2010 Defensive Needs of the Eagles Part 1: Linebackers

Although the Eagles were apart of a trade sending young Detroit WILL LB Ernie Sims to us. The SAM and depth at MIKE are still issues. But the trade puts much less value on acquiring a player or two early in the draft.

With the league becoming more and more of a passing league, the number one job shifts from shutting down the run to stopping the pass. In the glory days, JJ's defense was one of the best, even though the high rushing yards allowed. For example, in 2008 the Eagles defense was ranked 3rd in the entire league allowing only 274.3 yards per game. We would blitz and blitz causing pressure on the passing game, while letting the running game go unchecked.

However, last year our linebackers suffered severely. Season ending injuries to Stewart Bradley and Omar Gaither hurt the middle so much, we had 6 different Mike linebackers last season. Sam linebacker Chris Gocong lost his job to 7th round pick Mosie Foku in the middle of the season. Akeem Jordan was amazing in the beginning, but wasn't the same after suffering from a minor knee injury in the middle of the season. Jeremiah Trotter, came back form retirement, but was ineffective in 3rd down situations. The Eagles in week 6 traded for Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon, but was mediocre after his first start against Washington and was cut in the beginning of the off-season.

Although a upgrade is needed, Andy's draft history shows that linebackers are not drafted early. The average round Andy drafts linebackers is 4.5 round. But Andy has drafted linebacker 11 times in the decade, most after WR. So the statement that he doesn't value linebackers isn't fully true. He just doesn't draft them well when taken high. Information from http://www.reclinergm.com/eagles-draft-preview-andy-reids-complete-draft-history/

With this knowledge I will list guys that the Eagles will look to target

Sean Lee, SAM Linebacker, Penn State -A great prospect for the Eagles, he has a good frame for a SAM Linebacker and has great instincts. He doesn't have the best hips and is average in coverage. A huge concern is his ACL tear last year. But that could be why the Eagles target him, because his value drops to a late thrid or fourth round pick.

Donald Butler, MIKE Linebacker, Washington- A two-year starter that had an outstanding senior season. Butler has good size and strength but lacks great speed. But, he flourishes in coverage and is very aggressive against the run. Can read offensive schemes but isn't a big hitter nor a good block shedder. Fourth rounder.

Pat Angerer, MIKE Linebacker, Iowa- Angerer isa hard hitting linebacker that plays with a intensity and toughness of Ray Lewis. He is a vocal leader and good in zone coverage. He has trouble covering the running back and can be engulfed by big linemen. This is of little consequence though since the Eagles blitz often, so that multiple players hit one gap, giving him less of a chance of facing a linemen alone. Projects to a fourth round pick.

Roddrick Makelroy, SAM Linebacker, Texas- Mackelroy is know for his coverage abilities, he has the agility and quickness of a safety and the hands of a tight end. He lacks against the run. He is a 3rd down backer and wil be taken somewhere in the fourthor fifth round.

Brandon Spikes, MIKE Linebacker, Florida- A year ago, Spikes (pic below) would have been a first round pick. But by electing to stay for a senior year, he hurt his draft stock with a lack of production. He has raw talent and strength is dominate. He reminds me of Jeremiah Trotter. But his 5.0 in the 40 yard dash at his combine reminds me of Trotter from this year.His technique is also unrefined and he often relies just on his brute strength. He will be taken in the third and at latest fourth round. If he is there though, the Eagles will take a serious look at him.

Micah Johnson, SAM Linebacker, Kentucky- Micah is a raw talent and has impressive measurables. He exceeds in run support and is relentless. However, his weakness in coverage in man or zone is a huge knock on him. He is one of Kentucky's best defensive players. His stock is also low because he is coming off a ACLtear. See him going in the fifth or sixth round.