Fired for Winning

News out of Jacksonville is former Eagles third-round draft pick Bryan Smith, released during training camp, will get the starting nod for the Jaguars this weekend against the New York Jets. Whether this development is a reflection on how bad things are in Jacksonville or how bad the Eagles misjudged Bryan Smith’s talent is up for debate.

Smith was drafted as an undersized, pass rushing end out of McNeese State. The Eagles had hopes he could transition to a speed-rushing outside linebacker but that never bore fruit. Neither did his career at end, where he was generally pushed around against the run and was never able to duplicate the pass rushing success he displayed in college. The Birds’ hope of uncovering the next DeMarcus Ware were dashed.

Smith, signed by Jacksonville off the St. Louis Rams’ practice squad, is now starting at right end ahead of high draft pick Quentin Groves who has not wowed head coach Jack Del Rio. I think Del Rio will soon be un-wowed by Smith soon enough. He simply didn’t have the burst to get consistent pressure on the QB.