Philadelphia Eagles scouting: 3 LB and DL studs and duds from combine

Day 3 of the NFL Combine had every bit the fireworks of the first two. Here are six prospects the Philadelphia Eagles should place on the draft board and avoid.

Analyzing Day 3 of the NFL Combine can create quite a few sidebar conversations if you’re a Philadelphia Eagles fan. Several things have long been common knowledge about the team’s defensive scheme, particularly since Jim Schwartz has been at the helm as Philly’s defensive coordinator.

One, we’ve been discussing the revolving door at linebacker and Philly’s lack of interest in seriously investing in the position for so long that it’s maddening. Second, outside of last season, Schwartz has never placed in interest in blitzing. Nope, that was a staple of the Jim Johnson-led Eagles defenses.

In Schwartz’s scheme, Philly’s DC relies heavily on creating pressure with four defensive linemen while the linebackers are asked to roam and cover. Fans saw him blitz more last season out of necessity. There would have been a minimal pass rush had he not done so.

All over the league, from the outside looking in, it appears that traditional linebackers are being replaced by safeties who play at the line of scrimmage and converted guys at the second level that played safety in college (think Nathan Gerry).

The questions surrounding Philly’s second level continue. We all also know that they’re in need of pass rushers. Here are three studs and duds at both the linebacker position and along the defensive line following the combine’s second day.