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Oh im not either... just can see why a team in the Top 10 might take him. If they're convinced in their offense he'll be effective enough between the tackles, and will take advantage of moving him around then he could be pretty dynamic.

Well i guess if you're confident he can run between the tackles... in the right offense he can be a very dynamic weapon.

David Beckham?? yea you're probably right.

In nickel packages we were opting often for 1 down lineman and 5 standing LB's.... And with that look it's a lot less important for your DL to be shooting gaps than it is for him to eat blocks and push the pocket. And what does it matter the mold of the player?? Production matters. Maybe Pierce won't be knifing through gaps like Jernigan did for 3 games last year... but if he can overwhelm an OG and push him right back into the QBs lap more frequently than Jernigan shot through the gap with speed/finesse, or force a double team from the G and T while BWill's forcing a double team by the C and G on the other side so that our edge guys have 1on1's with a T and a TE -- who cares how it's getting done or what skill sets being used if the end product is more effective?? If Pierce can generate more pressure than Jernigan or the front 7/6 can generate more pressure with Pierce on the field as opposed to Jernigan... who cares?? I mean we did pretty well with Ngata at DT for a while... different athlete for sure but def not in the mold of Jernigan. Not all 3T DT's are built or play like Jernigan.

That's fine that you don't see it... you made a comment sparked by the Jernigan trade as if its a sign of acting Willy nilly with no direction... You can criticize the move if you like, but it very clearly points to moving on from players that aren't a part of the future to help build through the draft. Weve always been a build through the draft team... so to say before the draft that you don't see where the team is headed for this year is premature. Explain how trading Jernigan shows no plan tor future?? Or how keeping him, to maybe be better in just 2017 possibly at the expense of 2018 and beyond is showing more clear direction? Is it possible that others including this FO just don't think as highly of Jernigan as you do? And what would you have done to show the clear direction Theyve projected?? Which bigger/more physical RT and C would you have brought in already? What big, physical, chain moving WR? What pass rusher? And which of the moves they've made are you not doing to facilitate that move(s)? Theyve laid out the direction and it seems pretty clear to me. Some of the fixes just didn't present valid solutions through FA and so they'll head into the draft and later FA hoping to add.... whatever they can't they'll go to battle as is and keep building next offseason.

Been waiting on this. Figured it was only a matter of time.... Maybe that $1m we cleared up by trading Jernigan had something to do with the timing of this visit being announced?? I know some aren't high on the idea of Mangold, but I think next to Yanda and with the type of blocking were trying to implement he can be a big upgrade for a year or two while we groom a replacement. Get a quality G or RT in the draft with Lewis playing the other and I think that's a really solid OL. Dont let him leave without a deal Ozzie.

I don't think any of our TEs have trade value... especially the ones you'd be ok moving. Besides, I think it may be realistic to keep them all. We thought we had a logjam last year too and then had Pitta and Waller as the only options for a majority of the season. But if they look to use Boyle in the FB/HB role and don't sign/draft a FB then he can essentially take that roster spot. And we don't currently have a ton of WR depth. Even assuming that Camp and Reynolds both make the roster, we'd be looking at 5 WRs as it stands with no draft picks, PS guys moving up or vet additions. I imagine we add at least 1 but don't think it's a lock that either Camp or Reynolds make the 53... so prob 5-6 WRs. You can keep Waller as the 6th-7th WR and 5th TE bc of his flexibility and potential on ST. So Pitta, Watson, Maxx and Gillmore. 3 didn't play much or at all last year and the other is a hit away from retirement at all times. That 4 could be 1 or 0 in the blink of an eye. Not to mention I could see us using a lot of multiple TE groupings as a way to run more effectively while also having a good passing game. If we don't draft a high end WR or grab someone reliable like Boldin then we only have 1 dependable WR and 1 other with real starter upside; so we could do this as a way to get your best pass catchers on the field while also running the ball more effectively. So if we're gonna do that we need more quality TEs that can do different things. We could end end up keeping them all, but even if not we don't have the reliability to send off potential quality options before we know what we've got health wise. And, we don't have anyone that would net value in a trade anyways.

Even without the QBs going (bc I don't see the Niners, Jets, Bills, Bears or Cards taking him) I think he could fall to us. Only teams I can see taking him are the Panthers, Bengals, Saints or Indy. Panthers I doubt. Bengals I think go Foster if he's there which I think he will. Saints are the big one for me. They need pass rush. But I see them taking Foster if he's there, a chance they go CB over pass rush especially if only Lattimore is taken so far.... and I could see them wanting the more athletic, twitchy guy in Takk or Taco. Indy I see taking OL, trading back for OL, or could go RB (Cook, Mixon, McCaffery). They need to help Luck out either with better protection or a consistent run game. Feeling fairly confident he gets to the Saints and if they don't take him he's ours.

Posted in the other Jernigan thread but will post it here since so many are saying the value was bad and would've been so much better if we got the Eagles 4th straight up without having to sacrifice our own pick. According to the draft value charts: 74th pick - 220 pts 99th (our comp) + 112th (Eagles 4th) - 174 pts So the pick swap has more value than if the Eagles let us keep our 3rd and gave us their 4th AND 5th. And I expect that difference in value to be even more dramatic with the number of very highly rated players 75-80 deep.

Another thing for those saying they'd have been happy if we got their 4th straight up, but this swap of 3rds has no value.... According to the draft pick value chart, which of course is a rough guide line but does have a good basis: 74th pick - 220 pts 99th (104pts) + 112th (70pts, Eagles 4th) - 174 pts So in actual value, swapping the 3rds gave us better draft capital than keeping our 3rd and getting their 4th. And by a decent margin. They'd have had to throw in another 4th to equal the swapping of picks. The 74th pick alone gives us the ammo to move up 4-5 spots in the 1st or could give us the ammo to trade back into the 1st from our 2nd rd pick... whereas it'd have taken our comp 3rd, the Eagles 4th and our own 4th to do that. The value is much better than what many of your are saying you'd be happier with.

Quality over quantity. if they see a big drop off in talent after the first 75 or so players.... do you want 2 players that are 4th round quality? Or would you prefer 1 player that has 2nd round quality? I can't say that's a fact... but I personally see a big drop off. Where after the, say, first 20 or so players that are clearly 1st rounders.... there's another 30-40 that could reasonably go from the back end of the 1st to early 3rd. So hypothetically we could end day 2 of the draft now feeling like we got 2-4 1st round talents and/or another 1-2 early to mid 2nd round talents.... as opposed to 2 1st rd talents, a 2nd rd talent, and 2 3rd/4th rd talents. I'll take one potential serious impact player over 2 backup quality players. It's not that black and white obviously... but I do think the drop off in quality over those 25 picks is very very real and pretty steep.

I don't see how what we do with a player who was only going to be here this year really alters what the direction or perception of the teams direction is. Its a team that thinks they can win now, but won't forego decisions at the expense of the future. Were good enough to compete but as not clearly knocking on the SB door they're going to make a move for the future if it presents itself -- especially if the alternative is only a very short term (1 yr) improvement. Not a complete rebuild in that they think they can make the playoffs as is... and then anything can happen. But also a team that's wanting to get younger and build through the draft for one last 4-5 year window of contention while Flacco is still here. So if there's a move that's only a slight step back in the very short term, but provides better value years 2-5 they're gonna do it.

Dan Jeremiah just posted his 4.0 mock. And with no QB's picked before us still has Barnett falling to us. I like it. Couple curious selections with the Saints taking Conley at 11 with both Reuben Foster and Barnett on the board. And McCaffery going to the Panthers. But it certainly not a crazy set of circumstances where Barnett does in fact make it to us. There is some hope.

I completely understand not liking it... I just dont see Jernigan as the difference between us contending or not contending; so after this season there's a hole to fill anyways. Might as well get a jump on seeing if you have a player on the roster that can fill it, give yourself better ammo in a potentially loaded draft to get said replacement, or at least a better player that can be a key piece for the next 4+ years. And while Pierce may not have played the same role last year I could see him lining up as the 3T going forward. As I recall too, last year we started opting for playing on 1 down lineman in nickel/sub package situations with 5 stand up backers. I think either Williams or Pierce can fill that role. Pierce is definitely a projection but with a limited sample size he was among the most productive pass rushers on a per snap basis among DT's. I don't expect he can sustain a rate that high over 30-40 snaps/game but Jernigan never has either (never ranked top 50, even in his rookie campaign when was used sparingly a la Pierce). Regardless - while I think we can contend for a playoff spot, I don't think we're a serious SB contender... and I don't see Jernigan changing that situation one way or the other, and wouldn't be here to help us contend over the next 2-5 yrs. While Pierce, Henry or whoever we pick at 74 have a chance to be contributors of varying degrees toward that goal. I get wanting more compensation.... but I never expected much and don't think we stood to get much more if any through a comp pick. And looking at media big boards and my own evaluations I do see a trend of a sizeable drop off in the caliber of player in the top 75 and the next 50 or so. The drop off from say 40-75 isn't much, so I see the FO placing a higher value than you typically might on moving up 25 spots, bc the difference in talent may be akin to jumping up 2 full rounds.

Curious thought... and doubtful.. I know we're much a hybrid front but could this facilitate a move to more 4-3? Suggs is flexible enough to play DE and I could see Judon being a better fit as a traditional DE as well. Z might as well. That could give Correa a more natural fit as a 4-3 OLB and a guy like Reddick then would give us a nice looking LB group with coverage ability, playmaking, blitz ability and pass rush. And we could then play BWill and Pierce as our DTs. Helps get more better players on the field... keeps us from relying on Urban/Kaufusi to start where they could rotate on the edge or kick inside in sub packages, etc... Just a thought

No I just looked it up... he's only 22 and won't be 23 until the national championship. So he'd be turning 24 at the end of his rookie season, and would be 27 entering his 5th year option season if he's drafted 1st round.

I didn't realize he was that old already. Def makes a high investment more difficult to swallow. At that age you have to be sure he's a legit #1 the day he steps onto the field for you.

Another thing that just came to me... a lot are commenting on Jernigan being our best interior pass rusher. But as I recall, in obvious passing scenarios we started to play a majority with only one down lineman and 5/6 stand up linebackers... which limits the need/opportunity for someone like Jernigan. Plus I think I recall Pierce grading out by PFF as one of the most productive pass rushing DT's (obviously on a per snap basis) whereas Jernigan I don't think ever ranked even top 50.

Yea but all the Eagles can trade for is what he's going to do. And we're not talking about a rookie who flashed and hope he can put it together over the next 2-3 years. Its a guy going into his 4th year who has consistently flashed excellence a couple times early in seasons and then disappears over the 2nd half. Maybe he has an "aha" moment and puts it together. I imagine he's much more likely to do that in Philly than here... but on the compensation, no ones going to give up much for an inconsistent player for 1 year... and any projection or commitment beyond that if he does put it together will cost them big money as well. We were never going to get much.

Yea but all those examples showed up as consistent playmakers prior to their contract years besides Kruger, in either a rotational role or as starters.

No it's just that your own argument doesn't lead to your conclusion. Were a mediocre team.... so we shouldn't flip decent players that will only be here in this mediocre year for assets in the top of a draft that's loaded with prospects who can be here for the next 4 at least?? Yes... it requires we pick a good player. But it's a certainty that Jernigan was not going to be here beyond this year.

So if we were a really good team it would make sense to move a guy who could make some splash plays on a championship run for 1 year.... but a building team should keep that player only to lose him in a year?? Makes good sense.

Urban/Kaufusi aren't DT's they're 5T DE's. Pierce wouldn't play there and Jernigan isn't suited to play there either other than maybe on early downs if you're looking to really beef up the DL. Moving Jernigan does nothing to effect that spot. It was up to Urban/Kaufusi to own it, draft, or bring in a vet. Still is. Youre right in that we don't know how Pierce will do in a larger role, but clearly the coaches were planning to find out anyways. Between Pierce, Davis, Henry and a potential draft pick -- we'll be alright. Jernigan leaving effects this year. That's it. So unless Jernigan was the difference between us winning the Super Bowl or not, it made sense to get what we could.... especially if they're confident the caliber of player available at 74 compared to 99 is difference making bc that player will be here cheap for the next 4 years. I don't think it's a great move that makes us much better (until we see who we get at 74), but I also don't see it as a move that hurts us all that much. If Pierce can consistently play at the level he flashed last year then we've got a better starter at DT. If he's inconsistent while still flashing that ability then we essentially have Jernigan with less depth. It's not make or break.

Jernigans a pro bowl player?? lol overstatement of the century. He's had a handful of games where he's looked like he could be. But he's never put it together. Cool if you don't like the move, but come on with the extreme attempted comparisons. Mosley is on another level, one of the top young players at his position and will be resigned. Jernigan is a solid run defender who has never even been a top 50 player in terms of pass rush productivity. Maybe he puts it together in Philly, and I hope he does. It's a much better environment for him in terms of scheme fit. But i imagine we'll get every bit of his production and maybe more from Pierce. Sure he's never been a full time player but Jernigans never shown up full time either.

I assume this is pointed at me... I just expected it to happen and see the rationale. I also think Jernigan is overvalued here. He hasn't put it together in 3 years with ample opportunity. Don't expect it to suddenly happen for him. He was clearly already losing snaps as the year went on, and if Pierce continues to play well through camp I expect that would have only continued further. Couple that with the talent likely available early 3rd round of this draft I won't be surprised one bit if we end up with better production on the field (Pierce vs Jernigan) and a much better prospect (74 vs 99). Jernigan is Art Jones 2.0 except Jernigan has been less consistent. And was never going to net us the 3rd round comp some think. He's not the difference between us making the playoffs and not. And yes definitely ok to disagree. But it's also ok to agree with an unpopular move. Just a hunch that when we see who's on the board at 74 and the pick... we'll love the fact that we came away with 2 players in that short span of picks. Even moreso when Pierce has a breakout campaign.