix make plenty of sense as well.

Charles Davis of NFL.com has the Eagles going with Alabama inside linebacker C.J. Mosley:

An all-purpose LB who provides speed and thump needed in the NFC East.

Rob Rang of CBSSports.com also has the Eagles taking Mosley:

The Eagles took a significant step in improving upon their 30th-ranked pass defense by landing former New Orleans Saints’ safety Malcolm Jenkins but reinforcements are needed. Every team in the league is looking defenders with Mosley’s degree of toughness, versatility and leadership.

Dan Kadar of SB Nation thinks the Eagles add Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard:

Although the Eagles signed Nolan Carroll in free agency, that move shouldn’t stop them from taking a cornerback in the first round. Dennard is a physical press corner, capable of manning up against bigger receivers.

Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com has them going with Roby:

Chip Kelly, who watched Roby in person at Ohio State’s pro day last week, wants to get faster and tougher on defense and the former Buckeyes’ cornerback will help accomplish that with his natural speed and aggressive mentality.

Will Brinson of CBSSports.com likes Minnesota DL Ra’shede Hageman at No. 22:

Lot of different directions the Eagles could go, but how about we let them load up on a big body in the middle? Hageman’s a massive man who can plug some space and be versatile enough to fit what Chip Kelly wants to do on defense.

John Harris of The Sideline View lists Roby, Dennard and TCU CB Jason Verrett as options for the Eagles at No. 22:

Not sure I love a first round safety option at this point in the draft, but the CB that COULD be on the board are quite intriguing. Any of the three would more than likely start from day one. If it’s not secondary in round one, two and/or three, then it’ll be the other side of the argument – pass rusher.

SI.com’s Doug Farrar has the Eagles going with Missouri DE/OLB Kony Ealy:

Philly relied on Trent Cole and Connor Barwin for its pass rush in 2013, but defensive coordinator Bill Davis could use a physically imposing player who works well in Davis’ preferred hybrid fronts. The 6-4, 273-pound Ealy disappears at times, but he has enough quickness and overall awareness to get better, and he’s also built up a nice résumé as a deflector of passes at the line.