Where Lito Could End Up?

When asked about the future of corner Lito Sheppard the other day at the NFL owners meetings, Andy Reid answered with a typical Andyism, "Lito is on the team. I look at it as Lito is part of the group, and we have a pretty good secondary." There you have it. Lito is on the team... TODAY. But could very well be dealt in the not too distant future.

TMantz over at FanHouse speculates that a deal with the Saints, swapping first rounders, could make sense for both sides.

After failing to swap Lito for a high-end receiver, word is that they're looking to move up in the first with an eye on one of three rising offensive linemen -- Chris Williams, Jeff Otah, or Branden Albert. Moving to 10 would guarantee the Eagles of getting one of them, with maybe all three available.

The Saints could still use help at corner and will get a surer (albeit more injury-prone) thing than any of the top corners in the draft, who all draw mixed opinions. Moving to 19 allows them to pick someone like linebacker Jerod Mayo, tackle Gosder Cherilus, tight end Dustin Keller or defensive end Philip Merling, all of whom would immediately contribute at a cheaper price.

It's an interesting idea, but I think the Eagles will want something in addition to simply moving up 9 spots. Perhaps this swap as well as a later round pick might make it a bit more enticing.

Comments

[Kulp]

This is tough because what actually is Lito's value? You suggest the Eagles might want more in this deal, but I actually think it could be the Saints that would want a better offer. There is a big difference on the current "trade value chart" between picks 10 and 19, and I have trouble believing an injury-prone corner makes up the difference.

DeAngelo Hall just went for a second and a fifth, and he's another two-time Pro Bowler except he's only missed one game in the last three seasons, plus he is younger. The Eagles should probably be happy if they manage to squeeze that price out of anybody, especially considering the fact that Lito will be trying to get a new contract.

Another thing, I haven't seen many of these so-called "mixed opinions" on Rodgers-Cromartie or McKelvin, the top two CB prospects in the draft. My feeling is that if the choice was between one of those two guys and Lito, a lot of teams would take their chance on those kids. I don't remember Sheppard ever being considered a top 10 draft pick.

[Joe]

If you think trading Lito, a pro-bowl corner, to move up to take an offensive lineman and maybe another later pick is a good deal, then you're an IDIOT!!!!! The Birds already have Jean-Gilles and Justice (I know, he was HORRIBLE, but it was just one game)
Giving up a perennial pro-bowler and playmaker, even if he is injury-prone, for anything less than a very high draft pick and/or a player that can make an immediate impact would be pretty foolish. You can never have too many corners.

[Joe Manning]

Lito Sheppard and draft picks to be named later for Marques Colston.

[johndewar]

I don't know if it'll happen this way, but it sure sounds like something Reid would do.

If the Eagles have shown anything in Reid's tenure, it's that they are not even a little shy with drafting offensive and defensive linemen. And with high draft picks if necessary.

Tra Thomas and Runyan are not getting any younger, so it is not beyond the pale that the Eagles are looking at those tackles and plan to use Lito to get one of them.

I'm not saying it's going to happen; but I wouldn't be shocked if it does.

[Kulp]

Joe, I agree that trading Lito to move up and draft an offensive lineman would be silly. Like I said, I seriously doubt he bumps us up high enough, and actually my opinion is the O-line talk is a smokescreen anyway. This is a deep draft at that position, and it's also an area where the Eagles have a lot of future options with moving players around. I can't say they wouldn't choose a lineman first, but I don't believe they will.

The trap that a lot of fans fall into with Lito is his supposed value. You call him a "perennial Pro Bowler" when he isn't. He's been in two of them. That's better than many guys, but there is a reason he is available for trade. It is reasonable to assume if DeAngelo Hall is worth a second and a fifth, Lito's value must be somewhere in that area or even slightly below. I like him, and I wouldn't mind keeping him like you said, but the point is he just isn't worth a very high draft pick.

[bizurk]

Isn't anyone interested in keeping Lito? What would it realistically take to keep him here, and why hasn't this been discussed more in our idiot-sphere? I know he's unhappy, but is he Ocho Cinco unhappy? Don't we have mad cap room?

I can think of many worse things to have than 3 top level corners. Sheldon can flex at safety, we'd have great Nickel and Dime packages, and someone goes down with an injury (hey, it could be Samuel or Brown), we keep on marchin'. If indeed the offers have been underwhelming, then isn't this an option to consider?

My dream draft goes something like this..... Stay put, Otah might still be available at 19, safeties and d-line with the next couple picks, then grab 5 receivers in the late rounds and hope the next Marques Colston emerges cheaply from camp.