Mariota, Agholor, Jones, 1st Round Reaction

Well, Marcus Mariota isn't an Eagle. I was glued to my phone all day, constantly refreshing my Twitter feed in hopes of scoopage. When it came down to it, I just don't think Chip was quite as in love with him as we were maybe led to believe. Chip wanted Marcus, I don't think anybody would doubt that. However, I believe there was a deep divide between himself and the Titans FO. The price was too high, and Chip wasn't going to make the moves required to get his guy.

One purported offer: 2 firsts, Kendricks, Curry, and Cox. Frankly, if that would've happened, I would have just fine. Yes, that would've been a steep cut for one player, but when that player is a potential franchise quarterback, I could have rationalized it. Chip said any offers he made did not include players, despite various source reports saying that he did just that, so as to whether we were even close or not might be up for debate.

Nelson Agholor was picked 20th overall by the Eagles. I have to say, watching them sit at 20, not move, and make a smart albeit not sexy move shocked me. I've been conditioned to expect nontraditional moves from this FO, and even the previous FO specifically during the draft, so watching my team sit and wait with no wheeling and dealing was different.

I like Agholor. I don't love Agholor. His NFL comparison is Jeremy Maclin, according to just about any scouting report anywhere, and if he blossoms into the production bracket Maclin occupied last season, that would be a pick well spent. I'll do some film work in the next week or so and post it.

One last thought; the Cowboys selected Byron Jones. I'm divisive on Jones. I love his measureables, as does just about everyone else. But I can't help but watch his film and come away unimpressed. He is far and away the best player on that UConn defense on tape, yet still doesn't jump off the screen. I believed all throughout the draft process that he was a second round to third round player, that would be pushed into the first from lack of defensive backs in the draft, and a crazy freaky combine.

I really hope Byron Jones is the next Aaron Maybin or Vernon Gholston, a freak athlete that never quite puts it all together. It could be painful to watch twice a year if the opposite is true.

Long Absence, Draft Thoughts

Apologies for the long absence, I was unable to write anything for the past 6 weeks or so due to the loss of almost all of my free time. As we get closer to summer, more free time should make itself apparent to me, so I hope to write more.

It's funny, the Chris Polk news. I wrote the Polk analysis prior to Free Agency, and highlighted a shift towards a possible "power spread" offense, spearheaded by a physical, downhill runner or two. Fast forward 6 weeks, and Chris Polk is a member of the Texans. Chip wanted downhill runners, clearly. My thinking was spot on in regards to that. As to said downhill runners being reigning rushing champion DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews? Wouldn't have guessed that if given 10 chances.

The draft is tomorrow evening, and I hope to write up some analysis on whoever gets their name called to be an Eagle. I have absolutely no idea where their headed in this draft, and that's pretty exciting. We're all just along for the ride. If I had to guess, I think Chip's plan A is to go after Marcus Mariota. I truly believe he will do what he can to move up for him. There is a chance the cards don't fall right, and Chip may be left without that option. In that case, a few names make sense to me at 20.

• Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
• Byron Jones, CB/S, UConn
• Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
• Jake Fisher, OL, Oregon

Given my propensity for knowing what Chip's doing, I expect us to trade 10 years of first round picks to move up to 2 and draft Ereck Flowers.

Goodness I hope I'm wrong.