Former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah just tweeted a “wild” rumor he’s heard involving the Eagles and Broncos. A rumor that would add even more lethal speed and playmaking ability around new starting QB Kevin Kolb.
“I would be shocked if the Broncos ending up selecting at 11… I’ve had 4-5 different sources say they are bailing out of there,” Jeremiah tweeted under his Twitter account MoveTheSticks. “Heard a wild one about Philly possibly going after Spiller in that spot… how fast with that offense be???”
Could the Eagles be eyeing Clemson standout RB C.J. Spiller?
The speculation is just that — crazy. Impossible? No. However, you will hear all kinds of things the next three days concerning trades, draft plans, etc. Teams will try to throw out smokescreens to drum up interest in their players or draft picks, or to throw other teams off on their real plans.
I’d be shocked to see the Eagles move up to get Spiller when they have so many needs on the defensive side of the ball. Andy Reid has never taken a RB in Round 1 and we don’t see it changing this year.’
Spiller has the speed to blossom in Reid’s system, and could fill the Eagles need in the return game that would allow DeSean Jackson to focus on playing receiver.
More importantly, he has the hands to fill in for the departed Brian Westbrook. According to CBSSportsline.com, which ranks Spiller as the top RB in the draft, “Receiving: Versatile offensive weapon who catches passes over the middle or in the flat, but will also line up in the slot and on the outside. Lightning-quick and ultra-elusive after the catch, often leaving defenders standing still as he jukes them outside or inside. Blows by safeties in coverage, especially on out-and-up routes. Inconsistent hands as a receiver. Will catch most easy passes with his hands and high-point the ball in traffic, but also has lapses of concentration and short-arms passes when expecting a big hit over the middle. Needs to be crisper coming in and out of his routes to sell them better at the next level. Solid hands on punt returns, and actually catches kickoffs at helmet-height with his hands.
Reid loves lining up backs in the slot, and Spiller could be his guy. If the Eagles didn’t need major help in the secondary, I might be inclined to believe they’d deal their top two picks for the chance to grab Spiller. As we said, however, unless the Broncos want to include Brian Dawkins as part of the deal, we just don’t see it.
