Careful, the white smoke you see may be your own...your own team's smokescreen, that is.

Lot of reasons to believe the recent Geno Smith audition for the Eagles which included owner Jeff Lurie in attendance was somewhat disingenuous---not in an evil way by the Birds, but as a tool of disinformatiion.

The Eagles were willing to confirm they were in West Virginia earlier this week to work out quarterback Geno Smith. They're not willing to say much more about the scouting trip on the player most believe is the top quarterback in the draft.

General manager Howie Roseman even declined to confirm or deny a report that owner Jeffrey Lurie was on the trip.

The Eagles' owner is not a regular on scouting trips. The norm, however, changes when it comes to drafting the face of a franchise. If a team is willing to select a quarterback in the first round, the owner needs to be involved. It's his money and the future of his organization that is being placed in the hands of the young man with a rocket arm. So Lurie made the trip.

Does it mean the Eagles will draft Smith? Not necessarily. It does however signal they are at least open to the possibility. All the Eagles would specifically say about Smith is that, "obviously, he's an impressive guy." Roseman provided that insight.

New coach Chip Kelly only offered that he's open to all possibilities.

"Just because it's quarterbacks, I think people get enamored with that," Kelly said. "I don't know if it's because of what we do offensively or because we've signed a couple guys.  But our job is to win on Sundays, and we're going to look at anybody and everybody to see if we can win games.  Does that mean we're going to pick a quarterback in the draft? I don't know."

If the Eagles come to an agreement that Smith is a franchise quarterback that would fit Kelly's system, it's a no-brainer. They've got the draft positioning to go get him.

It's also possible the Eagles are using the whole Geno Smith workout as a smokescreen.

Herer's how the smokescreen tactic works, as alluded to by Jordan Raanan of NJ.com, and also briefly touched upon earlier by our own JB-Sage-Lion:

If someone else is enamored with the West Virginia quarterback, they may now view the Eagles as a potential threat to draft him, thus prompting a potential trade. And with this year's draft class lacking true can't-miss talent, a draft pick in the teens isn't much different than a Top 10 choice. It would be a coup to slide down, still land your intended target and accumulate more picks in a deep draft.

Meanwhile, the Free Agent market is popping along quite nicely around the league. Unbelievable amounts of guaranteed money are being thrown around--- just not by the Eagles---yet.

Our Bored correspondents are updating us with every major transaction going down as it happens in the Livefyre section below. I love it because I'm getting the news faster here than I can on TV or radio---and the commentary on each transaction is more complete and insightful than anything I can find live in the media.

Thank you, guys and dolls...

The Birds did bring in five players Wednesday afternoon, most notably former Oregon and New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung. A common denominator with the recent signings seems to be a pedigree of winning.. Aside from cornerback Bradley Fletcher, a product of the St. Louis Rams, the other four — James Casey (tight end from Houston), Chung (New England), Jason Phillips (LB who spent time with Baltimore) and Isaac Sopoaga (San Francisco) — have come from winning organizations.

Tthe most-asked question surrounding new head coach Chip Kelly now is whether or not he and GM Howie Roseman have a plan going forward.

“I think with the guys that we just acquired,” Kelly said in a press release Thursday, “probably the common theme is not only are they outstanding football players, but they’re outstanding off the field too, and it takes a lot to be a professional football player.

“Kind of identifying who we wanted to become part of the Eagles organization, that was just as important as how fast they are and how strong they are.”

But what's the next step, Chip?

The Eagles still need to solidify the offensive line. They need another wide receiver, although staying out of the race for Percy Harvin and Mike Wallace was a good idea.They still need a quarterback of the future, a younger pass-rusher, and a top-flight cornerback and safety.

“The whole process is a collaborative effort,” Kelly said, when asked who is making the final personnel decisions. “I think that’s what’s going to make us a special group, is that everybody.... No one really cares who gets the credit. The bottom line is, do we win and lose and we’ll be judged on that on Sundays."

“But when you get a bunch of guys that don’t have any egos and they can put them at the door and say, how do we come together as a group and build this thing the right way, I think we’re on the right track for that right now.”

Roseman fielded questions on the plan of attack for the Birds this offseason, specifically on the mid-level signings he just made compared to the top-tier free agents on the market.

“We had targeted specific guys,” Roseman said. “And we were looking for what was best for our organization, our football team, and we had a plan. When we went into free agency, these were the guys we targeted, we went aggressively after them.

“Certainly you want to go in with an open mind in every free agent period, but you’ve got to learn from the things that you’ve done and people around the league have done, and for us this is what we felt was right for our team at this particular time.”

Kelly wouldn’t commit to whether he wanted to draft a quarterback, despite bringing in West Virginia QB Geno Smith and Arizona QB Matt Scott. Roseman wouldn’t commit to further signings in free agency, other than the fact that he’s looking for value, rather than position.

Anyway, that clears the Bored to begin their next round of live reports and commentary on the latest free agent developments.

I thought I'd throw in this still from a live videocam feed out of the Blackwater Eagles Refuge. This shows a mother and a father eagle protecting their "kids" from the rain. As you can see, one of the peepers has hatched, and you can see cracks in the eggs of his siblings. This photo reminds me of Chip and Howie...I don't know why.

To paraphrase our resident talent scout-emeritus, JB-Sage-Lion, "Why are so many teams over-spending on second-tier free agent players?"

Wait a week or two, and the price tags would have been a lot less... but there is a level of desperation to win NOW that is pervasive among at least 30 NFL teams that are tired of losing... And the Free Agent gold rush is mighty tempting to them...

I am thankful that the Eagles are showing some restraint. The real future payoff lies in the Draft...and the Eagles top brass seems to get that...

The Eagles didn't make the big move fans were hoping for on Tuesday, but they were busy as the first day of NFL free agency kicked off. They went for "role players"...

Cornerback Bradley Fletcher, tight end James Casey, safety Patrick Chung, linebacker Jason Phillips and defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga all inked multi-year deals with the Birds. And allow me to emphasize---"reasonable" deals.

While none are expected to start at the top of the depth chart, they do provide some depth on a team that lacked it last season. One thing the Eagles' free-agent aqcuisitions do have in common, however, is their ability to contribute on special teams.

Perhaps the biggest signing of the group was Casey, a 6-3, 240 pound athlete who has played both fullback and tight end. Casey was given a three-year deal worth $12 million with $6 million guaranteed.

The five-year veteran had 34 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns last season playing behind Owen Daniels. Casey likely appealed to Chip Kelly for his versatility. A running back in college, Casey will allow the Eagles to do more two tight-end sets. The signing will not do anything to change Brent Celek's spot on the depth chart, but it might mean the end of Clay Harbor's tenure in Philadelphia.

James Casey, 6-3, 243, 4th year out of Rice, 5th round pick of the Texans in 2009, is a hybrid fullback/tight end...

The Eagles added two players who could potentially start in a secondary that is in the process of undergoing a major facelift.

Fletcher, who was given a two-year deal worth $5.25 million, started four games for the St. Louis Rams last season. The veteran cornerback notched 25 tackles, eight passes defensed, one forced fumble and one sack. With the release of Nnamdi Asomugha, Fletcher already has more NFL experience than any other cornerback currently on the roster, and will be given the chance to win a starting job during training camp.

Chung, a veteran safety who spent his entire career with the New England Patriots, signed a three-year deal. Chung blocked a punt, blocked a field goal and returned an interception for a touchdown in a game against the Miami Dolphins in 2010. He also has a tie to Kelly, as Chung graduated from Oregon three years ago. Like Fletcher, Chung will likely be given the chance to win a starting job in training camp as the Eagles are thought to be looking to replace both Kurt Coleman and Nate Allen.

The signing of Phillips, a linebacker who has spent time with both the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers, was also a move aimed at improving the team's special teams. Phillips, who was given a two-year deal, had 16 special teams tackles in 16 games played last season.

One signing that had very little to do with special teams, and everything to do with clogging up the middle of the Eagles' new 3-4 defense, was the addition of defensive lineman Isaac Sopoaga. The nine-year veteran (who weighs 330 pounds) got a three-year deal worth $12 million with $5 million guaranteed. Sopoaga is not known for bringing down the quarterback as he has just 7.5 career sacks, but he is strong against the run and has experience playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme.

None of these free-agent signings are big-names or stars, but these guys are solid special teamers and role players who have potential to develop into more. The moves also came relatively cheap, meaning the team still has plenty of money left to sign the bigger-name free agents that are still out there- if the Eagles so desire.

I think by now you know I am less than enthused about Patrick Chung as a coverage safety. But I will admit he brings a lot to the table in terms of smarts, run-stopping, blitz-package know-how, and special teams. And oh yeah... the Oregon ties to Kelly and the credibility of a winner familiar with Belichick's system in New England helps, too.

This brings us to the "Taps" portion of the blurb...

The Eagles released Nnamdi Asomugha two seasons after he signed to a five-year, $60 million dollar contract.

"Coach Kelly and I each had a chance to speak with Nnamdi earlier and he took the news with a lot of class," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said in a statement. "We expected nothing less than that from him. He has been a true pro on and off the field for this organization and our community and we wish him all the best as he continues his NFL career.

"We spoke to his representatives at the Combine about his future status with the team and wanted to take time to analyze and make a decision. In the end, Coach and I both felt we needed to move in a different direction at the cornerback position for 2013 and beyond."

The release of Asomugha in many way signals the death of the ( I won't say it, but it rhymes with Cream Team), the collection of high-priced free agents signed in the summer of 2011. In addition to Asomugha, Jason Babin, Cullen Jenkins, Vince Young, Steve Smith and Ronnie Brown are all gone. Only Evan Mathis, the least publicized signing of the group, remains.

Part of the reason for Asomugha's struggles with the Eagles could have been the system he was asked to play. And calling it a "system" is a generous use of the English language.

There is a strong possibility the Eagles turn over an entire starting secondary — safeties and cornerbacks.

S Dashon Goldson (49ers)? I am not convinced...
The Eagles are interested. We've talked about him ad nauseum already. Goldson is allegedly the top safety on the market right now. The Eagles desperately need a safety, one that can hit and toughen a previously double-ply soft defense. Whether or not the Eagles sign Goldson will likely come down to price. They spent less than $3 million combined on all their safeties last season. One league source expects Goldson to land a deal worth around $7.5 million per season. But as JB-Sage-Lion has observed, Goldson is just not that good...

CB Chris Houston...now this guy I likey...
Houston's a little under-the-radar name despite some solid years in Detroit. I can see the Eagles looking closely at him for a reasonable price after the initial rush at cornerbacks. Somebody is going to overpay for the measurables, not the production, of players like Sean Smith and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. I expect the Eagles to go strong after the secondary cornerback market, which is very deep. Houston is on that list. In fact, he's been better than Smith or DRC the past few years and would thrive in a new environment where he's not asked to be the No. 1 guy.

The talk of the town in Philly today is the Eagles' alleged interest in signing DT Desmond Bryant...

Bryant, who became a household name this winter for a now infamous mugshot, is on the Eagles wish list according to Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports. Cole also mentioned the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars as other teams interested in Bryant.

Here's a somewhat more flattering shot of Desmond Bryant...6-6, 311, his 4th year out of Harvard...a "smart" guy, right?

Here's a parody of the infamous mug shots that resulted from Bryant's run-in with the law a few weeks ago in Miami...

You can write it off to a youthful indiscretion. The young man can still flat-out ball.

According to CBS Miami, police said Bryant was “extremely intoxicated” and had red, blood-shot eyes and slurred speech, as well as the “strong smell of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath," when he was booked at Miami-Dade County Jail at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning on february 24th.

SB Nation's Raiders blog zinged Bryant over his Ivy League roots: "After seeing this photo one might surmise that having a Harvard education doesn't automatically mean their alumni come out prepared to handle alcohol."

Bleacher Report's Matt King mocked Bryant, comparing his mug shot to an unflattering screen capture of "Honey Boo Boo" star June "Mama" Shannon.

Meanwhile, Deadspin held a photoshop contest for Bryant's "derpy" mugshot. "We don't care what he did. Actually we do, but his mug shot is more pressing," wrote Barry Petchesky.

I think the guy is worth a look by the Eagles. I base this view on his playing ability. Bryant was one of the best defensive tackles in the league last season, recording 36 tackles and four sacks for the Oakland Raiders. At only 27-years old Bryant would fit the bill as a young player whose best days could be ahead of him. He has 11.5 sacks and 124 tackles in his four year career. ProFootballFocus had him ranked as the 6th best defensive tackle last season and gave him credit for 20 quarterback hurries and 11 quarterback hits.

When I think of all the times at age 27 I drove home late at night or early in the morning with a belly full of wine, or worse, and but for the luck of the Irish should have been pulled over by the cops like Bryant was, I count my blessings and explore my capacity for forgiveness of his youthful indiscretion. The fact still remains that it can never---ever---happen again.

Like most of the free agents the Eagles have been linked to this offseason, Bryant played in a 3-4 last season. He has the size- 6-6, 311 lbs- to be the dominant defensive tackle they are going to need. Other than Fletcher Cox, the Eagles don't have another clear option right now for the middle of their defensive line. Derek Landri is a free agent, Cedric Thornton is an unknown and Antonio Dixon has been inconsistent throughout his career. Pairing Bryant with Cox would be a solid foundation for defensive coordinator Billy Davis to build from. At least that is the popular notion among pundits right now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Our correspondent J. "Councilman" Trent raised an interesting point yesterday--- although the annual MACH 10 Draft Challenge may be the most difficult trophy to win in all of Eagles fandom, how did our contestants fare last year in picking viable NFL players---even though they may not have wound up on the Eagles' final roster?

Going over the charts from 2012, we find the following results--- which reveal the "general managerial talent-scouting" potential in Eagles Eye phan posters---which does not always equate to a Mach 10 win...

For example--- JB-Sage-Lion had a losing ballot in which he "only" correctly picked Mychal Kendricks for the Eagles---but he also had Luke Kuechly on his list. And we all know how Kook's value has skyrocketed since...

B. Quick had a losing ballot with two correct picks of Fletcher Cox and Brandon Boykin... but he also had Bernard Pierce on his ballot. Pierce went on to have a great rookie year for the Ravens, and ended up with a Super Bowl ring in his very first NFL campaign.

Boner hit on Vin Curry and Marvin McNutt...not bad... but he also had Brock Osweiler on his ballot. That is a real scout's vision...

Blasphemizer got Mychal Kendricks...  but even more amazingly he picked Russell Wilson. If only that could have played out in reality...

Jerky got Vin Curry right... but he also picked Brandon Weeden and Michael Brockers, which arguably could be considered decent value picks...

Lupes' only claim to fame was picking Janoris Jenkins...  you might say that Jenkins is working out okay at cornerback...

Genetic Freak had a nice ballot with both Fletcher Cox and Vin Curry on it... and you might say he kinda hit the mark with Chris Rainey. The jury is still out on Rainey...

Fields had Fletcher Cox---and not much else. But he did hit on David Decastro.

Brozer blew us all away with Cox, Curry and Kendricks....but in a larger NFL sense he also "hit" on Michael Brockers, Courtney Upshaw, Quintin Coples and Luke Kuechly... Great scouting by Brozer...

Palm Feathers hit on Mychal Kendricks and Emil Igwenagu... pretty impressive...but also got NFL points for Brandon Weeden and Devon Still. Not bad

Brizorro hit on Fletcher Cox and Marvin McNutt--- but also gets extra credit for Chris Rainey.

Go_Green should get the Purple Heart Award--- he correctly predicted Fletcher Cox and NICK FOLES !!!... impressive! But add the NFL scouting mix of Vontaze Burfict, Luke Kuechly and Nate Potter to that brew, and you have a very professional perfomance by Go_Green...

Brizer got Cox, all right... but he also saw Kuechly, Harrison Smith and Lavonte David...

Spiffo didn't get a single Eagles selection on his ballot...but he was "right on" about David Decastro, Brandon Weeden, Mike Adams, Ryan Tannehill, Michael Brockers, Kendall Wright, Brock Osweiler and Brandon Taylor.

South Philly Ben nailed Fletcher Cox... but he also correctly scouted Russell Wilson.

Leo Pizzini struck out on Eagles picks... but he was all over Mark Barron, Michael Brockers, Jared Crick, Kirk Cousins, Brandon Taylor, and Chris Rainey.  If you were drafting for an expansion team. Leo was your man.

Kent Phil was on the mark with Fletcher Cox...but equally impressive, he targeted Luke Kuechly, Vontaze Burfict, Brandon Weeden, Stephen Hill, Michael Brockers, Antonio Allen and Chris Rainey.

PPW was shut out on Eagles draft picks...but he got a nice "NFL hit" on Luke Kuechly.

Dr. Funt was all over Fletcher Cox, Mychal Kendricks and Vin Curry... and he deserved extra points for David Decastro and Zach Brown.

Hudson Hawk had Fletcher Cox... and also Riley Reiff, Alfonso Denard, Kirk Cousins, Vontaze Burfict and Chris Rainey...

Dutch Rubb was left in the dust on Eagles picks...but he correctly predicted good careers for Kuechly, Brockers, Minnifield, Cousins, and Bernard Pierce...

Beanstalk had a nice ballot with Fletcher Cox and Brandon Boykin...then came up short except for the NFL bonus points he earned for Russell Wilson...

Freight Train had no Eagles...but he scouted Mark Barron, Michael Brockers, Devon Still and Bernard Pierce...

Somalia correctly picked Kendricks... we expected more...but Somalia saved his credibility with the inclusion of Lavonte David, Zach Brown, Chris Rainey and Alfonzo Dennard...

Don Pardo had one of the more interesting Eagles ballots in that he was the only Bored member to correctly pick Chris Polk... He gained extra NFL credits with Stephen Hill, Russell Wilson, Courtney Upshaw, Dontari Poe, Ladarius Green and Jerel Worthy... Watch out for this Pardo guy in 2013!

3D got Fletcher Cox correctly... throw in Janoris Jenkins, Chris Rainey, Kirk Cousins and Nate Potter for extra credit...

AFRA got Brandon Boykin...add Mark Barron, Janoris Jenkins, Michael Floyd, Mohammed Sanu, Zach Brown and LaMichael James for NFL IQ points...

Kenny Kenemeka also got Boykin... with Quintin Coples, Janoris Jenkins, Lavonte David , Ladarius Green and Michael Brockers thrown in to sweeten the pot.

Harry Organs Pianos nailed Boykin and McNutt...not bad!... Throw in Melvin Ingram, Brockers, Poe, David, and Janoris Jenkins for good measure.

Eagle Nut was shut out on the Eagles...but earned scouting points for Kuechly, Potter, Cam Johnson, Jarius Wright, Russell Wilson and Tramain Thomas...

Poet likewise missed on his Eagles... but gets credit for NFL aptitude on Quinton Coples, David Decastro and Kendall Reyes.

ATV had an interesting no-hitter, too... but at least he was all over Chandler Jones, James-Michael Johnson, Keenan Robinson, Bruce Irvin, Michael brockers, Derek Wolfe, Jeff Allen and Ron Brooks...

And Abe Linc had a golden sombrero, too... but he correctly prognosticated the future careers of Bernard Pierce, Devon Still and David Decastro.

This is the "fun" part of the NFL season... we get to shop around for established talent and wonder "what if?"...

Safety William Moore is off the market. He re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday during the "legal tampering" portion of NFL free agency.

And it didn't take long for former Eagles DT Cullen Jenkins to get snatched up by the Giants. He will serve to bolster the G-Men's pass rush. I don't know how he is supposed to contribute in stopping the run. But the Giants are willing to pay him $3 million in guaranteed money to find out.

This is going to be a crazy week with a lot of "impulse spending" temptation...

The Eagles must resist the "quick-fix" splurge at OL, CB and Safety...

Offensive line is going to be okay, assuming the guys who got hurt last season are coming back full strength. And yes...draft a talent for the future as the O-Line is getting to be a tad on the wrong side of 30...

Cornerbacks and safeties? Meh... we draft smart and we pick up a guy or two in FA...no need to panic.

As Palmetto himself has said, get a little extra pressure from your pass rushers and your linebackers, and that cast of characters in the defensive backfield will suddenly look All-World...

I've really got nothing else original to say on this Manic Monday. We know what's happening...

There is a ton of speculation about what the New York Jets plan to do with Darrelle Revis. He’s super-talented, but he’s very pricey, wants more money and is coming off of a torn ACL. The Jets seem to have very little interest in keeping him, so there are a lot of rumors about where he could end up.

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer says that there is a rumor brewing in league circles that Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is already crunching the numbers and working on an offer for the services of Revis. And it would make sense considering how thin the Eagles will be at cornerback. Nnamdi Asomugha is probably getting cut and they’ll let Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie walk in free agency.

And our resident Football Guru JB-Sage-Lion has been all over this report from Bleeding Green Nation:

Matt Barrows, 49ers beat writer for the Sacramento Bee, is reporting the Eagles are among several teams that have expressed an interest in San Francisco DT Ricky Jean-Francois. He's a player the Eagles have been rumored to be targeting for weeks.

"RJF (as we'll call him) will be entering his 4th season after being taken in the 7th round of the 2009 draft. Over his first 3 seasons he's been used largely as a rotation player and not a full-time starter. With a number of 3-4 or hybrid teams interested in him now, it's likely that he's going to get paid closer to that starter level."

"And at 26 he may be ready to make that jump. RJF doesn't offer a lot in the way of a pass rush, but is an excellent interior run defender. There are some around the league that wonder if he can make the jump to a 3 down guy or is best served as a rotational player."

"Solid in-line run defender," an executive in personnel for an NFL team said last week. "Average pass rusher... He'd add good 3-4 defensive end depth and potential base-down starter as a five-technique 'dirty work' player. I'd prefer him more in the rotation than as a (starter)."

Even as a regular part of the rotation, RJF could add value to the Eagles front 7 as they transition to this new system. After the departures of Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson, the team is certainly in need of capable bodies up front, and RJF would certainly fit that bill. Plus, his lack of pass rush ability would be less of a concern here where the team has a number of pass rushers but several question marks as to where the run defense will come from.

"The question is at what price can RJF be had? And if that price is high, can he develop into an every-down type of player that would justify it?"

JB-Sage-Lion says "A guy like this is very valuable"...

One of the biggest Atlantic City events of the year is the crowning of the best college football player at the Maxwell Awards dinner. The event has a very strong Philly flavor, too.

Chuck Bednarik, from left, and Ron Jaworski present the Chuck Bednarik Award to Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o during the Maxwell Football Club Awards Banquet prior to his receiving the Maxwell Award for College Player of the Year in Atlantic City, N.J., Friday, March 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

Our friend David Weinberg who covers the Eagles for Atlantic City Press lives for this event. He provided this coverage:

"Former University of Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o doesn’t care if he’s a first-round draft pick just as long as he gets the opportunity to play in the National Football League."

“To be honest, I really don’t know when I’ll be drafted,” Te’o said Friday during the Maxwell Football Club’s annual news conference at Harrah’s Atlantic City. “Right now, I’m just hoping I get drafted. I’m working hard, preparing myself the best I can and hoping for the best. I’m just hoping one of the 32 (NFL) teams will give me a home.”

Just a few months ago, Te’o was a sure-fire top-five pick. He enjoyed an outstanding season for the Fighting Irish, which resulted in his becoming the first player in the 76-year history of the Maxwell Football Club to win both the Maxwell (Collegiate Player of the Year) and Chuck Bednarik (Collegiate Defensive Player of the Year) awards in the same year.

Then came a poor performance in Notre Dame’s loss to Alabama in the national championship game, followed by a national scandal in which Te’o admitted that the person he called his late girlfriend, "Lennay Kekua", never existed. Te’o was the victim of a hoax perpetrated by an acquaintance.

The fallout continued at the annual NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis last month, where reporters took pictures of an empty podium and Tweeted that they were interviewing Te’o’s girlfriend. Te’o didn’t help himself by running the 40-yard dash in 4.82 seconds — at least two-tenths of a second slower than expected — and weighed 241 pounds after being listed at 255 in Notre Dame’s media guide.

“As a football player, I always looked at the combine as a stepping stone to the next level,” Te’o said. “When I finally got there, there was a lot of pressure and a lot of excitement. But it was still a positive experience for me. I was asked a lot of questions (by NFL teams) there and I answered them all honestly. I was disappointed in my 40 time, but I’m hoping to do better when I run during my Pro Day workout (on March 26).”

After the Maxwell Awards events this weekend, Te’o plans to return to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., to train. In addition to his weight training and speed drills, he’s also been working with former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker and former University of North Carolina head coach John Bunting on making the jump to the NFL.

Former Eagles quarterback and ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski, the president of the Maxwell Football Club, said that he has no doubt Te’o will be a productive NFL player.

“I looked at the tape and the guy can play football,” Jaworski said. “You can gauge speed a number of different ways. (Former Eagles wide receiver) Mike Quick wasn’t very fast. I think he was timed in 4.5 or 4.6 in the 40. But when the ball was in the air, he ran a 4.3."

“You can look at how fast a player is, how he does in the broad jump and the shuttle, but those things are just a small part of the evaluation process, a part of the mosaic that you put together. You have to look at the full body of work. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether a guy can play football and this guy can flat-out play. He’s a first-round draft pick, no doubt about it.”

Some things are harder to measure.

When it comes time to evaluating prospects, NFL teams also examine a player’s character, work ethic and how they respond to adversity.

As painful as the last few months have been for Te’o, he said feels as if the entire experience has made him stronger in ways that cannot be measured by bench presses.

That’s the quality that could make him an impact player.

“I’ve learned that there are things you can and can’t control and there’s no sense worrying about the things you can’t control,” Te’o said. “My focus now is on making myself the best player and the best person I can be. Everyone is going to get hit with adversity in their life. How you respond to that adversity is the true measure of you as a man.”

Other honorees---

This weekend’s honorees also included Penn State coach Bill O’Brien, who was named the Maxwell Club’s Outstanding College Football Coach.

O’Brien was one of the early contenders for the Eagles’ head-coaching job before he withdrew from consideration. The Eagles eventually hired Chip Kelly to replace Andy Reid.

“When you’re in the coaching profession, the NFL is considered the pinnacle,” O’Brien said Friday. “You always have to listen (when NFL teams are interested), but at the end of they day, I had to do what I felt was right and be there for Penn State.”

The Nittany Lions will soon have three local players. Glenn Carson (Southern Regional High School) was one of their top  players last season, and Oakcrest High School senior linebacker Brandon Bell signed a national letter of intent to attend Penn State in the fall. O’Brien visited Oakcrest and Bell’s home in Mays Landing during the recruiting process.

“Brandon’s just a fast, athletic, tough kid who comes from a great family,” O’Brien said. “It was a very enjoyable recruiting process with him. I can’t wait to get him to our campus for summer drills in June.”

Carson, a 6-foot-3, 235-pound starting middle linebacker, finished the 2012 season with 84 tackles and one sack in 12 games. He will enter his senior season in 2013 as a highly regarded NFL prospect.

Austin Johnson, a St. Augustine Prep graduate, will be a sophomore this year for the Nittany Lions after redshirting his freshman year.

Thanks to David Weinberg's coverage of the Maxwell Awards--- and I'll be keeping an eye on Glenn Carson because of it...
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Eagles' salary cap situation is good....

The Eagles are set to enter free agency a healthy $29 million under the $123 million salary cap. They could reach $40 million if they release cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha as is widely expected.

Asomugha is slated to make $15 million this season, with $4 million of that guaranteed.

If Asomugha were released or traded before free-agent signings can become official on Tuesday, the Eagles would be one of just four teams with more than $40 million to spend this offseason. The Browns, Bengals and Colts are also believed to be in prime position to make a splash in free agency.

It is not, however, a star-studded free agent class. There is however a strong and deep group of safeties, cornerbacks and offensive linemen, three spots where the Eagles could use help.

The Eagles' top brass has admitted the the 2011 Free Agent shopping spree was a mistake. They're not about to go crazy when the gates to free agency open this weekend.

"Do I think free agency solves all problems?" new head coach Chip Kelly was asked last Friday at the Maxwell Awards. "No I don't."

But with financial flexibility at their disposal the Eagles can locate their intended targets and strike quickly. They can even overpay, if necessary, to land a specific player they think will fit their new program.

Let the good times roll....

There have been hints of interest in Matt Scott by some members of the Bored here, but no wellspring of demand. But then he turns up on Tommy Lawlor's Mock 1.0... And now Matt Scott has agreed to work out for the Eagles.

According to a report from Daniel Berk of the Arizona Daily Star, the Eagles will be meeting with Arizona quarterback Matt Scott next week. Scott, 6-2, 213 lb, will also be working out for the Eagles later in the month, according to the report.

If you've followed his career at Arizona, you could see why Scott might pique the interest of Chip Kelly. Scott threw for 3,620 yards and 27 touchdowns- to go along with 14 interceptions- last season. He was also a threat with his legs, adding 506 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. Scott backed up his athleticism at the NFL Combine when he ran a 4.69 40-yard dash.

One key asset Scott has is a quick release, something that Kelly has been clear any quarterback working in his system has to have.

As Eliot Shorr-Parks of the New Jersey Times observes, "It is unlikely the Eagles view Scott as someone who could come in and start right away for them next year, but he fits the bill as a player who posses the tools to come in and learn under Kelly while another quarterback starts."

Scott is projected to go as late as the 5th round, meaning the Eagles wouldn't have to use one of their top picks on him like they would for a Geno Smith of West Virginia or E.J. Manuel of Florida State.

Throw in the fact that Scott has some read-option experience, and his name starts to make more and more sense as a player the Eagles could take come April.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Big Red strikes again--- he has lured one of the Eagles' top college scouts to Kansas City.

Brett Veach, a scout who handled the SEC for the Eagles, is reportedly on his way to work for Andy Reid and the Chiefs.

According to Geoff Mosher of Comcast Sports Net, Veach is leaving the Eagles just weeks before the draft to rejoin Reid. The University of Delaware graduate first joined the Eagles in 2007 as an assistant to Reid. After spending three seasons in that role, Veach moved to the player personnel department as a college scout.

"Brett Veach has shown a keen eye for talent evaluation," Howie Roseman says of Veach on the team's official website.

A member of the scouting department leaving his team this late in the draft process is not unheard of, but it certainly is not usual.

I guess Veach didn't get my personal request for professional training.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Food for thought from BirdFlipper, one of my fave new posters from the Wall-Dome:

"I'm bothered about the whole Asomugha/DRC thing. We somehow signed TWO Pro Bowl CB's and NEITHER man could play? I don't buy that and neither does anybody with a double digit IQ. "

"I'm not looking forward to...one more example of how the Eagles have an absurd inability to manage talent. What kind of team invests so heavily in Defensive players (both CB's, Cullen Jenkins, Jason Babin) and then turns the unit over to to an Offensive Line coach, and THEN blames the players!?"

BirdFlipper punches and asks questions later, but I like how he challenges media assumptions that DRC and Aso are terrible and "disappointing". Too often we as fans condemn a player based on a breakdown which may have more to do with the coverages being called that day for the entire unit.

Lack of effort is one thing. Taking plays off is a no-no. But did DRC or Aso really and suddenly decline in their abilities of coverage and pursuit? Or was something else much bigger of a factor? BirdFlipper gives me pause to reflect.

Eric Winston, a highly regarded offensive tackle at 6-7, 302, 8th year out of Miami, was released by the Kansas City Chiefs last night.

Winston has started in 96 straight games in the NFL. He was originally drafted by Houston in the 3rd round in 2006. Last season was his first for the Chiefs on a 4-year, $22 million contract...

What does Winston's sudden availability mean to Eagles fans? First, I think it means we can cross OT's Luke Joeckel and/or Eric Fisher off our Draftmas lists, as it seems apparent Andy Reid is making room for his #1 pick. He already has his starting QB...now he's taking care of business at offensive tackle.

Secondly, the Eagles were one of the first teams to contact Eric Winston today about possible employment in Philadelphia. This report makes me think the Birds will not be going for an offensive tackle in Round 1...unless Joeckel and/or Fisher are still available.

Kenny Kenemeka, our esteemed columnist from Indianapolis, sees it as Andy Reid tipping his hand in the Draft---and really not caring who knows. But Kenny reminds us that Andy can still trade down a few spots, get an extra later round pick, and still pick up one of the top three tackles coming out in the Draft.

According to Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News, the Eagles "definitely" have interest in Eric Winston. Winston's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that his client will have no trouble finding work. That is no surprise after the season Winston had last year.

Winston allowed just three sacks last season in over 1,000 snaps according to ProFootballFocus last season. To put that in perspective, Dennis Kelly and King Dunlap allowed a combined six sacks in just over 800 snaps.

I'm not sure it's fair to compare sacks-per-snaps when other metrics like scheme, experience, QB escapability and relative pressure are not  figured in. But certainly Winston could likely come in and start at right tackle, allowing the Eagles to move Todd Herremans back to guard and Danny Watkins to the bench, among other scenarios.

That would not be the worst alternative to missing out on Joeckel or Fisher...And the cap space is certainly there for the Eagles to sign Winston.

CORNERBACK SPECULATION CONTINUES...

The Free Agent market for cornerbacks is one way for the Eagles to add depth without necessarily drafting for it.

Jordan Raanan of NJ.com has taken the entire list of 50 free agents at the position this year and narrowed it down to his personal Top 8 "Best Cornerbacks Available":

1. Cary Williams (Ravens)
Williams is a physical corner willing to tackle. I'm a big fan of his game. He's not a lockdown No. 1 who you can throw out there on an island to shut down a star receiver, but he is good enough to have as the top CB on a Super Bowl-winning team. With a lack of a shutdown corner on the market, Williams is my top available player at the position, and someone that should interest the Eagles if they are truly trying to toughen up their defense.

2. Chris Houston (Lions)
Houston, 28, has been a solid cover corner for several seasons now in Detroit. He's held his own against some of the league's top receivers. In the right system and with some help on the other side Houston can really thrive, especially if the Eagles select Dee Milliner with their top pick.

3. Aqib Talib (Patriots)
Talib is probably the best player in this group. He changed the Patriots defense when he was shipped there in a mid-season trade. Talib, though, comes with major off-the-field baggage. So much so that the Bucs wanted to get rid of a 26-year-old No. 1 cornerback for a fourth-round pick. The Eagles are trying to create a new culture. It's unlikely they'll take on this type of headache.

4. Brent Grimes (Falcons)
Grimes is a Philly native who made the Pro Bowl in the 2011 season. Atlanta thought enough of his coverage skills last year to franchise him. This year, however, Grimes is coming off an Achilles injury. He would be a big gamble for the Eagles, or any team for that matter. Any loss of speed could prove deadly for a cornerback.

5. Sean Smith (Dolphins)
Smith has the big frame but doesn't play real physical. He's not a premier athlete either. He is a solid player though. While not a true No. 1 or anywhere near as good as he thinks he is, Smith is a player you can definitely win with as a starting cornerback. At 6-foot-3, 218 pounds he seems to fit the physical parameters set by new coach Chip Kelly.

6. Sam Shields (Packers)
Shields, 25, has shown improvement every season and would be a nice addition to any secondary. He's a restricted free agent though. It would likely cost a second-round draft pick and hefty contract to keep the Packers from retaining his services. The Eagles don't appear intent on relinquishing draft picks as they attempt to overhaul their roster and add more depth to improve their special teams.

7. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Eagles)
Rodgers-Cromartie, 26, is the most talented player on this list. He's 6-foot-2, runs a sub 4.40 40-yard dash and has a Pro Bowl appearance on his resume. When teams watch tape of the Eagles' first two games of the season (vs. Cleveland and Baltimore) they'll be impressed. When they watch film of DRC late in the season when the Eagles' season was crumbling, they'll be turned off. He's not the kind of player the Eagles are looking to build around in the secondary or in the locker room as they reshape the team.

8. Dunta Robinson (Falcons)
Robinson is soon-to-be 31 and on the downside of his career. His coverage skills have slipped in recent years, prompting Atlanta to make him a salary-cap casualty this offseason. But Robinson is still a starting cornerback with pretty good tackling skills who can use his physicality to help the Eagles against the run and on screens, something they've struggled with in recent years. At the right price, he would be a good complementary corner.

I appreciate Raanan's list, and it's somewhat discouraging that DRC is on it. But sometimes a very good talent is just not a "good fit". I guess DRC is a poster child for that statement.

One thing I believe is you can never have enough (or too much) depth at cornerback. Year after year we see winning teams overcoming injury and adversity in their defensive backfields by bringing in "the next man up". That's why Sam Shields jumps out at me on the list. He was one of the guys that stepped up from obscurity in Green Bay's last Super Bowl run.

That's also why I still have high hopes for guys like Curtis Marsh, Brandon Boykin and Brandon Hughes. These are not throwaway talents. You need them for depth and you will inevitably need them for long relief stints during the season. You hope they improve every year, like Sam Shields and Cary Williams have done. Cornerback is a tough position with a steep learning curve in the NFL.

My ideal scenario for the corner in Philly this season: restructure Aso or trade for a quality veteran, sign Chris Houston, draft a top rookie prospect, and keep building depth with Boykin, Marsh and Hughes. Let's go to camp with a roster loaded at corner like that and see what shakes out.

Oh the weather outside (in the Delaware Valley) is frightful today. I stand on my front porch with arms akimbo, daring the 40mph winds bending my 80-feet-high poplar (and pounding it with a mix of snow and rain) to do some damage. Bring it. I am tired of cowering in worry about being crushed to death. After all, I'm an Iggles fan. We don't tremble anymore---we roar.

I also waited to post this until Tommy Lawlor released his first Eagles mock draft today. Lawlor is perhaps the most cogent and most enjoyable writer in the Eagles blogosphere. He has a sense of history, too, and he watches almost as much game tape as our own JB-Sage-Lion.

Lawlor just put up his Mock Draft 1.0 for 2013 over at PE.com's Fandemonium department. It's a good read and worth a look.

Lawlor also writes for igglesblitz.com....You can follow Tommy on Twitter @LawlorNFL                                                                                                                                                      

You might be surprised to learn that Lawlor's past record of prediction in his mockers is really no better than any of our regular Bored members here who participate in the official GK-sanctioned MACH 10 derby. In fact, Lawlor rarely hits on more than one pick. Typically it takes at least 3 hits to win the MACH 10 crown.

Nonetheless, here are Lawlor's picks, with the caveat that the selections and draft order may change pending Free Agent signings by the Birds:

1 - LB Dion Jordan - Oregon - 6-6, 248

2 - OT Terron Armstead - Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 6-5, 306

3 - S Phillip Thomas - Fresno State - 6-0, 208

4 - CB Tharold Simon - LSU - 6-2, 202

5 - DL William Campbell - Michigan - 6-5, 318

6 - QB Matt Scott - Arizona - 6-2, 213

7 - TE Joseph Fauria - UCLA - 6-7, 259

7 - CB Demetrius McCray - Appalachian State - 6-1, 187

Lawlor has a nice write-up and explanation for his picks. This may be the year he hits on multiple picks, based on the well-written logic he puts forth. That, and Andy Reid will not be in the equation!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Welp, they're saying around Philly right now that Nnamdi Asomugha is going to be released by the Eagles today. And by "they" I mean Howard Eskin...

It's plausible, but I don't buy into it yet---unless Nnamdi and his agent have flat-out refused to restructure for 2013.

Of course the Nnamdi dilemma brings the Darrelle Revis speculation to front and center stage.

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News is reporting Darrelle Revis is as "good as gone" from New York, with a few teams already interested in acquiring him. Mehta says the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons are among those teams that appear willing to pay the price to land Revis.

The free-agent cornerback class is average at best, with no real game-changers expected to be available---yet another reason I am more than willing to hold on to Nnamdi.

But Revis is an exceptional cornerback---a Leon Sandcastle type. If Nnamdi leaves the Eagles and DRC bolts too, the Eagles may think long and hard about trading for Revis.

There would be plenty of complications in acquiring the player many view as the best cornerback in the game. First, Revis is coming off of an ACL injury, and it is not known what level he will be able to play at when he returns. Second, Revis is looking for a new long-term, big-money deal from whatever team he lands with. The Eagles have more-than-enough cap space to give Revis want he wants and still sign other players, but Howie Roseman will have to decide if he is willing to give big money to a player who is coming off of a major injury.

Finally, the price to acquire Revis will not be cheap. Many expect the Jets will ask for at least a first-round pick, if not two first-rounders. The Eagles' No. 4 pick may have to be included to get the deal done, as well as maybe their third-rounder and a pick next year. With a team that has so many holes to fill and is not expected to be a serious contender next season, giving up draft picks this year or next year is a major risk.

At the very least, Roseman would likely call the Jets and see what it will take to acquire Revis.

Personally, I don't see Revis in the Eagles picture. The risk is huge, as would be the reward if Revis can still play. Maybe Howie and Billy Davis would roll the dice on Revis if the asking price of the Jets was lower. But teams like the 49ers and Falcons will drive up the price. Just say No---and walk away.

It cannot be denied any longer. Chip Kelly is good for Eagles business...

At least demographically speaking... Tens of thousands of young Oregon Ducks fans are now a part of Eagles nation... This does not count the tens of thousands of Oregon alumni who are suddenly following the Eagles' every move...

Imagine the uptick in Eagles apparel sales as well as factory orders for licensed "Chip Kelly visor-hats" around the nation...

I can feel the "Eagles Fan Zone" bars popping up in Portland as we speak...

There's something about this guy and his mystique. If Bill Belichick is the Wicked Witch, then Chip Kelly is the Good Witch Glenda...

A confirmed bachelor who has dedicated his life to turning conventional football offense upside down and winning championships is what Chip Kelly's mystique is all about... He's all about the game within the game. He's like Yoda in that regard...

You look at him on surface and it's hard to appreciate why he is the Elvis of collegiate and professional football right now. But his Oregon fan base is the nation's most zealous congregation of true believers in all of sports. For crying out loud, we now have Oregon's own sports website www.fishduck.com rallying Oregon fans to join the Eagles Super Bowl quest just because of Chip Kelly.

He's not an imposing figure on the sidelines. To me he looks like Tommy Lawlor in the third week of a Medifast diet.

But to diehard Oregon fans, he is the Messiah... and he will be followed religiously by them in his quest to lead the Eagles to the Promised Land. This is a major benefit of the deal Jeffrey Lurie made to sign Kelly. Suddenly, almost without trying, Lurie and the Eagles are blessed with at least 100,000 new loyal fans. Probably more. This factors large into the Eagles' national marketing business plan and TV ratings. And it all translates into "mo' money" for corporate revenue streams.

Of course the cynical Philly fan in me will predict most of the "new wave" hoopla surrounding Kelly will dissolve upon his first two-game losing streak, which in the NFL is inevitable...

But there's no denying Kelly's "counter-culture" mystique is real---and extremely marketable.

This guy is so clever he can sell a losing streak as a "teaching moment"---and really mean it.

I want to buy into Kelly's counter-culture offense. I'd like to see it succeed and as a fan be part of its success in the NFL. Maybe I'm a little biased toward the traditional pocket passing formations of old, but I'm open to new stuff. Maybe I have to learn also that Kelly is so innovative, he could switch to a traditional set in a heartbeat, if that is what he thought could win on any given day.

It boils down to trusting in the gameday brain of Kelly. It also requires trust in Kelly's preparation and the way he runs a practice.

It also requires trust in Kelly's penchant for what are charitably known as "obscure formations"---

We're going to see our share of plays from the "WTF" folder.

The question is, are we as fans strong enough to endure the doubt and anxiety when we see an "obscure formation" in a critical moment of a mid-season game?

If it doesn't turn out the way we want, do we turn on Kelly? Certainly hundreds of thousands of Oregon fans will be the first to say we should cut Kelly some slack. This is because they have seen those "obscure" plays pulled out of the archives succeed more often than not.

All of these new Eagles fans from Oregon nation may become the secret weapon--- The "Force"--- that  collectively adds the tonic of positivity and accountability which propels the Eagles to a "Why Not?" kinda season of rebirth. After all, if they believe in The Good Witch Glenda, why can't we?

As for the players--- if they don't believe in the Good Witch, they won't be around much longer.

They talk about the "12th man" effect upon Seattle home games. But with the influx of Oregon Ducks fans into Eagles Nation, thanks to the hiring of Chip Kelly, the Eagles may have accidentally discovered the "12,000th man" advantage.

As a player, I know I would be extra motivated knowing that an entire university located 3,000 miles away is rooting for me to make my coach look good.

Mark Eckel of the New Jersey Times is our guest columnist today.

Mark covers not only the Eagles but also the Giants and the Jets. And so he is able to give us a unique perspective on the Eagles' quest to land a future fixture at Tight End in the upcoming draft. He also looks at the wide receivers picture.

Here is Mark Eckel's essay on both the TE and wide receiver prospects for 2013:

Tyler Eifert, left, of Notre Dame catches a pass over Alabama's Dee Millner, but is ruled out of bounds in the first quarter in the BCS National Championship game at Sun Life Stadium on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, in Miami Gardens, Fla. C.W. Griffin/Miami Herald  

How good is Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert?

When the Fighting Irish took on Alabama in the BCS Championship, the Crimson Tide put their best cornerback, Dee Milliner, a likely top 10 selection in next month’s draft, on Eifert.

“Alabama knew he was the guy they had to take away,” one top college scout said. “So they put their top cover guy on him.”

Eifert was considered the best tight end in the draft by most scouts before the NFL Combine last week, and he then proved it with an impressive workout that included a 40 time of 4.68 for the 6-foot-6, 251-pounder.

Now, there are some who think he might be the best receiver in the draft, period.

“Keenan Allen (of California) is up there,” a personnel man said of the draft’s top wide receiver. “But I’ll put Eifert up there with any of them. This kid is good, real good.”

Eifert is considered by some the best tight end coming into the draft since Maryland’s Vernon Davis went No. 6 overall to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2006 draft.

“(Detroit’s Brandon) Pettigrew was pretty good coming out (of Oklahoma in 2009), but this kid is better all-around then he was,” a scout said. “This guy is the real deal. He can run. He can catch. He runs good routes. He’s not a great blocker, but he’s getting better at it, and he’ll get even better yet.”

Eifert’s best year in South Bend was his junior year when he caught 63 passes for 865 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, as the Irish became more of a run-first offense his numbers slipped to 50 receptions, 685 yards and four touchdowns.

“He’ll probably go somewhere in the middle of the first round, somewhere in the teens,” a scout said. “And somebody is going to get a real good player there.”

The only other tight end getting a lot of looks is Stanford’s Zach Ertz, a 6-6, 249-pounder, who ran 4.76 at the NFL Combine.

Ertz might also find his name being called by commissioner Roger Goodell at the end of the first round.

“I guess it depends on the team,” a scout said. “To me, he’s a big, possession wide receiver. That’s what he is. You put him out there, and it’s like having three wide receivers on the field. He can’t block at all. He has just average speed for the position, but he does run great routes, and there is something to be said for that.”

Here’s a look at the top wide receivers and tight end in this year’s draft with a scout’s take on each of them.

• Keenan Allen, California, 6-3, 205 — “The most polished of the receivers, the most ready to play of all of them. He will be a pretty high pick, and he should be.”

Southern California's Robert Woods, left, has a chance to make an impact in the NFL. Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times  

• Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee, 6-3, 205 — “He’s explosive. He’s dynamic. He runs consistent 4.4s, I’m just not sure how smart he is. You’re going to have to keep it simple for him. But the kid is really dynamic.”

• Robert Woods, USC, 6-1, 190 — “He’s more quick  than fast. But I like him. He makes plays. He’s an ideal slot guy.”

• Tavon Austin, West Virginia, 5-9, 174 — “He’s kind of like DeSean Jackson. The difference is they use DeSean deep. With this kid, they throw him short stuff and let him go. Again, he’s perfect as a slot guy to get away from press (coverage). He’ll probably go first round, but in my opinion, he’s a second-round pick.”

• DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson, 5-11, 205 — “Some people like him more than I do. He’s a classic possession receiver. He’s just not fast enough.” He ran a 4.57 at the NFL Combine.

• Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech, 6-2, 195 — “I’m not a big fan. He’s just a guy. The best he’s going to be is a No. 3 for you, if that.”

• Terrance Williams, Baylor, 6-2, 205 — “He has some ability, and his speed (4.52 at the NFL Combine) is deceptive. He’s just not ready. He needs a lot of work. If you’re a team that can wait, he may turn in to something pretty good.”

WHAT THE LOCALS MIGHT DO...
Eagles: While they could use a big wide receiver, there are many more pressing needs, especially on defense.
Giants: The team is pretty set with Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle as their top three.
Jets: This is a major need. Don’t be surprised if the Jets don’t go for a receiver early in the draft.

Thanks, Mark Eckel. You can contact Mark Eckel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ...