Ranking Eagles linebacker draft prospects following NFL Combine workouts
Discussions about linebacker... Oh, the joys of loving the Philadelphia Eagles. Let's just say whenever the conversations shift and we begin discussing the defense's second level, debate is both common and expected.
We've all found ourselves participating in the fodder. Andy Reid didn't care about linebackers. Neither did Jim Schwartz. Howie Roseman took their negligence in addressing his team's needs at the position to new levels.
We have often asked around draft time if this will be the year the tide turns and we break the jinx. Philly hasn't taken a linebacker in Round 1 since 1979 (Jerry Robinson). We doubt it will happen this year, but here's the good news.
If the Eagles address their positional needs in the selection meeting and do so early, this would be a great year to do so. They won't be disappointed.
Philly met with several young prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine. One, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., is the son of a franchise legend. We call him 'Junior Ax Man'. But, if they follow their business model and select a linebacker later in the process, they should be able to hit the bull's eye anyway.
Here's how the top Eagles draft options at inside linebacker stack up when compared to one another.
Okay, we've been singing his praises for a while now. Let's get down to business. Where did 'Junior Ax Man' land on our list of top linebacker prospects? We're glad you asked. Here's our ranking.
- Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
- Marist Liufau, Notre Dame
- Cedric Gray, North Carolina
- Payton Wilson, N.C. State
- Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State
- Junior Colson, Michigan
- Tyrice Knight, UTEP
- Jeremiah Trotter Jr., ILB, Clemson
- Jackson Sirmon, California
- J.D. Bertrand, Notre Dame
Let the debate begin. We're here for all of the smoke, and we will be until the Eagles are on the clock at the 2024 NFL Draft. Here's what we know. Our list will change, but how does it look right now? Does it look like yours?
We're having a ball in Indy! Tight ends and defensive backs take the field for their workouts on Friday, March 1st. Look for them at 3 pm EST. Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs earn their opportunity to shine on Saturday, March 2nd at 1 pm EST. The offensive linemen take the field on Sunday, March 3rd. Showtime is at 1 pm EST.
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