Eagles, defensive tackle Rayburn part ways By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com
The subject of trade rumors the past several offseasons, defensive tackle Sam Rayburn is suddenly available on the open market after the Philadelphia Eagles released the four-year veteran Friday, making him able to sign with another team
Rayburn became the odd-man out on a crowded tackle depth chart and the move, which was not totally unexpected, came as the Eagles prepared to start a weekend minicamp.
Not many NFL teams enjoy the kind of surplus at tackle that the Eagles have, and Rayburn should merit solid interest as a free agent, given the difficulty most clubs experience in filling the position. It will not be surprising if Rayburn has multiple suitors.
Philadelphia plans to start a pair of former first-round choices, Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, at tackle in 2007. The Eagles signed unrestricted free agents Montae Reagor and Ian Scott this spring and the coaches are also high on second-year veteran LaJuan Ramsey, who reported to work this spring 20 pounds heavier than a year ago.
The Eagles traded starting tackle Darwin Walker to Buffalo in a deal that brought Pro Bowl linebacker Takeo Spikes to Philadelphia, but still were overstocked at the position.
A former Tulsa standout, Rayburn, 26, earned a spot on the Eagles' roster as an undrafted college free agent in 2003. In four seasons, he notched 98 tackles, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, one recovery and one pass defensed in 52 games, including four starts.
His best season was in 2004, when Rayburn had 46 tackles and six sacks, despite playing mostly in a backup role.
Rayburn had five years remaining on his contract, at base salaries of $650,000 (2007), $700,000 (2008), $800,000 (2009), $850,000 (2010) and $950,000 (2011).
Comment:
Rayburn is tough, aggressive and plays hard. He is versatile enough to take reps at three-technique or nose tackle. He can be a bull in a china shop, but his nonstop motor and hustle mostly are strengths. He can be disruptive when rested. He shows good initial quickness off the ball and into blockers. He can penetrate and slip blocks. He holds up pretty well in two-gap technique on effort alone. But Rayburn lacks ideal strength and power. He struggles some against double teams and won't split them. He gets turned too easily and knocked out of the hole. He isn't technically proficient and must win early. He lacks the hand quickness to consistently counter blocks. He doesn't protect his legs and gets chopped down. He is off his feet too often.
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His grade ranks him an adequate starter, but he'd probably be the best we'd have...
Kick the tires Danny
"Guess [Ryan Kerrigan] really does have a good motor. And is relentless. And never quits on a play. And just keeps coming. And probably eats Wheaties and drinks Apple Pie smoothies and shaves with Valvoline." -Dan Steinberg DC Sports Bog
What are we? A recycle bin for unwanted players elsewhere?
Why would we not want a DOMINANT DT, instead of a reject from Philthy?
Daniel Snyder has defined incompetence, failure and greed to true Washington Redskins fans for over a decade and a half. Stay away from football operations !!!
Redskin in Canada wrote:What are we? A recycle bin for unwanted players elsewhere?
Why would we not want a DOMINANT DT, instead of a reject from Philthy? :puke:
Maybe because we(Redskins Fans) are tired of the big names players that we sign for big money and turn out to be crap, plus it is hard to teach a Vet(dominant player) new skills to fit ur scheme. Why not get a young player with a fresh mind that is willing to learn that is still developing with some potential. One year as a back up he got 6 sacks, our starters bearly can get to that. It is easier to teach a player with potential then a player that is already established.
Redskin in Canada wrote:What are we? A recycle bin for unwanted players elsewhere?
Why would we not want a DOMINANT DT, instead of a reject from Philthy?
Maybe because we(Redskins Fans) are tired of the big names players that we sign for big money and turn out to be crap, plus it is hard to teach a Vet(dominant player) new skills to fit ur scheme. Why not get a young player with a fresh mind that is willing to learn that is still developing with some potential. One year as a back up he got 6 sacks, our starters bearly can get to that. It is easier to teach a player with potential then a player that is already established.
He's been in the NFL for 4 years. It's not like you're getting someone who is brand spanking new to the NFL. For instance, one knock on him is his strength. If he hasn't developed sufficient strength by now, what gives anyone the idea he will?
Or is it just that the Skins have so much better position coaching than the Eagles? Dunno...to me it seems like players come to the Eagles and get better...players come to the Skins and stay about the same. We're not exactly great at that whole player development thing.
