Hey Nick... I had an interesting discussion with my younger brother who's an Eagles tragic...
He was of opinion that the Eagles should trade up to 1 and grab Mariota... He said he would offer this years 1 with LeSean McCoy, Nick Foles and maybe some later round picks if that wasn't enough...
I was thinking about it from Tampa's perspective.... I'd take that... McCoy is a franchise guy... Who's in his prime... And Foles is a decent young QB who could be a long term guy... Or more likely be a guy to hold them over until the next young QB comes along...
For the Eagles I think that would be worth it... McCoy is great... But the value of RB's has diminished in the league... I think you could pick up a great young RB in the draft to compliment Sproles...
Mariota at the Eagles in chips system could turn the Eagles in to a Super Bowl contender for the next decade...
What do you reckon Nick??
I think 2 weeks ago i'd have said it doesnt matter what i think, that it's a pointless thought to have, because Howie's in charge of that and he doesnt roll like that... Now with Chip in control of these decisions, it's worth commenting on
A few things:
1. We are over paying LeSean McCoy, i believe him to be a top 3 RB in this league, minimum, but he's making a lot of money for a position that is very much devalued. I think any RB, with even a modicum of talent could make hay in this system. And i think the Eagles would honestly benefit greatly from having a more north-south runner, than have the constant negative plays that come with Shady's desire to constantly break it off for 20.
We might not get the MASSIVE game changing plays from another RB, but to tie it into this draft, any number of backs like Davis could fill that spot
2. If we were moving up to #1 for Mariota, it obviously makes sense that Foles would be part of the deal. No issue with that, Foles for Mariota is a nice change for our system. Ive got no issue dispensing with Foles if it helps net Mariota.
If all it costs us was McCoy, Foles, 20th and a late round pick, i'd absolutely pull the trigger to move up for Mariota. But that deal isnt going to get it done unless the Bucs feel Foles is 100% a franchise guy. And even then in context of this, it would probably take Foles, McCoy, 2015 1st, 2015 2nd and probably our 2016 1st as well... Im not so sure about that.
But Chip has the keys to this thing now, so anythings possible. If Chip feels Mariota is worth that, well, ill be pretty nervous about it, but to be honest, im ALL IN on Chip Kelly and Mariota would complete this offense.
