The Eagles need at linebacker really depends on how good Devin White is. If he is at his best they don't really need another linebacker. They'll have their three-down stud LB to build the unit around.
The issue is if he isn't they will once again be looking for a replacement next offseason, continuing the cycle of a new LB every year. This draft has some intriguing options, but it isn't a great linebacker class overall. It is very unlikely the Eagles take an LB at 22, but depending on how the board falls, there could be interesting options in the 2nd round.
2024 Eagles NFL Draft Preview: Interior OL
2024 Eagles NFL Draft Preview: Offensive Tackle
2024 Eagles NFL Draft Preview: Cornerback
2024 Eagles NFL Draft Preview: Edge Rusher
2024 Eagles NFL Draft Preview: Defensive Tackle
2024 Eagles NFL Draft Preview: Safeties
Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M: Checks every box physically at LB in today’s NFL. Long body, elite speed, can play man coverage vs. TEs. Good at dropping into zone coverage. Great blitzer and makes plays. 8 sacks last year and 17 TFL. Good instincts against the run. Tackling is only OK. 22 years old. Reminds me of Devin White in that he is a downhill athlete who moves 100 MPH.
Payton Wilson, LB, NC State: Also checks every box for the ideal body at LB in today’s NFL. Long body, fastest 40 at combine among LB, pretty good in coverage. Good instincts in zone. Great against the run and a very good tackler. 10 sacks/30 TFL last two years. The issue? He has major injury concerns, with multiple knee and shoulder surgeries. Add in that he is almost 24-years old and his stock will suffer despite being a great football player.
Junior Colson, Michigan: Not a great athlete and likely can't play man coverage. Seems like an old-school middle linebacker. Good football IQ for still being somewhat new to the game. 0 penalties in 2023. Only 21-years old. Great tackler.
Trevin Wallace, Kentucky: One of the better athletes at LB in the draft. Great height/length/speed (4th best 40 at NFL Combine). Just a very raw prospect that still struggles with his instincts. Gets fooled often, but with coaching he has all the tools. Has man-coverage potential.
Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson: He is basically Nakobe Dean. Excellent football IQ, is in the right spot, good tackler. Limited athletically like Dean. The physical measurables between Dean and Trotter are all very close. Will be an NFL player but not an option in the first few rounds.
Marissa Liufau, Notre Dame: Plays downhill and trusts his instincts to make big plays against run, blitzing or on screens. Not great dropping back into coverage. Physical attitude vs. blockers. 23 years old.
Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State: Two-time captain. Old school linebacker. Elite against run, bad in pass coverage.
Jordan Magee, Temple: Was ranked best athlete at LB in the draft by NFLcom, but not ideal size. Aggressive on the field in trusting his instincts, but they aren’t always great.
Cedric Gray, UNC: Good athlete that has the tools for man coverage. Decent against the run. Always around the ball.
Most Popular
Comments / 0