Eagles Improving Other Teams in Top Rounds of NFL Draft

Nov 17, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) comes back to the sideline after making an interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

4) 2012 NFL Draft, Second Round

Philadelphia Eagles select Mychal Kendricks, Linebacker (46th overall)

Seattle Seahawks select Bobby Wagner, Linebacker (47th overall)

Similar to Bennie Logan and Tyrann Mathieu, this is a situation where time has yet to finish the story on these picks. Both players had impressive 2013 seasons for their respective teams, and Eagles inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks had his best statistical season of his young career. It’s still a bit ironic that another Eagles selection was essentially a prelude to another team selecting a fantastic player.

In two seasons, Bobby Wagner has established himself as one of the top 4-3 middle linebackers in the NFL and reigns as the “quarterback of the defense” for the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. According to ESPN.com, last season saw Wagner thrive with 120 total tackles, five sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, with his tackle total being good enough for 21st in the NFL among linebackers. Kendricks actually had a very comparable season, ending his second year with 106 total tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, and four fumble recoveries.

There isn’t an issue now, of course. Kendricks is looking to be poised for his biggest season yet provided he can solve a longstanding missed tackles issue. However, in 2012, the Eagles ran a 4-3 defense under former head coach Andy Reid and Kendricks spent the whole season learning how to play strong side linebacker in the 4-3 after being used at 3-4 inside linebacker during his years at the University of California. The Eagles certainly would have appreciated Wagner’s 140 tackles as a rookie, but it looks for now that both teams hit on their pick.