The linebackers were solid last year under Chip Kelly but they were mainly pass rushers, so several switched to defensive end. These linebackers are deceptively some of the best and most promising in the NFL. With position changes and new additions, the Eagles Linebackers will be even better this year.
Eagles Linebackers Projections
Starting Outside linebacker one
Mychal Kendricks: Kendricks played inside last year but will be switching to the outside this season. Switching to the outside will allow rookie phenom, Jordan Hicks to jump back into the inside role he had last year before his tragic pectoral injury. Kendricks is solid in coverage with 19 passes defended and three interceptions. He doesn’t have a lot of tackles compared to some other linebackers, but that’s a product of the 3-4 system. He’s a spectacular tackler and his tackle stats will take a jump this upcoming season.
Starting Outside linebacker two
Nigel Bradham: This season’s new edition is off to a rough start off the field, as he was just charged with assault in Miami. However, it’s impossible to guess if he’ll face any punishment from the NFL for now. He had a career-best 104 tackles in 2014 the season when Jim Schwartz was the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator. He’ll jump right back into that role this upcoming season (barring punishment). He isn’t as good in coverage as Mychal Kendricks, but he’ll do
He’ll be a nice fit this season. Hopefully, there will be little to no suspension from the NFL.
Starting Middle linebacker
Jordan Hicks: The rookie hit the ground running with his first start and he didn’t stop until his pectoral injury in week 9 (but not before getting a pick-six off Matt Cassel). He was a tackling machine during his five starts racking up 50 tackles. He also recorded two interceptions. Hopefully this year he’ll be around all season. He’s quick too, which will help make adjustments, as he needs to cover more ground in the 4-3.
Backups
Najee Goode: Najee Goode isn’t spectacular or even that good, but he’d be okay in a pinch. He’s doing okay at just about everything. If all goes well, we won’t see any of him outside of the occasional sub in or garbage time action during the regular season.
Joe Walker: Walker has a lot of potential. He has solid tackle mechanics, and he led Oregon in tackles last year. At 6’2 and 234 pounds, he has an issue that is almost identical to the one Kiko Alonso had last year; he’s a bit small for an inside linebacker, and not good enough to play safety. He does have decent coverage ability for a linebacker, and that trait will help him out.Hopefully, he gets some rotational and garbage time this season to show what he can do.
Wild Card
Stephen Tulloch: Tulloch isn’t on the team right now, but there is definitely a need for depth at linebacker, and he’s familiar with Jim Schwartz. With a potential suspension for Bradham, or, less likely, he’s released, Tulloch makes a lot of sense. He’d very easily be slotted into the starting lineup and produce very well in that role. He may fill the role of veteran leadership. No matter what, keep an eye on Tulloch.
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