It’s time the Philadelphia Eagles find a difference-maker at linebacker.
The last game-changing linebacker the Philadelphia Eagles had on their roster was Jordan Hicks. That is a fact. Unfortunately, he plays for the Arizona Cardinals. He’s long gone, and the Eagles linebacking core lacks a true headliner that they can lean on.
While third-year man Alex Singleton has been a bright spot, he lacks the big-play ability that Hicks once offered. The Philadelphia Eagles added a pair of rookies (Shaun Bradley, Davion Taylor) in the 2020 NFL Draft, and both showed little to nothing in their first season. This isn’t to say the duo of Taylor and Bradley won’t grow into stars moving forward, but they haven’t shown much so far.
Needless to say, with the 2021 NFL Draft quickly approaching, General Manager Howie Roseman has an opportunity to find a prospect with star qualities. This year’s road to the draft has been a bit of an anomaly, with the media placing all of its attention on Philly’s quarterback dilemma and finding star wideouts. As a result, this year’s talented crop of linebackers that will be entering the league has flown under most Birds fans’ radars.
Understandably, the attention paid to the star QBs and WRs is well deserved, but let us not forget about the guys who play at the defense’s second level. Here are three lesser-known linebackers that Roseman needs to keep an eye on as they are prospects that could boost the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense.