Philadelphia Eagles: 4 Boom or bust late-round Pac-12 defensive prospects

Here’s someone that can make Philadelphia Eagles fans pay attention.

Mention the Oregon Ducks and the linebacker position to the most die-hard of Philadelphia Eagles fan, and you might bring up memories of Casey Matthews. Before being taken by the Birds in the fourth round of 2011’s NFL Draft, much of the world saw Casey as nothing more than Clay Matthews’ little brother.

Fast forward, and after the 2021 campaign wraps, 11 football seasons will have passed since Casey donned the midnight green, and we can now definitively state, without a shadow of a doubt, that, in many football circles, Casey is now seen as, well, Clay Matthews little brother.

Unfortunately for Birds fans, big brother had a lot more talent, but don’t hold that against Isaac Slade-Matautia. He’s like Pac-Man from the video game, only he gobbles up ball carriers and wears all of those cool Oregon jerseys.

In 28 career games at the collegiate level, he racked up 131 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 16 pass breakups. Initially, he could compete for a backup and maybe a special teams role at the NFL level. Keep an eye on him and everyone else on this list.