3 UTR linebackers Philadelphia Eagles should target in NFL Draft
By Brian Cass
It’s about time the Philadelphia Eagles draft a young linebacker who can bring some toughness back to the defense.
Ever since Doug Pederson took over as head coach, the Philadelphia Eagles haven’t put much effort into finding playmakers at the linebacker position. Maybe that falls on defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who has never put much stock into the linebacker position. Maybe it’s a trait that he picked up from his mentor Andy Reid. It was actually his era where the revolving door at linebacker started.
Nevertheless, the Eagles’ defense has been lacking some punch at linebacker for quite some time now, and Howie Roseman must address the position through the draft this offseason.
The front office tried to go the free agency route to find a linebacker, but aside from the Nigel Bradham addition in 2016, they’ve failed to bring in a true difference-maker. Before 2019’s regular season, Roseman brought Zach Brown and L.J. Fort into the fold, but neither of them even finished the season on the Eagles’ roster. The draft may be the better route to take this time around.
Although a young stud linebacker would benefit the defense greatly, it’s far from the team’s biggest need. Wide receiver and cornerback should be at the top of Philly’s wish list, so expect Roseman to draft players at both of those positions early come April.
Luckily for the ‘Birds’, there are a few talented linebacker prospects who could be available when the team’s on the clock in the third or fourth round. With a potential two picks in the third-round picks and three more in the fourth, Roseman will likely target a linebacker with one of those selections. Here are three under the radar guys who could help fill a position of need.