Could The Eagles Actually Go After Robert Griffin III?
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Robert Griffin III ran the 40 yard dash faster than any quarterback at the NFL Scouting Combine with a time of 4.41 seconds, a Vick-like speed. His vertical and broad jump numbers were also impressive. He threw for nearly 4,300 yards and 37 touchdowns for Baylor last year, while only throwing six interceptions. He graduated early from college, and early from high school. He's likely to be drafted second overall in the NFL Draft, behind only Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
The St. Louis Rams have that second pick, but they've already got a quarterback in Sam Bradford. CBS Sports reports that the Rams will definitely trade the pick, and the most likely suitors are Washington, Miami and Seattle.
The Eagles, who have the 15th overall pick, have needs at linebacker and safety, as well a franchise quarterback in Michael Vick, don't seem like a natural fit. The talk about the Eagles and the draft were centered around defense until Griffin announced to the media that he met with the Eagles last Thursday night.
Since then, talk of whether the Eagles would be able to put together a package to get Griffin, or whether they'd even be interested to do such a thing, has been a topic of discussion among Eagles fans and media.
"You know Andy is salivating to see him. Because he's like a young Michael Vick who is taller, he's got more of a grasp of an offense, he's further along when it comes to the mental part of the game than Michael Vick," former Eagles linebacker Garry Cobb told 94 WIP's Angelo Cataldi and The Morning team on Tuesday. "He's just about as fast, but probably a better thrower with more accuracy. The kid is really scary with how good he could be."
Does that mean the Eagles will make a move for Griffin? "They could, but they really doubt that they would, because the timing is just not good," Cobb said. "If they would move up now, and of course they would be talking about letting go of some players and draft picks that might be able to help this team in 2012 and make them better. So if they did that, it would be a great risk. I just think Andy [Reid], with his job situation, is focused on 2012."
Former Eagle and current midday host for 94 WIP Ike Reese also doubts that the Eagles are truly interested, calling meeting with Griffin "due diligence."
94 WIP's Howard Eskin reports that the Eagles obtaining Griffin should be thought of as "beyond a miracle," and sees the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns as the most likely suitors.
Though it's an interesting talking point, most analysts don't see Griffin as a great fit for the Eagles in 2012. What do you think, should the Eagles make a move for Griffin? Let us know in the comments.
