Reid has tough decisions to make before start of Eagles camp

Jun/15/08 09:18 PM Filed in: Jerome McDougle
JeromeMcDougle
Reid and his staff could even decide that some veterans would be better off seeking employment elsewhere. If that's the case, defensive end Jerome McDougle and running back Ryan Moats could be packing their bags soon.

McDougle, the Eagles' first-round draft pick in 2003, is entering the final season of the six-year, $9.5-million contract he signed as a rookie. Most of his first five seasons were a waste, due to a myriad of injuries and a gunshot wound suffered just before he was due to report to training camp in 2005.

The 29-year-old has played in just 33 career games and has three sacks. He missed all of last season with a torn triceps. The addition of veteran free agent Chris Clemons and third-round draft pick Bryan Smith left McDougle as the seventh defensive end behind starters Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas, plus Victor Abiamiri, Clemons, Darren Howard and Smith.

"I don't want to just make the team; I want to make a difference," McDougle said. "I was a first-round pick for a reason. When I'm healthy, I can play with the best of them. The coaches must know that or they would have gotten rid of me a long time ago.

"I feel good right now, and hopefully I can stay that way. If I can, it will be up to me to seize the bull by the horns and take advantage of the opportunity when it comes my way."

(pressofatlanticcity.com)