NFL free agency: Grades for each Eagles roster move through Week 1
54. . . . Jatavis Brown, linebacker. . player
Here’s something that you won’t like to hear if you’re an Eagles fan. Jatavis Brown really isn’t the best tackler in the world sometimes. Now, while that’s a trait that Eagles fans and the media have to be sick of seeing in their defensive guys, you also have to mention that Brown does have some ability.
The Pro Football Writers of America named him as a member of their All-Rookie Team in 2016. He has 265 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 12 pass breakups after playing 1,834 defensive snaps for the San Diego and Los Angeles Chargers (that covers 56 games). He’s 26 years of age, and he has time and a ton of room to improve.
Like it or not Eagles fans, Philly just doesn’t put a lot of effort into improving the linebacker position. They seem to be satisfied with what they have. That includes Nathan Gerry and TJ Edwards. Still, most of us are just happy to see that they signed one. Before Brown’s arrival, they had four on the roster. Grade: C
54. . . . Will Parks, safety. . player
Will Parks may not be that splash signing, but the Eagles and their coaches love versatility, and this guy brings plenty of that back home with him. He’s able to play both safety spots, and he can fill in admirably at the nickel cornerback position if need be.
Keep an eye on him. It’s hard to imagine that he’ll push for one of the starting safety spots. We can’t guarantee that he’ll be better than Marcus Epps or Rudy Ford, but we could be talking about him a lot in the latter stages of the regular season. Grade: C