Could Sims be the second Seahawk-turned-Eagle?


According to Jason La Canfora of NFL.com, the Eagles are one of three teams in the mix to make a move for Seattle Seahawk's right guard Rob Sims. Sims is currently a restricted free agent, but anyone acquiring him would do so via a trade rather than an offer sheet.

Sims started in 14 games for the Seahawks last season, according to their website, and would address a perceived need for the Eagles.

I would like to see them bring Sims in to challenge Todd Herremans, whom I believe is the weak link on the line, but that would not be the case. If a move is made for Sims, it shows a complete lack of confidence in Stacy Andrews' ability to make an impact next season.

Many writers, nationally and locally, have guard as a need for the Eagles in the upcoming draft, but I'm not so sure.

Even though I'm not exactly a Herremans fan, he is a more than serviceable player. I think he gets tossed around a little too much and may lack the mentality it takes to play on the interior of the line, but there's no arguing that he's a good player.

Andrews didn't contribute a whole lot in 2009, but that was less than a year removed from a torn ACL that sidelined him late in the '08 season. He should come back fully healthy in 2010 and, according to Andrews, is "ready to dominate."

Then behind those guys is Nick Cole and Max Jean-Gilles -- two restricted free agents who have yet to sign their tenders.

Cole is very versatile and can play on either the left or right side of the center (and can even play a little center), so he instantly becomes the backup the Andrews and Herremans. Jean-Gilles was once a guy who had some big expectations because of his size and ability, but injuries and a perceived laziness on the field has him falling out of favor with the coaching staff.

Mike McGlynn and Fenuki Tupou are there as well, but neither has seen any action in the NFL and are nothing more than warm bodies at this point.

The depth isn't great, but it's certainly good enough that the Eagles don't need to address the position in the first round, or even in the first two days.

Andy Reid is very good at making starters and serviceable backups out of guys taken in the later rounds, or as in the case of Cole and Jamaal Jackson, not taken at all.

So there's really no need for Reid to even start thinking offensive line until the fifth or sixth rounds or so. The depth is fine, and there are much more pressing issues on the defensive side of the ball to take a guy like Maurkice Pouncey or Mike Iupati 24th overall.