I'll keep this short because of the technical problems we're having with Livefyre---  so frustrating because when it's "on", it's the best---- like living inside a movie.

Sad news first---

We lost one of our biggest fellow Phans today, Chris Kelly, age 34, one-half of the Atlanta teen act from the '90's, Kriss Kross...

That's Chris Kelly on the left... back in the day when they were discovered in an Atlanta mall in 1991 and then went on to star in a hit musical video called "Jump"...

Their trademark was wearing their clothes backwards. I'll never forget how happy I was to observe Eagles gear worn backwards when they played concerts in Philly.

Next up--- I just found out Zach Ertz, the 2nd-round pick of the Birds in 2013, is the son of a former Lehigh player...

Zach's dad Doug Ertz was a star for Lehigh University about 30 years ago.

"I'm really happy for him," Zach's dad said. "First of all, there's a sense of relief. I know Zach was going through a stressful time. I think, in Zach's mindset, he believes he was best tight end in the draft. I believe time will tell."

"He thought he would be the first tight end to go, but it didn't happen. And I think when the 'Niners had the chance to pick him but they traded up, that created some gyrations for him. There were a lot of things going on that first day, and I know he was really frustrated."

Doug Ertz was not.

"My belief all along was that he would go late in the first round or early in the second," he said. "I think those were realistic expectations."

His son starting his pro career in Philadelphia isn't the only thing that makes Doug Ertz happy about what transpired over the weekend. He likes what he sees and hears about Chip Kelly.

"I think he's always been a straight shooter with the press," Doug Ertz said. "I like that. My perception of Chip is that he's a winner. He's very creative and very straightforward."

Almost as straightforward as Zach Ertz's mom when her son was going through the college application process.

"She pretty much wasn't going to let me go anywhere other than Stanford," Zach told reporters on Saturday. "Once I got accepted at Stanford, that was it."

Ertz ironically went on to cost Kelly and his Oregon Ducks a berth in the BCS National Championship Game last season, when he caught a touchdown pass to force overtime in Stanford's eventual 17-14 victory. That was Oregon's only loss of the season.

Kelly obviously chose not to hold that against him when the draft process began.

"I stood on the sideline and watched him catch 11 balls against us and the game-tying one that sent the game into overtime," Kelly said. "It was ruled incomplete, but it got overruled by the officials [on replay]. I didn't agree with the call. When I saw Zach at the [Scouting] Combine, I told him that, and he actually sent me a note thanking me for talking to him at the Combine and then put a 'P.S.' in there to tell me it was a catch."

Sweet. I like a tight end who has the last word.

Finally--- Bob Dylan's tune from 1964 titled "Maggie's Farm" has been playing in my head all day. Maybe it has something to do with all the infighting and disgruntlement we are just now finding out about which former DL coach Jim Washburn, former OL coach Howard Mudd, and former head coach Andy Reid were actually experiencing in the Eagles coaching environment of 2012. And of course, that doesn't even begin to account for the back-room vitriol among the soon-to-be-divorced Luries, Joe Banner and Howie Roseman.

Dylan (aka Robert Zimmerman) circa 1964...

So I thought it would be fun to transpose the lyrics of "Maggie's Farm" just a little bit to reflect the soap opera developments of last year's Eagles:

"I ain't gonna work on Washburn's farm no more
No, I aint gonna work on Washburn's farm no more
Well, I wake up in the morning
Fold my hands and pray for rain
I got a head full of ideas
That are drivin' me insane
It's a shame the way he makes me scrub the floor
I ain't gonna work on Washburn's farm no more."

"I ain't gonna work for Howard Mudd no more
No, I aint gonna work for Howard Mudd no more
Well, he hands you a nickel
He hands you a dime
He asks you with a grin
If you're havin' a good time
Then he fines you every time you slam the door
I ain't gonna work for Howard Mudd more."

"I ain't gonna work for Howie Roseman no more
No, I aint gonna work for Howie Roseman no more
Well, he puts his cigar
Out in your face just for kicks
His bedroom window
It is made out of bricks
The National Guard stands around his door
Ah, I ain't gonna work for Howie Roseman no more."

"I ain't gonna work for Christina Lurie no more
No, I ain't gonna work for Christina Lurie no more
Well, when she talks to all the servants
About man and God and law
Everybody says
She's the brains behind pa
She's sixty-eight, but she says she's twenty-four
I ain't gonna work for Christina Lurie no more."

"I ain't gonna work on Andy's farm no more
I aint gonna work on Andy's farm no more
Well, I try my best
To be just like I am
But everybody wants you
To be just like them
They say sing while you slave and I just get bored
I ain't gonna work on Andy's farm no more. "

The final tally of the Eagles 2013 MACH 10 Draft Challenge has been recounted and verified--- and veteran poster and Bored member Don Pardo wins the trophy in a photo finish.

Don Pardo gets the news he is a MACH 10 Champion from Lupes..

Don Pardo (center) consoles runners-up Boner (left) and Kenny Kenemeka (right) after the tightest race ever staged in the history of the MACH 10...

And what a race! Trying to get into Chip Kelly's head (as well as Howie Roseman's) proved to be a monumental task. Who knew that the guys Kelly would move up to get would turn out to be his collegiate opponents?

In the end, Don Pardo won by virtue of the time stamp of his ballot--- although all three finalists correctly picked two (2) new Eagles, Pardo got his entry into the box first...

It's a rare honor to be MACH 10 Champion... Don Pardo now joins the ranks of the elite posters who have experienced the past thrill of victory in what is arguably the toughest assignment in sports prognostication:

-Brozer8 (last year's champion)
-JB-Sage-Lion
-GK Brizer 
-M. Fanny Harris
-Leo Pizzini
-M. Fanny Harris

Quite an honor roll...Many are called (34.8 entries this year), but few are chosen...

This celebration leads us to a lottery of another matter...

Jordan Raanan of the New Jersey Times has summed up what all of us are thinking about the QB mix in Philly:

Who's going to open the season for the Eagles at QB#1 when all is said and done?

"At last check new Eagles coach Chip Kelly had quarterbacks Michael Vick and Nick Foles "even" on the depth chart. Dennis Dixon was looking over their shoulders, taking some first-team reps at minicamp as well. "

Matt Barkley's going to shove his way into line somewhere, says Raanan. The fourth-round pick has plenty to prove after tumbling in the draft. Regardless, he'll be in the Eagles' quarterback mix this season, making it a crowded and notable QB crop.

Really, it's the question that will be following Kelly until he has a franchise quarterback definitively in place: Who is the Eagles' quarterback?

It's only May 1st but the candidates are finally in line. We know which QBs will be competing for the Eagles' starting job and whom they need to beat out in order to win it. So, obviously, says Raanan,it's time to handicap the race for first time of many.  Raanan has set the odds for the Eagles' Week 1 starter:

Michael Vick: 3/2
Vick is the most experienced, proven quarterback of the bunch. He also may be the best fit for the offense Kelly would ideally like to run. As long as Vick is on the roster, he's likely to start. He would be an awfully expensive backup ($7 million) if not a starter. [EYE note--- ATV and I think Kelly is still shopping Vick around as trade bait---just sayin'...]

Nick Foles: 3/1
The smart money might go on Foles. He's going to be awarded a fair shot to beat out Vick for the starting job. Still, it's hard to see his skills fitting well with what Kelly wants to do offensively, and why the general consensus is the job for Week 1 will be Vick's. [EYE note---Jerky loves Foles, and with some good reason---he's a tough kid with the ability to learn from past mistakes. The question is how tolerant will Kelly be of any QB's continued learning curve?]

Matt Barkley: 15/1
The former USC star has never been a backup. Not even as a freshman in high school. You can't completely count him out, even though he's a fourth-round pick and unlikely to get many snaps with the first team in minicamps and early in training camp. [EYE note---I still see the bigger value in stockpiling this young talent for future reference in 2014---either as your fallback franchise guy or as possible trade bait for something really special...]

Dennis Dixon: 50/1
Dixon may know Kelly and his offense well, but he's played in just four games in his five-year NFL career. He spent last season as a fifth-year veteran on the Ravens practice squad. He's a longshot right now to even make the team, nevertheless start. [EYE note--- Dixon as a relief pitcher is a real possibility behind Vick and Foles--- I would not be surprised if Kelly keeps 3 QB's on the active roster on a weekly basis.]

G.J. Kinne: 1000/1
He's as likely to the be the Week 1 starter as Lane Johnson is to be making any more bear wrestling jokes. [EYE note---Do not discount this kid just yet---JB-Sage-Lion is very high on this kid's innate abilities, having watched him play at Tulsa... He may not be the opening day starter, but remember how Kurt Warner got his first start at St. Louis---when Trent Green got destroyed on a blindside blitz in a preseason game...]

Chip Kelly talkin' "Old School" ball in Philly...

Kelly plans to use three tight ends, sometimes at the same time, to take advantage of perceived mismatches against linebackers and safeties. It's a stark difference from the Andy Reid three-wide-receiver sets.

“Yeah. You go like that (holds three fingers in the air) and three tight ends go in the game," Kelly said when asked how they were going to coexist. "We are going to go three tight ends in a game. Now, if they go three linebackers, we spread them out, and if they go [defensive backs], we smash you. So, pick your poison.”

Man, either this guy Kelly is a hologram created by J. "Woody" Wood, or he is a real-deal throwback...

Somewhere in Eagles football fandom, there is a guy who looks just like Charlie Casserly dancing in the dark...

Kelly's offense is starting to take shape. With the signing of the versatile James Casey (6'3") in free agency and the selection of Ertz (6'5") with the 35th overall pick, it's evident the Eagles are planning on making tight end a more prominent position.

Kelly believes 2nd-round draft pick Zach Ertz is a "mismatch nightmare," and he should know. Ertz had 11 catches for 106 yards and the game-tying touchdown in the final minutes for Stanford as they handed Kelly and Oregon their only loss last season. It derailed a potential national championship season.

“He did everything," Kelly said. "They used him in a multiple variety. That’s the thing about him—they used him as a single receiver on the trip set and he was by himself isolated by the [defensive back]. They used him as a tight end, they used him as an H-back, they used him as a move guy. They moved him all over the place."

Ertz is likely to be utilized similarly with the Eagles, Casey too after having been cast as a tight end, fullback and H-back in Houston. And they're going to be on the field together with Brent Celek (6'4").

The 49ers and Jim Harbaugh — Ertz's former coach at Stanford — used three-tight-end sets with regularity last season. They sometimes even had five linemen on one side of the center. Kelly's offense may feature these type of intricacies with so many capable and versatile tight ends on his roster.

It's nothing new to Ertz. The Cardinal used three tight ends in a no-huddle offense often. Ertz earned All-American honors after finishing with 69 catches for 898 yards and six touchdowns.

The thought of combining his athleticism and size with Kelly and the Eagles' existing ends is exciting. For both the coach and player.

"I think Coach Kelly is a hell of an offensive mind," Ertz said. "He does so much from a scheme standpoint it's kind of ridiculous some of the stuff he's been able to do. I'm just looking forward to how he's going to use me."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It's a privilege to introduce sportswriter Rob Edwards of the South Jersey Times to the Bored... Edwards just did a nice review of Randall Cunningham's new book "Lay It Down: How Letting Go Brings Out Your Best"....

Rob Edwards

"I think most sports fans have that moment when they realize they’re going to be a fan of one team the rest of their lives.

"Mine came when I first was old enough to see Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham in action.

"Those same fans probably also have that moment in which they’ve outgrown the childhood hero-worship they’ve bestowed upon a particular athlete.

"I had that moment with Cunningham as well.

"Attending my first Eagles training camp with my father in 1995 — the last one at West Chester University — nine-year-old me couldn’t wait to procure Cunningham’s autograph. I had already gotten a litany of autographs, including first-year head coach Ray Rhodes, and was eagerly anticipating Cunningham’s walk to the practice field.

"He was one of the last players out of the locker room, accompanied by another first-year Eagle, running back Ricky Watters.

'“After practice,” said Randall Cunningham.

"That’s all I got out of Cunningham that day. Not until 18 years later would I have the chance to speak to No. 12, ‘The Ultimate Weapon’, again.
•••
"After what Cunningham has been through in recent times, my tale of heartbreak in ‘95 sounds selfish. The former star athlete has clearly changed, evident in just the sound of his voice through the phone. He returned to Las Vegas — where he attended college at UNLV — after his NFL career was over and has become an ordained minister, preaching to thousands of churchgoers on the weekend.

"Rather than turning people away for autographs, he now welcomes them with arms wide open.

'“Well, I’ve had some great times and they far outweigh the bad times,” he said during a phone conversation earlier this month. “I’m out preaching in the church, believe it or not. We’re doing very well, there’s about 1,100-1,200 people in our congregation.'

'“We’re looking to be father-figures (to at-need children) and we look after them and make sure they’re living their lives well. It’s really a blessing, we try to be very influential with the kids. We’re coaching kids one-on-one, kind of like what Reggie did with me.”'

"That Reggie, of course, is the late Reggie White.

"White, a teammate of Cunningham’s in Philadelphia, was known not just for his dominance on the football field, but for his off the field life as an ordained minister — hence his nickname, ‘The Minister of Defense’.

It was White’s influence that helped Cunningham choose his path after football, and is one of the subject’s in Cunningham’s new book, ‘Lay It Down’.

“I talk about him in the book,” he said. “Reggie was very impactful in my life. He was a giant. He got in my face one day, and he asked if I was a Christian. He said then I better live right if I’m going to call myself one.

“He held me accountable and I submitted to him. I thank God for putting Reggie in my life. He was a turning point for me, helping me to submit to the people that had my best interests in hand.”
•••
White wasn’t the only turning point in Cunningham’s life. The tragic death of his two-year-old son from an accidental drowning in 2010 changed his outlook considerably.

“I wanted to write about it,” he said. “It’s not just about tragedy, it’s about life. If you’ve been divorced, if you’ve been a millionaire, if you’ve been broke, mourning a death, a single parent, have to take care of your parents — read the book. It’s a book that helps keep you together.

“I tell people, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You have to put a smile on your face today, because tomorrow is not promised, but it could be a good tomorrow. This book is a roller coaster ride to help heal people.

“It’s for everyone. Don’t put it off. Even if you know someone going through something, tell them to go get it.”

•••
Cunningham spoke openly about his life and didn’t shy away from questions about his playing days in the NFL or the players — like Robert Griffin III and Michael Vick — who are emulating his style now.

“I was blessed to be able to do things on a football field,” Cunningham said. “I wasn’t just scrambling back then, I was running. Plays weren’t designed for me. The ones they tried to design for me didn’t work. I worked on instincts. If it was third-and-long and no one was open, I’d take off. My teammates knew it.

“Now, when you see (49ers QB Colin) Kaepernick and RGIII, those plays are designed. Colleges are looking for that type of player now. My son, Randall II, is 6-foot-6 and has already been offered scholarships from UCLA, Baylor, LSU and Syracuse.”

•••

"I had too many questions for Cunningham about his time as a member of the Eagles. Instead I decided on asking him about a season with another team — the Minnesota Vikings.

"He had snubbed me as a nine-year-old, but I still was a fan of his, including during his tenure as a Viking after he left Philadelphia. I remember sitting in my grandparent’s living room watching him lead Minnesota to within a field goal of the Super Bowl during the 1998-99 season. He had completed — at least until that point — one of the greatest seasons by a QB in the NFL with a 13-1 record as a starter and 34 TDs to just 10 interceptions.

"Cunningham’s performance was complemented by that of another former Eagle, kicker Gary Anderson, who had just completed a regular season in which he didn’t miss a field goal.

With just over two minutes left in an NFC Championship game with the Atlanta Falcons, Anderson missed his first field goal of the year, a 38-yarder that would’ve sent Cunningham to his first and only Super Bowl appearance. The Vikings lost, and John Elway defeated the Falcons two weeks later, winning his second Super Bowl as the QB of the Denver Broncos.

"There’s a lot of sports related memories that run through my mind. For some reason, the two with Cunningham are as clear as if they happened yesterday. I didn’t ask him about why I didn’t get an autograph that day 18 years ago, but I couldn’t stop myself from bringing up what had to be one of the low-lights of a storied career.

“We really believed it was our destiny that year,” Cunningham said of the loss to the Falcons. “We had full confidence in Gary. The guy missed one field goal the time we needed it.

“It was a tough time for him, tough for him to go through that.”

"Make that three Cunningham memories that I’ll never forget."--- Rob Edwards can be reached at 856-845-9478 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Here are the unsung heroes of the Eagles draft class of 2013.... the undrafted rookie free agents who were just signed...

Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook – The 5-foot-9, 209-pounder ran for 1,964 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior. In a game against Syracuse, he broke a 71-yard run and piled up 158 yards.

“He’s a solid back with some burst and explosion. He’s not on the national radar, but he’s a guy I get a kick out of,” said NFL Network’s Mike Mayock before the draft. “[I'm] not sure he’s going to get drafted, but he’s one of those guys that certainly has an opportunity to make a team.”

ESPN’s Todd McShay said Maysonet has a chance to be this year’s Alfred Morris. Morris, of course, ran for 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns, while averaging 4.8 yards per carry as a rookie for the Redskins.

Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook...

Russell Shepard, WR, LSU -  Sheppard falls under the multi-position “athlete” category. He went to LSU as a dual-threat quarterback and saw time at multiple positions. He finished his career with 733 rushing yards and 565 receiving yards on 58 catches. Sheppard is 6-0, 196 and ran a 4.46 at his Pro Day, according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com. Brandt also reported that some teams are looking at him as a defensive back.

Brad Wing, P, LSU – The Eagles found everything in this class, including a controversial punter from Australia. According to Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the LSU coaching staff basically told Wing (6-2, 205) not to come back to school even though he had two years of eligibility remaining. This guy is a talented kid---but much like our own fellow Aussie Bored member Beanstalk, he is a loose cannon.

Wing’s transgressions reportedly include a fist-fight and multiple failed drug tests. But on the field, he was named first-team All-American by several football publications in 2011.

Kyle Quinn, G/C, Arizona – There will be plenty of offensive line depth spots up for grabs with the Eagles. Quinn (6-3, 294) was a two-year starter at center for the Wildcats and snapped for Nick Foles in 2011.

Isaac Remington, DT, Oregon - Chip Kelly was able to get his hands on at least one of his former players. Remington (6-6, 298) had 22 tackles, including four for loss last season. He was cited (but not charged) for a DUI and temporarily suspended by Kelly last season.

Damion Square, DL, Alabama – Kelly said he likes SEC defensive linemen. Square (6-2, 293) started 32 games for Nick Saban over the past three years. He looks to be a little small to play nose tackle, but we’ll see where Kelly thinks he fits. Interesting to note that our Bored member Palmetto hit on the pick of Damion Square for his MACH 10 ballot...

Jake Knott, LB, Iowa State – The 6-2, 243-pounder was a first-team All-Big 12 selection as a senior despite missing the final four games with a shoulder injury. Will likely compete for a depth spot at inside linebacker...

Matt Tobin, OL, Iowa – The Eagles added the 6-6, 290-pound guard, according to multiple reports. Tobin was 6-feet as a junior in high school, but grew six inches in two years. He was a two-year starter with the Hawkeyes.

Matt Tucker, RB, TCU  – At 6-0, 221, Tucker ran a 4.55 at the Combine. He was a rotational player in college, never rushing for more than 709 yards in a season.

Curious about how the rest of the NFC East drafted in Rounds 1 through 7 this past weekend?  Check out these ESPN links, courtesy of my good buddy Dan Graziano:

We go to the toppermost of the poppermost! That's what I say!----Nice draft!!!

Yeah, it might take a year or two to bloom--- but what an intriguing haul of (as Brozer said) VA-LUE !!

Let's start at the top of Round 4...

After trading up for the first pick in the fourth round, the Eagles selected USC quarterback Matt Barkley. They surrendered their fourth-round pick and a seventh-rounder to the Jacksonville Jaguars to land Barkley.

"We had Matt rated in the top 50 players in this draft," coach Chip Kelly said. "The fact he was still there, there was no better value."

Matt Barkley, 6-2 (maybe), 230, USC....think of Drew Brees cloned from Paul Hornung with a gun and a bad shoulder...

"I'm excited to be an Eagle," Barkley said. "It's a fresh start."

Barkley was projected to be the first quarterback taken going into the 2012 college season, but many draft analysts feel he took a step back after a stellar 2011. Of course, a lot of that regression was due to an absolutely crappy offensive line and pass-pro scheme at USC last year. Still, Barkley excelled when he faced Kelly's Oregon Ducks last year, throwing for 484 yards and five touchdowns. Apparently, according to our resident Aussie Rules expert, Chip Kelly takes that stuff personal.

"He's the all-time leading passer in USC history. A four-year starter in high school and college," Kelly said of Barkley. "He has all the intangibles you're looking for."

What the drafting of Barkley means for the other quarterbacks on the roster remains to be seen. The Eagles wouldn't have traded up to get Barkley if they didn't really like him. Unless the team plans on carrying four quarterbacks, it means that Michael Vick, Nick Foles, Dennis Dixon and G.J. Kinne are now competing for three spots.

"I'm coming in here to compete for the starting job," said Barkley. "That has to be my mindset."

The selection of Barkley was the Hollywood moment of the weekend for the Eagles. Here's the complete 7-round recap:

Round 1 (4): Lane Johnson (OT, Oklahoma)
Round 2 (35): Zach Ertz (TE, Stanford)
Round 3 (67): Bennie Logan, DT, LSU
Round 4 (98): Matt Barkley, QB, USC
Round 5 (136): Earl Wolff, SS, North Carolina State
Round 7 (212): Joe Kruger (OLB, Utah)
Round 7 (218): Jordan Poyer (CB, Oregon State)
Round 7 (239): David King (DE, Oklahoma)

We bring in correspondent Brad Gagnon, a guy who does a lot of work for Bloguin.com (my esteemed network---please address all Livefyre Hate Mail to him) to break down the picks:

Best pick: Jordan Poyer (CB, Oregon State)

"Seriously. I don't understand why Poyer's stock dropped. He's versatile and can cover all over the field, and he's got a knack for making plays. Earlier this spring, he was considered to be a second-day pick, but questions about his speed might have been why he slid so far. Still, this is a remarkably good value pick for a guy who possesses the ability to start in this league."

Other picks I liked....

"Joe Kruger, who is Paul Kruger's younger brother, could take some time to develop, but he has a chance to become a solid contributor if he can adapt to being an outside linebacker in Philly's 3-4 scheme...Johnson makes the Eagles' line so much better, but he's still raw and has bust potential...Logan will have a chance to start and make an impact as a pass-rusher up front opposite Fletcher Cox."

"And you can never have enough quarterbacks when you don't have a clear starter, so I'm down with the Barkley pick that late. "

Joe Kruger, outside linebacker, Utah...

Earl Wolff (strong safety), North Carolina State...

David King, DE, Oklahoma...

Thanks, Brad Gagnon. We've seen and read a lot of good things about all these later round picks. Gagnon doesn't like the Earl Wolff pick or the Zach Ertz pick for the Eagles. But I'm definitely okay with them.

Gagnon doesn't think Wolff has enough size to compete at strong safety in the NFL.  But I think he's underestimating Wolff's heart. Although more of a free safety position when he came up, I remember people saying Ed Reed would never make it in the NFL because he was "undersized"...

As for Zach Ertz? Why not?  What Gagnon doesn't realize is Chip Kelly is setting up for a three-tight-end formation in his 2013 offense. We've only just begun to talk about that...

I'll be back later to update the MACH 10 impact of these exciting draft picks...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Okay, here's where we stand on the MACH 10 Challenge, including the latest UDFA signings...

Freight Train hit on Lane Johnson...
Sunbutts hit on Jordan Poyer...
Bruzer hit on Joe Kruger...
Harry Pianos hit on Lane Johnson...
Kenny hit on Lane Johnson and Jordan Poyer...
Brizer hit on Lane Johnson...
Dr. Funt hit on Lane Johnson...
ATV hit on Lane Johnson...
Dutch Rubb hit on Lane Johnson...
T-Bone (Boner) hit on Lane Johnson and Jordan Poyer...
Don Pardo hit on Bennie Logan and Jordan Poyer...
B. Quick hit on Lane Johnson...
Spuds McKenzie hit on Matty Barkley...
Jerky hit on Zach Ertz...
Palmetto hit on Damion Square (UDFA)...

So far it looks like a 3-way tie among Kenny, Boner and Don Pardo...  But there are still more UDFA's to factor before making a final count.  And of course, the all-important time-stamp of the ballots may be the final decider of the 2013 MACH 10 Champion...

The Philadelphia Eagles took Zach Ertz, a tight end from Stanford, with the 35th pick in the NFL draft on Friday. Ertz, 6-5, 249 lbs, was considered the second best tight end in the draft.

"Ertz was our top choice coming in," Chip Kelly said. "We just had our fingers crossed."

Ertz finished last season with 69 catches for 898 yards and six touchdowns. He ran a 4.76 40-time at the combine, and was in the top three among tight ends in both the bench press and three cone drill. He earned All-Pac 12 and All-American honors in his final season at Standford.

A strong route runner, Ertz should give the Eagles a legitimate threat in the red zone. He will also provide the Eagles with some serious depth at tight end, with Brent Celek and James Casey already on the roster. Ertz could already be the best athlete of the bunch, however, and could be moved all around the field.

Unless Clay Harbor has a huge training camp, the selection of Ertz likely ends Harbor's time with the team.

One player many thought the Eagles would target, safety Jonathan Cyprien from Florida International, went with the first pick of the second round to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Geno Smith was on the board when the Eagles made their pick, but Howie Roseman and Chip Kelly passed on the West Virginia QB prospect for the second time in as many days.

Bennie Logan, a 6-2, 302 lb defensive tackle from LSU, was the Eagles third round selection on Friday night. Logan joins Lane Johnson and Zach Ertz in the team's 2013 draft class.

After a strong 2011 season, Logan saw his production slip last season. Logan had just two sacks in his final season with the Tigers to go along with 47 tackles. Still, the Eagles insisted that they gave him a second round grade coming into the draft.

One criticism of Logan coming into this year's draft was his lack of improvement from 2011. Many draft experts also pointed to his lack of a go-to-move when it came to rushing the passer. One thing the Eagles liked about Logan, however, was his versatility.

"He'll move around," Kelly said. "He'll get a look at nose tackle, but also some (defensive) end."

Logan is not being brought to Philadelphia to become a premier pass rusher, however. With long arms and a big body, Logan is strong against the run. Combined with Fletcher Cox and Isaac Sopoaga, the Eagles now have three big bodies to plug in the middle of the defensive line.

"You know our mentality," Chip Kelly said of the pick. "Big people beat up little people."

Lost in the translation of the Eagles' picks was the saga of Geno Smith.

Geno's long green-room wait finally ended at pick No. 39 Friday. All Smith has to do now is turn around the most dysfunctional franchise in the NFL---the New York Jets.

Smith's toughness and talent will be tested like never before after getting drafted by the Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. If nothing else, he appears to have the requisite confidence for the Big Apple.

"We're going to the playoffs next year," Smith said on NFL Network right after getting drafted.

If that happens, Smith might not just be Offensive Rookie of the Year. He could be league MVP. The Jets have major question marks at guard, wide receiver and tight end. They have six quarterbacks on the roster, including Mark Sanchez, David Garrard and Tim Tebow. A quarterback or three is going to get released. Perhaps Sanchez will be one of them.

They have a coach in Rex Ryan who is set up to fail. Ryan is in a must-win year, and he has to balance trying to win with developing a young quarterback. Then again, it's hard to imagine Smith being a worse option than Sanchez, who only still is on the roster because his $8 million salary is guaranteed. 

"I think Geno Smith is going to be the starter, Week 1, against Tampa Bay, and I think Mark Sanchez will be there and he will be holding a clipboard," NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner said on Friday night. 

Smith would be better off sitting and learning on the bench. But he's likely to compete for a starting job in training camp, and the temptation to play him once the Jets start losing will be immense. That possibly would give the Jets the highest paid backup in the NFL in Sanchez if he remained on the roster.

If Ryan can't win this year, Smith likely will have to learn another offensive system with a new coach who inherits him in 2014.

"I just want to come in and compete, I'm going to accept my role on the team whatever it is," Smith told reporters. "I'm going to come in and work ... do my best for my teammates in order to win a Super Bowl."

That delusional quote was so insane I had to call my old friend Regis Philbin, a long-time Jets fan. And here's what Regis had to say about Geno Smith and the Jets:



 

"THE JETS ARE OUTTA CONTROL !!!!"

So... it's on to Rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday for the Eagles... I'm excited for the value we might find there.

As for our MACH 10 contestants, let it be known that JERKY had Zach Ertz on his MACHer... and DON PARDO had Bennie Logan on his ballot... putting them both right up there in a tie with the top semi-finalists in the race for the MACH 10 Crown.

Tommy Boy Lawlor had both Lane Johnson and Zach Ertz on his "revised" Eagles mock...He conveniently replaced Dion Jordan with Lane Johnson a few days ago... So I've got to acknowledge Lawlor as the only member of our fraternity of fellow fans right now who has two (2) active picks which are on the money. But the reality of MACH 10 LIFE as we know it--- revising one's MACH after initial posting is a no-no.  That's what makes the MACH 10 Challenge the most demanding test in all of sports. It's all about timing...and courage.

Can the Eagles hit a slider?

In a first round that saw eight offensive linemen in the Top 20 picks, EJ Manuel as the lone quarterback in the first round, and FIVE trades, the 2013 NFL Draft first round was predictably unpredictable. And, while players like Kyle Long, Justin Pugh, and Travis Frederick surprised as first rounders, some of the draft’s best players slid past the 1^st round---so says Optimum Scouting and CBSSports, among others.

One of the sliders I'll be watching for is safety Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International...

Cyprien is 6-0, 217, and ran a 4.64 '40 at the Combine...

Should have listened to Mike Mayock, who called it... offensive tackle Lane Johnson (Oklahoma) is now an Eagle...

Lane Johnson, 6-6, 305, OT, Oklahoma...considered the "most athletic" tackle in the 2013 draft, mostly because of prior JC experience at QB and Tight End...

A value pick....Eagles decided not to trade back for more picks if they could get this guy... our resident director of college scouting JB-Sage-Lion has some concerns about his run-blocking ability, but there is little question about his pass-pro skills...

Johnson is not a complicated young man. He's country through and through... He knows his role and---well, you know the rest.

He's only played the tackle position on offense for two years, so that experience factor is a concern. But if you factor in his experience at QB and TE, you come away with a sense of security that this is a guy who understands how crucial his assignment will be to protect and block for his ball handlers.

Here's the PR report on Lane Johnson from his Oklahoma alma mater:

2012
Played in all 13 games with 11 starts at left tackle ... named All-America Third Team by CBSSports.com ... named All-Big 12 Second Team by coaches ... Academic All-Big 12 First Team.

2011
Started 12 of 13 games at right tackle ... had 10 knockdowns against Kansas ... did not play vs. Tulsa ... Academic All-Big 12 first team.

2010
Began the season at tight end ... switched to defensive end midway through the season.

2009
Redshirted.

At Kilgore College
Played quarterback for one season before working out at tight end in the spring of 2009 ... completed 32 of 61 attempts for 510 yards and three touchdowns ... also had 17 carries for 24 yards and one TD.

High School
Played quarterback and was an honorable mention all-state selection at the position ... named all-district ... also competed in track, finishing fourth in the shot put at the 2008 Texas State Championships.

Personal
Rotated between offensive tackle and defensive end during the spring of 2011 ... has added over 35 pounds since arriving at OU ... human relations major.

I get the big picture---  He's an ath-a-lete ---and a potential great fit for Chip Kelly-style offense. It's not hard to imagine Johnson being on the receiving end of a tackle-eligible pass completion.

And as Mayock himself commented, imagine an Eagles offensive line with Jason Peters at LT, Evan Mathis at LG, Jason Kelce at C, Todd Herremans at RG, and Lane Johnson holding down the RT position...

It's a vision that no doubt was playing in Chip Kelly's head during skull sessions leading up to Round 1 Night at the NFL Draft.

WalterFootball.com had him graded out as follows:

Strengths:

• Extremely effective pass-protector
• Phenomenal athlete
• Rare athleticism
• Massive upside
• Superb agility
• Very reliable
• Shuts down pass-rushers for four quarters
• Phenomenal at mirroring speed-rushers going for the corner
• Quick feet
• Good pad level
• Fast in his drop
• Very advanced technique
• Mobility to hit blocks on the perimeter
• Gets to blocks on the second level
• Can anchor against bull rushes
• Natural bender
• Good length
• Plus recoverability
• Should be a real technician as a pro
• Perfect fit for a zone-blocking system
• Smart
• Strong hands
• Good teammate
  
  Weaknesses:
• Needs more strength to run block effectively in the NFL
• Not overly strong, physical
• Definitely would fit better in a zone-blocking system
• Not very experienced
• Will need developmental time
  
  "Johnson played extremely well in 2012. He did a superb job protecting the blind side of quarterback Landry Jones. Against Texas and defensive end Alex Okafor, Johnson had a very good game as the Sooners handled the Longhorns. He closed out his career by playing well against Texas A&M and its edge-rushers including Damontre Moore.
  
  "Johnson used the Senior Bowl to pop from being a fringe first-rounder to a pick in the top half of Round 1. He was the second-most impressive blocker in Mobile - behind only Eric Fisher. Johnson was rock-solid in pass protection in the one-on-ones. He clearly has been well-developed by the Sooners coaching staff to protect the blind side.
  
  "There is no doubt that Johnson is a rare athlete. He is as fast as a tight end and is just scratching the surface of his potential. Johnson has light, quick feet to get depth in his drop and negate speed rushes. His phenomenal agility lets him glide with pass-rushers, while speed-rushers get frustrated with his ability to mirror. Johnson is also quick to react and negate rushes to the inside. Entering the NFL, Johnson is a legitimate pass-protector.
  
  "Johnson has potential in the ground game, but will need some more work. He could use more strength to move defensive linemen. Still, Johnson has the frame to add more weight while maintaining his quickness. He looked like he was hiding his 300 pounds at the Senior Bowl weigh-in. There is little doubt that Johnson will be able to add a significant amount of weight once he enters an NFL strength and conditioning program.
  
  "The athletic Johnson would be a perfect fit in a zone-blocking scheme. His athleticism, quickness and agility makes him a prototypical blocker for a zone scheme. If Johnson is drafted into a man-blocking scheme, he will need some time to add power for the ground game.
  
  "Many believe that Johnson has more upside than Cental Michigan's Eric Fisher or Texas A&M's Luke Joeckel. However, because Johnson has only one season of experience at left tackle, he could use more developmental time. Johnson might be better off starting out at right tackle for a year or two before moving over to the left side. "
• 
  Well, there you have it.  The kid has a huge upside. Kelly believes in him---for now. Maybe not the sexiest 1st-round pick in Eagles history---but far from the worst.

Johnson gets Top 10 money.  The payoff for the Eagles will be about three years down the road, if everything pans out the way Mike Mayock sees it. But something tells me the Eagles expect a return on investment sooner than later.

It's all about that "athletic" thing... and the "smarts" and the "character"... They really like this kid.

Now on to Rounds 2 and 3...

NOTE--- Guys who posted MACH 10 Ballots through 12:40 P.M. of April 25, 2013, and who HAD Lane Johnson on their MACHers included:

Freight Train
Harry Pianos
Kenny Kenemeka
Brizer
Dr. Funt
B. Quick
ATV
Rumpelstiltskin
Dutch Rubb
Boner

I have not yet reviewed any late submissions that came in between 12:40 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 25, as those were temporaily obscured by Livefyre problems, but I promise I will review the tapes once they are visible.

Let it rip! GET IN! The 2013 NFL Draft is ready to roll....So relax and enjoy the show...

Livefyre is jumpier than a Phil Niekro knuckleball these days, but Eagles phans and I are eagerly awaiting your smarticle comments as Round 1 plays out.

But most importantly, enjoy the celebration of the event.

Mike Mayock is runing on fumes right now, but he just played his hand on the Eagles in Round 1:

As T-Boner reported to us just a few hours ago,Mayock has the Eagles selecting an offensive lineman with the fourth overall pick--- but not Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel or Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher as he has them going one and two.

The Haverford School graduate has the Eagles selecting Oklahoma offensive tackle Lane Johnson with the first draft pick in the Chip Kelly era.

“He’s the freakiest tackle I’ve ever seen in my life,” Mayock said of Johnson. “And because of what Chip Kelly does — up-tempo, maximize snaps, throw the bubble screens, throw the tunnel screens — he needs a great athlete at left tackle.” [AS BONER and ATV POINTED OUT--"SO MUCH FOR A CERTAIN ALL-PRO NAMED JASON PETERS!"]

Mayock does indeed have Joeckel and Fisher going No. 1 and No. 2, but not in that order.

He actually has Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs selecting Fisher with the first overall pick instead of Joeckel, who had been at the top of many draft boards and mock drafts heading into Thursday’s NFL Draft.

Mayock does have Joeckel going No. 2, however, to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

I love watching this stuff play out---especially when it all tumbles down outide and around the analyst predictions!

Okay--let's go to the party. We're almost on the clock!

Our special guests on the eve of Draftmas are NFL analyst and home-grown talent Mike Mayock...and the scheming prince himself, Machiavelli.

For those last-minute MACH 10 ballots, you're going to need the inspiration and strategy of both our guests.

GK Brizer turned us on to a nice little 2-hour feature on the Eagles draft which Mayok taped for NFLN.  It may give some late MACH 10 Challenge entrants a little extra juice.   Machiavelli offers some nuggets which are more about the actual gamesmanship involved in beating out your MACH competitors--- many of whom may have basically similar ballots.

Here's Mayock on the Eagles draft with some excerpts courtesy of CSNPhilly.com:

   " OK, where's the value at 4 ? And my whole premise is less about having to plug a particular position and more about making sure I get an All-Pro if I'm picking in the top 10."

"Take a quarterback? I don't see that at all. They signed Dennis Dixon. They've now got three quarterbacks, and I think Chip Kelly's going to be pretty smart with how he handles that thing. I think it's too early to be taking a quarterback given the fact that they've got three right now." [EYE note: the Iggles really have 4 QB's on the roster right now, counting G.J. Kinne]

Dee Milliner (CB, Alabama) at 4? "I happen to think No. 4 is a little high for Dee Milliner. I really like him. I think he's a heck of a football player and I think he'd be safe. But I don't think he's that explosive 4.35 kind of 40 [-yard dash] guy. If they took him, I'd be OK with that because he's a solid football player, but I think it's a little high for him."

How about a Safety?  "I think the Eagles are going to get a chance to get a safety in the second or third round, and that's important. They need a safety badly. They could also use a corner."

Offensive line? "You've got to decide with your offensive line how comfortable you are with all those guys coming back from injury (Jason Peters, Todd Herremans, Jason Kelce), and I think there are some questions there. So you've got to look at the top offensive lineman in this draft. I don't care if it's outside at tackle or inside like Chance Warmack, you better be looking at those two guys."

Linebacker? "If you're looking at a 3-4 outside linebacker, most people are all over Damontre Moore, either at the 4-3 end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. "I kind of like Dion Jordan, who I think is two years away from being an Aldon Smith-type player. He's only about 240 pounds, but he's 6-foot-7. He's got frightening athletic skills, and he's a year away. He would be a situational pass-rusher year one, and if he puts 20 pounds on I think he's going to be a perennial All-Pro. I really like the kid. But, again, that's a little bit of a risk-reward. You're betting on this kid two years from now."

"That's why I wouldn't want a top-10 pick this year. I think the fifth pick in the draft and the 25th pick in this draft are very similar."

What is a greater need for them given their current personnel: Nose tackle or 3-4 defensive end (five-technique)?

 "I have trouble saying that a five-technique should go with the fourth pick in the draft."

"I think the five-techniques, you can probably get them later in the draft. So when you start talking about what kind of nose tackle prospects you're looking for, John Jenkins, the 350-pounder from Georgia, you could get him with the fourth pick in the second round, I believe. That's about where his value is going to come into play. "

"Brandon Williams, I like him a lot. He's got some upside to him. I think Jenkins and Williams make a ton of sense even in the second or third round. "

"If they transition to the 3-4 as they seem to be doing, what don't the Eagles have? What do they need that you would look at first to make that transition? My first question would be: Is Antonio Dixon going to be my guy at nose tackle? If he's healthy and has gas in the tank, I think he could be at nose tackle. So that's my first question. How do I feel about him?"

"And you look at the outside linebacker, and you're looking at guys like [Brandon] Graham, Trent Cole.. Vinny Curry to me would be better in the 4-3. He could probably do it, though, same with Phillip Hunt."

"So I look at those things that you have to make the decision immediately at nose tackle. And how comfortable are you that you could pressure the cornerback with those former defensive ends coming off the edge as rush linebackers? Probably, finally, DeMeco Ryans really didn't like that transition. Is he going to like it any better in Philly?"

"And to be honest with you, they better find a safety at some point, because all the rest of it isn't going to matter if they don't get help from the back end."

Machiavelli then brought up the question of "Trading Down"...








 

Mayock: ""Yeah, somebody might fall in love with (Philadelphia native) Sharrif Floyd or Jarvis Jones. Somebody might love Damontre Moore. I don't. But a lot of people do. So there could be some people looking for those kind of guys, or the Eagles can sit there and say, hey, we think that Dion Jordan or Damontre Moore or any of these guys can fit what we do. And Sharrif Floyd could play the five-technique. I don't think it takes advantage of what he does best. But he's got explosion and quickness."

"If they played the 3-4 like the Houston [Texans] do, which is different than most 3-4s, Floyd would be a natural guy at number four. I bang the table for him. But it all depends from a scheme perspective how they go about doing it, because you can play it different ways."

Mayock admits he is "fascinated" with the Eagles draft this year, partly because there's so much value to be had in the later picks of the 1st and 2nd rounds.

Machiavelli has a few more cryptic points to make about outwitting your fellow MACH 10 competitiors:

Let the MACH 10 balloting proceed until GK Brizer decrees cut-off time, which I currently assume to be 4:00 P.M. EST on Thursday, April 25th.... I shall make corrections as necessary to that deadline.