Joe Douglas (left) and Howie Roseman met with reporters on April 20 to talk about the draft upcoming season. Photo by Al Thompson

With the process of a new Eagles season about to begin, several key staff members and players sat down with reporters to talk about what they expect in 2017.

Joe Douglas joined the Eagles in 2016 as the vice president of player personnel. Douglas worked as a scout for the Baltimore Ravens for 15 years and was part of an organization that won two Super Bowls.

The former All-Atlantic 10 offensive lineman for the University of Richmond was asked if he and Howie Roseman, executive VP of football operations can allow themselves to have fun during the draft process as well as recruiting free agents.

“No doubt,” said Douglas, who had experience working under Ravens Ozzie Newsome, considered to be one of the best general managers in the NFL. “I think the culture and atmosphere that Doug (Pederson) and Howie and everyone’s trying to bring is an atmosphere of competition, love of the game. Some of things we’ve done out of the building, some of the things we’ve included in our process…it’s all about competing and coming together as a group of guys.”

Carson Wentz talks to reporters on first day of Phase 1. Photo by Al Thompson

Douglas was asked to put character issues aside and evaluate troubled Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon.
“A lot of people think he’s one of the top backs in this draft,” Douglas said. “If you take character out of the equation, physically he’s a very gifted player.”

Roseman was asked to talk about Mixon and if the Eagles would consider drafting him despite a well-circulated video that clearly shows he punched a young woman in a campus restaurant.
He also was asked just to evaluate the player putting his character issues aside for a minute.

“If you talk about things you’re looking for in a three-down back there’s not much he can’t do,” Roseman said. “He’s incredible with the ball in his hands. You can slide him out wide, he’s got really good hands, he can pass protect, make people miss. He’s an extremely talented guy.”
Roseman was asked about Mixon hiring agent Peter Schaffer was a positive. Schaffer has a solid if not trusted relationship with Roseman and the Eagles.

“There is no question the people you’re associated with factor into your character and your background,” Roseman said. “We have discussions about a guy and say to ourselves ‘why did he hire that guy? He’s not helping himself.’ For us there are a bunch of agents that have tremendous character, do really well for their players, they’re about helping their players and doing well. Peter’s done that and it certainly helps when you look at the big picture who they’re entrusting their career to.”

LB Jordan Hicks talks to reporters on first week of Phase 1. Photo by Al Thompson

Quarterback Carson Wentz is entering his second season as the Eagles starter. He was asked about his reaction to the Eagles adding Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith to his receiving corps.
“It’s always exciting when you add new players,” Wentz said. “Not just those guys, but up front as well. There are also some new pieces as well on defense. Anytime you can add players like that, that you think can really help the team, it creates a lot of buzz, a lot of interest and a lot of excitement in the locker room.”

Pass rusher Brandon Graham talked about his role as a leader on the team now that Connor Barwin and Bennie Logan are gone.

“I have to make sure I step up this year, be more vocal,” Graham said. “Especially off the field. On the field I do talk a lot, I have fun with it. I think I’m going to bring that same approach to off the field as well. I want to help those guys coming in and make them feel at home. Because that’s what it’s all about.”

Graham went on to say he needs to be himself and not come off as disingenuous.

“I’ve got to build my trust with the new guys coming in,” the 6-foot-2, 265-pound Graham said. “I think I’ve got a lot of trust with the guys that are here already. I think for me, I’ve just got to make sure when somebody needs to step it up, as far as being a leader and saying something, I want to make sure I embrace that role. I want to feel comfortable in those moments to speak…I know a lot of people want me to say things to get things going on the field.”

Graham was asked if he had any problems moving the right side of the line as a pass rusher and the idea he would be facing the opponent’s best offensive lineman. Graham didn’t hesitate with his answer.

“We’re in this business to compete,” said Graham, who is entering his eighth season with the Eagles. “I think running away from competition is not me. It’s never going to me while I’m playing. I think wherever they want to put me; I’m going to go out there and make plays and help this team win.”

Brandon Graham talks to reporters on first week of Phase 1. Photo by Al Thompson

Linebacker Jordan Hicks made his first impact play as an Eagle on September 20, 2015 when, as a rookie out of Texas, registered a sack-fumble of Cowboys QB Tony Romo that not only knocked the Pro Bowl signal-caller out of the game, but for the season and may have been the final blow that ended Romo’s career after the 2016 season.

Hicks did everything he could to downplay the hit and its consequences.

“I think he was somebody who could still contribute,” said Hicks. “But he’s got to do what’s best for him and his family. Obviously everybody wants to connect me to Tony. He’s had a few hits after that as well; I don’t take the blame for that.”

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Hicks is the first NFL linebacker to record 11-plus takeaways (7 INTs, 4 fumble recoveries) in his first 24 career games since Hall of Famer Jack Ham (1971-72). He led all NFL linebackers in 2016 with five interceptions. He also defended 11 passes.

“Anytime you get the ball thrown at you, you want to make plays on it,” The 6-1, 236 pounder said. “That’s whether you’re a linebacker or DB. Coverage is part of my job description. To hang your hat and say you were able to do that, it gives you a place to build off of. Obviously last year I was able to make some plays. I’m just trying build off of that. Being in the same defense two years in a row will help a lot.”

So far, so good. *

Follow Al Thompson on Twitter @thompsoniii