Prior to the draft last season, I was lucky enough to talk with LSU wide receivers/assistant head coach Mickey Joseph about the possibility of the Eagles drafting Justin Jefferson.
Now that you’ve read that piece, how about some more insight on future LSU alumni success? Could these guys make their way to the Philadelphia Eagles?
Coach Joseph was gracious enough to talk to me again, this time about Joe Brady, Ja’Marr Chase, and Terrace Marshall. Here’s his input on why all three would be a blessing to Philadelphia Eagles:
Joe Brady to the Eagles?
If you didn’t know him, you would think he’s this little red headed kid
He only spent one year with you (at LSU), what did he bring to the team?
We called him “Wonder Boy”. He was an incredible play-caller. He always had a plan, he knew what to do and when to do it. He developed a very strong relationship with people. He was always open with everyone. He’s fearless when calling plays.
All you have to do is look at two seasons: ’18 and ’19. Joe (Burrow) had a 5th/6th round grade in 2018, one year with Brady and he’s the number one overall pick. Same with Justin (Jefferson) and Clyde (Edwards-Helaire). Both weren’t highly thought of and look at what happened after 2019: both first-round picks.
In 2018, Joe Burrow threw for 2,894 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. In his one year with Joe Brady, he threw for 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns, and six interceptions.
In 2018, Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 658 yards (behind Nick Brossette’s 1,039), seven rushing touchdowns, and 96 receiving yards. In 2019, he ran for 1,414 yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, and added 453 receiving yards.
In 2018, Justin Jefferson had 875 receiving yards and six touchdowns. In 2019, Jefferson had 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Also, in 2018, Ja’Marr Chase had 313 yards in 10 games. In 2019, he had 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns in 14 games. This is exactly someone the Eagles need to make the offense dynamic again.
Joe Brady had quite the impact.
What makes him a good HC candidate aside than his youth?
He’s been under Sean Payton, he’s spent a lot of time with him. He’s spent time with winners. He wants to win. He will surround himself with good coaches and good people. Joe will work relentless hours to improve. He’s organized. He’s not arrogant and guys will embrace that. They will embrace him. He’s a natural-born leader, but he’s a respectful leader. He’s going to bring an offense that is capable of scoring points. His philosophy and grit, the way he prepares. He’s young but he’s young and he’s bright.
What would he bring to the Eagles?
He’ll spread people out. Get WRs 1 on 1’s. He’ll get the offense in and out of formations. He’ll run the ball. A lot of 21 personnel, 12 personnel. 11 personnel was our best scheme. We stayed healthy. Getting into the right looks. He’s going to get the quarterback prepared. He’ll make sure the quarterback puts in work. Philadelphia is a good place for him. Boston Scott would do well [played for Joseph at Louisiana Tech].
Ja’Marr Chase
Last year, Coach Joseph told me that Justin Jefferson was the best receiver in the draft. Well, what does he have to say about the receiver that did better than Jefferson at LSU?
How will a year off from contact football affect Chase?
He’s 20 now [21 in March], he’s been doing this for 15 years. A year off won’t hurt him. He’s hungry. He’s bigger, faster, healthy. Haven’t gotten contact in a year won’t hurt him, he’s strong. Can’t press him. Some of this stuff is God-given, he won’t need drills for his skills. Ball hits his hand and it’s like glue. He’s always working. He didn’t want to leave his team, but you have a responsibility in this day and age. He misses it everyday. You’re about to let a lion out of the den.
Does the scheme matter? Will he only thrive in certain concepts?
Doesn’t matter the personnel. We were in 12 personnel and he looked like a grown man. Film don’t lie. This kid is going to be fine when he gets back. Ja’Marr did his thing against first-round corners. There will be a training camp, unlike last year, he’ll be in there working. It doesn’t matter what the offense runs, he’ll put in the work.
What does he bring to a team?
He’s coming to work, he’s coming to lift, he’s coming to meetings, he’s always in before practice starts. He takes coaching. His technique is flawless. He takes the time to study and see what he needs to improve. I’ll walk into my office and there he is watching film and critiquing himself. He’s from Lousiana, he’s tough. He’s built for this.
Terrace Marshall Jr.
Terrace Marshall Jr. finally got his shot this year to be “the guy” after spending time behind Jefferson and Chase. He only played in seven games this year due to injury and opting out, but he still finished with 48 receptions, 731 yards, and 10 touchdowns.
If the Eagles trade down and select Marshall instead, how far off is he from Chase?
He can be a number one. He proved it this year. The first three games before he got hurt he was leading the nation in TDs. If he didn’t get hurt he would have 20 TDs. He would’ve won the Biletnikoff Award [presented to Nation’s best receiver. Devonta Smith was the 2020 winner].
He’s tough. He’s a quiet kid so you wouldn’t think he’s tough but he’s tough. He wasn’t necessarily the number three option with us, it depended on scheme and plays. If he was on another school, say Florida or Georgia, he’d be the number one option. He didn’t run from competition. Even when Chase committed, Marshall still wanted to compete. He’s good now (healthy). When he tests out he’ll run fast, runs great routes, football IQ is high.
Marshall is widely presumed to be number fourth or fifth wide receiver taken behind Smith, Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and Rashod Bateman.
Note: Coach Joseph raves about linebacker Jabrill Cox. Says he should be a top 50 pick and a team will get a steal with him. I know of a team that needs a linebacker.
Thank you again to Coach Joseph for speaking with me and providing insight these guys possibly joining the Eagles!
Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire
