Eagles could move CB Jordan Poyer to safety

The Eagles have been more down than up in their safety play this season. Despite the improved play of Nate Allen (yes, you read that correctly) and an added starter in Patrick Chung, the results have seemingly been the same for the unit that was continually torched last season. There are currently five safeties on the roster but only three of them are used for actual defensive playing time. Allen, Chung and rookie Earl Wolff have essentially been the only line-of-defense once a wide receiver or tight end breaks away from a cornerback or a linebacker.

The lack of talent at safety and perhaps the lack of a rotation at cornerback, has led the coaching staff to look for alternatives. Cornerback Jordan Poyer is one of those possible solutions. The former Oregon State Beaver has been asked about a position change to safety, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.  "After cuts he asked me if I ever played safety before," Poyer said. "He said that could be a position you should learn. I think the more positions I learn in this defense, it will just help me out in every other position I play."

Poyer played safety as a freshman in college and has the height and body frame that can easily add the weight to play the position in the pros. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, Poyer has the opportunity to get playing time with his versatility. While he may not make the move until next year, it could pay dividends for his NFL future.

Poyer currently plays a position that depends mostly on speed and that has been his Achilles heel. He was a turnover machine at Oregon State but failed to impress scouts at the Combine. After being selected in the seventh round, the preseason really showcased his lack of speed. Poyer's disadvantages in coverage have mostly kept him on the sideline, but his ability to tackle and hit after safety could lead to some major playing time next season.

More from Bleeding Green Nation:

• How ineffective is Riley Cooper as a starting wide receiver?
• The Linc - How will Eagles run game change with Nick Foles?
• Thursday Night Football Open Thread: New York Giants at Chicago Bears
• Brent Celek, Zach Ertz Should Produce against Bucs
• Buccaneers G Carl Nicks suffers reoccurence of staph infection