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The Eagles privately are skeptical Simon can work out a contract with the Ravens based on talks with his representatives. Simon, who recently turned 28, wants to be paid like two No. 1 picks. He could wind up playing this season with the Eagles for $5.134 million, the franchise tender he has yet to sign.
Simon is free to solicit contract offers. Though the Eagles have the right of first refusal and would be entitled to two first-round picks if they declined to match an offer, they also can work out a deal for lesser compensation. The Eagles cannot, however, sign Simon for more than the tender price before July 15 or they would lose the use of the franchise tag for the duration of the contract.
The Ravens have a major need for a tackle. Their only regular isformer Eagle Kelly Gregg. The Ravens seriously considered drafting Simon with the fifth overall pick in 2000 before taking running back Jamal Lewis off the board, one pick ahead of Simon. Simon is a close friend of Ravens veteran linebacker Peter Boulware, a teammate at Florida State and a member of his wedding party.
It’s no secret the Eagles want to give more playing time to defensive tackle Sam "Truck Driver" Rayburn, a run-stopping anchor who has developed into a pass rusher. Rayburn ranked fourth among NFL tackles with six sacks last season.
The Eagles, who last season signed Rayburn to a contract extension through 2011, also are big on tackle Darwin Walker, who has 191/2sacks the past three years. Simon had 51/2 quarterback drops last season. The Eagles intend to keep veteran Hollis Thomas in the tackle rotation, although he’s disgruntled about his contract situation.
The Eagles have a league-high 13 picks in the April 23-24 draft, including five on the first day -- 14 if Simon is dealt to the Ravens. That easily would enable the Eagles to trade up for one of the top defensive tackles in the draft, Travis Johnson of Florida State (6-4, 292) and Shaun Cody of USC (6-4, 288).
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The Eagles hosted an intriguing draft prospect Monday.
That would be Southern Illinois University running back Brandon Jacobs, a 6-41/2, 267-pound transfer from Auburn, which likely will have two backs selected in the first round of the NFL draft in Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown.
Though Jacobs recently ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash, he may be more suited to fullback or even H-back, the latter a projection by the Vikings.
Jacobs could come off the board as early as the third round.
The Eagles have just one healthy fullback signed in Josh Parry. Jon Ritchie, the unrestricted free agent, hasn’t come all the way back from knee surgery and 2004 rookie Thomas Tapeh is rehabbing from a Bo Jackson-type hip injury.
