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On The Inside
 
March 15, 2009 | Last Updated: 3/15/09 11:14 AM ET | Comments (795)
Breaking It Down With Ron Jaworski

Rewind once. Twice. Again. Ron Jaworski sees something he doesn't like as Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman takes the snap from center and throws to his left. Freeman's right foot swings all the way around to his left side, and in the half-second it takes for Freeman to adjust his shoulders and set his sights on an open receiver, NFL defenses will see the flaw and jump the pass and, who knows after that?

It is that time of the year for Jaworski, the former Eagles quarterback who hosts ESPN's NFL draft coverage. By the time the draft rolls around, Jaworski will have seen every one of Freeman's throws during his senior season at Kansas State, will have talked to scouts a personnel heads about Freeman, and will have a complete knowledge of what many believe to be a first-round draft pick in April.

"Good size, but the kid has a lot of flaws," said Jaworski. "Look at how he sets up, how he never puts his weight over his back foot. He's just 'arming' his throws. No body. All arm. When you throw a little pass like this, it's one thing. But it's consistent on his other throws, too. He doesn't get his weight back and drive the ball.

"I've seen a lot of this kid and I don't understand why people are so high on him. It's early. NFL teams draft players because of what they can be, not what they are right now. For me, Freeman should have stayed in school for another season. I see too many things I don't like about him."

Is there anybody who loves the game more than Jaworski? He offers a balanced, unbiased opinion of players, and he isn't afraid to say when he makes a mistake. To gain credibility, which Jaworski has as much as anyone in the field, requires a knowledge of what to look for and the understanding that a young player gets taken to an entirely different level in the NFL, in every way.

"We just finished watching (Georgia's) Matthew Stafford, and it's my opinion that Detroit should not mess around and that he should be the top pick in the draft," said Jaworski, who is watching on this day with producer Lou Russo. "Stafford is just a more polished passer who makes every throw, who is a leader and who has done it against big-time competition.

"At this point, among the quarterbacks, I'm not even sure there is a first-round draft pick worthy of that selection other than Stafford. Now, I haven't seen (USC's) Mark Sanchez too much, so I can't comment on him in depth. I know teams are going to see Freeman's size, his pretty arm strength and believe they can project him into a good quarterback at this level. He is sort of like Joe Flacco from last year, although Flacco was much more polished than this guy."

Of course, the Eagles aren't going to take a quarterback with their first draft pick – I'd love to guarantee it, but who really knows what Andy Reid is thinking – nor would they appear to be in need at all of one with Donovan McNabb, Kevin Kolb and A.J. Feeley on board. At 21 and 28 in the first round, though, the Eagles have a chance to get some immediate impact.

What will it be? An offensive lineman? A running back? A defensive player?

"I think there will be some wide receivers there and I think there will be some tackles there," said Jaworski. "It is a deep draft for those two positions. I don't think there is any kind of 'standout' receiver in this draft. I think there will be good receivers throughout this draft, though.

"But the guy I like, a player who can come in and help for the Eagles at a position of need, is Georgia's Knowshon Moreno. This is a good year for running backs, and I think Moreno is just perfect for what the Eagles do. He is an excellent receiver, he can give you effort blocking and he runs the ball very well. Beanie Wells is right up there as far as talent and running the football, but I can't believe that Wells, coming from Ohio State, has the kind of ability needed as a receiver to play in this offense.

"Go tell Andy Reid about Moreno. I'm sure he already knows …."

Now we're back to Freeman. Both Jaworski and Russo notice that Freeman lifts his left heel an instant prior to the snap of the ball and, well, that is trouble with a capital T in the NFL.

"Defensive ends will see that and they will be on top of that immediately," says Jaws.

Amazing what a different perspective brings. Jaworski is here, bringing the 6-foot-6 Freeman down to size. Other analysts speak of Freeman rising in the rankings and by April 25, who knows just how far he will have vaulted up the charts.

"That's fine. I understand that teams see the flaws and believe they can improve a player. The hard part about drafting is that teams have to project what a player will be in the NFL," said Jaworski. ""I can tell you, this kid should be playing college football next year. It's going to be tough if he is in a situation where he has to play next year."

As for the Eagles …

"They have a lot of draft picks and they are always one of the more active teams in the league," said Jaworski. "I think predicting what the Eagles might do is very difficult. I don't know if they will keep all of those picks. I don't know how they can use all of those picks. It should be fun to watch."

Yeah, we'll be watching. There is still some work to be done in free agency, but there is no doubt that the draft looms large in the not-too-distant future.

Breaking It Down With Ron Jaworski
   
DDD1952
03/17/09
4:21 pm ET
Kenny, As much as I hate to say this the G-Men upgraded on D and will be a bear to deal with this season.
DDD1952
03/17/09
4:11 pm ET
Well, looks like we closed down this bar. GK, does she have a sister?
kenemeka@...
03/17/09
4:04 pm ET
Folks, there is a new Spuds post, haven`t read it yet myself.
Nuuuudlz
03/17/09
3:55 pm ET
lol . . . jhead speaks the truth. not jtrent.
Nuuuudlz
03/17/09
3:54 pm ET
jhead: Weaver wants runningback money. but he's listed as a fullback. bit of a legal snag.
DDD1952
03/17/09
3:53 pm ET
Bri, Can I have that name 'Danny Boy Mc 3D'...I feel like royalty. I know a name has to be sanction by the committe..this is a great one. CLASSIC.
Nuuuudlz
03/17/09
3:53 pm ET
jtrent speaks the truth. hell, we played a few games this year where we cracked 30 runs. our 2nd and 3rd games against the NY cockroaches come to mind.
njirish1974@...
03/17/09
3:48 pm ET
We've run the ball more than 30 times in the last 5 years.......get the f out of here......LOL ?????
jhead27@...
03/17/09
3:48 pm ET
...and we will nonchalantly allow a PROVEN fullback in Leonard Weaver, who knows the offense, walk for probably pennies on the dollar. you make me sick
DDD1952
03/17/09
3:48 pm ET
jhead27@...Good stat...doing homework on St. Paddy's day is admirable. We always need new blood, since we are losing our friend 'Sir Bruce'. However, let me say this AR is undeafted when we score more than the opposition.
brizer9@...
03/17/09
3:46 pm ET
Danny Boy Mc 3D,.nailed her agin,..dats where I be,..just added the spuds and a wedge or two of cabbage,.the humours here reek of mustard!,..perhaps i added too much seed and it exploded with flavor...i'll be back...nother beer run!....love dis hollerday!
jhead27@...
03/17/09
3:42 pm ET
The Eagles are 37-5 when they run the ball at least 30 times under Andy Reid.
brucepenis@...
03/17/09
3:42 pm ET
ok thanks... lets go flyers baby!
Nuuuudlz
03/17/09
3:40 pm ET
Bruce: no one's holding a gun to your head. No one's holding your contract. You dont like the team, your free to leave. Dont stick around for the draft - the 4th overall pick is gonna be too pricey.
DDD1952
03/17/09
3:36 pm ET
GK has his Eagles hat on with his Eagles cooking apron. He is working on a meal fit for a king. Don't disturb a work in progress...much like 'Uncle Joe' is working on for the Birds.
JCCSSMONTECARLO
03/17/09
3:32 pm ET
WTF... Boss hello? where are you? lol I am beaming the light to gotham!
brucepenis@...
03/17/09
3:29 pm ET
-shakes head- you know just like the rest of us that doesn't work im stuck with these losers forever...
JCCSSMONTECARLO
03/17/09
3:26 pm ET
Brucepeni' ....You would speak of a noodle.. hence, the name... Just genius!
DDD1952
03/17/09
3:26 pm ET
Then go west young man...and wear the orange and blue. We will all have a farewell toast to you.
Sportsfan31789@...
03/17/09
3:25 pm ET
not old enuf to drink...legally haha. at least i wont be paying tonight lol
brucepenis@...
03/17/09
3:23 pm ET
it went to denver...
DDD1952
03/17/09
3:23 pm ET
Sportsfan31789...Not even old enough to drink...Don't worry you can be the desiganted driver. GK, last call...tell the 'wench' we will meet back at the hotel room.
brucepenis@...
03/17/09
3:21 pm ET
jesus jcc will you get off noodles noodle already? can we talk eagles now?
DDD1952
03/17/09
3:21 pm ET
Don't pick on our beloved 'Swoop'. He is an endangered species. Every Eagle fan likes him. Where is your pride, young man?
Sportsfan31789@...
03/17/09
3:19 pm ET
lol im 20, but u were close lol



 
 
 
 
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