Things are heating up at the Combine as we proceed to the physical drills. Nice international brew contest being conducted by our GK Brizer here as well. It feels like football season again.

One of the striking things about the Combine is the almost genteel atmosphere among the coaches and executives from competing teams. That feeling is caught in this AP image as Chip Kelly and Andy Reid greet each other warmly in the Indy Dome concourse:

However, just out of frame to the right is the skulking figure of Howie Roseman. To see him, you have to hit on this link from Jeff McLane's twitter feed:

https://mobile.twitt...5050752/photo/1

That link is courtesy of DDD, who's lurking in the background here, too. Triple-D comments on the wide-frame photo: "Woody, you will get a kick out of this pic from the Combine---your boy Howie is ready to throw down!"

It's good to laugh. It breaks up the anxiety I'm feeling about finally putting together a MACH 10 winner. No better time to begin seriously studying Eagles 7-round draft prospects than now.

Past MACH 10 winners include M."Fanny" Harris (twice), Leo Pizzini, GK Brizer, The Great JB-Sage-Lion, and last year's champ Brozer.

It's right about Combine time when those previous winners seem to build their winning edge---and a lot of it has to do with their scouting the lesser-name guys who end up filling out the UDFA portion of the MACH 10.

So as a backdrop to the International Beer Contest sponsored by your GK, I will set out two appetizers---a couple of preliminary 7-round mock drafts from two of our home-team posters. The idea is to begin building a template to help us focus on certain players of interest who will be appearing on our TV screens this weekend. We can tweak the templates from there.

But caution: beware red herrings in the mock drafts below---as our featured posters are protecting their own MACH 10 championship aspirations.

First up--- the Sage-Lion himself, former champ and all-star cottonmouth hunter, JB99 from Austin, Texas:

"First off...if you want to take the best player---that's G/T Chance Warmack..." And so JB-Sage-Lion revised the top 4 slots of his original Pre-MACHer thusly:

1) I was about to take Fisher... but if you are looking for a dominant 8 year player...

Pick: Warmack

2) Bennie Logan - my boy

3) Brandon Williams

4) (Trade up from our 4th rounder) Leon "They Call Him Bubba for Short" McFadden...Final analysis: BEST DRAFT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1!!11! Dominated both fronts in the triangle."

But here was JB's original prelim mock:

"MOCKSKIDDLEY DRAFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111!!1111!!1

1) OT Joeckel - Covers Peters and provides great depth

2) G/C Jon Cooper - Covers Kelce or Watkins and provides great depth

3 (from Chiefs - Foles trade) S JJ Wilcox - We need multiple S's.

3) OLB Jamie Collins - We need multiple OLB's... here's one.

4) NT Brandon Williams - I think Williams may be the best NT in this draft

5) ILB AJ Klein - We'll likely need multiple ILB upgrades.. here's one.

6) S Damion Stafford - Smart, tenacious with decent physical ability. CORNHUSKER!

7) OLB Quanterus Smith - 3 sacks vs Alabama last year. 3rd round grade but tore up knee as season ended. Will be out all of next season. Could be a steal for 2014."

Point-counterpoint--- We now visit The Genetic Freak's reply to JB's 7-round prelim in the interest of fairness to the opposing beer party:

"Pre-FA and Combine draft.....

1. OT Joeckel/CB Millner (Our O-line is coming back from injuries and are getting up there in age. Can start straight away 'n take over Peters spot later on/CB's DRC 'n Aso could both be gone.)

2. S Cyprien/Reid/Thomas/Elam (In that order I would choose them.. One of them will be there but possibly none of them will be there later.. Our S play was bad real bad 'n one of these safties should be an upgrade.)

3. WR Rogers/TE Kelce/TE Escobar (WR-- We all know by now who Rogers is 'n what he can bring/TE These 2 are the new breed of TEs.. Celek is solid but not much of a feared playmaker .)

4. CB Mcfadden/OT Armstead (CB If Mcfadden was couple inches taller he would be a 1st rounder for sure.. Could fall the same way as Wilson did coz of height.. Need CB starter 'n depth with the uncertainty our CB corps is in/ OT-- Had my eye on Armstead for a bit but now people are catching on to him.. Gonna light up the combine for the O-linemen I can see.)

5. DT Montari Hughes (Solid run stopper 'n quick enough for that 1-gap too.)

6. DE/LB Michael Buchannon (Heres my darkhorse SAM.. Jordan is a freak no doubt but where his value is I'm not sure.. Buchannon is a better rusher than Jordan but has the athletic ability to handle short coverages which is all the SAM needs.)

7a. LB Mauti (Akeem is a FA.. We need depth 'n he could push for playing time.. And he's a ST ace.)

7b. S Ray Ray Armstrong/P Wing/WR Davis (S--- Could be the Bryce Brown of this draft.. Has the measureables we Eagle fans want 'n can play ST/  P--- Wing kid from OZ is gonna be one of the best in the biz I reckon/ WR-- if Davis falls this far then i see him as a good development prospect.. But I think he's gonna kill the combine 'n shoot up the boards.)

Majority of these picks I would stick too.. Just depends on FA if some of those holes are filled..."

 Appetizers served!  Quaff up!!!

Combine gets real today...The Eagles can't mess this up. Coming off a 4-12 season and with plenty of holes on the roster, the Eagles need to hit big with their overall scouting and their first-round pick. They can't afford a Jaiquawn Jarrett-style whiff at No. 35 overall, either.

The Eagles insist they are going to create a draft board and take the best player on it, no matter what. That is where they believe things went awry in the past. That means this week in Indianapolis every position is of equal importance.

We won't see the quarterbacks' physical auditions until Sunday. But you have got to believe Geno Smith is on the Eagles' radar. It's a natural fit for Chip Kelly's offensive vision. If Geno slips into the 2nd round, look out...

I'm not saying the West Virginia phenom is even close to Joe Montana potential. There's a QB coming out of Arizona that may fit the Chip Kelly profile, too. And I certainly feel the Birds should take big Luke Joeckel at OT if he is still available in Round 1---but I have my doubts Luke will be around for the taking.

That's where Geno Smith enters the equation.

Drafting for now or for the future? It's a huge philosophical challenge for a new head coach.

Anyhoo, assuming Joeckel or potential game-changing DT Star Lotulelei is off the board when the Eagles pick, here are the guys I personally feel will come under the laser pointers of Chip and Howie when it's their turn to pick:

1. Geno Smith - The West Virginia star is likely to be the first quarterback selected in the draft. The Eagles may have a crack at him. They'll be watching his every move at the Combine to determine if he's worth being selected with the fourth pick. Michael Vick's return makes it clear that Kelly isn't completely sold on Nick Foles as the future of the franchise. The Eagles know they can't pass on a franchise-changing quarterback if they believe Smith is one.

2. Dee Milliner - It's unlikely that Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will return and nobody knows yet what is going to happen with the overpaid Nnamdi Asomugha. The Eagles are going to need cornerbacks in the draft or free agency. Milliner (6-1, 198) could be the guy... Milliner's performance at Alabama was impressive. The only real question is whether his athleticism will allow him to do the same at the next level. His performance at the Combine could determine whether he's high enough on the board for the Eagles to take him with their top pick.

3. Dion Jordan - Kelly knows Jordan well. He was his coach at Oregon. Jordan, a potential defensive end or outside linebacker, is a freakish athlete who Mike Mayock said is 2-3 years away from being Aldon Smith. He could propel himself into the conversation near the top of the first round with a lights-out performance in Indianapolis.

4. Kyle Long -  Trade-back theory, anyone? Here's another Oregon star who could be of interest to the Eagles. Long (6-7, 311) played offensive tackle for the Ducks and has the athleticism and mobility that Kelly demands from his linemen. Long has an impressive pedigree too. His father, Howie, is a Hall of Fame player and brother, Chris, is a defensive end for the Rams.

5. Travis Kelce -  Another trade-back conspiracy theory---It wouldn't be the least bit surprising for the Eagles to upgrade at tight end this offseason. Kelce (6-6, 260) is an interesting prospect. He had 45 catches for 722 yards and 8 TDs his senior season. He's also the bother of Eagles center Jason Kelce.

Speaking of great drafts which combine fulfillment of both present and future needs, in my mind the best of all time was the 1981 draft of our rival, the Washington Redskins.

Amid screams of "Blasphemy", consider the evidence:

1. Mark May, T, Pittsburgh
3. Russ Grimm, G, Pittsburgh
4. Tom Flick, QB, Washington
5. Dexter Manley, DE, Oklahoma State
5. Gary Sayre, G, Cameron
6. Larry Kubin, LB, Penn State
8. Charlie Brown, WR, South Carolina State
9. Darryl Grant, G, Rice
10. Phil Kessel, QB, Northern Michigan
10. Allan Kennedy, T, Washington State
11. Jerry Hill, WR, Northern Alabama
12. Clint Didier, TE, Portland State

A recent NFL Network special (covered in Redskins.com) ranked it the seventh greatest draft class of all time. The class produced three Redskins greats, plus several starters and role players. The group helped solidify a roster that would go on to win a Super Bowl championship in 1982.

In first-round pick Mark May, the Redskins obtained one-fifth of the great "Hogs" offensive line that dominated the 1980s. May played in 123 games in Washington from 1981-89. He started out at right guard, where he started in Super Bowl XVIII, but eventually shifted to right tackle later in his Redskins career.

In the third round, the team went back to Pittsburgh for offensive lineman Russ Grimm, who played center and guard for the Redskins from 1981-91. Grimm played his entire career in Washington, 140 games in all, and was a key contributor on three Super Bowl championship teams.

Grimm helped open up plenty of gaping holes for the Redskins’ ground game during the 1980s. He was a key blocker for Hall of Fame running back John Riggins on his famous 43-yard touchdown run Super Bowl XVII.

In the fifth round, the Redskins hit pay-dirt again with defensive lineman Dexter Manley out of Oklahoma State. Always a high-energy player, Manley played for the Redskins from 1981-89 and most of the decade he teamed with another Redskins great in Charles Mann to lead Washington’s defensive line. Manley helped guide the Redskins to two Super Bowl championships and he finished as the franchise’s career sacks leader with 97.5. From 1983-86, he averaged 14.5 sacks per season; in the 1986 season alone, he logged a franchise-high 18.5 sacks.

In the eighth round, the Redskins chose a small, wiry wide receiver out of South Carolina State in Charlie Brown. His blazing speed allowed him to have an immediate impact on the Redskins’ offense. In 1982, Brown caught 32 passes, eight for touchdowns--good enough to earn him a Pro Bowl nod in a strike-shortened season.

In Super Bowl XVII, Brown closed out the scoring with a 6-yard touchdown pass to seal a 27-17 win. A year later, Brown emerged as one of the top receivers in the league, catching 78 passes for 1,225 yards and eight touchdowns. He earned another Pro Bowl nod that season.

After the 1984 season, Brown was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, where he closed out his six-year NFL career. He finished with 220 career receptions and 25 touchdowns.

In the ninth round, the Redskins saw in guard Darryl Grant out of Rice a potentially dominant defensive lineman. Grant spent his rookie campaign adjusting to playing defensive tackle, then joined the rotation in 1982. In the 1982 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, one of the memorable moments from the 31-17 win was Grant’s 10-yard interception return for a touchdown. Grant high-stepped his way into the end zone for the score. Grant would go on to play in 141 games for the Redskins from 1981-90, finishing with 27 sacks and two interceptions. His best season was 1984 when he recorded a career-high eight sacks, a lofty figure for a defensive tackle.

The Redskins closed out the 1981 draft with tight end Clint Didier out of Portland State. Didier would back up Redskins tight end Don Warren most of the 1980s, but saw plenty of playing time in Joe Gibbs’ offense. From 1982-87, Didier played in 74 games for the Redskins, catching 129 passes for 1,815 passes and 19 touchdowns. His best season: 1985, when he caught a career-high 41 passes for 433 yards and four touchdowns. In his last game as a Redskin, in Super Bowl XXII, Didier caught an 8-yard touchdown pass as Washington romped to a 42-10 win over Denver. Didier closed out his eight-year career with the Green Bay Packers.

The story of the Redskins’ 1981 draft would not be complete without noting two more key additions. Using their second-round pick, the Redskins made a trade to obtain Baltimore Colts running back Joe Washington.

Washington played for the Redskins from 1981-84 and was oftentimes a spark plug for the offense while backing up Riggins. His best season was 1981, when he logged 916 rushing yards and caught 70 passes.

After the draft, the Redskins found another future "Hog" with undrafted rookie Joe Jacoby out of Louisville. Jacoby clawed his way into a starting job and joined Grimm to form a dominant left side of the offensive line. Jacoby starred for the Redskins from 1981-93.

Rivals, yes...and the 'Skins put the hurt on us back in those days... but that's the kind of scouting and drafting template that paid off instantly for Washington, and the model of success and good fortune that Chip and Howie must have studied. It involved a combination of due diligence, improvisation and creative trading. It's exactly the formula the Eagles need right now.

The NFL Scouting Combine is now bigger than U.S. Steel...well, at least this year in Philly, where a higher-than-usual draft pick sequence has Eagles fans drooling. More and more Iggles fans are tuning into the televised portions of the week's events. Some folks are even taking off from work to watch NFLN live coverage. I even know one guy who's throwing a "Combine Party" this weekend. He's calling it "best party available"...

Most of us will likely be following the Combine action by catching glimpses of reports on our desktop split-screens at work, and waiting until evening when the NFLN and ESPN do a daily recap. And then, we can splurge on the weekend with a live viewing session, or a "best party available"...

Thanks to Optimum Scouting.com (our network affiliate), here is a brief summary of the scheduled combine events...

Wednesday, February 20

Day one of the NFL Combine will in many ways be the “calm before the storm”.  Special team players, offensive linemen, and tight ends will arrive in Indianapolis. Players in these groups can start the interview process with NFL teams, but otherwise it will be an uneventful day.

What to Watch For: Can OG Kyle Long (Oregon) show that he’s got a football IQ to match his athleticism? Will TE Travis Kelce (Cincinnati) prove to NFL teams that he’s matured since his year long suspension in 2010?  

Thursday, February 21

Thursday will see the offensive linemen, tight ends, and special teamers go through the measurement and medical check process. These groups will also get their time in front of the cameras in media interviews and will also have the chance to again talk with NFL teams.

The quarterback, running back, and wide receiver prospects will be arriving at the Combine and will also begin their interviews with coaches, scouts, and general managers.

What to Watch For: TE/H-back Philip Lutzenkirchen was in many ways the heart and soul of Auburn’s team before a hip injury ended his collegiate career early. The hip injury kept him out of the Senior Bowl, and teams will be interested to see how his recovery is progressing.

Numerous quarterback and wide receiver prospects will be facing some tough questions during their interviews. Can Geno Smith (West Virginia) and Tyler Wilson (Arkansas) impress teams enough to distinguish themselves from the rest of the quarterback class? There’s no doubt that coaches will be interested to hear about wide receiver Marquess Wilson’s early departure from Washington State.

Friday, February 22

Friday will likely see some of the highest Wonderlic exam scores posted as the offensive linemen, who traditionally score well, will undergo the mental testing portion of their week. Joining them will be the specialists and tight ends. Place kickers will do their on-field work, and everyone in these groups will do the bench press.

Running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks will get their turn to be poked and prodded as Friday will be their day for medical testing.

Defensive linemen and linebackers will also arrive on Friday, and they’ll join the other prospects in getting their interviews underway.

What to Watch For: Without a doubt, the biggest thing to come out of Friday’s testing will be the medical status of several key prospects. Marcus Lattimore’s (South Carolina) recovery from that brutal knee injury is rumored to be ahead of schedule, but this will be the first chance for teams to find out for sure. Teams will also be anxious to get a peek at quarterback Matt Barkley’s (Southern Cal) shoulder and wide out Keenan Allen’s knee, which is recovering from a PCL injury.

There may not be many more interviews more uncomfortable than the ones linebacker Alec Ogletree (Georgia) will be experiencing. With a recent DUI arrest and several other off the field issues in the past, he’s likely to be grilled this week. Team’s will have to like what Southern Methodist defensive end Margus Hunt has shown on tape. Having grown up in Estonia and only having played football since 2009, they’ll want to get a feel for his football knowledge, though.

Saturday,  February 23

The offensive linemen, tight ends, and specialists will leave Indianapolis on Saturday, but not before going through their on-field workouts.

Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers will be putting up reps on the bench press as well as mental work in their psychological testing.

The defensive linemen and linebackers will be going through their medical checks, and the final position group, the defensive backs, will arrive at the Combine.

What to Watch For: Some of the largest of the Combine’s participant are getting their workouts in on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be some impressive performances turned in. Offensive tackle Menelik Watson (Florida State) is likely to steal the show among the offensive linemen, and Travis Kelce (Cincinnati) could put up freakish numbers as well.

Injury checks will be crucial here for many players, including Oregon’s Dion Jordan. A good report on his shoulder good make him a lock to be a top ten pick. New world on linebacker Jarvis Jones’s (Georgia) outlook dealing with spinal stenosis will be absolutely critical as well.

Sunday, February 24

Sunday will be one of the most anticipated days of the week as the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers will hit the field for their timings and positional drills.

The defensive linemen and linebackers will spend their Sunday with the Wonderlic exam and the bench press, and the defensive backs will go through their medical exams.

What to Watch For: Quarterbacks Tyler Bray (Tennessee) and Matt Scott (Arizona) both have quite a bit riding on their workouts on Sunday. Bray needs to show that he can be accurate consistently, and Scott needs to show some tweaks to his mechanics.

40-yard dash times are over-analyzed every year, but there’s still plenty riding on them as well. Montee Ball (Wisconsin) could see his stock plummet if he puts up a poor time, while wide receiver Robert Woods (Southern Cal) isn’t known for his speed but could turn some heads if he’s gotten faster over the past months.

Monday, February 25

With the numbers beginning to dwindle in Indianapolis, the activities will be limited to the defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs on Monday. The defensive linemen and linebackers will finally get to hit the field, while the defensive backs will take their turn at the Wonderlic and bench press.

What to Watch For: Southern Methodist’s Margus Hunt will be one of the most impressive athletes in Indianapolis and he’ll likely wow many spectators on Monday. Will he show refined technique in his positional drills as well?

As a prospect that will largely be drafted on his athleticism and potential, Barkevious Mingo (Louisiana State) desperately needs a strong showing. As a player without much convincing play on tape, he could scare some teams off if he doesn’t display strong measurables.

Tuesday, February 26

As the only players left at the Combine, all eyes will be on the defensive backs. They’ll hit the field for their workouts on the final day in Indianapolis.

What to Watch For: Safety Jonathan Cyprien (Florida International) is riding the boost he got out of the Senior Bowl, and the strong showing that’s expected of him during the Combine could make him one of the fastest risers in the draft. It’s not out of the question he could be widely considered a first round pick by Tuesday evening.

David Amerson (North Carolina State) needs to silence some serious doubts in regards to his athleticism. He looked awfully slow on tape during 2012. If his work on Tuesday shows the same sort of results, he’ll fall quickly down the draft board.

[---Thanks to Walker Rhodes and Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting.com for their breakdown of the Combine calendar.]

After examining the evidence, I have concluded there is no such thing as a "mild" concussion---especially as the term relates to youth sports, and to high school and college football in particular.

My nephew Johnny Gonoude has become a point man on the subject. His own career as a promising lineman for a local Philly-area high school was cut short by a series of three "mild" concussions suffered over the period of a year. Now Gonoude is a communications major at Pitt who has dedicated a large portion of his life to educating coaches, trainers and players about the serious medical crisis that occurs with any concussion.

John Gonoude has spoken about the need for proper diagnosis, prevention and treatment of brain injuries at a conference led by Pa. State Representative Tim Briggs which was held at Lincoln Financial Field and partially sponsored by the Eagles.

You can read Gonoude's personal story by hitting this link to The Concussion Blog.  One of the things that strikes me is the apparent lack of serious medical knowledge or awareness among coaches and trainers in the story. I think the awareness is changing for the better at the professional level. But at the high school and college level, not enough...

It is amazing to consider the ignorance of a trainer's mis-diagnosing a severe brain injury as a "mild" concussion. Equally ignorant is the shunning of a brain-injured player by coaches and teammates. It's all in there with Gonoude's story.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DRC's FUTURE IN PHILLY.....  Chip Kelly and Billy Davis have some decisions to make soon about some high-priced cornerbacks. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will become an unrestricted free agent on March 12th...and Nnamdi Asomugha is under contract for a very large paycheck.

One part of that decision supposedly came on Feb. 18, as Comcast SportsNet’s Geoff Mosher reported on Twitter that the Eagles won’t use a franchise tag to keep DRC. In fact, Philadelphia isn’t expected to use a franchise tag on anyone, as Mosher alleged that Rodgers-Cromartie would be the only possible candidate.

If the Eagles are going to keep DRC, they would need to restructure his expensive contract like they did with Vick. However, Philadelphia had to keep Vick because there was no one better available to fit into Kelly’s offense. DRCdoesn’t have that kind of wiggle room, as NFL.com columnist Gregg Rosenthal claimed he “doesn’t fit the aggressive style” that Kelly wants for his cornerbacks.

As a result, DRC is expendable--- and the Eagles will likely have to restructure Asomugha’s contract or let him go, too. Still, despite the perception of "disappointing years" in Philadelphia, other teams may be willing to overpay for them. Rosenthal predicted that “someone is going to bet big” on DRC's talent.

If I could just figure out how to keep DRC consistently motivated through all the ups and downs of a game or a season, I would bet big on him, too.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It's NFL Combine week. For the first time since 1999 the Eagles get a 1st round pick as high as #4 overall. Assuming Kelly and Howie Roseman don't trade back for a few extra picks, here are the guys I'll be focusing upon as a fan of the Combine for that 1st-round Eagles pick:

OT   Luke Joeckel
DE   Bjoern Werner
OG   Chance Warmack
QB   Geno Smith  (I know...but it's possible...)
CB   Dee Milliner
DT   Sharrif Floyd
DT   Star Lotulelei
OT   Eric Fisher

It will be fun to come back and look at this personal list after the 2013 Draft is completed. Based upon my past record, there may be a completely different name to emerge as the Eagles' first pick.

But offensive tackle Luke Joeckel is probably the top player in this year's draft. Defensive end Bjöern Werner is the best pass rusher in this class. Chance Warmack might be the most highly-regarded guard in the past decade. Dee Milliner is the tall, physical cornerback the Eagles thought they were getting when they signed Nnamdi Asomugha. Sharrif Floyd is a local kid who has a great redemption story and is a force in the middle of a defense. Defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has drawn some comparisons to Baltimore's All-Pro DL Haloti Ngata. And Eric Fisher is a solid, ready-to-play tackle.

If the Birds ended up with one or any of those guys, I'd be a happy fan. Geno Smith is the guy who might draw the most fan criticism if picked. But you never know, Kelly and Howie might see some "future fit" there which could make a coach want to reach for him.

It's great hot-stove material for discussion--- what will the Eagles' new defensive system look like under new coordinator Billy Davis?

It's widely assumed it will be a 3-4 base...which means an extra guy standing up in the front seven and allegedly setting up opportunity for more "big plays". 

Say goodbye to the old 4-3 Eagles base? Not so fast, says  new inside LB coach Rick Minter.

As fans we like things to be cut and dry.  Are we a 4-3 or a 3-4 team? Are we a press or zone coverage? Simplicity of choice makes arguments at the water cooler or the bar easier to win.

But the reality is, the Eagles will be showing a bunch of different looks.  New ILB coach Rick Minter summed up the new reality with this comment he made to Blogging the bEast reporter Jimmy Kempski:

"As long as we’re technique sound, we’re fundamentally sound, we don’t have any missed assignments, we don’t give up X plays, we’ll have a chance to be a good football team regardless of how many guys have their hand in the dirt and how many guys are standing up. People overrate that more than it really is. 5-2, 3-4, 4-3, 4-2-5, it all equals 11, with usually 4 guys on the back end. It really doesn’t matter so much. Every 4-3 team is a 3-4 team in certain situations. Every 3-4 team is a 4-3 team in situations.  So it gets overrated. We are taking over a 4-3 structured team, so we have to look at that. If it has to stay that way, it’ll stay that way. We’ll do whatever it takes to allow our players to be more successful."

Boom (as Madden would say)....We're gonna give you a bunch of different looks.

In fact, looking back at last year's Eagles defense, several variations of the 4-3 at times resembled hybrid versions of the 3-4...with an occasional 4-2-5 thrown in, too.

Kempski got a revealing quote from new outside LB coach Bill McGovern, too. This comment from McGovern hints at some of the new wrinkles we probably will be seeing:

"The more that guys can do, the more valuable they are. As coaches we have to find out what they can and can’t do. (The media guys) all want to know ‘What did you see off the tape from last year?’ I saw a bunch of guys that played hard, that have some real ability. But they were playing in that scheme though. You can critique them in that scheme, but you can’t critique them in a scheme you didn’t see them in. So you don’t know exactly what they’re going to be like just yet. Until you get with them on the field, that’s the fun part about it. The OTAs, the minicamps… Then you get the chance to see, ‘OK, wow, he can do some things. He can be pretty dynamic.’”

I don't know yet how you would interpret it, but what I read into McGovern's statement is this: If personnel who struggled in the 4-3 base can somehow prove they play better in a 3-4, then those guys will still be around in September and hopefully thriving in a new-look system.

I feel the finger of fate directly pointing at guys like Mychal Kendricks, Vinny Curry, Casey Matthews, and even Trent Cole in the context of McGovern's statement.

It's going to be a fun offseason. And we haven't even started with the safeties yet!

Most of us are feeling the football vacuum right now as fans. But for NFL players' agents, it is planting season.

Ever wonder what your favorite Eagles player's agent is doing right about now?

He (or she) is working the phones. Endorsement deals and speaking engagements are priority #1 for those players who are guaranteed roster spots in 2013.  And for those players (like Cullen Jenkins or King Dunlap) who are unrestricted free agents and iffy to return, agents are calling and texting personnel directors around the league to feel out potential suitors.

A significant part of the agent's job also involves managing the player's finances. The agent is now busy preparing the player's tax forms and reviewing the player's insurance coverage. Some are also evaluating player's prior investments.

And oh yeah---for those rookies fresh out of college and getting ready for the NFL's scouting combine at Indy, the agent is the one setting up personal training and coaching to prepare his young client---often at personal expense to the agent.

It's a tougher job than most of we fans realize.

Andrew Brandt is an established NFL player's agent. He reminded me recently that being an Eagles player's agent is not a whimsical nor is it a part-time job.

There are 714 agents certified by the NFL Players Association for approximately 1,800 NFL players. To become certified, an agent must have a graduate degree and pass an exam, administered annually in July, testing knowledge of the CBA and contract rules. Last year, 140 new agents passed the test, set free to recruit, sign and represent NFL players.

The annual fee to maintain certification is $1,200 for agents who represent fewer than 10 active players and $1,700 for agents who represent 10 or more.

Here are some other interesting notes about NFL agents, according to the NFLPA:

• 42 percent of agents -- 300 of them -- have no clients currently in the NFL.

• 25 percent of agents have between one and four clients.

• 13 percent of the agents represent half of the players in the NFL.

• 25 percent of the agents represent 78 percent of the players in the NFL.

Andrew Brandt (far right) saw ups and downs as an agent. He signed Ricky Williams, then lost him to Master P.

As for the agent's fees in all of this---The NFLPA's annual meeting of player representatives --not the most sympathetic group toward agent fees -- periodically addresses the fee structure for agents. The maximum fee has been reduced a couple of times over the years and is now at 3 percent of the player's contract.

The 3 percent fee applies to money actually received: Agents must wait to collect on things such as bonus deferrals, salary and negotiated incentives until the player actually has received the money. And once a player's contract is terminated, the agent fees on the remaining balance of that contract also are extinguished.

Agents cannot charge 3 percent for restricted free agent or franchise tag one-year contracts. The maximum for those is 2 percent.

Fee undercutting is rampant. Agents will charge less than 1 percent to entice a player to sign. Lowering fees has become a staple for agents seeking to gain business.

Training his rookie prospects?---When Brandt was an agent more than a decade ago, pre-combine personalized training arranged by the agent was a new wrinkle in the business. The player repaid those expenses, initially borne by the agent, when he signed his contract. Now, agents must bear this nonrefundable expense for incoming rookie players.

Agents pay training centers up to $25,000 just to hold a spot for a potential client. And beyond training and lodging expenses, there are rental cars and restaurant deals that have become further enticements from agents. The competition never stops.

For a first-round pick with millions ahead in guaranteed money, these costs might be justified. For most rookie players, however, these expenses set an agent back on a player, an investment into what the agent hopes will be a significant second contract.

The time of year  between Thanksgiving and New Year's  is "go time" for agents. Most experienced agents have learned that "I'm going to wait until after the season to decide on agents" is player code for "I've already committed to another agent." Since the NFLPA's "junior rule" restricting contact to underclassmen has been rescinded -- NFL player representatives voted to eliminate it -- agents are already positioned to be ready if those players forego remaining eligibility.

There is always the push-pull with bigger agencies and smaller agents: Bigger groups sell influence and contacts; smaller agents sell personal attention. Ultimately, a player's choice comes down to comfort level, gut feel, or the fact that the agent represented a friend or teammate.

Agents are crisscrossing the country meeting with players, coaches, advisers and parents as the decision-making process reaches its apex. Recruiting -- similar to college recruiting -- consists of agents' making their pitch: selling their best clients, best contracts and best connections to NFL management. And, of course, few agents are above letting the player know about weaknesses of the competition. In such a competitive environment, especially for top players, some agents use "whatever means necessary," leading to unscrupulous behavior and payments.

A powerful recruiting tool that has surfaced in recent years is the "marketing guarantee." That's money from the agent to the player -- Brandt has heard of guarantees of up to $2 million -- to be set off against future marketing revenue delivered by the agent. And, of course, if the agent is unable to secure the initial amount given to the player in marketing income, the player still keeps that money.

Exchanging pregame greetings with players -- as Drew Rosenhaus did with Torrey Smith before a game in September -- is just a day at the office for an NFL agent.

Andrew Brandt's overall summary of the lifestyle of the NFL player's agent:

"I try to be as realistic as possible about the opportunities and actual responsibilities of an agent. There is no clear path (save for being college roommate with a first-round pick) other than the tried-and-true method: preparation, timing and separating oneself from the pack by developing a marketable skill set."

"Many are attracted by the glamour of working with famous athletes (and the movie "Jerry Maguire"). And yes, it can be exhilarating. However, the life of an agent is an all-consuming emotional and physical roller coaster catering to the whims of clients in their 20's. There are highs in signing a new client or securing a major contract, and lows in losing out on a potential client after months of recruiting or even losing an existing client to another agent for reasons that are hard to understand. (I know. I lost Ricky Williams to Master P.)"

"When I moved from the agent to the team side, I found the work is very different. As a team executive, one spends a great deal of time negotiating and managing present and future roster expenses. As an agent, a large percentage of time is spent recruiting new clients rather than negotiating for existing ones. I always thought that fact alone gave teams an advantage in negotiations. It is a team executive's job to know how to navigate through the CBA rules; agents usually are too busy recruiting and troubleshooting problems for existing clients to become experts at interpreting labor agreements."

"Being an agent is akin to having a real-life fantasy football team -- rooting for clients on different teams -- with a real-life component to it. If that fantasy team does not produce, the result is not just razzing from friends. An agent's livelihood depends on it."

Andrew Brandt previously worked as a sports representative for ProServ and Woolf Associates, was general manager of the Barcelona Dragons in the NFL’s World League and served as a team vice president of the Green Bay Packers from 1999 to 2008, negotiating player contracts and managing the team’s salary cap. He served as a consultant to the Eagles in the 2009 off season and lectures at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business on negotiations, sports law and sports business. Brandt is president of the NFP (National Football Post).

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction...Newton's 3rd Law of Motion, or sumlin like that. The Eagles sign Dennis Dixon, and now Big Red wants to move Shaggy Foles to his Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs and new head coach Reid are reportedly interested in acquiring Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles this offseason, but CSNPhilly.com is reporting that the Eagles aren't likely to trade Foles unless they're "blown away by an offer."

That's a reasonable bargaining position to take right now by the Eagles. If Reid or anyone else really wants Foles, the asking price just went up.

Foles has suddenly become a nice insurance policy at QB for the Eagles, not to mention a bargaining "chip" for an extra draft pick or two---which could be used to select another rookie quarterback for future development.

Foles is currently one of four quarterbacks on the Eagles roster, joining Michael Vick, Trent Edwards, and Dennis Dixon, who signed to a two-year deal with the Eagles on Thursday. After Vick restructured his contract with the Eagles on Monday, new Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said Vick and Foles would compete for the starting job. But that was before the team signed Dixon, whom Kelly coached at the University of Oregon.

The Eagles' intention to keep Foles would fall in line with Kelly's comments, but the team could also be attempting to maximize his trade value.

USA Today's Mike Garafolo reported Thursday that Reid would be interested in reuniting with Foles in Kansas City. Reid, who was fired as the Eagles' head last month and subsequently hired by the Chiefs, selected Foles in the third round of the draft last April. Foles replaced Michael Vick as the team's starter in November after Vick suffered a concussion. He remained the starter until suffering a broken bone in his throwing hand in Week 16 in his sixth start.

Foles played in seven games for the Eagles as a rookie, completing almost 61 percent of his passes, throwing five interceptions in 265 attempts and finishing with a 79.1 passer rating.

Dennis Dixon, who played for Eagles coach Chip Kelly at the University of Oregon, was signed by the Eagles on Thursday. He comes with outstanding college credentials but very limited pro experience. Here's a look at his career statistics.

• Oregon (2004-07): 444-for-695, 5,129 yards, 38 TDs, 21 interceptions; 258 rushes, 1,208 yards, 12 TDs.

• Pittsburgh Steelers (2008-11): 39-for-55, 402 yards, 1 TD, two interceptions; 10 rushes, 56 yards, 1 TD.

Kelly is planning a minicamp in April before the draft, which is allowed by the NFL for first-year coaches only. The quarterback picture for the Eagles should begin to emerge in a clear focus by then.

The interesting thing about Foles is you could logically make an argument that he has more pro experience than Dixon at the same point in their careers---therefore he has greater upside and enhanced trade value. And Foles is obviously a good fit for the Chiefs' offensive system, which relies on a power running game and now seeks to add Reid's vision of a big-play passing attack. 

Not to minimize the abilities of QB's like Matt Cassel or Brady Quinn--- I mean, after all, you have to be pretty good just to hold a roster spot in the NFL--- but as much as I dogged Shaggy's in-game decisions and wobbly long ball at times, he's better than Cassel or Quinn. At least he has a much bigger upside than either. I think Andy Reid feels the same way.

Cassel was supposed to be the Tom Brady of the Midwest when G.M. Scott Pioli, the former Patriots personnel guru, acquired Cassel from his old team in a trade during the spring of 2009. Except for the 2010 season, when he passed for 27 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, Cassel largely has been a disappointment. So has Quinn, who has played for three teams in five seasons and looks like he'll never be better than a journeyman.

The Chiefs do not want to spend a 1st-round pick on a quarterback, as there are no eye-opening phenoms to select from this year's Draft class. But they need a new starting QB they can build upon now. It all adds up to a great opportunity for Foles in Kansas City, as the systemic deck may be stacked against him right now in Philly.

At the risk of pleading guilty to injecting pure off-season filler, I'm passing off this report that Tom Gamble has returned to the Eagles front office.

Fans who wanted a more traditional "football mind" around Howie Roseman got their wish on Wednesday.

Tom Gamble, who has 25 years of scouting experience in the NFL, has been hired by the Eagles as Vice President of Player Personnel. Gamble spent the last two season as the San Francisco 49ers Director of Player Personnel.

"He’s not only a talented evaluator, but also a good man and the type of person you want as a part of your team," Roseman said of the hire. "Tom and I have had a great relationship over the years and I know he’s excited to come home. He had a great run in San Francisco and they have been very successful over the last few years. He will jump right in with our group and get working on free agency and the draft.”

This is not Gamble's first stint in Philadelphia. He was originally hired by the Eagles in 1988. He remained in Philadelphia through 1994, serving as a college scouting administrator, area scout, contract negotiator, and later as the director of pro scouting.

Gamble is a Haddonfield, NJ native, which might explain what appears to be a lateral move for him.

The 49-year-old has helped build 11 playoff teams – five with Indianapolis, four with Philadelphia and two with San Francisco.

Gamble is returning to the Eagles at a time when his counsel will be sought as much for existing player evaluations as it is for future talent acquisition.

For example, new head coach Chip Kelly and general manager Howie Roseman will have to make several more financial/performance-driven decisions on veteran players.

Here's who could be next on the chopping or "restructured contract" block:

CB Nnamdi Asomugha - The cornerback is due a base salary of $15 million this upcoming season. He would count $4 million against the cap if cut. A renegotiated contract could be in order … if Kelly decides he's worth keeping in the first place. Gamble's opinion could count a lot.

DT Cullen Jenkins - This is strictly a money decision. Coming off a down year, Jenkins is due a $4.5 million base salary. The positive is that he can play in a 3-4 or 4-3 or hybrid defense. Gamble's assessment of Jenkins could sway the decision to keep him or release him.

OT Jason Peters - This decision is strictly based on health. Peters, 31, is coming off an Achilles injury that sidelined him for the entire 2012 season. And remember, Peters didn't tear the Achilles just once. He tore it twice. At $10.4 million, he's being paid as an All-Pro left tackle. If he's unable to play at anywhere near that level he may not be worth such a steep price. You know Gamble is looking deep into the personal side of Peters' recovery and physical rehab right now.

LB DeMeco Ryans - The former Texans linebacker had a strong first season in Philadelphia. But he didn't exactly thrive in the 3-4 when he was in Houston and is average at best in coverage. A $6.6 million base salary could be too much if Kelly determines he's only a two-down linebacker. Gamble will be asked for an opinion in this matter.

It is also being reported that Tom Gamble had a lot to say about the value of QB Mike Vick's restructured contract. As many expected, Vick took a steep pay cut to stay in Philadelphia.

According to multiple reports, Michael Vick's new deal with the Eagles is worth $7 million this season, roughly $9 million less than he was set to earn from his original deal.

The $7 million Vick will earn this season is broken down into two parts. Vick will receive $3.5 million in the form of a signing bonus, and another $3.5 million by making the roster. Assuming Vick goes into training camp with the Eagles, it's hard to imagine his being cut, but in theory the Eagles could release Vick and save the $3.5 million if they don't like what they see in Lehigh.

Various incentives in the contract could increase its value, but if Vick reaches any of them, the team will more than likely be okay with paying them. For example, Vick can earn up to $10 million if the Eagles win the Super Bowl.

Vick can also earn more money the more he plays. Vick can earn an extra $1.2 million on top of his $7 million if he plays 80% of the snaps next season. That number goes down the less he plays, with Vick earning $900,000 at 70%, $700,000 for 60 percent and $500,000 for 50 percent.

While the new contract and vocal support from head coach Chip Kelly definitely seem to indicate the Eagles are committing to Vick, the financial commitment is much less than they had to pay Vick before the new deal. By keeping Vick past February 6th, the Eagles committed to paying Vick $3 million. If they cut Vick in training camp, the Eagles will have only paid Vick roughly $3.5 million. That is only a $500,000 increase- not the new big money some fans thought they have guaranteed him.

Tom Gamble had some major input into the decision to allow Vick to hang around Philly a little longer. Gamble thinks Vick is worth a $3.5 million chance, and a long look by Kelly.

I'm a big fan of Andy O'Brien, one of Philly.com's smarter NFL commentators... so to fill some time on a whimsical Wednesday, let's go to Andy's revised 1st round mock draft...which may help to shore up some of our Bored members' commitments to their own Mach 10 blueprints.

Andy O'Brien, Philly.com Sports Contributor...

Back in Andy's first mock draft, a lot was still unsettled around the league. With every head coaching vacancy finally filled, the draft order finalized and the Senior Bowl in the past, teams are already deep into their draft preparation. As occurs with the annual coaching shuffle around the league, teams like the Eagles and Saints will be switching to a 3-4 and therefore will need to change some personnel. Likewise, some teams are considering adding a viable quarterback to their offense. It remains to be seen whether they’ll be able to find one in the first round.

While the anticipation is that some workout warriors will blow these predictions out of the water at the Combine, here’s Andy's second stab at a 2013 NFL mock draft:

1. Kansas City Chiefs
Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
Andy Reid and the Chiefs stay with Geno Smith, who they hope can be Donovan McNabb 2.0. The Chiefs haven’t drafted a quarterback in the first round since 1983. Smith will be the first by being (probably) the best of a weak passing class.
Previous mock: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
With the fewest sacks in the NFL in 2012, the Jaguars need to find a pass rusher. Werner may not have the highest ceiling in the draft, but he’s ready to play right away and will provide an instant upgrade.
Previous mock: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah

3. Oakland Raiders
Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
The Raiders had the second-fewest sacks in the NFL and need at least one defensive tackle, as it is all but certain Richard Seymour won’t be back with the team. Lotulelei can anchor the Oakland line for years to come.
Previous mock: Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

4. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
Word is the Eagles will be converting to a 3-4 defense and the past couple seasons tell us that they’ll need some players for that - or any other - defense. However, they also need help on the offensive line. Joeckel is too good to pass up if he’s on the board.
Previous mock: Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M

5. Detroit Lions
Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
The Lions released Kyle Vanden Bosch, and while his meager production shouldn’t be hard to replace, they do need an outside pass rush. Moore played both linebacker and defensive end in college and could make the Detroit line dominant alongside Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.
Previous mock: Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

6. Cleveland Browns
Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia
Cleveland also needs to upgrade its pass rush. Under new head coach Rob Chudzinski and defensive coordinator Ray Horton, the Browns will run a 3-4 defense and need to add a player like Jones on the outside.
Previous mock: Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

7. Arizona Cardinals
Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan
Yes, the Cardinals need a quarterback, but they also need linemen to protect that quarterback, even if it’s Kevin Kolb. Since they can only draft one here, it’ll be Fisher, whose stock is on the rise.
Previous mock: Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

8. Buffalo Bills
Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas
Nassib was the pick previously, given his connections with new Bills head coach Doug Marrone, but new general manager Buddy Nix said he was impressed with Wilson’s arm strength at the Senior Bowl. With no Combine results to go on as of yet, that’s good enough rationale for this mock draft.
Previous mock: Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

9. New York Jets
Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU
The Jets will stick with Mingo as their pick, hoping to replenish a defense that has seen much of its talent disappear over the past few seasons. Mingo is the type of hybrid pass rusher that Rex Ryan will maximize, mostly because he’s not a quarterback.
Previous mock: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

10. Tennessee Titans
DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama
The Titans’ defense gave up the most points in the league last season, in part because of a pass defense ranked just 24th. Milliner could evolve into a shutdown corner, something Tennessee has lacked for several years.  
Previous mock: Chance Warmack, G, Alabama

11. San Diego Chargers
Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma
With Fisher gone, the Chargers will turn to the third-best offensive tackle in the draft. Johnson wasn’t overly impressive in his senior season but played well enough in the Senior Bowl to justify a selection here.
Previous mock: Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

12. Miami Dolphins
Keenan Allen, WR, California
The Dolphins at least hope Ryan Tannehill can be their franchise quarterback, but they’ll need to get him some weapons. Allen is the best wide receiver in the draft, a 6-3 deep threat who can win jump balls, something Miami sorely lacks.
Previous mock: Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
With the worst pass defense in the NFL this season, the Buccaneers can use all the help they can get in the secondary. Milliner is gone, but Rhodes, a rare commodity as a 6-2 cornerback, is a need pick.
Previous mock: DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama

14. Carolina Panthers
Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
The pick was Alabama’s Jesse Williams, but Richardson takes his spot in anticipation of his combine performance. Richardson can move like no 300-pounder should be able to, and could see his stock soar even higher after Indianapolis.
Previous mock: Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

15. New Orleans Saints
Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon
Rob Ryan is the Saints’ new defensive coordinator, and as a result the unit that was atrocious in 2012 will be switching to the 3-4. They have a lot of holes to fill, but Jordan fits perfectly as a pass-rushing upgrade and huge presence on the outside.
Previous mock: Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

16. St. Louis Rams
Chance Warmack, G, Alabama
The Rams never got the chance to draft Johnson, but Warmack will do more than fine as an immediate upgrade at guard. If he was a tackle, he’d be a top-five pick.
Previous mock: Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida
With a defense that is not what it used to be, the Steelers will look to inject some youth into the defensive line. Floyd is fast and aggressive, and can provide help against both the run and pass.
Previous mock: Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame

18. Dallas Cowboys
Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
The Cowboys need to find another defensive tackle with the switch back to the 4-3. Williams might be more ideal as a nose guard in the 3-4, but there’s no reason why he can’t be an effective plug on a four-man line.
Previous mock: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

19. New York Giants
Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU
This pick remains the same because of the Jason Pierre-Paul comparisons and the fact that the Giants will likely begin turning over their defensive line in the next year or two. Ansah is raw but has great potential for the 19th pick.

20. Chicago Bears
Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina
Cooper plays offensive line, so the Bears are definitely interested. They could probably use help more on the outside of the line, but Cooper is the best lineman available.
Previous mock: Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

21. Cincinnati Bengals
Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
It’s impossible to tell what NFL teams are thinking of Te’o now, but if there’s a team to draft him relatively high after all that, it’s the Bengals, who could use an upgrade at inside linebacker.
Previous mock: Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

22. St. Louis Rams (from Washington Redskins)
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee
Having solved one of their problems on the offensive line, the Rams turn to a skill position. Patterson is 6-3 and one of the best athletes in the draft, which is important because you need to be athletic to catch one of Sam Bradford’s passes.
Previous mock: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

23. Minnesota Vikings
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson
The Vikings needed a wide receiver before it was reported that Percy Harvin is available for trade, and definitely will need one if he is dealt.
Previous mock: Keenan Allen, WR, California

24. Indianapolis Colts
D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama
The Colts could go offense or defense here. Protecting Andrew Luck breaks the tie, but Fluker is the pick over Aboushi.
Previous mock: Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia Tech

25. Seattle Seahawks
John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
Jenkins is great value here and was impressive at the Senior Bowl. He also weighs more than 350 pounds, which should help free some space for Seattle’s pass rush.
Previous mock: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

26. Green Bay Packers
Barrett Jones, C, Alabama
The Packers obviously have struggled to protect Aaron Rodgers, so this is something they need to address. A tackle would’ve been nice, but Jones will solidify the center position.
Previous mock: Barrett Jones, C, Alabama

27. Houston Texans
Kevin Minter, LB, LSU
Houston’s defense never recovered after Brian Cushing’s season-ending ACL injury, so the Texans could use some insurance here.
Previous mock: Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

28. Denver Broncos
Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Joe Flacco’s pass to Jacoby Jones is still hanging up there and the Broncos still need help in the secondary. Banks remains the selection.
Previous mock: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

29. New England Patriots
Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
Wes Welker keeps dropping passes in the playoffs and the Patriots have few passing weapons outside of the tight ends. Austin is a small but versatile player whom New England could get very creative with.
Previous mock: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

30. Atlanta Falcons
Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
John Abraham is 34 and Ray Edwards turned out to be money spent unwisely, so the Falcons should be looking for pass-rushing help.
Previous mock: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

31. San Francisco 49ers
Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
The 49ers obviously struggled with their pass defense in the Super Bowl and could lose Dashon Goldson to free agency. Vaccaro is the first safety off the board.
Previous mock: Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

32. Baltimore Ravens
Robert Woods, WR, USC
Anquan Boldin might have played his last game as a Raven in the Super Bowl. Woods could replace him and more.
Previous mock: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

The ultimate hometown discount...

Kudos to Michael Vick and his agent, who basically have agreed for Vick to play on a commission basis for the privilege of remaining a Philadelphia Eagles QB...and completely buying into Chip Kelly's revolutionary vision for the future of a new-style Philadelphia offense.

Perhaps more importantly, Vick's restructured contract combined with the release of  Demetress Bell frees up almost $20 million in salary cap space for the Eagles. Win-Win....

This could actually work out nicely for 2013...

First and foremost was Vick's willingness to accept a huge pay cut and essentially no financial security beyond 2013. Vick had been due to make $16.5 million this year and no less than $12.5 million in each of the three seasons after that, although only $3 million was guaranteed.

Instead, he'll receive a maximum of $10 million this season based on performance intentives and nothing beyond, because the new three-year deal calls for the next two seasons to be voided on March 15 for reasons related to the complicated collective bargaining agreement and NFL salary cap.

The Eagles announced the contract restructuring Monday morning, and Vick issued a statement not long after.

"I am grateful and proud to be a Philadelphia Eagle," Vick said through his publicist. "My heart is in Philly and this community is important to me. I look forward to playing for Coach Kelly, Jeffrey Lurie and the entire Eagles organization, the city of Philadelphia and the fans."

"I am training hard this offseason and will be ready for Coach Kelly's team vision and leadership. Our goal is to win."

Then it was Kelly's turn, during a news conference originally called to answer questions about his thought process behind the construction of his staff. Kelly promised Vick nothing except a fair chance to win the job back from Nick Foles.

"There is an open competition," Kelly said. "Michael knows that, Nick knows that. Nick knew every step of the way what we were doing. I wanted to make sure Nick was included in the plans, and I think both of them have outstanding qualities in terms of being quarterbacks in this league. Both of them have started in this league."

"I also know in this league you better have two, so I'm excited about the two of them. They're both going to compete. And who the starting quarterback to start the season off is going to be won on the practice field."

Vick, who will turn 33 in June, has struggled with turnovers and injuries the last two seasons and the last quarter of 2010. After he was sidelined with a concussion last season, previous coach Andy Reid turned the job over to Foles for the rest of the season.

However, Vick returned to start the final game because Foles had to sit with a broken hand, and the players came through with their worst effort of the season in their most lopsided loss, 42-7. The next day, Vick was among those to question some his teammates' effort.

The new contract also makes it much easier for the Eagles to unload Vick, should they decide to trade him this year, so there's no real guarantee he'll even still be on the roster by opening day. But that too is a plus for the team---and for Vick.

Kelly wants to keep his options open, at least until he's able to observe the team in the pre-draft minicamp, which only new NFL coaches are allowed to run.

"I think in terms of Michael, we look at everything," Kelly said. "What I look at is skill set first and foremost, what he can do, how he can throw the football, how he can beat people with his feet. There are a lot of different factors he has. And you have to look at the landscape for other quarterbacks."

"I guess the best way I can put this is I agree there is a change of scenery going on here. For Michael Vick, there is a change of scenery, but not a change of address."

Kelly also reiterated how he believes he can tailor his offense to the less mobile Foles, if necessary, and wouldn't rule out any kind of a trade or acquisition, including former Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon. Dixon was a member of the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad last season.

"Anytime we can upgrade our roster, I'll do so," he said. "I haven't ruled anybody out of that either."

Vick completed 204 of 351 passes last season for 2,362 yards and 12 TDs. Those scores were offset by 10 interceptions and five lost fumbles.

Foles, who showed promise as someone who doesn't often get rattled by pressure, wasn't any better, however. He was 161-for-265 with 1,699 yards and six TDs against five interceptions and three lost fumbles.

Those underwhelming numbers are the main reason Kelly is not committing to anybody now.

"Nobody wants anything handed to you," Kelly theorized about today's NFL players. "That's one of the things that stuck out to me about Michael, was his competitive nature."

Competitive to a fault sometimes... Perhaps Vick's biggest weakness sometimes was his desire to make something out of nothing. But in Kelly's offensive system, a lot of that pressure on the QB to make big plays is removed by the sheer process of a one-read option.

Maybe Vick could thrive in that new atmosphere. Apparently Kelly believes he's worth a second look.

I can think of worse alternatives than having the veteran Vick finally realizing his limitations and conforming to Kelly's system of conservative opportunity. I'm dreaming of 7-minute times of possession and turnover-free marches to the opponent's goal line. I'm dreaming of a season free of rib fractures and concussions suffered by my QB#1.

I also do not rule out the concept of quarterback-by-committee.  How cool would it be to have a viable Vick, an understudy like Dennis Dixon, and a steady relief pitcher like Nick Foles combining to pitch a shutout?

It's all suddenly possible that a so-called "rebuilding year" could turn into a "Why Not?" year----at least from the offensive side of the ball.