• March 29, 2024

Analysis Of Eagles LB’s, And What LB’s They Should Pursue In The Draft

One of the main areas of scrutiny on the Eagles defense was the linebackers. Undersized, lack of technique, and youth were all words used to describe Brian Rolle, Casey Matthews, and the other players that made up the ever-changing Eagles linebacking corps.

Jamar Chaney was the one consistency in the Eagles defense. Whether he was moved to outside linebacker or solidifying the middle, Chaney was a sure defender when it came to rushing the quarterback, making a tackle, or dropping into pass defense. With 92 tackles, the Mississippi State linebacker led all other linebackers by at least 38 tackles. He was also the only one of the six splitting time to start all 16 games.

Another linebacker that caught attention was the 5’10” Ohio State rookie, Brian Rolle. Before the season, Rolle described himself as a “hard-nosed, scrappy player” that would bring “toughness and grit” to the team. He showed just that during his playing time, making 54 tackles and having a sack, forced fumble, and four pass breakups on his rookie season stat line. Listed as 5’10” in the roster, playing at about 5’8”, Rolle showed that you don’t have to be 6’3” and weigh 260 pounds to make an impact at the linebacker position (although it does help).

With Rolle and Chaney starting 13 games and 16 games, respectively, the remainder of the time was split between players that, at one point or another, made their living on the special teams. Akeem Jordan, Moise Fokou, Keenan Clayton, and Casey Matthews, who started the season as the starting middle linebacker, all came on at the end of the season when Castillo implemented his changing defensive personnel and defensive schemes. Of those four players, Casey Matthews was the only one to record a sack.

Since about week five or six, analysts and fans have looked at the linebackers coming out of the draft to see who could possibly turn the weakness of the Eagles defense into it’s strength. The specific need for the Eagles defense is at middle linebacker, a leader that can call the plays and run a defense.

One of the early candidates was Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Other names being thrown around are Alabama linebackers Don’t’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw, UNC outside linebacker Zach Brown, and my personal favorite, Luke Kuechly.

Vontaze Burfict was expected to be a top ten draft pick entering this season but he disappointed by only recording 69 tackles. With five sacks, Burfict is more of a pass-rushing linebacker. The Eagles defense, with Jason Babin, Trent Cole, and Cullen Jenkins, already has enough pass rushers. In the heart of the defense, the Eagles need an all-round athlete who can stuff the run, drop back in pass coverage, or just hunt down the ball-carrier sideline to sideline.

Alabama linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw impressed many all season long by making up one of the best linebacking corps in the country. At 6’4” and 260 pounds, Hightower is your prototype middle linebacker. However, Hightower was another linebacker that spent a lot of time rushing the quarterback, and he tallied four sacks while only recording 42 solo tackles. His teammate Courtney Upshaw, whose draft stock for the Eagles has dropped because he is an outside linebacker, is another pass-rusher. He sacked opposing quarterbacks 9.5 times and only recorded 52 total tackles. He will likely fit a defense like the Cowboys or the Steelers who implement a 3-4 defense.

That brings us to Zach Brown. At UNC, Brown had a nose for the ball as an outside linebacker. He recorded 105 total tackles with 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. If Brown can transition into a middle linebacker, he will be a good option for the Eagles if Kuechly is not on the board at number 15. Standing 6’2” and weighing in at 230 pounds, Brown would be the biggest linebacker on the Eagles defense. Brown is a great defender against the pass, having had seven interceptions in the last three seasons. Zach Brown is potentially the Eagles best option if Kuechly is unavailable.

Luke Kuechly, the top linebacker in this year’s draft, and possibly of the next five years, is number eight on WalterFootball.com’s big board. Understandably so, the junior recorded 191 tackles along with three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Kuechly fits the Eagles defensive needs the most.

As I wrote earlier, the Eagles are in no need of a pass rusher with the defensive line stacked with speedy edge rushers. The Boston College product is the type of defender that will not allow a ball carrier past him. His worst season with Boston College, his freshman year, ended with 142 tackles. That’s 90 more than Courtney Upshaw, 73 more than Vontaze Burfict, 59 more than Dont’a Hightower and 37 more than Zach Brown – all during their 2011 seasons.

During his collegiate career, Kuechly only had five games where he had fewer than 10 tackles. Three of those came in his first four games of his freshman season. Four times in his three year career, he recorded more than 20 tackles in a game, with a career high of 23 coming in the third game of 2011 against the Duke Blue Devils.

Kuechly is the best option for the Eagles to draft. But will he last until almost halfway through the first round? Many say that he is not a top 5 talent, so he’ll make it that far. Sitting at numbers 6-10, teams have money invested in their middle linebackers. Sitting at number 11 or 12 (depending on a coin flip) could be the Eagles biggest threat to drafting the three-time All-American. The Seattle Seahawks, while optimistic about David Hawthorne, are not very deep at linebacker. With a deep WR draft, the Seahawks would be in the market for a receiver as well, and if no better options present themselves, Kuechly may be their pick and the Eagles will have to go to plan B.

Of course, this all depends on who the Eagles decide to go into 2012 with as the head honcho of the defense. And, if Andy Reid will change his philosophy on drafting linebackers. He has never drafted a linebacker in the first round and only Derrick Burgess, who he drafted in 2001’s third round, has ever made a Pro Bowl and he made two. Neither of those came while he was a member of the Eagles.

So let’s change up the draft philosophy and give the Boston College Eagle a chance to continue being an Eagle and draft him at number 15.

Brenden Peddigree

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andrew p
andrew p
January 13, 2012 1:40 pm

Now with Rolle n Matthews having a little game experence you have two good backups, get rid of Jordan and Fokou, draft a stud (with the 1st pick) bring in an experenced FA to go along with Chaney and you solved your linebacking problems that quick.

Turk
Turk
January 13, 2012 2:20 pm

Brenndan I’m gonna tell you this Donta Hightower will be the best middle linebacker in this draft the kid from BC got a lot of tackles but I don’t know if he’s strong enough to play the middle in the Nfl to stop the run.

paulman
paulman
January 13, 2012 2:51 pm

Good stuff Brenden,
Kuechley has been rated between #12-#15 ranked player in most rankings,
I am not sure where you are getting a Top #5 Player which is very unlikley for a ILB/MLB
Zack Brown is an OLB and not really suited to play on the inside
I like Hightower for he won’t be out on there on passing downs (bring in MAtthews,Clayton) but he would help versus the run and most importantly on short-yardage/red-zone Defense which is the Eagles biggest weakness Defensively, The Eagles have been weak in the Red-Zone the last 3 Seasons because they have lacked that physicality at MLB and Safety position in my opinion and Hightower would take care of that big time, but he is not good in pass coverage and you would have to deal with that and have Matthews/Clayton/Chaney come out on Passing downs

Here are some other worthy MLB/ILB in this Draft by NFLDraftScout.Com
Top 8 Rankings are as follows

#1 Luke Kuechly – Boston College (6-2 237lbs 4.8 speed – Mid 1st Round)
#2 Donta Hightower – Bama (6-4 260lbs 4.78 speed – Late 1st Round)
#3) Vontaze Burfict – Arizona St (6-3 250lbs 4.67 speed – Early 2nd Round)
#4) Audie Cole – NC State (6-4 240 lbs 4.84 speed – Late 2nd/Early 3rd Rd)
#5) James Johnson – Nevada (6-1 240lbs 4.68 speed – Late 3rd/4th Rd)
#6) Emmanuel Acho – Texas (6-2 245lbs 4.79 speed – 4th Round)
#7) Mychal Kendricks – California (5-11 240lbs 4.72 spped – 4th/5th Round)
#8) Jerry Franklin – Arkansas (6-1 245lbs – 4.6 Speed Late 4th5 Round)

jphalines
jphalines
January 13, 2012 3:47 pm

Everything about Kuechly is great for a MLB except his size and speed. I have no problem taking him at 15, he should be available. I would seriously consider taking Hightower or Burict (may fall) with 1 of the 2 mid second round picks. I’m thinking Hightower at SAM if it’s not trying to fit a squre peg in a round hole. The Eagles need a thumper on the field. Am I suggesting playing a guy at a spot he did not play in college, exactly what I rip on the current staff for doing, YES. I just think the backers need an overhaul, there is talent else where on the team. I think they are going to make a go of it with the current young safeties so I want to put as much talent in front of them as I can.

jphalines
jphalines
January 13, 2012 3:52 pm

Pman’s list is for middle linebackers, it dosen’t include the rushing outside backers that are typically taken before the SAMs. It’s not crazy to think the 3 top SAMs are available through the first 2 rounds.
Burfict had serious issues with his coach and may drop despite his elite physical skills. Does a coach want him running the defense at the pro level?

Boyer
Boyer
January 13, 2012 5:28 pm

Burfict. Vontaze Burfict. 100,000 + 10%

Kuechly is smart and a good tackler but he’s far too slow. He will never translate at the pro level. We might as well draft Garry Cobb if we want a smart, sure tackler who doesn’t have the speed (anymore Garry) to play in the NFL.

Burfict is an absolute madman who will thump AND terrify any offense. I don’t care if he’s crazy. We need crazy. We have a defense full of highly-skilled nice guys and powder puffs. I want a mean A-hole playing in the center of that field. He’s a young Ray Lewis guys. Mark my words. We would be crazy not to get him. Go watch his doggone Youtube highlights, he puts Keek-Lee to shame.

Stevo
Stevo
January 13, 2012 5:50 pm

Boyer- “i want a mean Ahole” um… thats my line baby and its trademarked. haha. YES YES YES!!!!

this is what ive been saying for 3 years folks. Im glad we have the fast guys on the outside that are ball hawks but i want 3 guys on the field (not on the oline) that are thumpers… mad men….. hard hitters…. a pinch of dirty….. fear makers. I want my MLB to be smart and yet kinda dumb. I want a big ol truck up the middle to clog the runners up and let the smash brothers (cole and babbin) do their thing. Wouldnt help to have a little brother outside LB to help with this. I want a corner who’s a little phsicall and a little tall (NNAMDI) and i want a FS who brings the wood.

yes… i know, i know…. Vick is all that matters bla bla bla…. i know…. its not 1992.. D’s dont matter anymore…… need 11 ball hawks on D…. no need to takle…. bla bla bla….. but trust me…. gt a DC and add a CRAZY MLB and we are on our way.

Stevo
Stevo
January 13, 2012 5:54 pm

*not on the D line

hot97x
hot97x
January 13, 2012 6:52 pm

as others have stated i don’t see Kuechly translating well to the NFL. he lacks strength and can’t get off blocks. this Eagles defense needs to become alot more physical. Burfict is the guy, period. he plays violently, takes on and sheds blocks very well, and is a phenomenal blitzer (which would fit perfectly if Spags came here as the DC).

if i were calling the shots they would sign Manny Lawson to play SAM, 6’5 4.45 speed excellent against the run and in TE coverage but failed in SF because he’s not a pass rusher. actually he didn’t really fail, he was excellent at what he did, he just wasn’t ENOUGH of a pass rusher to play in the 3-4. i thought they should have picked him up cheap last year but they never even looked into him. he played well in a 4-3 for the Bengals this year.

the linebackers going into the year would be SAM-M. Lawson MIKE-V. Burfict and WILL-Chaney/Matthews

jott1972
jott1972
January 13, 2012 8:57 pm

The Eagles need a thumper in the middle who sets the tone and leads by example…..Burfict is the perfect fit, but he has some anger issues and Reid might take him off the board because he is a moron. Kuechly is overrated and can’t come off a block….watch some games….he is a sideline to sideline guy who is never going to make plays in the backfield…he is easily blocked and will struggle in the NFL against bigger lineman…Hightower is a beast and another thumper the Eagles could use…..Upshaw is intriguing because he can play all LB positions..OLB in the 3-4 or MLB in the 4-3….he is a talent…. .my preference is Burfict because he can play all 3 downs….Hightower is a 2 down LB and Upshaw fits more of a OLB in the 3-4….right now Burfict is an early to mid 2nd round grade because of some issues he had in college controlling his emotions….the Eagles could use the pick in the Kolb deal to land their MLB for the next 5-6 years

Eaglehaslanded
Eaglehaslanded
January 13, 2012 10:18 pm

I definitely agree with most of the posts, no way would I draft Kuechly, I can see him getting run over by opposing offensive linemen and the Stephen Jackson’s of the NFL. Give me Vontaze Burfict, I dont care where he is slated to go in the draft according to the professional draftniks of the world (Mel Kiper) . The Eagles don’t need to play around with their draft day shananagans and tomfoolery. Take him with the15th pick and prepare for the next two second round picks. Back up choices is Courtney Upshaw and Donta Hightower. Please no D linemen or O linemen, Linebacker is the position of need for the first pick and if a stud linebacker is available in the second round the Eagles should pull the trigger again, it’s needed !!!!

navyeaglefan
navyeaglefan
January 13, 2012 10:31 pm

2 young LBs – What if the birds can’t resign MAthis? WHere do you see an OL need then? Would liek to see them pick up another DT to challenge – I like Landri, PAtterson, Jenkins and Law – Dixon may be back?

SONGSRME2
SONGSRME2
January 14, 2012 8:24 am

Donta Hightower is taller, bigger, and faster, and more physical than Kuechley.

Don’t give me the number of tackles spill. He’s alright but not as good as Hightower. Of course Kuechly racked up tackles but that is not saying where he got the tackles. Many after the team got a first down. How many were tackle for losses? Is he the field general like a Hightower. I’m saying this right now…Kuechly will be light Stewart Bradley. Please don’t give us a 237 pound linebacker so fans can be talking about another 1st round bust. Draft Hightower….And please don’t tell us about the scout experts…Look at Graham who was supposed to have been the top DE in his class. Draft Hightower and if possible pick up R. Lewis in the 2nd round too. That will set the linebacker position for the foreseeable future.

Until we end up drafting the next 1st round slug…enjoy “groundhog day.”

bsmvideos
January 14, 2012 8:37 am

There you go using logic.

Since when has “Self Destruct” Andy used logic in the draft?

Need a wide reciever?? Draft “I run in slow motion” Fedex.

Need a center?? draft a ton of defensive ends.

Need a explosive Kick off returner?? Get game breaker Reno Mahe.

Need a pass blocking offensive lineman?? Draft an AARP run blocker.

Need a linebacker??? Draft a guy from Nebraska who had a torn ACL.

And get rid of the guy Trotter called the “Head Knocker” and watch him play for denver, and watch Tekao spikes play for the 49ers.

13 years of this buffonery. The 14th will be the charm. Not.

bsmvideos
January 14, 2012 8:43 am

Andy Reid is a cheaper version of Jeff Fisher.

He has a winning formula, but not a championship formula.

He has no heart.

A real man is not afraid to admit a mistake and move on.

This Fat Bozo will keep a bum on the field just to prove a point.

From James Trash and Reno Mahe to Casey Matthews.

He will keep passing even if running and protecting a 4th quarter lead is the smart thing to do.

No heart. And Never will be a champion.

A little person in a big body.

DixieFan
DixieFan
January 14, 2012 9:07 am

Way to keep an open mind bsmvideos….

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
January 14, 2012 9:51 am

Bsmvideos,

Does, “This Fat Bozo will keep a bum on the field just to prove a point.” also apply to Vick?

Just askin’

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
January 14, 2012 10:26 am

Boyer,

“Burfict. Vontaze Burfict. 100,000 + 10%”
“Kuechly is smart and a good tackler but he’s far too slow.”

So you want Burfict (benched by his own coach, academically inelligble, undisciplined, character issues, production dropped this year) because he is “faster” than Kuechly?

Burfict’s allegded 40 time 4.65
Kuechly’s allegded 40 time is 4.70

So that’s a difference of 5 one hundredths of a second. You’re telling me one guy is faster than the other because he makes it 40 yards in 5 one hundredths of a second faster than the other guy. Did you knw that human biengs aren’t able to percieve the difference of hundredths of a second? Do you know what this means on the football field? Absolutely nothing!

I have no ides who the eagles should draft at LB, other than I know they should draft one. And I think it should be a bigger guy, but I will never get bogged down by the minutia of 0.05 seconds or the diff between 6’3″ 240 and 6’3″ 250 which is the height/weight “difference” between these 2 guys. (would be different if we did draft another 5’11” 220 lber….)

So what should we look at? How about production on the field? And when we look at these 2 players one is completely heads or tails above the other. Its not even close.

Kuchely (in 3 years):
3x All American (2x unanimous) in 2009, 2010, 2011
2011 Lombardi Trophy Winner
2011 Butkus Trophy Winner
2011 Lott Trophy Winner
2011 ACC Defensive Player Of The Year
2009 All Freshman Team
2009 ACC Defensive Rookie Of The Year
2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl MVP
2009 Emerald Bowl MVP
Kuechly is the all time leading tackler in history of the ACC conference
Kuechly is the second leading tackler in NCAA history (in 3 years)

532 Tackles, 44 Tackles For A Loss, 2.5 Sacks, 10 Passes Deflected, 7 Interceptions and 2 Defensive Touchdowns in 3 years.

Burfict (in 3 years)
2010 All-American (TSN)
2010 Pac-10 Defensive MVP (TSN)
2009 Freshman All-American (FWAA, CFN)
2009 Pac-10 Defensive Freshman of the Year

228 tackles, 22.5 for loss, 7 sacks, 12 passes defended, 4 forced fumbles, 1 int

So again, why get bogged down in the who is a stitistically irrelevant 0.05 seconds faster and deal with who was the most productivel player? DO that and the comparisons aren’t even close. I have no idea which guy will be the better pro, nor does anyone here….but I would always pick the guy who was more productive on the field over the guy who does better running in shorts.

btc24
btc24
January 14, 2012 11:11 am

Kuechly racked up tackles being on a shitty Boston College team so I’m sure he had plenty of opportunities to make tackles while his defense struggled to get off the field. He is way too small. There is far more upside in Vontaze and/or Hightower. If I’m not mistaken, there were similar questions when Ray Lewis came out of college as Vontaze and look how that worked out. Vontaze would bring an attitude and energy to this defense that has been lacking since Dawkins left.

paulman
paulman
January 14, 2012 11:12 am

I do not see Eagles Selecting V Burfict due to his Character Issues, I posted over a month ago that Burfict has gone from the Top #15-#20 Slection and has dropped to Mid 2nd Rounder due to these Maturity & Coachability issues…

I think HIghtower would be a great addition to the EAgles, but Hightower is not a 3 Down LB (think of Trotter), he would be a Run-Stuffer, excellent on SHort-yardage and Red-Zone Defense which is the Eagles biggest weakness in recent Seasons.. I don’t know if you use a #15 Overall Selection for a 2 Down LB, but the Eagles have a huge need in the middle, stopping the run,bring a physicality to the middle of the Defense which has been missing for a while and tough Red-Zone Defense so I think in the Eagles situation, Hightower is worth very much at Selecting at #15 and remember the Eagles have some LB’s who specialize in Pass coverages who played pretty well down the strtch in Clayton and Matthews so I don’t think only havnig him in running downs is a bad refelction on his talent and what he can contribute when the EAgles face those more physical teams who like to run more and checkign next years schedule versus the Steelers,Ravens,falcons,Panthers plus NFC East rivals, I think it behooves the Eagles to get the best Run-Stuffer in the middle of their Defense and that’s D Hightower in my opinion…

pheags88
pheags88
January 14, 2012 12:35 pm

I bet Andy Reid doesn’t even pick at 15. Watch him move down in the mid 20’s so that he can grab another 2nd rounder or something. Make too much sense to stay put and grab the best linebacker…not his style.

jott1972
jott1972
January 14, 2012 12:36 pm

@Paulman – agree on Hightower….love the kid’s potential, but he is not a 3-down LB….however, how many LB’s in the NFL are actually 3 down? ….The Eagles need someone to lead by example, stop the run and get into the backfield….i’m not asking my MLB to cover anyone…. that is what Rolle and Chaney and the safeties are for…. i’d risk Hightower at #15 because he doesnt slip into round 2 as the Ravens will snatch him up as Ray Lewis’ replacement

pheags88
pheags88
January 14, 2012 12:42 pm

But hey when it comes to Andy Reid that might actually be better. Don’t want to seem him jump up again for a player that doesn’t fit this team like Graham. Graham was rated highly as a DE but for a 3-4 system. Hell, I think some people even had him rated in the linebacker group which tells you all you need to know about his capability of playing in a 4-3 at the NFL level. Would have been a really good fit for like the Steelers. If your not going to sign Djax, trade BG to them for Antonio Brown (had him on my fantasy team, this guy is a stud and might be just as good as Mike Wallace). Their defense is getting old they might take it.

pheags88
pheags88
January 14, 2012 12:49 pm

Jott agree man…we need an enforcer in the middle of this defense. We need guys who can get it done against the power runners in this league. See Lynch just running over every player we have on defense. Made this defense look like JV.

Stevo
Stevo
January 14, 2012 1:38 pm

vinnie- agiain- sorry about Kolb.

paulman
paulman
January 14, 2012 1:38 pm

Not to change the subject, but let’s hope the EAgles face the Steelers in a first couple weeks of the Season..
They have 4 Starters who probably will not ready to start for the beginning of 2012 Sweason due to major injuries the last coupldeof Weeks LT Max Starks, RB Mendenhall, NT Casey Hampton, DE Brent Kiesel all had major Knee injuries and may be Ooctober of 2012 before anyone of them can play. Hopefully the Eagles have them early in the Season ..

Boyer
Boyer
January 14, 2012 1:40 pm

Well, Vinnie, you made my point for me “I would always pick the guy who was more productive on the field over the guy who does better running in shorts.”

Those 40 numbers are in shorts. All you have to do is watch the tape. Burfict is a full step faster than Kuechly. Boston College’s entire Defensive game plan is about funneling the runner to the middle, side-to-side Kuechly was JUUUUUST fast enough to clip your feet…. in the NFL, that translates into tackling someones ghost. They’ll already be gone. He’ll only ever be a slow SLB.

Just watch the videos available online. It was like the year Eli and Big Ben came out in the draft. Big Ben’s tape was heads-and-heels over Eli’s. Eli got drafted higher cuz his last name was Manning…. and it showed. Has Eli gotten comfortable and become the better pocket passer? Yes. But for the first 5/6 years, Big Ben was better. Without the constant tuteluge of his own brother, Eli is a backup.

Look at when DeMeco Ryans came out. Only A.J. Hawk is better than him but three other LB’s were taken ahead of him. His tape clearly showed him the better LB. Tape Tape Tape. That’s where it’s all at. You can compile numbers or just WATCH them play. You’re in love with his tackling numbers. They won’t translate.

paulman
paulman
January 14, 2012 1:56 pm

One thing to keep in mind is that the Eagles already have Chaney and Matthews to play on the Inside.. I think they liked the progress that Matthews made as a pass-cover LB on passing downs or against pass-happy teams..
The Eagles may be looking at more of a OLB in the 1st 2 Rounds and grab a MLB in the mid-later rounds . I kind of like MLB’s Jerry Franklin from Arkansas who is 6-1 245lbs and runs a 4.6 or a Emmanuel Acho from Texas at 6-2 245lbs and run at 4.7who they can select in the 4th

pheags88
pheags88
January 14, 2012 2:00 pm

1- Trade second rounders and Samuel to the Titans for their 1st rounder…draft Hightower and Barron.
2- Sign Fletcher
3- Sign Tolbert to be a change up to Shady
4- Sign Dixon or Hill as backup QB who could easily win a couple of games with this offense when Vick gets injured again.
5- Trade Brandon Graham and Justice to the Steelers for Antonio Brown
Super Bowl

Boyer
Boyer
January 14, 2012 2:02 pm

….and Paulman, I’m taking Hightower over Kuechly 7 days a week and twice on Friday.

btc24
btc24
January 14, 2012 2:19 pm

I just dont see how tiny man Kuechly would fix the problems we have at the LB position. He is too small. We need run stuffers and guys who dont get run over. I would also like to see the Eagles draft Russell Wilson from Wisconsin.

paulman
paulman
January 14, 2012 2:19 pm

I agree with you Boyer 100%, I would not select Kuechely at all

To Pheags, you would Trade both 2nd Round Slections (#45 & #47 Overall)
plus Samuel to the Titans for their 1st Round Pick (#20 Overall) … That’s way too much to give up in my opinion

#1) Sign MLB Steven Tulloch & OLB Rocky McIntosh to 3 year Deals
#2) Trade CB Samuel to the Panthers for maybe a 2nd or a 3rd Rounder in return and a 4th Rd in next Years Draft

I would select Safety Barron with the 15th Selection before LB Hightower
and then Select an OLB in the 2nd Round and add a big WR and DT

pheags88
pheags88
January 14, 2012 2:46 pm

Paulman,
In that scenario, your basically jumping 25 spots which would require a great offer. I don’t think its way too much to give at all when you think that you are going to get 2 players that many people feel will be pro-bowl impact players in the NFL. When the Falcons gave up the house to get Julio Jones it seemed like a lot then but who cares now? Does it really matter? They got exactly what they needed and Julio Jones is already a stud. You never know what your going to get with those 2nd rounders and your prolly going to lose samuel anyways. On top of it, your not going to go anywhere in this league without a QB…How much more years does Vick have in him (if hes even here after next year)? You put two impact rookies on this team on defense and sign a quality veteran or two and get better coaching in here and they might have a shot.

I do actually agree with you man about taking Barron at 15 if we stay there just because the Safety talent in the draft isn’t as deep as the linebackers, were terrible at both positions. You could take Barron and then maybe one of those premier linebackers will still be there at pick 33 when the Colts pick again….The Eagles could just call their new GM and make a trade which will cost much less since you wont have to jump 25 spots.

But again watch none of this happen. Andy Reid will prolly trade down and pickup a tackle or another undersized DE. Too easy of a game for him just to stay put and take the best linebacker or safety.

paulman
paulman
January 14, 2012 2:58 pm

I hear you Pheags but giving up #45 & #47 and Samuel to move up 20 Spots is way too much to for a #20 Overall pick in my opinion… If your moving up to the Top 10 then may a different story.. This Draft has a lot of good players but I am not so sure about real game changers and the Difference of Talent between #8 and 30 or between #25 and #50 is not that much diffense… Eagles should stay where they are and use the #15,#45 & #47 and would have 3 of the Top 50 Players in the Draft and if they concentrate on LB & Safety with 2 of these Selections should be getting the Top 2 or 3 at each Position … Then if they can get a 2nd or a 3rd for Samuel now your talking possibly 5 Selections in the Top 3 Rounds or the Top 80-85 players selected or so is how i rebuild this Defense and add a big WR and OL Depth ….

paulman
paulman
January 14, 2012 3:03 pm

A couple of tems have 2 1st Round selections
Browns who have #5 and #22 (from Atlanta) and ma be interested in CB Samuel
Bengals have the Raiders (#17) and their own (#21) and could use some OL and Secondary help too..

I think if the Eagles don’t select Safety Barron at #15, the Jets would at #16 who are desperate for a good Safety too.
I think Hightower goes later in the 1st and seems to be a perfect fit for the Ravens or I hate to even say, the Giants, who will be selecting from 25 to 32 bases on how they finish the Playoffs.

paulman
paulman
January 14, 2012 3:08 pm

Maybe the Eagles can package CB Samuel, OT Justice and one of their 2nd Round picks (#45) to get either one of the Browns (#17) or Bengals 2nd (21st) selections in the 1st Round …

SONGSRME2
SONGSRME2
January 14, 2012 3:21 pm

Paulman…who caares about character issues? If a guy can win …and beat the guy on the other side of the ball …who cares?

Would you rather have an alright player that takes the team no whereor a nasty player that leads the defense in the crunch?

Character labels are overrated. Give me a guy who will kick the snot out of the opponenet. I prefer a defensive player with character issures. Ray Lewis up for murder charges….How did that pan out?

jott1972
jott1972
January 14, 2012 3:26 pm

@Paulman – Mathews is NOT a MLB….he was moved to the outside at the end of the season to see if he had any talent…..and he doesnt….he will be lucky to make the team next season….Chaney proved he wasnt a leader or MLB this season…he is nothing special and will be challenged for his job….the Eagles will makeover the defense starting at LB and the secondary….you can bet on that one… look for them to bring in a veteran and draft at those positions early….
Btw us ….Mathews wouldnt make the Colts as a backup LB….he absolutely blows!

vinnietheevictor
vinnietheevictor
January 14, 2012 3:27 pm

You guys and your blanket statements….

From BTC:
“Kuechly racked up tackles being on a shitty Boston College team”
As apposed to Vontaze on an all-powerful Arizona State team that was 16-20 while he was there?

“He is way too small” He, at present, weighs 12 lbs less than Vontaze and they are the same height. I’ve already addressed the speed garbage.

As for you Boyer
“Burfict is a full step faster than Kuechly” Where does that come from? Did you ever see them run against each other? Were they ever on the same field together? Chasing the same guy together?

Maybe Davis is better…maybe Kuchely…who knows…you don’t. I don’t. But why all these asenine blanket statements with nothing to back them up.

jott1972
jott1972
January 14, 2012 3:28 pm

@Paulman – the Eagles have lacked that LB leader since Trotter left…. they need a thumper who can get off blocks…Chaney and the current group cannot and will not get better….they have reached their peak…

give me Burfict regardless of his issues…….he will give you 100% and knock some heads off……take a look at him on youtube…..he is a Trotter clone but quicker.

Stevo
Stevo
January 14, 2012 3:43 pm

Pman- Clays little sister is not good enough to be on the field. I hope he sticks around and works hard but please…. dont try and sell to ANYONE on here that the eagles like what he gives us in the middle on ANY downs. Remember…… early in the year they started his demotion by taking him OUT on passing downs.

Boyer
Boyer
January 14, 2012 5:09 pm

Paulman, that’s a really good point about the Browns 2 1st rounders and Asante

Vinnie,
I came to my conclusion about the two LB’s by watching 10 minute of Burfict highlights and 20 minutes of Kuechly highlights. The entire 10 minutes I watched Burfict, he had me saying “Owww” “Ouch” “Ohhhhhh” and “WOW!!!”, nonstop. Not one time, in 20 minutes did Kuechly get one of those responses from me. I was very unimpressed. Take 30 minutes and go watch the tapes. You’ll see that extra step too. Kuechly looks like he’s running in a swimming pool.

Rocko
Rocko
January 14, 2012 8:02 pm

Jim Harbaugh is a helluva coach just like his brother John. Coaches who game plan, manage the game and coach like hell. We have a crap organization from the owners to the coaches who don’t know a thing about winning a superbowl, and put our poor play and excuses on missing OTA’s etc. We need some fresh young in your face and tough with the media coaching blood around here. I hope SF wins the NFC. Another new coach comes into the league and surpasses Lurie, Banner and Reid. We all can sit here and argue back and forth all we want, but the point of the matter is that we really don’t have hungry ownership around here. The owners and coaches are spending more time tickling eachother’s balls and playin footsies. We have a soft organization point blank.

Rocko
Rocko
January 14, 2012 8:04 pm

sean payton also surpassed reid

Rocko
Rocko
January 14, 2012 8:11 pm

Look what Harbaugh did to make Smith an elite qb in 1 year. Fire Reid. Now I’m pissed. Reid has to go.

Rocko
Rocko
January 14, 2012 8:23 pm

Really Lurie and Banner? Wyth all Desean has done for this team, you pay others and spread the money around and don’t even pay the one who helped catapult us into the playoffs last year; really owners of the eagles? and you say you all want a championship – yeah right whatever. just more smoke blowin and green kool-aid sippin. We have the worst organizational management in all of football. Every playmaker on other teams are rewarded. Even Vincent had a 1 year 10 mil deal and we can’t keep playmakers happy around here. lito , dawk, brown, dawkins and Desean. Our team management is the worst in all of football, and until we get an owner who really blows a gasket if we’re not winning a lombardi, we will be the same ol mediocre pile of crap that we have been for the last 13 years. Any other owner would fired reid right along when McNabb left, or even before he left; to see if we could squeeze a little life out of hi in his last few years here. Andy is as soft as the pillsbury dough boy and we ain’t winning nothing until he’s outta here.

paulman
paulman
January 14, 2012 9:00 pm

No doubt in my mind that D-Jax will go to the 49ers via free-agency in the off-season.. 49ers are 1 legitiamte Deep threat of a WR to be a Supoer Bowl Team
I counted at least 6-8 Drops by the 49ers WR’s and Crabtree with about 4 himself..

Rocko
Rocko
January 14, 2012 10:03 pm

Another NFC opponent getting stronger and surpassing us. I remember when the Saints were the laughing stock of the league, and even they are still a force to be reckoned with. reid needs to go period. Screw talking about next year drafts an all. reid and MW need to take the rest of the staff and get outta town. once again, the wool has been pulled over everyones head for another year.

Rocko
Rocko
January 14, 2012 10:04 pm

Look at Brady and belicheck’s consistancy over 10 years. Reid has to go.

SONGSRME2
SONGSRME2
January 14, 2012 10:19 pm

did the 49ers have OTA’s? Coaching changes on both sides of the ball? New free agents? NO EXCUSES…….The Eagle fans are being shafted once again and I will not spend another dime on this team until there’s change.