The Eagles have just announced some interesting hirings to their scouting department. The team have taken on seven new faces to help man a department that will be crucial in helping to build sustainable draft success in order to surround Carson Wentz with talent.
“We are extremely excited about our staff,” Eagles Vice President of Player Personnel Joe Douglas said via an official press release. “The group’s collective passion, character, football knowledge, and experienced eye for talent are great assets to the organization and the personnel department.”
Here’s some more information on the roles that have been filled and those who have been hired.
Director of College Scouting:
The Eagles hired Ian Cunningham as their new Director of College Scouting, a move that very much headlines today’s new additions. After spending nine years with the Baltimore Ravens, Cunningham started as a player personnel assistant and eventually worked up to a role that involved scouting the SEC and AAC. It’s no coincidence that during his time at Baltimore, he worked extremely closely with both Joe Douglas and Andy Weidl. It’s also no coincidence that the Eagles first round pick this year, Derek Barnett, dominated the SEC, breaking Reggie White’s sack record. Then of course there’s the “Ozzie Newsome” factor, that seems to be ever increasing around the NovaCare Complex.
The chemistry and vision that the Eagles are trying to implement is clear. By having members of staff who have risen through the ranks together, now forming their own unit in Philadelphia, it helps build a unified vision that Howie Roseman can oversee.
Player personnel executives:
The Eagles have taken on two new player personnel executives, with the first being T.J. McCreight. Prior to his appointment, McCreight was the director of college scouting for the Colts during the 2012-16 seasons. With 21 years of experience at the NFL level, McCreight, like those before him, also started for the Baltimore Ravens. He spent five years working with Joe Douglas before being hired by the Browns as an assistant director of player personnel. He ws later promoted to a director position, one he then followed through with the Arizona Cardinals.
Trey Brown was named as the second player personnel executive. Brown was formerly the Director of Pro Scouting as he entered his fourth season with the Eagles, after joining in 2013 as a West Coast Area scout, the same role he served under in New England.
Assistant Director of Pro Scouting:
Continuity is certainly the theme, with the second signing being Brandon Brown, who spent his last two years working with the Indianapolis Colts, previously serving as a recruiting specialist for Boston College. What’s impressive about Brown is just how quickly he rose through the ranks, as he was promoted to an advance scout just one year after joining the Colts as a scouting assistant.
Pro Scout:
Matt Holland spent time with the Cleveland Browns most recently, working in the personnel department. He’s worked in similar fashions for both the Redskins and Dolphins too, as he enters his 11th NFL season.
Midwest area scout:
The Eagles seem to be focusing on the scouting talent far more prominently since the arrival of Douglas and Weidl. Interestingly, Ward served as a consultant for the Eagles, working in the personnel department as he helped evaluate MAC prospects focusing on the Defensive line.
The Eagles also named Katie David as the new Football Operations Coordinator.
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
