BirdsFan.com - A Philadelphia Eagles Blog » end

Gonzalez traded to Falcons

BirdsFan — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:12:35 +0000

As I wrote about yesterday, the Eagles were in the running to acquire tight end Tony Gonzalez from the Chiefs. Sure enough today, Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Falcons for a second round pick in the 2010 draft. The Eagles were only offering a third round pick and were not willing to trade for a second round pick.

I am kind of happy the Eagles didn’t land Gonzalez because I didn’t want to see them give up a second round pick for him. His health is questionable and he’s not the guy that’s going to come in and contribute to the team for years and years. The Eagles have brought in plenty of prospects at the tight end position and will surely sign someone they like at some point this weekend.

Gonzalez to Eagles?

BirdsFan — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:09:21 +0000

It is being reported that the Eagles are the front runner in a possible trade scenario for Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez. Another possible candidate for a trade is the Falcons, a team that some mock draft specialists have going after tight end Brandon Pettigrew with their first pick.

Gonzalez has already discussed wanting out of Kansas City but the Chiefs want to hold on to him until they can get a price they are willing to trade for him. This price is reported to be a second round draft pick; however, it is also reported that the Eagles are only offering a third. Although Gonzalez is a proven veteran, it is not a secret that he does not have a lot of tread left on the tires. I do not think he warrants a second round pick, but if the Eagles could get him for a third round pick it would be a great addition.

TE Prospect – Chase Coffman

BirdsFan — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:19:17 +0000

Missouri tight end Chase Coffman has visited the Eagles. He is currently getting over a foot injury which happened during the Alamo Bowl.

During his senior season, Coffman put up impressive stats with 90 receptions for 987 yards and 10 touchdown. He was awarded the John Mackey award. Coffman weighs in at 245 pounds and stands 6′ 6″ so he is a good target to throw at. The Eagles seem to be quite interested in Coffman as he is a good player that they could land in the second or third round. I am sure they will want to fully evaluate his blocking abilities as they need a tight end who can truly block as well as catch passes.

DE Prospect – Robert Ayers

BirdsFan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:26:08 +0000

The Eagles have scheduled a visit with Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers. In his senior year for the Vols, Ayers recorded 49 tackles and three sacks. Many teams that run a 3-4 defense see him being able to play an OLB position.

His possible versatility will have no effect on the Eagles evaluation of Ayers. Bringing him in would set him in stone as a defensive end. Although the Eagles have a lot of talent at the end position, having another one that can contribute keeps everyone fresh.

DE/LB Prospect – Lawrence Sidbury

BirdsFan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:56:32 +0000

Richmond defensive end/outside linebacker has scheduled a visit with the Eagles. The 6′ 2″ 265 pounder recorded 7 1/2 sacks in his 2008 season and drew team representatives from 31 franchises on his Pro Day. Another small school prospect, Sidbury is regarded to have incredible potential.

Based upon the interest in Sidbury it is hard to tell what round he will be drafted in and whether or not he’ll have a higher demand by teams who use a 3-4 defense based on his versatility. With the Eagles being a 4-3 defense, it is more likely that he would spend all of his time at the DE position if he found himself in Philadelphia.

TE Prospect – Jared Cook

BirdsFan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:48:50 +0000

At his Pro Day workout, South Carolina tight end Jared Cook was worked out by the Eagles organization. The 6′ 5″ 240 pound prospect has great size and great speed. In three years at South Carolina, he racked up over 1,100 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.

Cook is thought to be behind Brandon Pettigrew in the tight end rankings list for the draft. Although he may not be first round pick worthy, he is a talented individual who will need to strongly be considered if there isn’t an opportunity to pursue Pettigrew.

TE Prospect – John Nalbone

BirdsFan — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:32:25 +0000

Monmouth tight end John Nalbone has scheduled a visit with the Eagles. Nalbone is a 6′ 4″ 255 pound with great speed for someone his size. In 2008, Nalbone recorded 42 receptions for 491 yards and five touchdowns. Nalbone hails from the same small school as current Cowboys receiver Miles Austin.

Although most Eagles fans want to see the Birds land Brandon Pettigrew in the first round, there is no guarantee that he will be around when it’s time for the Eagles to pick. Deciding to use the 21st pick on a OT or possibly a WR or RB strengthens the odds that Pettigrew might not be around when the 28th selection comes up. With Nalbone in mind, the Eagles may have an option at TE in the later rounds if they have not yet addressed the position