Draft Preview: Safety
Birds fans usually cannot agree on much when it comes to draft time, however, this year, I believe we’ve got a 99% agreement rate that the Birds need an upgrade at the safety position.
How the Eagles stand going into mini-camps this spring:
The Incumbents:
SS: Sean Considine
FS: Brian Dawkins
The Challenger:
Jack of all trades: Quintin Mikell
Now we all remember that Sean Considine was drafted to replace Brian Dawkins correct? Good. Fortunately Dawkins continued to be the B-Dawk we all know and love, and the Eagles were left no choice but to buck up and re-sign the man through 2008. Considine was promoted to the starting SS position when Michael Lewis decided he wanted to model his pass coverage game after Cowboys safety Roy Williams. Considine then did his best impression of a human speed bump, slowing guys down, but not necessarily stopping them.
But fear not my brethren, Philadelphiaeagles.com has reported that Considine has added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason. An unbiased report I’m sure. Now, I’d like to cut Considine a little slack here, he’s young, and as I said before, playing out of position. Quintin Mikell, the former two-time WAC Defensive Player of the Year played his way into a look by dominating on special teams in 2006 (Sports Illustrated All-Pro selection). Mikell signed a 4-year deal in the offseason, and should get a long look in training camp.
So at this time the Birds have a free safety who will turn 34 in October, a 4th round draft pick, and an undrafted free agent vying for playing time. Sounds like upgrade time for Banner and Co.
Of course, Reid will probably draft cornerbacks in the 1st and 2nd rounds (Sheppard/Brown stylee) move Sheldon Brown to the safety position and all this analysis will go the way of Damon Moore’s NFL career.
So who are the guys who could make their way into an Eagles uniform come April 28th? Sit back and watch some TV why don’t you:
Michael Griffin – Texas
Reggie Nelson – Florida
Brandon Meriweather – The U
Aaron Rouse – Virginia Tech
About this Post
Posted on April 15, 2007 by Dave | Filed Under Eagles, Philadelphia
|
Print This Article | Leave a Comment