Breaking down the Philadelphia Eagles linebacker depth
As the 2017 NFL season creeps closer, it’s time to start looking at the strengths and weaknesses of the Philadelphia Eagles roster.
General Manager Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles brass made an obvious decision when they added defenders in the 2017 NFL Draft. Derek Barnett at defensive end, Sidney Jones and Rasul Douglas at corner, Elijah Qualls at defensive tackle and Nathan Gerry, a safety out of Nebraska. Roseman and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz selected Nathan Gerry to play linebacker this season.
The 2017 Eagles linebacking core will look very similar to 2016, per ourlads.com, the Eagles will start Jordan Hicks at middle linebacker, Nigel Bradham at strong side linebacker and Mychal Kendricks starting at weak side linebacker.
The biggest question mark for the 2017 Eagles linebackers is will they have enough man power to last a full 16 game season. Right now, the Philadelphia Eagles virtually have no depth at one of their strongest positions. Behind Hicks, Bradham and Kendricks the Eagles currently have 6 other linebackers on the roster with a combined 1 career start under their belt.
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Of course injuries are a certainty in today’s NFL and it’s not like the group of Eagles have been iron men throughout their careers. When you look at the three starters; Hicks, Bradham and Kendricks, combined they have played 12 seasons. Hicks and Bradham are the only two players who have completed a full 16 games with one season each.
So what do the Eagles do about their lack of linebacker depth? There is no sense in hoping your linebackers don’t suffer any injuries. The most likely scenario is that Jim Schwartz was impressed with the rookie Nathan Gerry and is planning on molding him from a safety at college, to a do it all linebacker that he can plug and play at all three linebacker spots, if anyone was to get injured.
With the limited cap space the Eagles have right now it is unlikely that GM Howie Roseman is looking for a veteran linebacker on the free agent market. If there is an injury, one name to keep in mind is DeAndre Levy, who is coming off an injury in 2016. Jim Schwartz is very familiar with him due to his time with the Detroit Lions when he was the head coach.
Next: Projected 53-man Eagles roster
Don’t expect an off-season signing anytime soon as the Eagles have their three starters and are pressed to the salary cap limit. If an injury is sustained and Gerry isn’t ready to step in and start, DeAndre Levy may be a name to keep in mind as he can come in and fill the hole left at linebacker.