Chalk Up Another Busted Draft Pick
In other Eagles news, linebacker Andy Studebaker was signed yesterday by the Kansas City Chiefs. The sixth-round pick had been on the practice squad.
I know, I know, sixth round pick. No big whoop. But he was projected at SAM -- a position of some interest these days -- and what's the point of drafting these developmental prospects if they're not going to stick around to develop?
And just out of curiosity, I wonder if this was his first chance to jump or merely the first one that came after it was apparent the Eagles weren't exactly the class of the league...
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Also, the bulk of that story linked above is about Syracuse considering Mark Whipple for its head coaching job. This blog is turning into an early-warning indicator of late, with 'Cuse-ians showing up on droves yesterday to read about the guy.
Unbelievable. Couldn't is Considine or Booker worth keeping over this guy? Tank Daniels? They've plateaued -- and low at that. At least give this guy a chance. Maybe they can give him $58M as a free agent...
Posted by: D Lawrence | November 19, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Considine is clearly worth keeping over Studebaker. He is a very good STs player, the second-best on the team behind Akeem Jordan. The reality is that he is far more likely to contribute to an NFL team in a meaningful way than Studebaker, who is an athlete, yes, but super raw. Studebaker is Gocong with even less experience and polish.
If Booker left, we would have to replace him with another RB, because I don't see how we can have just two on the roster.
The guys who were directly kept over Studebaker were Joe Mays, Tank Daniels and Tracy White. I assume we all agree that Mays looked like the better prospect in TC. Daniels and White are very good on STs and there would likely be a decline in our STs if Studebaker were activated. Is that a risk worth taking? Maybe, but the STs would really suffer, and there is a good chance that we are talking about Rashard Barksdale '08.
Finally, while it is disappointing to lose a draft pick, that this is our first (and only) pick that was cut this year, I don't feel that bad about it. I am more worried about the development of guys like Demps, McGlynn, Bryan Smith and Jake Ikegwuonu in 2009, and even the ultimate wishcasting player, King Dunlap.
Posted by: shlynch | November 19, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Your points are all excellent. I'm actually holding out high hopes for Dunlap myself. But at this point I'd rather chance it on potential than on certain guys who are good on special teams (for a team that has much more serious problems) but who may not even make the team next year if that is their only attribute. I say roll the dice on some new blood; give them a chance to compete. What's the worst that could happen?
Posted by: D Lawrence | November 19, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Keep in mind that last year the Chiefs signed Rashad Barksdale after we cut him in camp. While he stayed with them last year he was released this year. For a fringe practice squad player, the time on the roster is bound by whatever catastrophic injury hole your team needs to fill. This by no means guarantees that he will be on their team next year or even next week.
Posted by: Jason H | November 19, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Interesting side note: The Chiefs signed Studebaker as a DE, not as a LB. That may be part of the reason that he chose to sign with the Chiefs rather than stick it out with the Eagles.
Posted by: shlynch | November 19, 2008 at 04:50 PM
That's one reason I was pi$$ed. I assumed that's how KC was going using him...as God intended! Not this patented Iggles bullsh#t of drafting a pretty decent player then playing him at an entirely new position at the highest level possible. Now maybe if the Eagles decided to use him or Gocong correctly...
Posted by: D Lawrence | November 20, 2008 at 10:12 AM
I just don't see how Gocong could be starting next year.
Posted by: Eric | November 20, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I don't think either Studebaker or Gocong will be very good NFL DEs. We will see. I mean, Gocong hasn't proven that tough at the point of attack as a LB ... imagine him in a three point stance!
Development is a tough science, but I don't think the Eagles are wrong for thinking these guys aren't great prospects at DE. We shall see.
Incidentally, this is one element of the Jason Licht draft era that I never really liked: falling in love with players that Bill Belichick would have loved, but were highly questionable fits on the Eagles. Gocong and Tony Hunt are examples of that.
Posted by: shlynch | November 20, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Yeah, Gocong's had opportunities to rush the QB from the end position. Other than the one sack, it hasn't look great.
I think Gocong has the potential to be a truly elite special teams player and leader. Just not seeing it at SAM.
Posted by: Derek | November 20, 2008 at 11:27 AM