Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile: Brandon Bair

Up next in my Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile or “PEPP” series is defensive end Brandon Bair. In this series of post, I’ll discuss each and every single player on the Eagles’ current 90-man roster, in alphabetical order. For each player, I’ll discuss their career history, measurables, individual outlook for the Eagles in 2015 and their chance to make the final 53-man roster.

Not much was expected of Bair heading into training camp last year, yet he went out on the field during preseason action and made the coaches take notice of his abilities. He dominated at times in some preseason games and that earned him a spot on the final 53-man roster and he played a rotational defensive linemen role throughout the season. But will Bair be able to defy the odds again and make the final roster in 2015?

Career History

An undrafted free agent out of Oregon in 2011, Bair signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and then spent some time with the Oakland Raiders in 2012 and 2013 as well. But Bair finally got an opportunity when he signed with the Eagles in 2013, spending a year on their practice squad and making the final roster in 2014. As a rotational defensive linemen, Bair played 201 total snaps for the Eagles this past season collecting 12 tackles, 5 quarterback hurries and 2 quarterback sacks. Bair also made his presence felt on special teams with two blocked kicks during the season as well.

Measurables

Brandon Bair’s measurables, according to NFLDraftScout.com.

Currently listed at 6-6, 290 pounds on the Eagles’ official roster, Bair has put on some weight since his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2011 but he did post some impressive numbers. For his size, 5.01 is a reasonable time in the 40-yard dash although he moves even faster on the field. His 20-yard shuttle time of 4.37 is actually insane for his size considering Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson posted a 4.52 time in the drill and is considered a freakish athlete. Bair may be up there in age but he can certainly move for a big guy.

Eagles’ Outlook for 2015

With the addition of seventh-round pick Brian Mihalik, Bair may have some competition for that final defensive linemen spot on the roster. But considering he’s more of a “grown man” than Mihalik is at this point in his career, it may be best for Mihalik to spend a year on the Eagles practice squad and Bair will make the final roster once again. Bair did a reasonable job as a rotational player in 2014 and with more snaps under his belt, he could be even better in 2015. His contributions on special teams are obviously an added bonus as well.

Chip Kelly’s #Culture Grade: 👍👍👍👍

That’s right, four thumbs up. Bair is the epitome of a “Chip Kelly guy” as he’s not only a hard worker on the field, he’s a great person off the field as well. At 30 years old, he’s a bit of an elder statesman on the roster but he doesn’t have much tread on his tires, as they say, due to going on a Mormon mission for two years prior to attending Oregon. Speaking of being a Kelly guy, Bair is a former Duck which obviously gets extra bonus points as well.

Chance of Making Eagles Final 53-Man Roster: 50%

Considering his age, Bair may find himself on the wrong side of cuts following final cuts for the Eagles. Last year, there wasn’t really a player with his size or versatility among the other defensive linemen. But as I mentioned above, rookie Brian Mihalik could push for Bair’s old spot and replace him if he’s ready to contribute. That’s why I’ll set Bair’s odds at 50%, it’ll either be him or Mihalik making the roster, not both.

Next: Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile: Rasheed Bailey

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