I think these posts are valuable for Eagles fans. Most experts rank the players on their overall skills, but I'm spending hours ranking players based on how their skills will maximize and translate with the Eagles.
Chip Kelly is set with Fletcher Cox at one DE spot and Isaac Sopoaga at the NT, but that leaves one other DE spot open. This open DE spot and the RT/RG spot are really the only two gaping holes on the roster. Cedric Thorton (6'4" 309 lbs) and Quinton Geathers (6'7" 325 lbs) will compete, but Howie might want to add a more talented player to compete as well.
Here's the top 10 prospects for the Eagles 3-4 DE spot:
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
2013 Draft: Ranking the OLB Class
The Eagles hold the 4th selection in the 2013 NFL Draft and 10 draft picks overall. This is Chip Kelly's first draft and the most important draft in the past 14 years for the franchise. By the recent free agent signings, it's looking more and more likely that the Eagles will run a more traditional 3-4 defense than many first thought, including myself.
The first position I've scouted for the draft is 3-4 OLBs. The Eagles signed OLB Connor Barwin and have Trent Cole and Brandon Graham likely to make the transition to OLB. But with the Eagles interest in OLB Victor Butler, it's clear they're still looking for pass rushers. It's vital that Howie and Chip use this high draft pick on the best player available, instead of reaching for a tackle or defensive lineman.
Here's my rankings of the 10 best 3-4 OLBs for the Eagles system:
The first position I've scouted for the draft is 3-4 OLBs. The Eagles signed OLB Connor Barwin and have Trent Cole and Brandon Graham likely to make the transition to OLB. But with the Eagles interest in OLB Victor Butler, it's clear they're still looking for pass rushers. It's vital that Howie and Chip use this high draft pick on the best player available, instead of reaching for a tackle or defensive lineman.
Here's my rankings of the 10 best 3-4 OLBs for the Eagles system:
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
UPDATED: 15 Free Agent Bargains
The sexy names this year among the Philly fan-base are S Dashon Goldson, CB Sean Smith, and TE Jared Cook (I'm guilty of being enamored with him also) to name a few. I actually am very hopeful Chip and Howie don't overpay any of these big names. History always supports the "paying big for free-agents rarely works" philosophy. So let's take a look at some value free agents this year that could make a big impact:
Thursday, March 7, 2013
QB Headed to Philly Monday
There were questions as to why the Eagles weren't at Arizona QB Matt Scott's pro day. He is a dual-threat quarterback with a big-time arm, seemingly a fit in Chip Kelly's scheme. Well, Matt Scott is actually flying to Philly to meet with the team on Monday. New quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor is expected to work out the QB on March 28th as well. Let's take a look at the scouting report for Scott:
Eagles On The Move?
Each year, once free agency begins and up to the draft, the Eagles typically trade players in an attempt to stockpile draft picks. Was Andy Reid the architect of that philosophy, or will the trend continue under the Chip Kelly regime? The upcoming change in defensive scheme will result in players that just don't fit the new style. Let's take a look at players possibly on the trading block and discuss what kind of value they have on the market:
S Nate Allen - The 2nd round pick has flashed as a play-maker and has disappointed. Last year he was benched in favor of Kurt Coleman and Colt Anderson. The 25 year-old has talent, but is the team ready to overhaul the position? I think there's a reasonable chance Allen will be wearing a different uniform next season.
- Trade Possibility: Decent Chance
- Return Value: 5th-6th round pick.
RB Dion Lewis - Lewis is an OK change-of-pace back. He's elusive, versatile, and young. There is a very good chance he gets moved this offseason. LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown will likely get most, if not all, the carries in '13. Chris Polk is the favorite for the third running back spot because he adds special teams value, where Lewis does not.
- Trade Possibility: Good Chance
- Return Value: 7th round pick.
DE Vinny Curry - Curry has done nothing to warrant a trade. However, at 6'3" 266 lbs, he's a tweener for a 3-4 or 4-3 Under defense. I could see Chip Kelly asking the youngster to put on weight, if at 280 lbs he would have potential as a pass-rushing LDE in the 4-3 Under defense. There is still a slim chance the youngster gets moved because he has value.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 3rd-4th round pick.
DE/OLB Brandon Graham - Despite being in a crowded rotation at DE last year, Graham was able to have a bounce-back year (5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles). He has experience in a 3-4 defense at OLB and was projected at that position by many scouts coming out of college. Graham has cut weight and I think he's almost a sure thing to return in midnight green for 2013. He's still only 24 years old and could be the "Predator" of the future in the Billy Davis defense.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 4th round pick.
QB Nick Foles - The 2nd year QB played very solid football at times last year and also looked like a 3rd round rookie as well. He has potential but does he fit the ideal Chip Kelly scheme? Probably not. If Foles is traded though, it almost hands Vick the starting job (the only QB I think they'll draft is a developmental guy). I think Kelly and Roseman want competition for Vick, so I think Foles stays.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 3rd round pick.
DE Phillip Hunt - He was also victim to the crowded DE position last year. After a great preseason, he wasn't a big factor during the regular season. He doesn't seem to have a spot in Billy Davis' defense and there's probably a 4-3 team looking for a speed rusher off the edge.
- Trade Possibility: Good Chance
- Return Value: 6th-7th round pick.
CB Nnamdi Asomugha - Remember the Asante Samuel situation last year? Huge cap number for Nnamdi and chances are he will probably be cut sometime this week. There has been a hold-up in the process however, maybe a team is working on a deal with the Eagles that involves a re-structured contract with Asomugha (like the Samuel trade last year).
- Trade Possibility: Slim chance, but a chance.
- Return Value: 6th round pick.
* Follow me on Twitter at @Matt_Chastain25 and @OfficialEagles_, I'll get ya back!
 |
| Nate Allen has never lived up to a second-round pick. |
- Trade Possibility: Decent Chance
- Return Value: 5th-6th round pick.
RB Dion Lewis - Lewis is an OK change-of-pace back. He's elusive, versatile, and young. There is a very good chance he gets moved this offseason. LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown will likely get most, if not all, the carries in '13. Chris Polk is the favorite for the third running back spot because he adds special teams value, where Lewis does not.
- Trade Possibility: Good Chance
- Return Value: 7th round pick.
DE Vinny Curry - Curry has done nothing to warrant a trade. However, at 6'3" 266 lbs, he's a tweener for a 3-4 or 4-3 Under defense. I could see Chip Kelly asking the youngster to put on weight, if at 280 lbs he would have potential as a pass-rushing LDE in the 4-3 Under defense. There is still a slim chance the youngster gets moved because he has value.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 3rd-4th round pick.
 |
| Graham had a nice bounce-back year with 5.5 sacks and 2 FF |
DE/OLB Brandon Graham - Despite being in a crowded rotation at DE last year, Graham was able to have a bounce-back year (5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles). He has experience in a 3-4 defense at OLB and was projected at that position by many scouts coming out of college. Graham has cut weight and I think he's almost a sure thing to return in midnight green for 2013. He's still only 24 years old and could be the "Predator" of the future in the Billy Davis defense.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 4th round pick.
QB Nick Foles - The 2nd year QB played very solid football at times last year and also looked like a 3rd round rookie as well. He has potential but does he fit the ideal Chip Kelly scheme? Probably not. If Foles is traded though, it almost hands Vick the starting job (the only QB I think they'll draft is a developmental guy). I think Kelly and Roseman want competition for Vick, so I think Foles stays.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 3rd round pick.
DE Phillip Hunt - He was also victim to the crowded DE position last year. After a great preseason, he wasn't a big factor during the regular season. He doesn't seem to have a spot in Billy Davis' defense and there's probably a 4-3 team looking for a speed rusher off the edge.
- Trade Possibility: Good Chance
- Return Value: 6th-7th round pick.
 |
| Asomugha's lack of speed was a major issue last season |
CB Nnamdi Asomugha - Remember the Asante Samuel situation last year? Huge cap number for Nnamdi and chances are he will probably be cut sometime this week. There has been a hold-up in the process however, maybe a team is working on a deal with the Eagles that involves a re-structured contract with Asomugha (like the Samuel trade last year).
- Trade Possibility: Slim chance, but a chance.
- Return Value: 6th round pick.
* Follow me on Twitter at @Matt_Chastain25 and @OfficialEagles_, I'll get ya back!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Draft Profile: OLB Dion Jordan
With the 4th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select... Dion Jordan?
The 6'6" 248 pound athletic freak is an intriguing prospect. He played for Chip Kelly and assistant head coach Jerry Azzinaro at Oregon and Kelly was quoted as saying Jordan has "a special place in my heart". He would project as an OLB in a 3-4 or the SAM in the anticipated 4-3 Under Billy Davis is expected to run.
Combine Numbers:
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.60 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 122 inches
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds\
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.35 seconds
Let's put these numbers into perspective:
- Dion Jordan performed at the combine as a defensive lineman, but as an Eagle, he'd play linebacker.
- Jordan ran the 40 yard dash that would've ranked 3rd among linebackers, very impressive speed.
- He would've ranked T-6th in broad jump among linebackers. At his size, he displayed his tremendous athleticism.
- He would've ranked 5th among linebackers in the 3-cone drill.
- He fell in the middle of the pack among linebackers in the vertical jump and 20 yard shuttle.
Strengths:
The 6'6" 248 pound athletic freak is an intriguing prospect. He played for Chip Kelly and assistant head coach Jerry Azzinaro at Oregon and Kelly was quoted as saying Jordan has "a special place in my heart". He would project as an OLB in a 3-4 or the SAM in the anticipated 4-3 Under Billy Davis is expected to run.
 |
| Dion Jordan moved up many draft boards after an impressive 2013 NFL Combine. |
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.60 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 122 inches
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds\
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.35 seconds
Let's put these numbers into perspective:
- Dion Jordan performed at the combine as a defensive lineman, but as an Eagle, he'd play linebacker.
- Jordan ran the 40 yard dash that would've ranked 3rd among linebackers, very impressive speed.
- He would've ranked T-6th in broad jump among linebackers. At his size, he displayed his tremendous athleticism.
- He would've ranked 5th among linebackers in the 3-cone drill.
- He fell in the middle of the pack among linebackers in the vertical jump and 20 yard shuttle.
Strengths:
 |
| Jordan flashed at Oregon but was asked to do many things other than attack opposing quarterbacks. |
- Dion Jordan is an elite athlete.
- He is surprisingly agile in space, which is important if he's projected to be the SAM linebacker in the 4-3 Under. (Remember from previous post, under Billy Davis the 4-3 Under SAM rushes the QB 70% of the time and drops into coverage 30%.)
- At Oregon, he was asked to cover the tight end and even the slot receiver at times. This contributed to only 14.5 career sacks, which shouldn't be alarming.
- Doesn't have bulky frame, but has great hand work to fend off blockers and get to the quarterback.
- Fierce competitor but good guy off the field.
- Excellent size and length
Weaknesses:
- Injury concerns, scheduled for shoulder surgery which will take 3-4 months to rehab.
- Needs to add bulk to his frame.
- Still developing pass rush moves, a little RAW in this area.
- Can get aggressive and over run plays, getting out of position.
- Needs to play stronger, has potential to be susceptible to the run in the NFL with bigger, more athletic offensive linemen.
Compares To:
- NFL.com - LB Julian Peterson
- CBSSports.com - DE Chandler Jones
- SBNation.com - OLB Aldon Smith
How does Jordan fit?
- Obviously his injury concerns are a red flag. On the brighter side, at least it's his shoulder and not a knee problem. If the doctors give the OK, I'm on board.
- He has no ceiling as a player. He's got the physical tools that have graced players like Jason Pierre-Paul. He's still RAW in his technique, but so was JPP (not to compare them, just saying).
- The thought of Dion Jordan at SAM and Mychal Kendricks at WILL is very intriguing. Two exceptional athletes with tremendous speed and play-making potential.
- His coverage experience is important, it sounds like he could handle the SAM role in the 4-3 Under but Kelly and Roseman could have him graded exclusively as a pass-rusher.
- I think free agency will determine the likelihood of Jordan as an Eagle. If they release Nnamdi and let DRC walk, while not signing any high-quality cornerback, I would expect Dee Milliner to be the favorite.
* Injury Update:
- Jason Kelce and Todd Herremans appeared on CSNPhilly to discuss their injuries. Herremans said his foot is close to 100% and Kelce said he's on track to return by mini-camp.
 |
| Watkins has a chance to revive his career with a fresh start. |
- Howie Roseman discussed Jason Peters' rehab process. He gave no return-date, but said he expects Peters to return at some point and reach his old, elite form.
- Very encouraging news.
* Extra Point:
- 2011 first-round pick Danny Watkins has been a disappointment in Philadelphia, but I haven't given up on him yet. Watkins was known as a mauler and never fit the finesse scheme of Howard Mudd. New offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is known for coaching a big, physical offensive line. Something that fits the fiery demeanor of Watkins. I expect the third-year guard to compete for a starting job on the right side of Jason Kelce.
- Follow me on Twitter @Matt_Chastain25 and @OfficialEagles_, I'll get ya back!
- Coming soon: Draft Profile: CB Dee Milliner
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Re-building the 2013 Eagles Defense
New Defensive Coordinator Billy Davis will be the architect of the re-vamped 2013 Eagles defense. Many fans are expecting a switch to a 3-4 defense, but Billy Davis runs a 4-3 under front. He hasn't publicly declared the Eagles a 3-4 or a 4-3 but I think it's safe to assume he'll run the 4-3 under he's ran in the past. The Seattle Seahawks are another team that runs the 4-3 under front.
Let's take a look, position-by-position at what responsibilities each player will have in the 4-3 under defense.
Left Defensive End:
- In 2009, Billy Davis had Calais Campbell as his LDE. Campbell is 6'8" 282 lbs. In Seattle, this position is occupied by Red Bryant (6'4" 323 lbs). So this isn't the defensive end we're used to in Philadelphia (insert Jason Babin joke here). The LDE spot in the 4-3 under is more for a run-stopper than a pass-rusher. They're looking for a guy with 4-3 DT size.
I don't think the Eagles have this guy on their roster right now. Fletcher Cox is an ideal fit for the Right Defensive Tackle spot. There are a few options in free agency:
- Jason Jones (6'5" 276 lbs) - He is more of a pass-rushing DT in a 4-3, but he's got decent size and would come at a discounted price. He also played in Seattle last year so he has experience in the 4-3 under front.
- Richard Seymour (6'6" 317 lbs) - He's got the size and experience. He's good at stopping the run and still has pass rushing skills. He is 33 years old but has at least two good years of football left. It wouldn't be cheap, but wouldn't be a long-term commitment either.
- Glenn Dorsey (6'1" 297 lbs) - He's got the perfect size for this role and he's a proven run-stuffer. He's known for being a big draft bust in Kansas City but he should come at a reasonable rate and he's still only 27 years old.
Left Defensive Tackle:
- This is the nose tackle. He'll line up between the guard and center. He's a big body that is very tough to move. This player will be double-teamed often and asked to occupy the center (freeing up a one-on-one for the RDE). The Eagles are used to having undersized defensive linemen, but this position will definitely break that mold under the new system.
The Eagles don't have a starting-caliber nose tackle on the roster. Antonio Dixon has the size, but would be a better fit for a very good backup NT. There are a couple options in free agency:
- Alan Branch (6'6" 325 lbs) - He was the starting LDT in Seattle last year. That makes him a potential hot target for Howie Roseman this offseason. He's got the size and experience in this system.
- Terrance Knighton (6'3" 330 lbs) - His nickname is "Pot-roast". He's a huge thumper in the middle. Knighton has flashed as an elite run-defender and he's also looked uninterested at times. He's still only 26 years old and has potential. For the right price, I think it's worth the gamble.
Right Defensive Tackle:
- This is where I expect Fletcher Cox to have a breakout season. Cox had an outstanding rookie campaign and has received comparisons to Richard Seymour. He should have a seamless transition into the RDT role. In the 4-3 under, the RDT will line up between the tackle and the guard. With the NT occupying the center and the Right Defensive End occupying the tackle, Cox will get many one-on-one pass rushing opportunities. Pete Carroll said the right defensive tackle spot is where you put your best interior pass rusher in the 4-3 under.
Right Defensive End:
- This is the "Predator" in Billy Davis' scheme. This is the pass-rush specialist. Chris Clemons fills this role in Seattle, Bertrand Berry (6'3" 270 lbs) filled this role for Billy Davis in Arizona. In 2009, Berry rushed the passer 94% of the time and dropped into coverage 6% of the time just to mix it up. I think this is a perfect role for Trent Cole. He's got the same size as Berry, and he's got the athleticism to drop into coverage 6% of the time. Jim Johnson used to put him in coverage on rare occasions, so it's not foreign to him. Brandon Graham fits this role as well, but Cole is just a better player. Graham could be a very nice backup, spelling Cole to keep him fresh.
Strong-side Linebacker (LOLB):
- In 2009, Chike Okeafor (6'5" 265 lbs) played this position for Davis. Okeafor rushed the passer 70% of the time and dropped into coverage 30% of the time. I don't think Brandon Graham or Vinny Curry have the athleticism for this role but I think there are many great draft prospects, I'll save that for a later post.
Let's look what free agency has to offer:
- Anthony Spencer (6'3" 250 lbs) - He's probably the only name I would get excited about in this free agent class. He had a very productive year in Dallas last season, and with their grim salary cap situation, they could let him hit the open market. He's still only 29 years old, so a 4-year deal seems reasonable. He's athletic enough to fill the SAM Linebacker spot in this system.
- Paul Kruger (6'4" 270 lbs) - He's only 27 years old and had a productive year in Baltimore last season. I'm not sure he has the athleticism for this role in pass coverage.
- Daryl Smith (6'2" 248 lbs) - He has major injury concerns, but he's been very productive in Jacksonville when he's on the field. He's good as a run-stopper and a productive pass-rusher. Not sure if he's got the ideal size Billy Davis is looking for, though.
Middle Linebacker:
- This is the thumper in the Billy Davis scheme. DeMeco Ryans wasn't great in Houston's 3-4 defense, but that was primarily due to his injury. He's healthy now and had a good first year in Philly. Gerald Hayes (6'1" 253 lbs) played this role for AZ in 2009. Ryans will play quarterback for this defense and should excel in this role.
Weak-side Linebacker:
- Mychal Kendricks will finally get to play a natural position that uses his strengths. The weak-side backer has a defensive lineman wall in front of him. This frees him to use his athleticism and make free runs to the ball-carrier and quarterback. Kendricks played out of position for most of last year but he played ILB in a 3-4 at California. I expect Kendricks to have a great year under Billy Davis in 2013.
Summary:
- This is an in-depth look at the 4-3 under front. It's different but Seattle proved last year that it can work and work very well with the right personnel. I think DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Fletcher Cox and Trent Cole will be the only front-seven starters for Billy Davis that are currently on the roster. I also think Brandon Graham, Antonio Dixon, and Cedric Thorton will play important roles as well.
- So the Eagles need a Left Defensive End, Nose Tackle, and a Strong-side Linebacker to complete their re-vamped front-seven. I will come out with a post later this week looking at some of the draft prospects that could fill these voids.
* Follow me on Twitter @Matt_Chastain25 and @eaglesalldayblog, I'll get ya back!
Let's take a look, position-by-position at what responsibilities each player will have in the 4-3 under defense.
Left Defensive End:
- In 2009, Billy Davis had Calais Campbell as his LDE. Campbell is 6'8" 282 lbs. In Seattle, this position is occupied by Red Bryant (6'4" 323 lbs). So this isn't the defensive end we're used to in Philadelphia (insert Jason Babin joke here). The LDE spot in the 4-3 under is more for a run-stopper than a pass-rusher. They're looking for a guy with 4-3 DT size.
 |
| Dorsey has been a bust in KC but could be a servicable starting LDE in Philadelphia. |
I don't think the Eagles have this guy on their roster right now. Fletcher Cox is an ideal fit for the Right Defensive Tackle spot. There are a few options in free agency:
- Jason Jones (6'5" 276 lbs) - He is more of a pass-rushing DT in a 4-3, but he's got decent size and would come at a discounted price. He also played in Seattle last year so he has experience in the 4-3 under front.
- Richard Seymour (6'6" 317 lbs) - He's got the size and experience. He's good at stopping the run and still has pass rushing skills. He is 33 years old but has at least two good years of football left. It wouldn't be cheap, but wouldn't be a long-term commitment either.
- Glenn Dorsey (6'1" 297 lbs) - He's got the perfect size for this role and he's a proven run-stuffer. He's known for being a big draft bust in Kansas City but he should come at a reasonable rate and he's still only 27 years old.
Left Defensive Tackle:
- This is the nose tackle. He'll line up between the guard and center. He's a big body that is very tough to move. This player will be double-teamed often and asked to occupy the center (freeing up a one-on-one for the RDE). The Eagles are used to having undersized defensive linemen, but this position will definitely break that mold under the new system.
The Eagles don't have a starting-caliber nose tackle on the roster. Antonio Dixon has the size, but would be a better fit for a very good backup NT. There are a couple options in free agency:
- Alan Branch (6'6" 325 lbs) - He was the starting LDT in Seattle last year. That makes him a potential hot target for Howie Roseman this offseason. He's got the size and experience in this system.
 |
| Fletcher Cox had a stellar rookie campaign for the Eagles |
Right Defensive Tackle:
- This is where I expect Fletcher Cox to have a breakout season. Cox had an outstanding rookie campaign and has received comparisons to Richard Seymour. He should have a seamless transition into the RDT role. In the 4-3 under, the RDT will line up between the tackle and the guard. With the NT occupying the center and the Right Defensive End occupying the tackle, Cox will get many one-on-one pass rushing opportunities. Pete Carroll said the right defensive tackle spot is where you put your best interior pass rusher in the 4-3 under.
Right Defensive End:
- This is the "Predator" in Billy Davis' scheme. This is the pass-rush specialist. Chris Clemons fills this role in Seattle, Bertrand Berry (6'3" 270 lbs) filled this role for Billy Davis in Arizona. In 2009, Berry rushed the passer 94% of the time and dropped into coverage 6% of the time just to mix it up. I think this is a perfect role for Trent Cole. He's got the same size as Berry, and he's got the athleticism to drop into coverage 6% of the time. Jim Johnson used to put him in coverage on rare occasions, so it's not foreign to him. Brandon Graham fits this role as well, but Cole is just a better player. Graham could be a very nice backup, spelling Cole to keep him fresh.
Strong-side Linebacker (LOLB):
- In 2009, Chike Okeafor (6'5" 265 lbs) played this position for Davis. Okeafor rushed the passer 70% of the time and dropped into coverage 30% of the time. I don't think Brandon Graham or Vinny Curry have the athleticism for this role but I think there are many great draft prospects, I'll save that for a later post.
 |
| Anthony Spencer played a similar role in Dallas and could have a big impact in Philly. |
- Anthony Spencer (6'3" 250 lbs) - He's probably the only name I would get excited about in this free agent class. He had a very productive year in Dallas last season, and with their grim salary cap situation, they could let him hit the open market. He's still only 29 years old, so a 4-year deal seems reasonable. He's athletic enough to fill the SAM Linebacker spot in this system.
- Paul Kruger (6'4" 270 lbs) - He's only 27 years old and had a productive year in Baltimore last season. I'm not sure he has the athleticism for this role in pass coverage.
- Daryl Smith (6'2" 248 lbs) - He has major injury concerns, but he's been very productive in Jacksonville when he's on the field. He's good as a run-stopper and a productive pass-rusher. Not sure if he's got the ideal size Billy Davis is looking for, though.
Middle Linebacker:
- This is the thumper in the Billy Davis scheme. DeMeco Ryans wasn't great in Houston's 3-4 defense, but that was primarily due to his injury. He's healthy now and had a good first year in Philly. Gerald Hayes (6'1" 253 lbs) played this role for AZ in 2009. Ryans will play quarterback for this defense and should excel in this role.
Weak-side Linebacker:
- Mychal Kendricks will finally get to play a natural position that uses his strengths. The weak-side backer has a defensive lineman wall in front of him. This frees him to use his athleticism and make free runs to the ball-carrier and quarterback. Kendricks played out of position for most of last year but he played ILB in a 3-4 at California. I expect Kendricks to have a great year under Billy Davis in 2013.
Summary:
- This is an in-depth look at the 4-3 under front. It's different but Seattle proved last year that it can work and work very well with the right personnel. I think DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Fletcher Cox and Trent Cole will be the only front-seven starters for Billy Davis that are currently on the roster. I also think Brandon Graham, Antonio Dixon, and Cedric Thorton will play important roles as well.
- So the Eagles need a Left Defensive End, Nose Tackle, and a Strong-side Linebacker to complete their re-vamped front-seven. I will come out with a post later this week looking at some of the draft prospects that could fill these voids.
* Follow me on Twitter @Matt_Chastain25 and @eaglesalldayblog, I'll get ya back!
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