Early Birds: Sam Bradford's contract; Cris Collinsworth on Marcus Mariota; more on Oregon prospects
*After the Sam Bradford trade, Chip Kelly insisted that Bradford was not a chip. That hasn't stopped trade speculation. On Monday, ESPN's Chris Mortensen tweeted:
The most interesting part of the report was that Bradford seeks a no-trade clause this season and that he would sign an extension with only the Eagles. This would seem to send the message to other teams that dealing for Bradford would not come with any long-term contract security, thus limiting his value. The "no-trade clause" indicates that Bradford still thinks there's a chance the Eagles could deal him. It adds even more intrigue to the next 72 hours.
Any contract extension Bradford would receive from the Eagles must take into consideration the risk they assumed in acquiring him. So he'd likely be paid like a talented player who has never been to a playoff game and is coming off two ACL injuries. In theory, such a deal would be a discounted rate relative to what Bradford could earn after this season if he performs well for the Eagles.
It would not seem to be in Bradford's best interest to sign that deal at this point. Unless he worries about another injury, his potential value would only increase as the starting quarterback with the Eagles.
2) Count NBC's Cris Collinsworth in the group that is high on Marcus Mariota. Collinsworth, who is the majority owner of Pro Football Focus, has studied the data that the website compiled and watched the film, which sold him on the coveted Oregon quarterback.
"You watch Mariota drop back in the pocket and he has movement skills and left to right vision going through his reads in a way I just didn't expect to see," Collinsworth said in a conference call for the Pro Football Focus television show on NBC Sports. "And then when you point blank compare release times and the ability to get the football out of his hands between [Mariota and Jameis Winston], Mariota is actually better and quicker with the release. You add that to a clean history, you add that to obviously a smart guy, and somebody that you want to be the face of your franchise."
Collinsworth said the Titans should "probably" take Mariota at No. 2, or at the very least trade the pick to a team interested in Mariota.
3) Mariota is not the only Oregon prospect who would fit the Eagles. Here are some of the Ducks' other prospects, with a look at whether the Eagles could be interested:
Arik Armstead, DL (6-7, 292): Armstead is what the Eagles seek in a defensive line, and his length and athleticism for his size is rare. I don't think Armstead falls to No. 20 in the first round. If he slips, would the Eagles consider Armstead even though defensive line is not a need? The defensive line depth is the strength of the Eagles' defense.
Jake Fisher, OL (6-6, 306): Fisher makes sense for the Eagles. He has experience at tackle and guard and has played both the left and right sides, offering the versatility the Eagles crave. A converted tight end, Fisher is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the draft. He also translates well to a zone-blocking scheme. No. 20 might be a bit too early for him, but if the Eagles like him, it's better too early than too late.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB (5-9, 192): Ekpre-Olomu would be one of the draft's top cornerbacks if he didn't suffer a knee injury before the Rose Bowl. He has all the skills the Eagles like, but he lacks the size. If Brandon Boykin cannot get the opportunity to play on the outside because of his size, then why would Ekpre-Olomu? This does not seem a total size fit, but the talent is there.
Hroniss Grasu, C (6-3, 297): Grasu started 56 games at center, and was one of the best players in the country at his position. He checks the boxes for the Eagles, except they are set at center with Jason Kelce. The Eagles need their backups to play multiple spots, so Grasu would need to play other interior line spots. He's expected to be drafted around the third round.
Others: S Erick Dargan (5-11, 210) is experienced and can help on special teams, but his lack of speed could be an issue. …OLB Tony Washington (6-4, 247) could be a priority free agent; he has the size requirements the Eagles look for at the position and has the ability to set the edge on running downs. …CB Troy Hill has toughness and experience, but he lacks the ideal length. The Eagles also would need to look into his character to see if he's the right culture fit.