Section 215
Fansided

Morning Phil-Up: How The Eagles Can Still Get Marcus Mariota

By Denny Basens

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Here’s How The Eagles Can Get Marcus Mariota – Philly Voice

Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice put together a trade scenario in which the Eagles would still be able to move up and acquire Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota without sacrificing a ton of assets from future drafts.

Kempski’s plan involves a three-way deal, sending Sam Bradford to the Browns, two first-rounders to Tennessee, and veterans Mychal Kendricks and Brandon Boykin.

The trade scenarios involving Mariota to the Eagles just won’t stop coming. And for good reason.

No matter what Chip Kelly tells the media, it just doesn’t make sense for this team to try to build around Sam Bradford, who at best would appear to be a stopgap option. The Eagles continue to be in contact with Mariota after the trade for Bradford, and with DeMeco Ryans still on the roster despite his high salary and the addition of Kiko Alonso, it would appear that the Birds have another prime trade chip available to them in Mychal Kendricks.

Chip’s To-Do List – CSNPhilly

The Eagles have addressed quarterback, running back, and cornerback during free agency, but many holes remain for Chip Kelly to take care of before the end of the off-season.

After investing a great deal in DeMarco Murray, Kelly needs to protect his investment by bolstering his offensive line. Right guard is a major concern with Todd Herremans out of the picture, and Jason Peters and Evan Mathis are beginning to get long in the tooth. It’s time for the Birds to replenish their talent here.

Safety is another massive concern. While Malcolm Jenkins was a nice addition last year, the team has still yet to come up with a competent upgrade for Nate Allen. Allen, who signed a deal worth $23 million with the Raiders, actually led the Eagles with four interceptions a year ago. The team attempted to lure New England’s Devin McCourtey to town, but struck out. Now the club’s top option to replace Allen may be Earl Wolfe.

And of course, wide receiver is possibly the most glaring need on this team with Jeremy Maclin no longer an Eagle. For as confident as Chip Kelly is in his system, he’s got to do better than Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews, and Josh Huff as his top three options come Opening Day.

Have The Eagles Really Improved On Defense? – The 700 Level

The one area of the team that the Eagles seemed to have been successful in improving so far during this off-season has been their defense, right?

Andrew Kulp of The 700 Level isn’t so sure.

While Kulp praised the addition of Kiko Alonso the linebackers, he isn’t nearly as confident that the secondary has truly improved. Byron Maxwell may be an upgrade over Cary Williams, but is he truly a shutdown corner?

Walter Thurmond has been the only other addition to the defensive backfield so far, and he’s coming off of a serious injury. The only thing that appears to standout on his resume so far is that he was once an Oregon Duck.

Brandon Boykin and Nolan Carroll will compete with Thurmond, but the coaching staff never felt confident about starting either player over Bradley Fletcher a year ago, which makes it hard to get excited about their prospects.

The Eagles have no idea at the moment who will start at safety along Malcolm Jenkins.

While some names may have gotten better, it is very to wonder exactly how many steps forward this defense has really taken.

If Matt Barkley Is Traded, Tim Tebow Signing Likely –  Section 215

On Monday, the Eagles brought in former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow for a workout. While Tebow left without a contract, along with word that the team had no plans to sign him at this time, there is a possibility that Tebow could join the team at a later time.

The Eagles have been reportedly shopping third-string quarterback Matt Barkley, hoping to pick up a late-round pick for the USC product. If the Eagles are successful in moving Barkley, the door will open for Tebow to be signed.

I don’t understand the Eagles’ interest in Tebow. He hasn’t played in nearly three years, and there’s a very good reason for that. He doesn’t have the skillset to succeed in this league. And the media circus that he’d inevitably bring with him just isn’t worth the time and effort for a guy who will be nothing but a third-stringer.

I think Chip Kelly would be wise to focus his attention on finding diamonds in the rough on the offensive line, at wide receiver, or safety rather than waste time on Tebow.

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