Q. Ive seen internet chatter about the Eagles using their first-round pick to draft Ryan Tannehill, the Texas A&M quarterback. Is that just crazy pre-draft speculation or might that really happen?
-Bryan C.Maple Shade, N.J.
A. Id put it in the crazy speculation category. For one thing, the Eagles probably would have to trade up to draft Tannehill. His stock has soared as more teams have studied him and met with him. It appears he will be a top-10 pick, which is amazing considering his background.
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There is a lot of talk that Cleveland may draft Tannehill with the fourth overall selection and that is stunning when you consider he did not become a full-time quarterback until last season and had just 19 starts at the position. Tannehill was a receivera very good onefor much of his time at A&M.
Also, Tannehill broke a bone in his foot while working out in January so he missed the Senior Bowl and was not recovered in time to do much at the NFL combine. He is OK now but that was important evaluation time that was missed. Still, there are quite a few teams ready to take the leap with the 6-3, 220-pound Tannehill.
The Eagles? Not likely.
Even if he fell to 15which I dont think he willI cant see the Eagles using their first draft pick on a quarterback who is something of a project. They have other needs, notably on defense, and Andy Reid still claims to see a bright future for Mike Kafka so I highly doubt the Eagles would pay the price necessary for Tannehill.
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Despite all the talk, I would be surprised to see Cleveland pass up Trent Richardson, the Alabama running back, to draft Tannehill at No. 4. Richardson is as close to a cant-miss prospect as there is in this draft. Tannehill, for all of his physical promise, is a very risky pick. If I were the Browns, Id play it safe and take Richardson, assuming he is still there at four.
The more likely scenario is the one forecast in the CSNPhilly mock draft where Jared Sherman had Miami taking Tannehill with the eighth pick (see story). The Dolphins are desperate for a quarterback and they hired Joe Philbin, the former quarterbacks coach from Green Bay, to run the show. So that looks like a logical fit.
Have a question for Ray Didinger? E-mail him at viewfromthehall@comcast.net.