Eagles draft needs becoming clearer

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

By Jared Sherman
CSNPhilly.com Contributor

Even though it's more than five months away, after witnessing the Eagles' struggles in San Diego firsthand, the 2010 draft needs for the Birds are becoming clearer.

There are simply not enough difference-makers on defense. Not enough players offensive coordinators need to game plan against. Jim Johnson's and Sean McDermott's unconventional styles have helped mask an underlying lack of star power, but too often over the last several seasons, at crucial times, it's bitten the Birds at the worst times.

The defensive line is solid and deep but the back seven are inconsistent and lacking athleticism. With that in mind here's an updated look at some players the Eagles, and you, should be keeping an eye on as the season winds down.

Linebackers

Navorro Bowman - Penn State
His recent play may put him out of reach but his athletic ability is elite.

Bruce Carter - North Carolina
A dynamic outside linebacker who excels in coverage.

Sergio Kindle - Texas
Similar in size to Trent Cole and accustomed to playing with his hand on the ground, Kindle could be an effective blitzer.

Sean Lee - Penn State
A smart and instinctive inside linebacker who has injury issues. Could be a steal in the second or third round.

Cornerback

Patrick Robinson - Florida State
Instantly would become the Eagles' biggest corner (5-11^1/8, 192).

Kyle Wilson - Boise State
Not big (5-10, 186), Wilson is an excellent cover man, strong tackler and dangerous kick returner.

Safety

Earl Thomas - Texas
Following in the footsteps of Michael Huff and Michael Griffin, Thomas may me be the best of them all.

Taylor Mays - USC
Once thought to be a surefire Top 10 pick, Mays' performance in the second-half of the season has fallen off a bit. Regardless, his size (6-3, 236) and ferocity are exciting.

Nate Allen - South Florida
The leader of the Bulls' defense, there are few safeties smarter than Allen.

West Virginia - Cincinnati: Two to watch

Friday, November 13, 2009

By Jared Sherman
CSNPhilly.com Contributor

Tony Pike's stock dropping

While the Cincinnati Bearcats' stock is rising, as well as their poll ranking, QB Tony Pike is seeing his stock drop with each impressive victory. Pike, currently sidelined with a forearm injury, is watching backup redshirt sophomore Zach Collaros put up jaw-dropping numbers. This continued success under the less-heralded Collaros raises the question of whether Pike was the reason for the Bearcats' success, or was it simply the system head coach Brian Kelly has put into place.

The big question is whether Kelly keeps Collaros in as starter once Pike is 100% healthy. Tonight against West Virginia Collaros will get the start, but Pike is expected to see action as well.

Player to Watch: West Virginia vs. Cincinnati (5)

RB Noel Divine, West Virginia

Devine, a junior, is another in a long line of impressive Mountaineer running backs (Steve Slaton, Amos Zereoue, Avon Cobourne, Kay-Jay Harris, Quincy Wilson) and possibly the fastest of them all. Only 5-8, 176, the diminutive Devine is quick as lightning and thrives in WVU's spread attack where he averages 6.0 yards per carry. Many of his runs are draw plays, allowing him to take advantage of a wide open middle of the field. Devine will be a change-of-pace back in the pros, in the mold of San Diego's Darren Sproles. He does well catching the ball, with 35 receptions in 2008 and 18 so far this season. I suspect Devine will also be asked to return kicks at the next level, taking advantage of his quick feet and breakaway speed.

LeFevour impresses Wednesday night

Thursday, November 12, 2009

By Jared Sherman
CSNPhilly.com Contributor

I watched the final minutes of the Central Michigan-Toledo game Wednesday night and once again was impressed by Chippewas senior QB Dan LeFevour.

The MAC's all-time leader in offense, completions and attempts is a solid 6-3, 238 and runs CMU's spread attack to perfection. Like Florida's Tim Tebow, LeFevour is an exceptional runner, and he showed it Wednesday night. His strength and speed were outstanding, and he looks like a more fluid athlete than Tebow. He's certainly a more polished passer than the Heisman winner and won't be considered at any position other than QB in the NFL.

I'm sure some NFL QB coach will have some work to do on his mechanics, but watching him throw actually reminds me of Kevin Kolb. It's not pretty, but the ball gets were it needs to get quickly and usually accurately.

The questions about the offense he runs and competition will dog him but look for LeFevour to go no later than the end of the third round. The guy is a top-notch athlete and winner.

Greg Hardy out for the year

Ole Miss DE Greg Hardy, a player many felt could be a first rounder at the start of the season, is done for the year after suffering a broken wrist. It wasn't clear in which game Hardy hurt his wrist, but he played through the pain for several weeks.

This is yet another blow to the mercurial Hardy's draft status. Questions about his motor have dogged him for his entire career, and he was not able to put them to rest this year. Like Georgia Tech's Michael Johnson last season, Hardy is immensely talented but fails to stand out during games on a consistent basis. He simply disappears for long stretches.

Johnson, who I openly pushed the Eagles to select on Daily News Live before the draft last year, is doing very well in Cincinnati after being selected early in the third round. Whether Hardy can do the same is still up for debate, but this recent setback is certainly not going to help his cause.