NFL Draft 2012: Possible LB Targets Outside Of Round One

ESPN's Todd McShay has the Eagles taking Boston College LB Luke Kuechly in his first mock draft, saying that "Kuechly's ability to locate the ball, get off blocks and finish the play with sound tackling would strengthen a mediocre Eagles run defense."

But what if the Eagles don't take a LB in round one? After all, they've never done it under Andy Reid. ESPN's draft blog points out that there are plenty of interesting targets that could be had with the Eagles slew of later round picks.

Audie Cole, NC State (60)
Cole doesn't anchor as well as Kuechly, but, at 6-4 and 243 pounds, he has the frame to improve in that area, and he flashes ability to stay off blocks. Add in above-average instincts and Cole projects as a late-fourth- or early-fifth-round pick.

Emmanuel Acho, Texas (53)
Although he could shed blocks quicker, Acho is strong for his size (6-2, 237) and can hold his own in a phone booth. He also has good range, but he's not a great athlete and will need to be protected in coverage.

Jerry Franklin, Arkansas (50)
The most consistent tackler on this list, Franklin wraps up and drives through the ball carrier. He also has shown the ability to stack and shed blockers. The reason he doesn't grade out as highly as the other two is a lack of ideal instincts.