Tell Me He Wouldn't Look Good In Green

Of course Jones is an incredible open-field runner, but what most impresses me is the way he explodes through the hole on interior runs.  The draw he runs at about the 4:10 mark against Florida ... it's great patience but when he sticks his foot in the ground.  Man, he's just gone.

Already looking forward to next year's "Lighting And Lightning" backfield.

Comments

[Andrew2]

I'd be happy to see it happen, but here's one reason it might not: Maybe the Eagles don't value the RB position the way we do. They seem to draft them in the 3-5 round, never sooner, with the philosophy that good RBs are a dime a dozen. Granted, GREAT RBs are rare, but good ones are plug-and-play. (Is there a team in the league who doesn't think they have two terrific running backs?)

Maybe Jones is different, because of the kick return component he adds. Clearly Andy Reid knows we need a difference-maker at that position. But I think the Eagles value WR over RB, so if they can find a WR who is a good returner, I'd say that's a deal they'd make.

[Eagle Scout]

I'm not sold on Jones as a 1st round pick. He goes down too easy on 1st contact. He would be a nice addition in the 2nd round in my opinion. But what do I know - nothing will be settled for a few years.

[Steve from DC]

I just hope he doesn't end up in Dallas.

[Me]

You and me both.

[Me]

And Eagle Scout, you're right, he's not a tough after-contact runner. But he's still playing with his college body of barely over 200 pounds. Give him a couple years to pack on some muscle while still being electric as our change-of-pace back and I think we're good there.

[johnnyshaka]

It's obvious that Reid likes to pass the ball more than he likes to run it and having a versatile back like Westbrook has more than made up for the lack of quality receivers he's had to work with. When he drafted Kolb last year that more than spelled out that Reid isn't going to be changing his philosophy anytime soon. So, while Westbrook's health concerns seem to keep piling up year to year, I don't think spending a 1st rounder on a RB, who is never going to be your prototypical workhorse type of back, is a wise move for two reasons: a) I don't think Jones is that type of back, and, b) I don't Reid wants to have a workhorse type of back nor would he use one. So, drafting Jones in the first is a no-no in my books but if he were to fall into the middle of the 2nd round...then I could maybe see it happening.

[Me]

Three points there. The first is that Jones by all accounts has very good hands and is good in the passing game (at least the catching part if not the blocking part). So he's a fit for what the Eagles like their guys to do.

Secondly, it took Westbrook a few years to become a workhouse-type back. Jones won't have to get there right away either.

Finally, he addresses a serious need in the return game, giving him even more value.

I'm not going to go nuts if they don't draft him, I just think it's an interesting idea.

[johnnyshaka]

First of all, I don't think Westbrook is a workhorse-type of back and I think that will become apparent this season after last season's astounding 370+ touches. Don't get me wrong, I think Westbrook is a special player and love watching him every Sunday, but I think he's more of a 275 touch kind of guy, IMHO.

I see Jones as the same kind of player, and again, IMHO, that isn't worth a mid-1st round pick. If we deal Lito and a pick for a late first rounder or deal to move down...then, maybe, I could see taking him. Also, I wouldn't mind Chris Johnson in the 2nd round. He could be just as good as Jones and could be better value as he likely will be around in the second round for us to pick...Jones most certainly won't be.

I do agree that we need to address our return game issues but I think using our 2nd or 3rd pick is probably more appropriate...if we still have them by the time the draft is underway.

[Me]

So that's an interesting question. Are you saying that if Brian Westbrook were available in Saturday's draft at the #19 pick, you wouldn't take him?

Granted, I'm not suggesting that Jones is the next Westbrook or even that there's any guarantee he'll pan out. But if Westbrook's clone were on the board at #19, I'd JUMP at the chance to take him, workhorse back or not.

[johnnyshaka]

That is an interesting question.

I think I pass because I think you can find guys just as good at doing what Westbrook does well in the 2nd and 3rd rounds...guys like Jones-Drew, Clinton Portis, Travis Henry, and Frank Gore.

We need to be drafting guys with our first round picks who you can't routinely find in later rounds. Easier said than done...I know, but maybe loading up on 2nd and 3rd round picks is the way to go. A lot of those guys end up being very good players and going by the quick list I provided above, they can be some of the best players at their positions. Something else to keep in mind is that signing 2nd and 3rd talent comes at the fraction of the price of 1st round, high profile, talent.

Maybe this isn't the right playce to pose this question...but here goes...given the Eagles propensity to find good mid-round talent...should they consider dealing out of the first round altogether and take a "shotgun" approach? For example, say they manage to parlay their first round pick into a couple of 2nds and a 3rd giving them seven picks in the first four rounds versus five. Thoughts?