To start, here’s the biggest and most relevant change to Bleed Green: No longer will the site–which has been on the rise in terms of popularity and fan interactions for some time now–be able to be accessed at the URL www.bleedgreenforever.wordpress.com. Instead, the entire “unit’, so to speak, has been moved permanently to www.bleed-green.com. Not only is this new address easier to remember and increasingly catchy, but it also rids of the word ‘forever’, which was an original part of the site’s title but never appeared in the logos or listings of the site’s name. In addition, the switch to a domain name has allowed Bleed Green to finalize a number of partnerships and collaborative deals with other businesses. How so? With the new system in place, actual advertisements can now be added to the layout (don’t worry; this does not mean we will bombard with you scripted promotions and the liking). Thus far, we have already agreed to partner with these fine sites and corporations:

• Yardbarker: A widely popular, fan-friendly blogging network that allows users to post their own rumors and news stories, while confirmed NFL information and articles written by athletes themselves are also made available.
• NFL News & Rumors: A quick-to-the-point and simple, yet informative site that contains a constant flow of exactly what is stated in the name–news and rumors. In no means am I attempting to promote this anymore by including this, but–for those interested–my analysis on a league-wide basis can be found here, as I–in addition to managing Bleed Green and writing for BlitzNation–recently was welcomed into a position as a writer on their staff.
• Sports Gab: A network of sports blogs that covers all of the NFL teams, as well as various other leagues such as the NCAA, NBA, and MLB. The well-known Philly site Eagles Gab, with which we are already linked with, is included in the network.

The addition of a domain name and list of partnerships is but a taste of the latest wave of changes, however. There have also been some moves within the staff here at Bleed Green; we welcome both some new writers while also bidding farewell to some others. Blake Lovell, who joined the team in October, spent his time on the site composing a column called Weekly Eagle Chirps. For various reasons, Mr. Lovell will no longer be working as a part of Bleed Green, but we wish him the best of luck for his future! John Cook, who was added in January as a fan perspective analyst, will also no longer be listed on the staff list because of several difficulties and technical issues. Though it is a bit saddening that Lovell and Cook have been removed, there is also news regarding the acquisition of some more writers and the changing of some positions within the staff.

Gary Davenport has replaced Kyle Phillippi as our fantasy football writer, and will provide constant reports and opinionated work during the season, while acting as a correspondent from the website in which he is a lead writer at–Fantasy Football Oasis. He brings years of experience as a writer and expert on strategies and concepts dealing with the increasingly popular game of fantasy football, and we expect him to bring drastic improvements to the fantasy section at Bleed Green. Phillippi will remain on the staff, but convert to Blake Lovell’s old spot as a columnist. We have also welcomed back Noah Drauschak as a feature writer and offseason analyst. He previously worked for the site in a role with the NFL Draft, but left because of scheduling conflicts in early September. Another addition to the staff (and a unique one, to say the least) is of Alex Gervasi, a young woman talented in the art of broadcasting who has agreed to be a part of a video project that has already begun here, entitled Bleed Green TV.

Some other notable changes that have been made include the switch of the site’s logo/banner. The departure of Eagles’ QB Donovan McNabb (who was featured in the old design) was the primary reason a new one was installed, but the switch to a fresh web address also had an effect on the decision. On the newly-designed logo, young tight end Brent Celek and wide receiver DeSean Jackson are featured, with our name and a subtle image of Lincoln Financial Field in the background. Besides the logo, the sidebar and it’s contents have been rearranged. No longer are the “Our Goals” and “Visitor Counter” boxes present; the “Bleed Green Around the Web” icons and links have also been altered so that a more professional look is in order. Some pages, such as “About Us” have also been updated and cleaned up a bit.

One change that should immediately be noticed in the articles published on the site is the formatting. As part of the package of changes, a new style system has been put into place to enhance the look of the site and the quality of the posts made available. Full names of NFL players, teams, and coaches will now be in a bold text so that they stand out and are clearly seen, while titles of articles will now be written with the technique newspapers do. An example of how the switch will make the titles look different is shown below:

• Previous Formatting: “Breaking News: Eagles Have Traded Their Draft Picks to the Dolphins”
• Updated Formatting: “Breaking news: Eagles have traded their Draft picks to the Dolphins”

Clearly, the only significant difference is the capitalization of some of the words, but it is more professional and recognized easier nonetheless.

The layout, color scheme, and arrangement of the site’s template have all also been changed. The sidebar and tabs for pages (i.e. About Us, Contact Us, etc.) have been moved to the left side of the screen and coated with a white color that blends with the midnight green shading of the text. An instant news alert system has been placed at the upper right hand corner of the home page, and whenever something happens regarding the Eagles, the news will immediately be displayed in the area. The new logo and bottom of the site are backgrounded with a gray color, while we have also installed new pages and features, which have been listed below:

• Advertising page: For those interested in advertising with us, this page allows site visitors to get some general information regarding what we offer (in terms of ad space, pricing, etc.), and directs them to our Contact page.
• Employment page: We’re always looking for help at Bleed Green, and if visitors have a talent in writing, broadcasting, or another social arts aspect and have a passion for the Philadelphia Eagles, we’re open to reviewing their desires to work at the site. A link to an online application for working at the site is included on this page.
• Privacy Policy page: Because we would like all of our visitors and fans to know what type of information we use and exactly how we run our site without invading their privacy on the internet, a privacy policy has been created exclusively for the site and placed on this page.

We hope that all of our fans, both new and old, enjoy what we have done to the site in hopes of making it an even better source for entertainment and information, as well as simply a cool spot to go that deals exclusively with the Philadelphia Eagles football team!

Each of the three rookies who have signed are listed below with a brief description regarding them:

• RB Keithon Flemming: His 16 touchdowns in 2009 led the West Texas A&M squad and wowed some local scouts, but a severely dislocated elbow that kept him out of six games is what many believe cost Flemming a legitimate chance to get drafted. His lack of consistency early in his collegiate career and performance against supposed lesser competition also contributed to that fact, but the running back still possesses the versatility and determination to make it in the NFL. He’s pretty small at 5-foot-10 and 208 pounds, but has proven to be a weapon in both the rushing and receiving aspects of the game, and could very well battle for a reserve job in the backfield this offseason.
• DE/OLB Eric Moncur: His opportunities in college with Miami were limited due to a variety of injuries, but Moncur has clearly been of interest to the Eagles, especially because of his speed around the edge of defensive lines and towards opposing teams’ quarterbacks as a pass rusher. He visited with the Philly organization prior to the Draft, and–though often criticized for avoiding blocks and lacking the consistency to play as an every-down defender–figures to compete for a reserve role, whether that be with the defensive linemen or the linebacker corps.
• CB Devin Ross (pictured): Arguably one of the most decorated and highly-touted players who was surprisingly not picked in the Draft, Ross provides the Eagles with an immediate candidate to play a situational role in the secondary. A two-time recipient of All-Pac-10 awards while in the NCAA and playing for Arizona, the cornerback showed a lot of promise in his final two seasons as a Wildcat; it was primarily his lack of experience in his first two years and undersized frame that made teams hesitant on Draft day to select him. Nevertheless, he has a serious amount of upside and seems as if he can truly make an impact this offseason, battling for a roster spot with his aggressive coverage techniques and impressive ability to read opponents’ plays.

Besides the players mentioned and described, the veteran added–guard Shawn Murphy–is also likely to compete for a roster spot this offseason. Originally selected in the 4th-round of the 2008 Draft by the Dolphins, the lineman is best known for his skills as a run blocker and overall amount of versatility. Quite speedy for a player who was most recently measured as being 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, he was a two-year starter at Utah State while in college, and played for the Buccaneers this past season in a reserve role. He is expected to battle with guys like Mike McGlynn and some of the acquired rookies for a backup job on the o-line.

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“I’m coming along great, and in fact I was just cleared by the doctors to practice this weekend,” Bradley said during a brief conference call with the Eagles’ media group. “I am really excited to get back on the field. I don’t think I will have any limitations…I’ve missed the game, the competition. I can’t wait to get started.” The three-year veteran is being reasonable when he expresses his desire to get back on the field. After all, he hasn’t been in uniform since the summer of last year and was regarded as one of the team’s most valuable defenders a few seasons ago. In his ’08 campaign, Bradley (pictured) started all 16 games and recorded 108 total tackles, as well as a sack, forced fumble, and interception. Heading into the 2009 season, he was projected to put up Pro-Bowl-quality numbers, but unfortunately saw his plans for the year go downhill when the Nebraska product sustained a knee injury (later revealed to be a torn ACL) during the team’s first-ever Flight Night event, a special exhibition of Training Camp.

Bradley’s absence definitely had an effect on the Eagles’ play at the middle linebacker spot this past season. His initial replacement, Omar Gaither, performed respectably well, but also went down with a season-ending injury early in the year. This forced the team to make a variety of moves and positional rotations throughout the remainder of the season, causing what seemed to be a never-ending switch at the MLB spot and a load of inconsistency. The situation got so bad that the team had to make a move right before the trade deadline to acquire Will Witherspoon from the Rams, and even lure Jeremiah Trotter out of retirement.

Now Bradley is back, and apparently ready to return to his promising form of 2008. In addition to the LB’s return to the field, it is also expected that tight end Cornelius Ingram–a 5th-round Draft pick last offseason who also missed the entire ’09 season with a knee injury–will be able to participate in the nearing minicamp.

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We at Bleed Green would simply like to wish BirdsFan.com–and the site’s admirable lead writer, Mike Burke (who has done some collaborative work with us)–a happy birthday and congratulate the company for its growth and success in it’s first year of operation. We encourage you to stop by this fan-friendly spot for news and rumors, take a look around at the exciting content they offer, and drop your own line of congratulations!

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In his career, Henderson (pictured) has recorded a total of 423 tackles, 29 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. He is well known for using his very large physical frame (6-foot-7, 335 pounds) to power through opposing teams’ linemen and become a disruptive leader of the defensive front.

Perhaps the strongest sign that the team is indeed interested in Henderson is the recent speculation and flow of reports that the two-time Pro-Bowl defender was involved in a trade that nearly occurred during the Draft between the Jaguars and Eagles. It’s not as if Philadelphia would be acquiring a declining player if they actually pursue and sign Henderson, either; the primary reasons Jacksonville chose to cut him are that two younger players at the same position were selected in this past weekend’s Draft and the veteran was carrying a fairly large contract.

The Eagles already have a pair of solid starting defensive tackles in Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, but Henderson could very easily be incorporated as a situational backup in replacement of the rarely-used Trevor Laws or in a combination with the agile Antonio Dixon, rookie Jeff Owens, or another young player. I spoke with aspiring sports radio personality and podcasting specialist Brennen Dickerson about the situation, and this is what he had to say: “Henderson had a decent season last year, with 36 tackles and three sacks, but given his age, the signing would be somewhat puzzling due to the purging of age on the roster this offseason.  However, because of the lack of production from Trevor Laws I would personally be in support.  If anything, he can push Laws, Antonio Dixon, and Jeff Owens.”

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A complete list of the players the Eagles have announced as adding is below, with a brief description about each of the acquisitions also included:

• QB Joey Elliott (pictured): A lack of starting experience resulted in his not being drafted, but Elliott–who shined leading the Purdue offense in 2009–provides the Eagles with a potential backup quarterback and developmental player for the future. Of course, that’s primarily what the team selected Northwestern’s Mike Kafka for over the weekend, but if the Eagles’ other QB–Michael Vick–is indeed traded before the season, Elliott (who is known for being a solid passer on the run) could find himself with a spot on the roster.
• FB Chris Zardas: A powerful runner and respected blocker, Zardas has the physical skills and work ethic to make it in the NFL; it was mostly his position that scared teams away in the Draft, as the fullback is rarely utilized as a legitimate option in Massachusetts’ offensive system. A career collegiate starter of 17 games and recorder of seven touchdowns, he helped in the team’s success in the running game this past season and earned a variety of awards for his efforts. It’s clear that Leonard Weaver is not going to be dethroned from the starting FB spot after going to the Pro-Bowl and signing a contract extension, but there’s a chance Zardas could crack the practice squad or make the final roster in a special teams role.
• WR Blue Cooper: A high school star who played at a variety of positions, Cooper had a memorable career at Tennessee-Chattanooga as a wide receiver; unfortunately for him, he was only featured as one of the team’s primary targets during his senior campaign, and was therefore not drafted over the past few days. He is tall and has decent speed, and is expected to–like many others who have been added this offseason–compete for a spot in the WR corps as a backup.
• WR Pat Simonds: A physical pass catcher who was known for his game-changing receptions while at Colgate University, the 6-foot-6 Simonds brings a large amount of concentration and knowledge to the receiving corps after two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in college and a lot of academic respect. Though it was reported here on Sunday that the reliable wideout had been informed by the Eagles that the team was going to sign him, it was only today that the team officially confirmed the move. Like Cooper, Simonds–a native of a New York and holder of various records at Colgate–is likely to battle for a reserve role in the receiving corps.
• WR Kevin Jurovich: A former safety for San Jose State, Jurovich made the transition to wide receiver following his sophomore season, and seems to be on the rise in terms of potential for the future and what he has to offer as a target in the offense. In 2007, he hauled in an impressive 85 catches for nearly 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns, and has shown improvement in some aspects of his game since then. Because the group of receivers on the team is so crowded, it’s unlikely Jurovich will make the final roster merely because of the lesser amount of experience he has at the position, but he is expected to compete for a backup job nonetheless.
• OT Austin Howard: The Eagles did not address the offensive line with any of their Draft picks this year, and therefore it’s no surprise the team decided to add some blockers who became rookie free agents. A versatile player who originally began his college career at Northern Iowa as a tight end and also played basketball, the 6-foot-7, 333-pound Howard is arguably one of the top lineman from the 2010 rookie class that was not taken in the Draft. In his junior and senior seasons, he made a combined 25 starts at the left tackle spot, and has enough upside to potentially challenge King Dunlap for the number two position on the LT depth chart behind Pro-Bowl starter Jason Peters.
• OT Jeraill McCuller: Though he is a bit smaller than the team’s other OT addition (Howard) and hasn’t shown as many glimpses of dominance as higher-ranked rookie linemen, McCuller has proven to be a consistent leader and displayer of positive behavior. This past season, he was given the Governor’s Award, which is handed out annually to the member of the North Carolina State football team who most shows ability, contribution, leadership and intangibles. Considered by some to have the versatility to play at the guard spot as well, McCuller is sure to make a run at a reserve role with the offensive linemen and could potentially become a member of the practice squad as a developmental prospect.
• OG/OT Zipp Duncan: Widely regarded as not being taken in the Draft because of his light size for an interior lineman, Duncan had a respectable career in the NCAA with Kentucky while playing at several positions. He came out of high school as a tight end, but began his collegiate tenure as a guard. After inconsistent play and what many consider to be a disappointing sophomore season, he gradually worked his way into a starting role as a left tackle. Noted as having a 39-game starting streak, Duncan also garnered several awards for his decent senior season and is likely to battle with guys like Mike McGlynn for a backup role in 2010 as a utility blocker, so to speak (a player who can line up at various positions).
• DT Charles Alexander: Not many defensive tackles were taken in the Draft, and quality players such as Alexander were left without a team at the conclusion of the event. A product of LSU and former teammate of new Philadelphia running back Charles Scott (who was taken by the Eagles in the 6th-round over the weekend), he was not known for recording a lot of sacks or making big plays, but rather contributing more as a run defender. Alexander is what you’d call a solid DT; he is, by no means, a bad performer at his position, but is also not among the elite members of the spot. As a senior in 2009, he started in all 13 of his team’s games and finished the year with 29 tackles (two of which were for a loss of yards) and one sack. Because the Birds already have a pair of capable starters in Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, it’s likely Alexander will compete with late-round pick Jeff Owens and others for a reserve DT role.
• CB David Pender: He failed to appear as a flashy, big-play cornerback while at Purdue, but Pender emerged as a solid starter during his sophomore season and reportedly attracted the interest of some teams immediately after the Draft because of his adequate height and overall build, as well as his upside for the future. He is, without question, deserving of a lower rank than defensive backs who were actually drafted due to his lack of interceptions and consistent coverage, but certainly provides the Eagles with a possible reserve option for the future.
• CB Josh Morris: If Morris’ tenure as a starter at Weber State was longer and the competition he faced was a bit tougher, the cornerback would probably have been a clear-cut Draft choice of some team over the weekend. His seven career interceptions and numerous conference awards are promising signs that indicate a career in the NFL is possible; his emergence as a leading defensive player came a little late, however, and the division in which he played in lacks the type of competitiveness that many professional scouts look for. Nevertheless, Morris should make for an interesting offseason roster member who has a shot at cracking the roster as a backup.

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A variety of respected sports analysts have already created their own grades of the Eagles’ 2010 Draft. For my grading of the team’s performance in the three-day procedure, letter grades have been used–similar to the way ESPN‘s Mel Kiper, Jr. and the FOX Sports network evaluated NFL teams’ drafting. It’s as straight forward as can be…just like school grading systems, the highest possible earning is an A+ and the lowest is an F.

1. DE Brandon Graham came into the Draft as one of the higher-ranked players at his position, but was still not projected to be taken until the mid- to late-part of the 1st-round. Nevertheless, the Eagles felt it appropriate to move up from their original selection (24th overall) via a trade to pick the Michigan product and bolster their defensive line. A hard worker and aggressive pass rusher, Graham is expected to perform at a high level in the starting lineup for many years, though perhaps could have been selected later in the 1st-round. Pick Grade: B+
2. FS Nate Allen lacks the flashy style of play and impressive highlight reels that other heralded safety prospects (such as Eric Berry, Earl Thomas, and Taylor Mays) have, but is undoubtedly one of the most consistent and reliable defensive backs in the 2010 rookie class. A tight coverage man while playing for South Florida in college, he is expected to improve the Eagles’ success against opposing teams’ passing attacks and immediately contribute as a starting free safety. Allen doesn’t have top-of-the-line ball skills and a knack for making interceptions, but he is a solid tackler who can stick to elite receivers in pass coverage. Pick Grade: A
3. DE Daniel Te’o-Nesheim certainly has the work ethic and potential to succeed at the professional level. However, the Eagles’ decision to take him in the 3rd-round of the Draft has widely been questioned, seeing that he was–for the longest time–ranked as a prospect expected to be off the board in the 5th- or 6th-round, but no earlier. His underestimated speed and willingness to line up at both the defensive tackle and outside linebacker spots make him somewhat of a project within Philadelphia’s defensive unit. Head coach Andy Reid reportedly said that Te’o-Nesheim will be used in a role similar to what was played by former Eagle DE Chris Clemons (a situational pass rusher). If that is indeed true, it’s hard to understand why the team chose the Washington product so early in the Draft, yet his upside and quality level of character make him a respectable pick. Pick Grade: C+
4. CB Trevard Lindley provides the Eagles with an immediate candidate to have significant playing time at cornerback and arguably has enough talent to be considered worthy of a 2nd-round pick, and Philadelphia was able to snag him in the 4th and seem to feel confident he will learn their defensive system and thrive within it. A ball hawk at Kentucky, his stock for the Draft was not as high as it could have been because of an injury sustained in his senior season. Though he is regarded as an above-average performer in man coverage, Lindley tends to gamble on plays and often times appears as if his primary focus is on picking the ball off (this coincidentally relates to starting Eagles CB Asante Samuel’s style of play). He has the potential to solidify the secondary depth, but must stay healthy and work hard on improving some aspects of his game. Pick Grade: B
5. LB Keenan Clayton is an undersized linebacker who–despite having a sound tackling technique and specialty in covering short pass plays–was probably one of the most noticeable “reaches” the Eagles made in the Draft. Largely considered to be worth a pick in only the final two rounds, the OLB from Oklahoma (whose amount of agility has also been questioned) was instead nabbed by Philly with the 121st overall selection in the 4th-round. Several pro scouts have mentioned that Clayton might actually be a better strong safety than linebacker, and overall it’s somewhat of a mystery as to what the Eagles intend on doing with him. The most likely landing spot in 2010 for the rookie, if he makes the team, is a role with the special teams unit. Pick Grade: D+
6. QB Mike Kafka was, by no means, drafted as competition for Kevin Kolb at the quarterback spot, but is likely to provide the team with a solid developmental player and backup for quite a few years. An athletic passer from Northwestern, he relies on short, timed throws to lead an offense and, at times, looks as if he could eventually be a starting QB in the NFL. The primary thing that makes the selection of Kafka a bit questionable is the fact that other prospects at his position with supposed higher upside and arm strength (such as Tony Pike and John Skelton) were still available at the time; nonetheless, Kafka should be an interesting player to mentor and prepare behind Kolb. Pick Grade: C+
7. TE Clay Harbor was arguably the most unexpected and interesting pick by the Eagles in their entire drafting scheme this year. It’s not that the Missouri State prospect was a low-ranked player at his position or anything of that sort; Philadelphia was simply not projected to make any adjustments to what was already a fine tight end spot, with young star Brent Celek and hopefuls Cornelius Ingram and Martin Rucker present. However, the selection can obviously not be changed, and Harbor brings an athletic and versatile weapon to the offense. He is a reliable receiver and could actually see some time as a fullback as well. The fact that the Eagles did not really need a TE is one of the few negative factors in this specific selection. Pick Grade: B
8. DE Ricky Sapp could end up being one of the smartest picks by the Eagles, even though he was only taken in the 5th-round of the Draft. A versatile defender from Clemson who worked out for the team prior to the event, he may very well develop into a rotational or even starting role along the defensive line with his explosive pass rushing capabilities and proven productivity. With the exception of some injuries sustained in college, he probably would have been taken in the 2nd-round. Also a candidate to man an outside linebacker spot, Sapp is clearly one of the rookies who should be watched closely as the offseason progresses and is already becoming a fan favorite among those drafted. Pick Grade: B+
9. WR Riley Cooper (pictured) was rarely mentioned as being a target of the Eagles, but his physical frame and solid receiving skills make him a viable competitor for one of the reserve wideout spots. In his collegiate career at Florida, he displayed a decent amount of speed and came through for the Gators as a reliable backup target. Ironically, he was also drafted by the professional baseball team of Philadelphia, the Phillies, but left that sport after deciding to pursue a full-time career in football. Though not a very speedy or agile wide receiver, Cooper is unquestionably capable of handling reserve duties on offense and also performing well on special teams. For a 5th-round pick, he holds potentially great value to the team. Pick Grade: B-
10. RB Charles Scott gives the Eagles what they have needed for several years now–a true power running back. The team successfully relied on Pro-Bowl FB Leonard Weaver last year for the majority of short-yardage rushing situations, but there was still no member of the backfield with a clear specialty in pounding the ball up the inside of the field that could be used in combination with Weaver. A bruising, hard-working product of LSU, Scott figures to use his large frame and physical style of play to earn carries as the Eagles’ goal-line and situational RB. An injury limited his amount of opportunities in his senior season in college, hence his fall to the late-rounds of the Draft; he remains a solid addition from the Draft and is expected to make immediate contributions to the offense. Pick Grade: A-
11. LB Jamar Chaney is sure to make a run as being the Eagles’ biggest “steal” of the Draft after being taken by the team in the 7th-round but holding a lot of potential for the NFL. He possesses adequate size and strength to play at any of the linebacker spots, and has also proven to have above-average speed. If not for some durability concerns and recent injuries, the Mississippi State standout may have actually been off the board in the 2nd- or 3rd-rounds of the Draft. A tough defender who has also shown promise in pass coverage, he is likely to compete for a reserve spot in the LB corps and man a special teams role, but–with good conditioning and development–could eventually challenge for an everyday job in the starting lineup. Pick Grade: B
12. DT Jeff Owens is actually regarded by many to have enough potential and upside to compete for a serious amount of playing time with starting defensive tackles Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson. He uses his large physical frame very well, and showed a tremendous amount of aggressiveness in his pass rushing attempts and run stopping techniques at Georgia. He is willing to play through injuries, and could definitely be a force as a developmental interior lineman for the Eagles. The primary thing that kept him from going early in the Draft is his lack of consistency and endurance to play as an every-down DT. His high upside makes him a player to keep an eye on, though. Pick Grade: B-
13. SS Kurt Coleman was taken with the team’s final pick in the 7th-round of the Draft, and isn’t likely to be more than some competition for a backup safety job. While at Ohio State, he rarely impressed scouts but showed a decent amount of aggressiveness in spite of his smaller size. His future as an Eagle is largely expected to depend on where acquisitions Marlin Jackson and Nate Allen are lined up–both are currently listed as safeties, but if one or both are switched to cornerback, Coleman may have a legitimate shot at cracking the final roster as a developmental reserve. Pick Grade: D

As stated in the beginning of the article, true evaluation of drafted players cannot be revealed until several years after they have entered the league. However, it’s interesting to look at how the picks are looked at immediately and how they change over time. In conclusion, I have rounded out the grading of the Eagles’ 2010 Draft with an overall grade of a B+, as they addressed all of their serious needs and added a few interesting prospects at already-stocked positions, yet seemed to reach for players on a few occasions.

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Each time news surfaces regarding a player the team has cut or chosen not to re-sign early in the free agency period, the tracker chart will be released accordingly. For this fourth tracker-included article, some more news about RB Brian Westbrook (pictured) is available:

• Earlier in the month, the longtime Philly runner Westbrook was drawing interest from the Packers, but clearly discussions with Green Bay did not go as far as expected, seeing that he remains unemployed. However, it appears another team has stepped up to the plate and expressed a desire to add him. Westbrook is now visiting with the Rams, who–despite already having a star runner in Steven Jackson–are in search of a veteran backup. At 30 years old and coming off a season of multiple injuries, Westbrook is not expected to make large contributions, but is certainly getting some consideration from the St. Louis organization, who first invited him into their complex on Saturday. One notable connection that can be made between Westbrook and the Rams is the fact that the RB worked with former Eagle staff members Steve Spagnuolo and Pat Shurmur, both of whom currently work for St. Louis. Though a contract is likely to be finalized within the next few days, according to several sports networks, Westbrook must first pass a physical exam–something that many believe he will be unable to do with all of the recent injuries he’s sustained.

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At 6-foot-6 and around 225 pounds, Simonds (pictured) is surely someone the Eagles could count on as a receiving target towards the endzone. He lacks explosiveness or a second gear of speed, so to speak, but has proven to be a concentrated player in terms of finding the ball in the air and coming down with the pass. A physical runner after the catch who is hard to bring down, he set various records while performing in college for the Raiders of Colgate University. The primary reasons listed as to why Simonds was not picked in the Draft include the simple fact that the NCAA school he attended was a member of a less-heralded division of football, and that he doesn’t possess the agility to play as a consistent target for an NFL quarterback. Nonetheless, Simonds has a lot of potential and certainly has the physical build, skill set, and general state of mind to perform at a high level for many years as a professional.

A native of Sydney, New York, he established an impressive career in college as a wide receiver. Known for making game-changing touchdowns within opposing teams’ 20-yard lines and towards the end of matchups (in the “clutch”, some would say), Simonds recorded over 1,000 yards in each of his final two seasons. His total of scores only got better as his experience greatened, with the most notable jump coming this past year, in which he notched 14 scores, five more than his mark from the 2008 campaign. Some argue that his absence from football during his freshman season of ’06 hurt his stock, but that’s hardly an impacting piece of evidence, seeing that he immediately contributed in his first year on the field, catching 40 passes for 649 yards and five touchdowns.

Once the signing of Simonds (likely to a short-term, one-year contract) is officially announced, the receiver figures to compete for a reserve role behind DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Jason Avant. Besides the battle he is expected to be in with the other acquisitions mentioned (i.e. Cooper, Baskett, Hall), second-year players Jordan Norwood and Dobson Collins are also projected to be in the hunt for a backup WR job, and will therefore be fighting with Simonds as well.

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