Draft Thoughts/Opinions less then 2 weeks away!

[xwalker]

Think of him as a poor mans Jalon Walker. His main skill set is as a pass rusher, but has the ability to play off ball on run downs. Definitely doesnt belong in the slot.

The Eagles occasionally play 3-4 vs 3 WR sets.
- The primary Nickel CB DeJean moves to outside CB.
- They have a specific LB in the 3-4 that often aligns over the slot WR.
- That LB covers the slot WR in the short area, sometimes physically impeding him.
- Basically the LB just needs to block either the inside or outside route.
- Then the other defenders in their zone coverage scheme pick up the other route option.
- The aforementioned LB is otherwise a pass rusher.

 

[Cowboyny]

Maybe, but DeJean plays outside CB in the Eagles 3-4 alignments.
- That means he has CB type coverage skills.

I think they value more of a run defender then a cover corner at the position as they will be playing a light box with two back safeties

 

[xwalker]

I think they value more of a run defender then a cover corner at the position as they will be playing a light box with two back safeties

Maybe, but when I reviewed the 2025 Eagles defense (8 games reviewed), even with DeJean some offenses started designing plays to stress him in coverage.
- DeJean's a bit of a Safety / CB hybrid.
- When offenses could force him to completely turn around, they could gain spacing on him.
- Any scheme that become popular will result in opponents designing ways to counter it.
- On offense, the RPOs were a big deal for a couple of years, but defenses adjusted.

 

[Gambit]

Perkins is definitely not a big Nickel. He is more of a pass rusher that can play off ball LB. He is probably more of a Nolan Smith type player if he maxes out

Hes played that role in college and did so quite well

 

[Gambit]

The only one missing is Louis that tweener from Pit

Read a blurb today that he has some mental and character issues. Im going to ask Voch and Brian in there questions tweet this week.

 

[NDGAEDE]

I don't think they'll double up on DB. I think it's EDGE & CB/S in whatever order. LB will be a post-draft acquisition, is my guess. If we stay put, we'll miss out on the second round LBs like Hill, Allen, Rodriguez, maybe Golday.

I also have a feeling Parker wants a DE that isn't a pass rusher, eg Faulk, Young. But I hope I'm wrong there.

 

[Cowboyny]

Maybe, but when I reviewed the 2025 Eagles defense (8 games reviewed), even with DeJean some offenses started designing plays to stress him in coverage.
- DeJean's a bit of a Safety / CB hybrid.
- When offenses could force him to completely turn around, they could gain spacing on him.
- Any scheme that become popular will result in opponents designing ways to counter it.
- On offense, the RPOs were a big deal for a couple of years, but defenses adjusted.

It looks like they are targeting tweener s/cb types-Downs, Scott, Stukes. Wonder if they feel McNeil-Warren can play that big nickel?

 

[cnuball21]

I don't think they'll double up on DB. I think it's EDGE & CB/S in whatever order. LB will be a post-draft acquisition, is my guess. If we stay put, we'll miss out on the second round LBs like Hill, Allen, Rodriguez, maybe Golday.

I also have a feeling Parker wants a DE that isn't a pass rusher, eg Faulk, Young. But I hope I'm wrong there.

Getting the LBr from the Dolphins is a must have trade IMO.

Then I would not care about 2 DBs in the 1st. Downs and the best CB available would go miles for our secondary.

 

[Coogiguy03]

-reading the breadcrumbs, they are taking a 1st rd corner. They have brought in every possible 1st rd corner as a 30 visitor: McCoy, Delane, Hood, Johnson, Terrell, Cisse. Interesting to find out their pecking order of the group. Really like both Hood/Johnson. Terrell/Cisse could also be those inside/outside types.

-starting to believe both Rodriguez/Allen aren't on the Cowboys radar. Will McClay always targets long linebackers who can affect the passing game. There was a report that they were highest on Hill, Trotter & Golday who all possesses elite length for the position. Also, Sonny Styles who is most definitely a trade up target. Keep an eye out on long corners as well. Overshown/Murray last season both had over 32 inch arms. Our two projected corners have over 32 inch arms in Revel and Bland.

-big nickel is a priority by this new staff based on the prospects they have brought in as 30 visits as well as Schott recently saying how important the position is and it hasn't been addresses. Downs, McNeil-Warren, Stukes, Scott, Ramsey. The only one missing is Louis that tweener from Pitt. I think if they fail to land Downs, they may look to try to get another day 2 pick to land either a Stukes or Scott. Perkins could also be the wildcard here.

-watching these 2 edge rushers: Howell/Height after day 1. CP has strong ties being a former assistant with the Texas A&M program. Height, will be more of a designated pass rusher, but he as good as every edge in this class of just doing that. He had a great game against Utah where both their tackles are going to be drafted high.

-It wouldn't surprise me if the team doesn't draft a high linebacker or edge. They aren't going to be able to address all needs and still have cap space to either sign or trade for a veteran. Also, remember, the 2nd wave of fa post draft where more players will become available.

they can still contact a LB that's in the FA market whom they probably told to wait until the draft to see what will happen

 

[Cowboyny]

they can still contact a LB that's in the FA market whom they probably told to wait until the draft to see what will happen

Pretty sure they have a few on speed dial. A lot of smoke about Wagner who is still out there

 

[Coogiguy03]

Pretty sure they have a few on speed dial. A lot of smoke about Wagner who is still out there

I hope that smoke turns into Gold!!!! Gold brighter than Jerry's teeth!!! lol

 

[NDGAEDE]

Getting the LBr from the Dolphins is a must have trade IMO.

Then I would not care about 2 DBs in the 1st. Downs and the best CB available would go miles for our secondary.

I fully expect the Brooks trade post draft.

 

[morasp]

Maybe, but when I reviewed the 2025 Eagles defense (8 games reviewed), even with DeJean some offenses started designing plays to stress him in coverage.
- DeJean's a bit of a Safety / CB hybrid.
- When offenses could force him to completely turn around, they could gain spacing on him.
- Any scheme that become popular will result in opponents designing ways to counter it.
- On offense, the RPOs were a big deal for a couple of years, but defenses adjusted.

That correlates with his draft profile.

Overview​

Highly competitive defensive back with plus ball skills and noteworthy special teams value. DeJean is big and bundled for a cornerback, with muscular arms and tight hips. He has fantastic interception production, but his movements are more linear than fluid, and he doesn’t have the easy change of direction needed in man coverage on the next level. His best football is played with his eyes forward, using his instincts to challenge quarterbacks and his big downhill burst to smack whatever needs smacking. He would seem to be a no-brainer as a punt returner and gunner in Year 1. DeJean should be a big athletic tester, which will help get the hype train going, but finding the proper schematic fit will be important in unlocking his best football as a zone corner or interchangeable safety.

Strengths​

• Starting experience at strong safety and cornerback.
• Explosive athlete hitting markers in height, weight and speed.
• Instinctive zone defender ready to feast on quarterbacks with poor eye discipline.
• Tracks the pass and plays the entry point with big burst to close.
• Ball skills of a receiver, finishing with seven career interceptions (three returned for scores).
• Charges hard and slams into pass-catchers.
• Can provide immediate help as a punt returner and gunner if called upon.

Weaknesses​

• Hip tightness will be hard to overcome in man coverage.
• Struggles to open hips and find sudden acceleration against press release.
• Fails to turn and find the football when traveling with deep routes.
• Played a series of bad offenses and wasn’t challenged much in 2023.
• Below-average length allows some slippage as wrap-up tackler.

 

[xwalker]

That correlates with his draft profile.

Overview​

Highly competitive defensive back with plus ball skills and noteworthy special teams value. DeJean is big and bundled for a cornerback, with muscular arms and tight hips. He has fantastic interception production, but his movements are more linear than fluid, and he doesn’t have the easy change of direction needed in man coverage on the next level. His best football is played with his eyes forward, using his instincts to challenge quarterbacks and his big downhill burst to smack whatever needs smacking. He would seem to be a no-brainer as a punt returner and gunner in Year 1. DeJean should be a big athletic tester, which will help get the hype train going, but finding the proper schematic fit will be important in unlocking his best football as a zone corner or interchangeable safety.

Strengths​

• Starting experience at strong safety and cornerback.
• Explosive athlete hitting markers in height, weight and speed.
• Instinctive zone defender ready to feast on quarterbacks with poor eye discipline.
• Tracks the pass and plays the entry point with big burst to close.
• Ball skills of a receiver, finishing with seven career interceptions (three returned for scores).
• Charges hard and slams into pass-catchers.
• Can provide immediate help as a punt returner and gunner if called upon.

Weaknesses​

• Hip tightness will be hard to overcome in man coverage.
• Struggles to open hips and find sudden acceleration against press release.
• Fails to turn and find the football when traveling with deep routes.
• Played a series of bad offenses and wasn’t challenged much in 2023.
• Below-average length allows some slippage as wrap-up tackler.

Exactly what I see in Eagles game footage.

Tight Hips...relative to other cornerbacks.

That would be more significant if they used a Safety or LB as the Nickelback.