Eagles Position Reviews: Linebackers
by Bob_Q on Feb 12, 2011 3:45 PM EST
in Philadelphia Eagles Roster Moves
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The Eagles have several players in the linebacker position whose contracts are scheduled to expire, so who will LB Coach Mike Caldwell have under his command next season? Let's take a look.
The Players
Stewart Bradley: If the 2011 season were to start tomorrow, the Eagles' starting linebackers would most likely be Jamar Chaney, Moise Fokou, and Stewart Bradley. With a full offseason ahead of him, the Eagles could easily transition Bradley back to strong side linebacker, leaving room for Chaney to continue his success in the middle. Although Bradley will be a free agent in a few weeks, it's hard to believe that the team will sour on his post-ACL tear season performance and part ways with him. Then again, the acquisition of a player like Chad Greenway could change that decision significantly.
Jamar Chaney: As we've seen so many times before, an injury to a starter can give rise to the career of his backup. Since Chaney took over the reins from Stewart Bradley in week 15, he has shown himself to be a rapidly developing player worthy of additional time on the field. In the words of Coach Caldwell:
"I saw he was a diligent player. He got in there and I was with him in the classroom and I saw his study habits and he was diligent in learning the playbook and he worked real hard."
Expect Chaney to be back and pushing for a permanent starting job next year, since his rookie deal leaves him signed through 2013.
Keenan Clayton: Although he was drafted much higher than fellow rookie linebacker Jamar Chaney, Clayton's premiere season was a little quieter. However, Clayton has shown the versatility to be used as a linebacker or a safety, so he'll be a project worth keeping an eye on as a developmental prospect for the next few seasons. His rookie deal leaves him signed through 2013, so expect him back on the team in a reserve role next year.
Moise Fokou: The former Maryland Terp has made big strides since getting picked by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. His speed and hard-hitting play allowed him to wrest the starting position from the clutches of Akeem Jordan by week 5. Fokou is currently signed through 2012, so expect him to be back (likely in a starting role) next year.
Omar Gaither: After losing his backup MLB status to a rookie seventh round pick, it's likely that we have seen the last of Gaither. The Eagles will probably let him seek greener pastures via free agency.
Akeem Jordan: After initially winning the starting strong side linebacker position in training camp, Jordan struggled to find the ball and was eventually demoted. His lack of aggressiveness will likely prevent him from regaining his starting position with the team, but he still has the skills and versatility necessary to contribute as a backup to all three linebacker positions. His contract is up this year, but the Eagles could very well bring him back for one more year.
Ernie Sims: One of the most gullible players on the Eagles defense, Sims' 2010 season was marred by his inability to recognize a fake or, as our friend Gary Cobb aptly put it, his tendency to "eat the cheese." After only one season with the team, Sims will join the list of one-and-done linebacker acquisitions like Takeo Spikes and Will Witherspoon.
Who Could Leave
Omar Gaither, Ernie Sims
Who Could Sign
Chad Greenway is the name on everyone's mind when it comes to available linebackers. He is just coming off one hell of a season in which he totaled an NFC-leading 144 tackles, yet was surprisingly snubbed from the Pro Bowl. However, before you get too excited about Greenway becoming a great fit in Philadelphia, know that there have been rumblings that the Vikings will use their franchise tag on either him or Sidney Rice.
Unhappy with his previous contract and in search of big money, MLB Barrett Ruud will likely be hitting the free agent market soon. The 27 year old Nebraska product has shown himself to be a hard worker and a playmaker during his six seasons with the Buccaneers, posting tackle totals of 114 or more for the past four years. Similar to Chaney, Ruud is the kind of guy who does his homework before each game, and it's certainly paid off for him so far. The Eagles could easily afford Ruud's high asking price, so look for him to be a target this offseason.
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I think the LB starters will be Chaney-Bradley-Fokou next year. I want to draft Akeem Ayers but I don’t think we will since we haven’t drafted a LB yet in the first round in the Reid era. If we were to do that Ayers would replace Fokou
lol we haven’t drafted a LB in the first round since 1979
by Phillyrampage on Feb 12, 2011 4:01 PM EST up reply actions
I will break my tv
If Philly takes a LB in the first 3 rounds. I’m not too big on any of our LBers but they are productive enough that I wouldn’t be upset if we almost ignored the position entirely. O line O line D line SS FS DB that is the ficus of the offseason.
by Phourth_Horseman on Feb 12, 2011 8:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'll break your tv too
if the Eagles go LB.
Eagles next starting QB: "East West Shrine Game Legend" Mike Kafka
It’s tough to say who was more disappointing, Bradley or Sims. At least with Gaither, I didn’t expect anything. Not that his play deserves an excuse of course.
by 92-74-99-96 on Feb 12, 2011 3:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
are you kidding me
Sims was downright TERRIBLe, it was only disappointing bc the blinding homerism led people to shrug off Detroit fans warnings about Sims.
Sports fans have the shortest term memory on the planet. Even with most people supporting McNabb after this year I found a lot more people to be off his band wagon . With that said Bradley wasn’t 100%, WE ALL KNEW he wasn’t going to be, but he wasn’t terrible like Sims was.
Bradley is a pro bowl player, even though most ignorant short term memoried fans forget about his intial season as a starter..and he will be now he’ll be much closer to 100% after this year
Wasnt directed at you either 92…excet for the sims part, no way was bradley worse than sims.
JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason
Although it's not always the case
Some players never recover fully from an ACL tear. It’s a pretty serious injury. It doesn’t matter how great of a player Bradley was in 2008 if he can’t live up to that in 2011 and beyond. That being said, I still think that the Eagles will bring him back for at least another year, regardless of who they sign in free agency.
"I like prime rib and I'd love to win a Super Bowl. I'm hungry for both of them." -Andy Reid
I agree, I would try to re-sign Bradley, at a reasonable cost, for at least one or two years. How about drafting a stud LB higher in the draft ? Although the Eagles have not had much luck doing that in the past (i.e. Barry Gardner), that’s an option worth looking into.
by Eagladelphia on Feb 12, 2011 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
Stew has now had two knee injuries one on each knee atleast a concussion. In 08 I was his biggest supporter I still am if we can get him cheep something along the lines if 2-3 years at 1-2-3 mil with a huge porbowl incentive built in I wouldn’t mind him being back but you can’t throw big dollars at players who can’t stay healthy.
by Phourth_Horseman on Feb 12, 2011 8:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Stop with the nonsense
Bradley has had 1 good year in the NFL as a starter. That’s it. It wasn’t a Pro Bowl caliber year either.
It will be his 5th year in the league next year and he will turn 28. He isn’t a young player anymore. He simply is a guy who is miscast as a MLB because he can’t get off enough blocks, is mediocre in coverage, and has had real issues with stay healthy.
He likely has one last chance next year on the outside to prove himself but that’s it.
he got injured once
and then had a freak elbow injury….hardly an injyr concern..
and that absolutely was a pro bowl year. he’ll just get over shadowed by willis and the urlacher…and when is 28 NOT young ? mg you are the one ewith nonsnse
JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason
28/5th year veteran is not young in the NFL. It is generally a veteran who is middle-aged or even nearing the end of his career. LBs like London Fletcher who are productive into their mid-30s are anomalies and far from the norm.
Fine you can argue that was a ‘Pro-Bowl’ year. It was also 2008 which will be 3 years ago in 2011. That’s a long-time in the NFL.
Bradley largely get a pass around Philly for a couple of reasons but he is overrated and miscast as a MLB.
I agree. Sims was worse. But I admit I did have higher expectations for him than Sims. I’m all for giving him another year. And hopefully, it turns out to be a good year.
by 92-74-99-96 on Feb 12, 2011 5:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
If we can upgrade the position, he would be, in my opinion, a suitable backup. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move outside, or be released though.
by 92-74-99-96 on Feb 12, 2011 7:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
This is the year he makes his comeback 2 years removed from a knee injury. If not this year than never.
by Phourth_Horseman on Feb 12, 2011 8:31 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Would we rather they spent the free agent dollars on Greenway/Ruud or on Asomugha. Right now, there’s a ton of cap, but that might not be true after re-signing Vick and DeSean.
Mandatory Disclaimer: Obviously, none of this is relevant if there is no new CBA, or if the terms are significantly different than the existing CBA…
its not even close
asomugha would be by leaps and leaps and bounds the better signing then anyone else you just mentioned….
JoeD AKA The Voice Of Reason
I agree.
Asomough will eliminate half the field, and Asante may set pick records with him on the other side. It just makes to much sense not to go after him. Two top flight corners would do wonders for our D in a pass happy league.
by 92-74-99-96 on Feb 12, 2011 5:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I like the potential we have at LB
with Clayton and [if] we bring back Stew for another couple of years… he’s got some pretty high upside if he can recover from his injury.
Fokou and Chaney will improve next year, due to their starting roles this year & some more time in our system/training camp, etc.
We have these guys all signed to low contracts- spend our money on a top CB/OL FA & draft picks.
"This is one of the top 10 biggest bonehead trades in the history of the NFL."
-Redskins TE Chris Cooley
by Ralf E Chubbs on Feb 12, 2011 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
The only thing I'm worried about
is how our Linebackers will adjust to Washburn’s scheme… much more is asked of them now.
"This is one of the top 10 biggest bonehead trades in the history of the NFL."
-Redskins TE Chris Cooley
by Ralf E Chubbs on Feb 12, 2011 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
These LBs and the new D-line scheme?
How was Chaney at shedding blocks? That is going to be a HUGE concern next year with the DTs no longer keeping the O-line off of him. I would think keeping a LB of Bradley’s size would be necessary with the changes back to a 1 gap line.
Well put
Ernie Sims: One of the most gullible players on the Eagles defense
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
At what point doing we stop talking about a player's upside?
Bradley will be in the 5th year in the NFL next year and be 28. Likely only has 2-3 years really left in the league. At what point do you stop using ‘upside’ and ‘potential’ with a guy who has been injury-plagued and is almost certainly more than half-way through his NFL career.
That’s fair, but what are the real options the Eagles have at SAM and how can we be so sure about Chaney at MLB after only a couple of games ?? You have to keep Bradley around just for another year or two, just in case.
by Eagladelphia on Feb 12, 2011 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
They will resign Bradley (won’t require a sizable signing bonus) and move him to the outside next season. Just get tired of hearing how great he is.
I do wonder though how the scheme/coaching expected the players on this defense. ’Spoon had a very mediocre year here in ’09 yet played at a pretty high level for the Chiefs this year even if he wore down a bit as the season went on. Curious to see what impact that has.
Not sure what you mean by:
I do wonder though how the scheme/coaching expected the players on this defense.
by Eagladelphia on Feb 12, 2011 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
Probably had a big impact, now with a more attacking d-line philosophy, it should free up the LB’s to make a lot of plays in the run and pass game. I’m interested in seeing how our current LB’s do in this new system. I think they will thrive, but I would still add one more impact player to the LB position in the draft or free agency. Like you said, Bradley isn’t a guarantee to stay healthy for a full year, so we have to have some insurance for him, just in case.
by Eagladelphia on Feb 12, 2011 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
Just isn't a difference-maker here
Fokou developed into a decent starter and was arguably their best overall LB this year. Hard worker, high motor, and there is a chance that he improves even a bit more next year with his 3rd year/2nd year as a full-time starter. Just don’t think he is a real difference-maker though. More like solid starter over the next 2 years.
Chaney had a great game vs. Giants but struggled a bit more as teams saw he was vulnerable in coverage and reading defenses. His ability to read plays will improve but you have to see what he does as a full-time starter over the course of an entire year.
As for the rest, I don’t see an impact guy. Bradley can’t stay healthy and is miscast as a MLB. Clayton is a nice role player potentially. Jordan brings some value as a veteran backup if he is brought back.
Eagles under Reid just don’t place a high priority on LB. It is not an area they spend large dollars on and why the Greenway talk is really a stretch. If they spend big dollars on a FA, it won’t be for an OLB. Rightly so because this defense and team have bigger overall needs though especially if you have two decent enough starters at OLB in Fokou and Bradley. Not great but rather see them spend the money on areas where they really could use a boost (CB, DE, even DT) and bring back a guy like Mikell who is one of the few veterans over the years I have wanted the Eagles to resign.
i was wth you right until...
When you said the eagles don’t move after linebackers. While its true they haven’t recently- it could be more due to jim johnson devaluing them.
When I look at the eagles, I see a team that will pull the trigger at a difference maker on any level. The fact that washburn changes the defensive scheme so much, a linebacker is a must. Its a necessity. Ruud would be an amazingly solid fit. As would Greenway.
I’m against drafting a guy. We don’t need another prospect- a win now vet is what we need. The window is open now.
In the event of Ruud’s signing, I see Fokou staying on the strong side, and a fight between bradley, clayton, and chaney for playing time at the WILL. Just one signing and suddenly we’re deep, imo.
2010-11 Predictions:
Kevin Kolb will go to the probowl and complete >65% of passes.
Jeremy Maclyn will have more receptions than Miles Austin & Steve Smith
Graham will have the starting LDE spot tied up by week 5, win ROTY, and have >10 Sacks
11-5 finish.
by corn on the kolb on Feb 12, 2011 7:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Going to likely need big dollars to sign Jackson to a long-term deal (ditto Vick if they decide too although I am less certain they won’t just franchise him for another year). Also have to resign a couple of their own FA although noe of them is likely that expensive.
Plus, the Eagles likely can go after one big FA. I would rather see that be a CB, DE, or a T.
I still think Sims could be coached into a good LB.
Its just a question of can Caldwell do it.
Oof.
Twitter @benjabad
You can't coach stupid
Or something along those lines.
by MG77 on Feb 12, 2011 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
hes a bad fit
He may have actually worked for jim johnson. JJ would’ve given him a single direction and just wielded him like a sword- dump and sharp. But asking sims to diagnose a play on the run is too much.
2010-11 Predictions:
Kevin Kolb will go to the probowl and complete >65% of passes.
Jeremy Maclyn will have more receptions than Miles Austin & Steve Smith
Graham will have the starting LDE spot tied up by week 5, win ROTY, and have >10 Sacks
11-5 finish.
by corn on the kolb on Feb 12, 2011 7:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
under castillo/caldwell
could sims actually be decent because the system will be less complex?
McDermott made the entire defense too complex so maybe Sims needed to think too much, which he cant do, so he was out of position. but now that he can react and not think
Barrett Ruud sucks, he is super super soft, like softest LB in the NFL kind of soft. Charmin, pillows, clouds, Ruud.
Merry Vickmas everyone! * Falls into pile of snow DeSean style *
"It's simple, ... I'm always striving to do more. Whatever I accomplish, it's not enough. I don't get satisfied. That's not my nature." -Brian Dawkins
"Well as long as you want to get it right it's Princess Buttercup... Jackass." -Udalango
I wouldn't touch Barrett Ruud
Joe Barry made Ruud look much better than he really is. Ruud is a massive liability in coverage and slow plays to many plays.
I know his size may concern people, but I actually look forward to seeing Chaney play the middle. Its like people were so enamored with Stew’s 6-4 260 lb size, that seeing Chaney play there they think he is “too small” and “nowhere near big enough.” He is the exact same size as most of the MLBs in the NFL. And being that he was a 7th round rookie who had to come in in relief of the starting MLB in the late in the season and had to take over, I think he did a great job. Yeah he was exposed in coverage a little, but how much better can you expect him to play given the circumstances he was thrown into?
Honestly, I really don’t know if Stew’s re-signing is as given as people are making it out to be.
I want to see
SAM- Fokou, don’t move the kid to a different position after he’s been there for 2 years and had a damn good season there.. He’s earned that spot, it’s his, let him keep it till it’s torn from his clutches or he’s unable to perform properly.
MLB-
(1) Bradley. With our DL style changing, we will probably need a MLB who can take on OLman. I see Bradley as a good fit for this if he’s healthy.
(2) Chaney. He’s shown some flashes of greatness, but IDK how much of it was him doing his own thing, or whatever. But I like him, I would like to see him play next year. Great upside.
WILL-
(1) Chaney. I think his athleticism and whatnot make him a good fit here. I think he’d make a damn good WILL LB and if Bradley goes down we just slide him over and insert whoever.
(2) Sims. Honestly he’ll be cheap anywhere he goes, why not resign him and give him another chance if he’s cheap? I mean maybe he realizes he cannot play like a dumbass and actually think and react at the same time.
- #1 is assuming we resign Bradley and #2 is assuming we resign Sims instead **
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
WTF?
Do none of you guys remember game tape where it would be 3rd and long and a pass would be completed over the middle for like a 25 yd gain?? That happened multiple times in each game, that shouldn’t happen multiple times in a month, MLB needs to make that play and I’m sick of injuries being bradleys excuse. He is absolute crap in coverage and was helped by good safety play from dawkins, he is too slow to be an elite lb and might be too crappy in coverage to be an nfl starter. 4-3 is not a good scheme for linebackers you need 3 lance briggs in order to be where you want to be, and we have maybe 1 or 2 players in this unit with serious talent
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