Eagles Draft Buzz Thread — Weekend Edition


Colt Lyerla. Courtesy of USA Today.

Colt Lyerla. Courtesy of USA Today.

Between now and the draft, we’ll have daily threads with the latest mocks, buzz and relevant links. Check back throughout the day for updates.

SUNDAY

12:29 p.m.: Brian Baldinger has the Eagles moving up to the No. 12 spot and drafting Marcus Mariota in his latest mock draft.

Once Mariota slides past the Jets, the Eagles will get on the phone to deal up and acquire their perfect match.

12:18 p.m.: Former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla is hoping for another shot at the NFL. From the Oregonian:

Shortly after leaving Oregon, Lyerla was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of cocaine. In September, just weeks after his release from Green Bay, Lyerla was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Lyerla has also made controversial remarks regarding the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and said he was promised improper benefits for attending Oregon.

In his video, Lyerla said he’s been in a substance-abuse program for more than a year and hasn’t failed a drug test over that period of time. He also said his DUI case was dismissed.

“We’re moving forward, and like an old coach I used to have, Chip Kelly, used to say: win the day,” Lyerla said. “I think I have a long string of winning days, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep that process moving forward and make an NFL 2015 roster.”

SATURDAY 2:59 p.m.: Jason Cole of Bleacher Report updates the Sam Bradford contract situation:

“Contract talks between Sam Bradford and the Philadelphia Eagles have been basically non-existent so far, for a very good reason: Talking to sources around the league and close to Bradford, basically what’s happening is Bradford is not willing to accept a substandard deal based on the injuries he suffered the past two years that kept him off the field. The reason is really obvious: he’s got a lot of money left in the bank from that $50 million signing bonus he got being the number one overall pick in 2010.

“On the other side of this, Bradford wants to play this out and see what his real value is out on the market, and assuming he can back to the levels that he showed during the early part of the 2013 season. In addition to all of that, Bradford doesn’t know where he’s going to be. Yes, he believes the Eagles are going to keep him at this point in time, trusts them, but only so far because the draft has not played out. So he believes there is still a possibility he could still be traded somewhere else. And if that’s the case, he wants to wait to see if that’s a team he ultimately wants to stay with long term.”

12:32 p.m.: The Eagles are doing all sorts of homework on CB Byron Jones. According to Tony Pauline of  Draft Insider, a number of assistants were in attendance for a UCONN workout Friday. 12:09 p.m.: Some interesting news regarding a corner prospect that has been linked to the Eagles. 

Collins (6-1, 203) was reportedly brought in for an official visit by the Eagles. Judging by his measurables and skill set, he looks like a possible fit for Billy Davis‘ scheme. The main knock on him to this point has been his lack of experience, as he only started 10 games at LSU.

Mike Mayock has Collins listed as the second-best cornerback in the draft, and many believed he would go in the first round. We’ll see how this news affects his draft stock.

11:48 a.m.: Mark Sanchez gave his take on the Tim Tebow signing. From CSN Philly:

“He’s obviously a great guy, he works hard. And we needed another guy to throw while Sam’s [Bradford] still recovering,” Sanchez said after taking batting practice at Citizens Bank Park with several of his teammates Friday. “So that’s the reason [for the signing], at least as explained to me. We’re excited about the upcoming year and I think we have a great group.”