According to sources, the week of the NHL Draft begins with a fairly surprising three-team deal.
The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired LB Ernie Sims from the Detroit Lions, who received TE Tony Scheffler from Denver. The Broncos will received a draft pick as compensation.
In Sims, the Eagles get a solid linebacker who will likely start right away for Philadelphia this year. The Eagles dealt with a number of injuries to their linebackers in 2009, so this deal will add to their depth as well. Picking up a starter like Sims improves the Eagles DEF, and Sims will likely see his IDP numbers improve moving from the NFC North to the East (a more run-centric division).
The Lions acquired Scheffler is intriguing. He was a solid pass-catching TE for Denver, who has also unloaded WR Brandon Marshall this offseason. There isn't a high-ranking TE for the Broncos to target with their two first round selections on Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Lions used a first round pick on a TE last year, Brandon Pettitgrew. Clearly, the Lions want to add weapons for last year's top overall pick, Matthew Stafford.
The Broncos reportedly will receive a 5th round pick from the Eagles in the deal, and are sending a 7th round pick with Scheffler to Detroit.
For Fantasy Knuckleheads' TE rankings, check out this link.
