Scouts Inc. On Eagles Offseason Needs
In a piece for ESPN Insider, Scouts Inc's Gary Horton detailed the top 3 offseason needs for every team. Unlike a lot of these type of lists so far this year, Horton didn't make the mistake of thinking the Eagles only hole at LB was in the middle.
1. Middle linebacker: After the experiment with Casey Matthews at middle linebacker went badly, the Eagles looked to 2010 seventh-round pick Jamar Chaney. He had a team-high 92 tackles but was often exposed in the middle of Jim Washburn's wide-nine defensive line style. They need a middle linebacker who can hold up at the point of attack.
2. Outside linebacker: Both starting outside linebackers (Akeem Jordan and Brian Rolle) are serviceable special-teams players at best. The Eagles need to find some players who can stack and shed blockers in the run game while not being a liability in the pass game. They haven't drafted an outside linebacker in the first two rounds since 2005.
The third need he mentioned was offensive line, both guard and tackle mostly for depth. It's actually one I agree with. At this point, King Dunlap is the only viable backup the Eagles have at virtually any position along the line. I'm assuming the likes of Jamaal Jackson and Winston Justice will gone, so the depth will really need to be restocked for the next few seasons.
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I think people know that 2 LB spots need to change, Horton’s the first one off the top of my head that thinks Rolle should be replaced too since it seems like most people would have no problem if he came back since he didn’t suck last year
The Legend
Rolle could be last year’s Chaney. A lot of us like his potential, but he did not do as well as people seem to think. He got exposed a lot at the end of the season. He’s a good back up, and has the potential to up his game with a full off season as a starter. Jury is still out.
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Feb 22, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Rolle is OK
but he’s not ideal at all. He didn’t really do any game changing plays. I know he had the TD and a sack or two, but the huge tackle, or the fumble recovery or forced fumble. That’s what we need in the LB crew at least one guy that can make an impact play now and then. Knock the ball out, tip a pass over the middle so it can be intercepted or intercept it himself or knife through the line and make a tackle for loss. We need just a LB that can do this once in a while, our LB aren’t even consistent at anything right now.
Honestly the whole "Keep Rolle because he didn't suck" mindset is stupid.
Sure he didn’t suck, sure he didn’t have to many mistakes.. Just because he produces moderately and doesn’t stand out in a negative manner doesn’t mean he was good.
Rolle’s not bad, he’s serviceable at best but for how long?
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.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Jaiquawn Jarrett
Was Jarrett a 2nd round bust? Or is it too early to tell?
Too early to tell right now
But I wouldn’t be surprised if it turns out that way. I didn’t mind picking Jarrett, just not that early.
Formerly macjack09
"truTV is like BET for white folks." - Chuck
"Brian Dawkins is always 100% Eagles related."--macjack09 & BGN Nation
Yea, for the most he looked lost on the field. Maybe our new db coach can help with that.
I know he’s a big hitter but I do question his speed.
by EaglesNeedD on Feb 22, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
BTW I hate Coleman
He’s the reason people think Cruz burned Nnamdi!
by EaglesNeedD on Feb 22, 2012 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
See, I like Coleman. I think with the new coach, he could be the SS starter.
Jarrett is just too early to tell with his bust tag. He didnt play in many games, and not enough games that mattered. This offseason will speak volumes for our secondary. I have high hopes (trying not to make them expectations) for our secondary this year.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 22, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
I have high hopes as well
I think last offseason, or lack there of really hurt Jarret. This coming offseason, hitting the weights, getting in the film room and playbook will make a huge difference for all three of our young safties I think.
Well, a rookie with no offseason at all will tend to look lost. It happened to a lot of guys.
I want to take a second look at all these guys this year.
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I'd give him a break,
No offseason his rookie year. This is his season to shine, if he’s going to. A bad 2012? Bust.
by UnclaimedFright on Feb 22, 2012 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
Rolle Straight!
Eagles good at week side! U don’t need a Beast as far as size in the wide nine. First and most important, must be able to shed blockers in traffic…its a major plus don’t get me wrong to have a triple threat!?!?! run stopper, coverage, and pass rusher…
by pragit on Feb 22, 2012 10:49 AM EST via Android app reply actions
Here's a thought
All of the needs we have can be pretty easily addressed through free agency. Maybe we’ll use the top few picks on skills players, instead?
"Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body."
― Seneca
**grrrrrr**
i would rather draft than take someone in free agency any day of the week. However, in this instance, I would prefer one vet to help the rookies out. But both inside and outside LB need to be addressed this offseason.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 22, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, because Reid never misses on a defensive draft pick.
Give me a good free agent signing to fix a hole on a team that’s a heartbeat away.
I would like to thank my hands for being so great, for allowing me to type this post.
by corn on the kolb on Feb 22, 2012 12:11 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I would say bring in Tulloch and Luke, let them compete for the job. But dont stop there, bring in a 3rd rder for outside to compete, and maybe even another one too. Ideally, I would like to see 3 LBs drafted this year. But Luke is a must IMO.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 22, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
Completely agree having having Tulloch and Kuechly compete for the MIKE position.
LK is a must for us he is always in the right spot he disects plays so quickly.
There is no doubt we will probably draft our SAM and competition for WILL as well.
If we ended up drafting Luke Kuechly in the 1st and Zach Brown in the 2nd I would do cartwheels.
by Almightypudster on Feb 22, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
If we ended up drafting Luke Kuechly in the 1st and Zach Brown in the 2nd I would do cartwheels.
Me too!
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 22, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Hell if we grabbed Zach Brown late in the 1st (trading back into the first)
then I’d be happy as hell….
I think we should go ahead and add Hawthorne, draft Luke, once Luke overtakes move Hawthorne to SAM and then find somebody like Erin Henderson to compete at WILL.
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.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
I wouldn't have an issue with this unless
we’re paying Tulloch to much, I do think that it’d be better if we replace Tulloch with somebody like Hawthorne so when Luke would eventually overtake we could just slide Hawthorne over to SAM and have an even better group.
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.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
I honestly think safety is a bigger concer as opposed to offensive line. We need depth on the line, but we need a starter at safety. I know it sounds ludicrous, but I don’t think we have a starter with Jarret or Coleman…and maybe not even Allen.
"If I can get you to think twice, I'm in your head."
-Brian Dawkins
The SOPA and PIPA bills must be eradicated! Contact your local Representative and/or Senator. Spread the word! NO CENSORSHIP OF THE INTERNET!
i’m still hoping for a allen jarret combo in the future. Coleman got benched for a reason this year.
by phillyfan330 on Feb 22, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
And came back and played well
Soooo…..what was your point?
Agreed. Our defense looked like a horseshoe last year, and there are still question marks at safety. Will Allen step it up now that he’s had more time to fully heal? Is Jarrett able to become a starter?
Coleman is fine as a depth guy, but really isn’t be a starter.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
a lot of weight riding on Bowles.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 22, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
I think that’s a good thing. The only unit on defense that lived up to expectations last year was the only one that Juan didn’t touch. Hopefully, Bunny will get the same autonomy as Washburn did.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
You know, a lot of people rag on Andy Reid but ... a lot of other coaches WANT to work with him.
Think about the luxury of having some of the highly regarded coaches we do….
Bobby April, Howard Mudd, Jim Washburn, Marty Morninwheg, and now Bowles. Pretty amazing when you think about it. Not to mention we have some of the best coaches for developing quarterbacks as well.
Dont worry, I wasnt going to mention Castillo (yet) or Duce Staley… hahaha!
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 22, 2012 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
Duce Staley worked with McCoy, seems he have done a good job.
by Anders Jensen on Feb 22, 2012 7:00 PM EST up reply actions
I'm embarrassed
watching people call rookies busts just makes me embarrassed for you. Rookies who barely saw the field, and you’re ready to call their careers over.
Oh my god! It’s slap_bet!
"If I can get you to think twice, I'm in your head."
-Brian Dawkins
The SOPA and PIPA bills must be eradicated! Contact your local Representative and/or Senator. Spread the word! NO CENSORSHIP OF THE INTERNET!
You're gonna love my nuts

AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
It's silly to do any year
But after last it’s doubly so.
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Players who the jury is still out on IMO
Graham injury
Allen injury
Jarret rookie
Matthews rookie
Rolle rookie
Kelce rookie even though he played well
Watkins rookie- played well toward the end but still didnt look “dominant” or relaxed.
I wont include NA or DRC because i think they can be attributed to a new team and terrible position coach. Or they both just suck but hey depends how you view the glass.
Moving Keenan Clayton to SS?
I know it’s an experiment. But Tommy Lawlor mentioned it not too long ago.
With Nate Allen 100% he is the clear cut starting FS.
But SS is up for grabs will Jarrett step up Coleman is a great backup but he is not the answer at SS.
We need to pickup a veteran safety in free agency.
by Almightypudster on Feb 22, 2012 11:54 AM EST reply actions
I would welcome it
Guy looks like a physical specimen and can cover. Also didnt he run the fastest 40 for a LB at the combine his year?
think you
Are both right, they came out in different years so both could have been the fastest their respective years.
by ChillBillinChina on Feb 22, 2012 9:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Go grab Landry?
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.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Wishing..........
It was October already.
It's never easy being an Eagle fan........but I'll be damned if I ever stop !
We don't need the best players at every position,
we need players that play their best , at every position.
or April.
"Obviously, I lobbied for him to be here. But what a difference a year makes." -- Donovan McNabb
by thePurpleLion on Feb 22, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
let's face it
the eagles need LB help…
serious LB help
and damnit.. we missed santa by this much!
by milroyigglesfan on Feb 22, 2012 7:59 PM EST reply actions
I'm not sold on Luke Kuechly.
I’ll tell you why. I think if we brought in Spags it would of been a no brainer to draft this kid. But you have to understand this kid is a product of good coaching and play calling. With Juan all of our LB’s looked like shit. For example Chaney did a good job filling in for Bradley, then came Juan and Chaney just looked awful.
I feel Juan does not have what it takes to help him develope.
I still believe Casey Matthews is a beast regardless to last season.
I also wonder how many LB’s in the 2012 draft are great but looked awful because of poor play calling. Fletcher in FA & Michael Floyd 1st round pick.
I disagree
I think it would be a mistake to not pick a player because of a coach’s ability. The Eagles have no first round talent at linebacker and it shows, so if the top college linebacker is still available at 15, I say take him.
by axman54 on Feb 23, 2012 4:17 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

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