Eagles Focused On Speed, Aggressiveness And Improving The Pass Rush

After taking a close look at the Eagles 2010 draft choices, I can see a focus on speed and improving the pass rush.  The Eagles seem to believe that getting to the quarterback is the most important aspect of playing defense in the NFL.

1st Round – 13th – Brandon Graham – defensive end – First he needs to win the starting job at left defensive end. ¬†Then the Eagles need this young man to beat single-blocks by right tackles to the point where offenses can’t force teams to pay attention to him.

2nd Round Р37th РNate Allen Рsafety РThe Birds need Allen to win the starting job and become a playmaker in the secondary.  He needs to earn the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates by shutting down big pass plays deep and making tackles in the open field.

3rd Round – 66th – Daniel Te’o Nesheim- defensive end – He needs to earn or at least contest for playing time on the defensive line. ¬†He needs to be a monster on special teams.

4th Round – 105th – Trevard Lindley – cornerback – The Birds would be elated if he were to earn a starting job but they at least need him to earn a spot on the team’s nickel and dime defenses.¬†

4th Round Р112th РKeenan Clayton Рlinebacker РClayton must compete for playing time and he needs to be a contributor on the special teams.  He has to show them that his tremendous speed and instincts to find the football should make them find a way to get him on the field.

4th Round – 122nd – Mike Kafka – quarterback – Kafka must learn the offense and development himself to the point where the coaches feel comfortable with him running the offense.

4th Round – 125th – Clay Harbor – tight end – Harbor must prove that he’s the best blocking tight end on the football team. ¬†He also must learn the offense, so that they feel comfortable working him in the game plan. ¬†He needs to contribute on special teams as well.

5th Round – 134th – Ricky Sapp – defensive end – Sapp must first earn a spot on the football team then press for playing time as a pass rusher. ¬†They’ll probably ask him to be able to play both the left and right defensive ends. ¬†He must be a major contributor on the special teams.

5th Round Р159th РRiley Cooper Р wide receiver- Cooper must master the offense and gain the coaches confidence that he can do his job in the offense.  He needs to show he can catch the football across the middle despite taking hits.

6th Round Р200th РCharles Scott Рrunning back РScott needs to make the football team by learning how to run routes out of the backfield and catch the football.  He must learn to pass block and know what to do in all situations.  He must also contribute on the special teams. 

7th Round – 220th – Jabar Chaney – linebacker – Like the other backers, he must make the football team by learning the defense, then compete for playing time and become a monster on the special teams. He’s got tremendous speed and athleticism for an inside linebacker.

7th Round Р243rd РJeff Owens Рdefensive tackle РOwens must first earn a spot on the football team then compete for playing time as a backup defensive tackle.  He must earn the right to be a backup by proving him can help the defense against the run or as a pass rusher.

7th Round Р244th РKurt Coleman Рsafety РColeman will have to make the football team by impressing the coaches immediately during training camp, needs to pick off three passes and knock somebody out.  He must show he can run with NFL wide receivers and tackle running backs and tight ends in the open field.