Philadelphia Sports

The 2019 Eagles Draft Encyclopedia: Linebackers Edition

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With the Combine completed, the free agency frenzy winding down and only Pro Days left before April’s NFL Draft, mock draft season will be ramping up to a peak over the coming weeks. To help make sense of it all, this series is designed to help you take a quick look at the best crop of available prospects for the Eagles. In this article, we’re taking stock of this year’s class of linebackers. As always, draft projections are never perfect, and even the most thorough analyses can let future Pro-Bowlers slip through the cracks. So, if you feel that I’ve missed someone, gotten it wrong, or would just like me to do a write-up of your favorite under-the-radar prospect, let me know in the comments below!

Following the trade for DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia holds seven selections. Including their haul of compensatory picks, their picks are as follows:

First Round Pick 25 (25)
Second Round Pick 21 (53) via Baltimore
Pick 25 (57)
Fourth Round Pick 25 (121)
Pick 42 (138) Compensatory Pick 42 (138) Compensatory
Fifth Round Pick 25 (163)
Sixth RoundPick 25 (197)

LINEBACKERS

Jordan Hicks is a Cardinal and despite resigning Paul Worrilow, the depth behind Nigel Bradham is troubling. Kamu Grugier-Hill showed some growth last season, but not enough to inspire confidence as a reliable full-time starter. Former Steeler L.J. Fort was a good addition, but we’ve yet to see how he’ll factor into the lineup. Even with Fort, the position group is aging and could certainly use an infusion of young talent. When Hicks was hurt last season Bradham manned the middle of the defense and looked good doing it. So the question is, do the Eagles add an outside linebacker and keep Bradham in the middle or add a middle linebacker and move him back to his original position? Some versatility couldn’t hurt.

The Eagles haven’t selected a backer in the first three rounds since acquiring Hicks in 2015. Personally, I would love to see the team add someone with an edge to bring some nastiness back to the defense. Understanding the immense talent this draft class has along the defensive line, linebacker is an underrated possibility for the team early on in April’s draft. Philadelphia really hasn’t drafted that many linebackers under the guidance of Howie Roseman, so it’s difficult to get a read on the exact prototype they use to evaluate prospects. However, there are definitely attributes required to fit into Jim Schwartz’ defensive scheme.

If there is one noteworthy commonality in Eagles’ selections at the linebacker position it’s instincts. Athleticism, size, and college production have been all over the map, but each selection has checked the football IQ box — even if it means converting a safety. Instincts are a requisite for Schwartz’ defense. With the defensive line in constant attack mode, the backers are left to clean up the mess. Often in dime and nickel packages, the defense also requires linebackers with coverage skills and some speed. Ten years ago, that might have been harder to find, but in the modern NFL speedy linebackers with coverage skills are the new go-to. Just like any position, Philadelphia will pass up physical traits for high-effort players.

Devin Bush Jr. – Michigan

Walter Football Rank: 2 (ILB)

CBS Rank: 2

DraftTek Rank: 2 (ILB)

Draft Wire Rank: 2

The Draft Network Rank: 2

Range: First Round

Size: 5’11”, 235 lbs

Breakdown: A smart, high effort, physical player with great zone coverage skills, Bush looks like he was built for the Eagles defense. Overall a very well-rounded prospect. He can play all three linebacker positions and has a good nose for the football. 

Pros: Great burst, change of direction and agility. Very fluid hips and can turn and run with faster tight ends and most running backs. Delivers some big hits because of closing speed. Competes on every play. Has good timing with rushes. Quick to diagnose and blow up screen plays. 

Cons: Has length limitations that affect him getting off blocks and shorten his tackle radius. Raw man coverage skills. Can overrun tackles and get fooled by fakes and false cues. 

How he fits: If the Eagles were to take a first-round linebacker, I would expect their primary target to be Bush. With the defensive line talent and other needs forcing teams before Philly to look at other positions, there is a good chance the Michigan product falls to 25. The question will be how Howie Roseman values linebacker as a premium selection. 

Signature play:

Vosean Joseph – Florida

Walter Football Rank: 9 (OLB)

CBS Rank: 7

DraftTek Rank: 3 (OLB)

Draft Wire Rank: 6

The Draft Network Rank: 6

Range: Second Round

Size: 6’0″, 227 lbs

Breakdown: An undersized, speedy backer with good pursuit skills from the back side and great ability in coverage, Joseph will have to prove he can bang with the big boys. He’s got great range and can be found all over the field, but will need some work on his processing. 

Pros: Plus athlete, speed and burst are some of the best in the class. Breaks on the football in the blink of an eye. True sideline-to-sideline defender. Times blitzes well to avoid engaging with interior linemen. Very good zone defender. Has the length to cover big, strong tight ends and the speed to blanket small, speedy backs. Can convert speed to lay a thump in tackling.

Cons: Flies all over the field, but sometimes without direction. Does not have the size to outmuscle linemen. Bites on double moves and man skills are still raw. Feel for the football will need some time to develop, will be a project. Consistency is all over the map, low-floor, high-ceiling prospect. Got in some trouble for off-field stuff at Florida, also dealt with ejections. 

How he fits: Joseph is a player with the skill set that entices teams to bet on his athleticism and hope he can develop a better feel for the nuances of the position. If the Eagles see Grugier-Hill, Worrilow or Fort as starters opposite Bradham than they could stash Vosean and let him learn for a year. They could certainly use his cover skills and range. I’m sure the draft staff will pick his brain to see how quickly he can develop the intellectual side of his play before making their selection. Talent wise, his second round grade reflects more on the class than on Joseph himself. The Eagles aren’t known for reaching for needs.  

Signature play:

https://twitter.com/DanDahlke86/status/1104497668305219584

Joe Giles-Harris – Duke

Walter Football Rank: 19 (ILB), 26 (OLB)

CBS Rank: 19

DraftTek Rank: 6 (ILB)

Draft Wire Rank: 11

The Draft Network Rank: 4

Range: Third Round

Size: 6’2″, 240 lbs

Breakdown: Giles-Harris is a highly intelligent player that relies more on his instincts and technique than on athleticism. He’s good in man and zone coverage is one of the best form tacklers in the draft and has a knack for breaking up runs. 

Pros: Instincts are incredible. Trusts his intuition and does not hesitate to break on the football. Patient does not oversell or bite on fakes. polished tackling technique rarely misses. Blitzes well, mostly wins with motor. Solid understanding of underneath coverage and has shown the ability to stick with man in coverage. 

Cons: Change of direction isn’t as smooth as other backers in the draft. Limited flexibility in his hips. Isn’t exactly fast, nor overly agile. Doesn’t make a whole lot of tackles in the backfield due to average burst. Tore his MCL in 2018. 

How he fits: A cerebral player with good instincts and high effort, Giles-Harris ticks all the boxes. It’s unfortunate, but the main factor holding back his draft stock may be that he played for Duke. He’s not a top athlete at the position, but he may be the smartest in this year’s class. He lacks the versatility that teams like to see and will definitely have to play in the middle. Still, he sounds like a Howie/Jim Schwartz kind of player to me. I would not be surprised to hear he was on the Eagles radar. He’s very similar to Jordan Hicks, including the injury concerns. 

Signature play:

Terrill Hanks – New Mexico State

Walter Football Rank: 8 (OLB)

CBS Rank: 6

DraftTek Rank: 6 (OLB)

Draft Wire Rank: 7

The Draft Network Rank: 9

Range: Third Round

Size: 6’2″, 235 lbs

Breakdown: Hanks moved from safety to linebacker in his senior year and is still getting acclimated to the position. Nevertheless, the background at safety shows. His instincts are generally correct when he trusts them and he is fluid and rangy in coverage. He’s been shooting up draft boards in the last two weeks.

Pros: High motor, high effort player. Fast sideline-to-sideline speed. Great ball skills, hard to fool in coverage. Aggressive tackler, loves to hit. Violent hands and can shock receivers in press. Instincts looked much improved at the Senior Bowl. 

Cons: Susceptible to run fakes and often takes the bait. Better in coverage than against the run. Gets overpowered when taking on blocks and can occasionally get caught up in traffic. Makes big tackles, but misses too often coming in high and hard. Still clearly learning the position. 

How he fits: A converted safety with good range and intriguing cover skills? This section could write itself. Not only does the skill set look like a missing puzzle piece for Schwartz’ defence, the Eagles got a good look at him hose receivers and running backs at the Senior Bowl (see below). Not having a third round pick makes the draft fit tricky. Hanks’ draft stock has been quickly rising, but will it be enough to justify a second round selection? 

Signature play:

Ben Burr-Kirven – Washington

Walter Football Rank: 22 (OLB)

CBS Rank: 15

DraftTek Rank: 15 (OLB)

Draft Wire Rank: 12

The Draft Network Rank: 11

Range: Third to Fourth Round

Size: 6’0″, 222 lbs

Breakdown: Burr-Kirven is an undersized hybrid outside linebacker/ safety who uses his instincts and suddenness to win coverage match ups and make plays on the football. He won’t win many battles with his size or strength, but he’s ultra competitive and won’t give up on the play.

Pros: Compete, compete, compete. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and outsmarts his opponents. Always around the football. Can sift through the trash and find the ball carrier. Quick strides with explosive step. Led the FBS with 176 total tackles in his senior year — 176. Causes fumbles with well timed punches (4 in 2018). Smart in coverage and was even tasked with covering slot receivers. Good push-pull move against tackles and tight ends. Leader of the Washington defence.  

Cons: Does not have the frame of an NFL linebacker. Some length limitations. Has some burst, but change of direction is not as fluid as you’d like from a guy his size. It’s not awful, just not sexy smooth. Not an imposing tackler and will lose 1-on-1 contests to bigger backs. Can be slow to diagnose, but chooses right most of the time and will get more comfortable. 

How he fits: He’s a great fit. This pick is all about the intelligence and cover skills. Burr-Kirven is versatile, quick and doesn’t make many mistakes. If the Eagles were to have a type, the Washington product would be a good bet. Sure, he’s undersized, but that didn’t stop Howie when drafting Nate Gerry. He definitely has the college production that the Eagles like to see in their draft selections. The reason for this production? He played behind a stout defensive line and was allowed to react and clean up the garbage — sound familiar? He would be a great pickup for Philly if he lasts until the fourth.

Signature play: Lined up on the outside:

T.J. Edwards – Wisconsin

Walter Football Rank: 6 (ILB)

CBS Rank: 8

DraftTek Rank: 7 (OLB)

Draft Wire Rank: 19

The Draft Network Rank: 15

Range: Third to Fourth Round

Size: 6’0″, 230 lbs

Breakdown: Edwards is a smart two-down middle linebacker with great instincts and fundamentals. He’s fantastic against the run, but will have to prove he can cover in the NFL. 

Pros: Very quick processor. Diagnoses accurately and makes timely breaks on the football. Rarely bites on fakes. Hard worker, willing tackler with good form. Physical when taking on blocks. Intelligent enough to make plays in zone coverage, but range is small. Made plenty of interceptions reading the quarterback’s eyes. Pretty spectacular hands for a middle linebacker.

Cons: Tight mover, lateral movement and change of direction both limited. Not an outstanding athlete overall. Short armed. Doesn’t have overly active feet. Won’t be able to man cover. Struggles to cover in space. More of a liability the further back he is from the line of scrimmage. 

How he fits: Edwards projects best as an interior linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. However, his football IQ will move the needle for Howie and co. He was the first Butkus Award finalist in Wisconsin history and his play shows flashes of why that is. His athleticism will hold him back in the pros, but if he can maximize his frame and work on some hip flexibility he’s got a chance to be an impact player. His mind is NFL ready and he won’t make many mistakes; that’s what you look for in a rotational middle linebacker. 

Signature play:

Drue Tranquill – Notre Dame

Walter Football Rank: 13 (ILB), 23 (OLB)

CBS Rank: 11

DraftTek Rank: 20 (OLB)

Draft Wire Rank: 5

The Draft Network Rank: 8

Range: Fourth to Fifth Round

Size: 6’2″, 233 lbs

Breakdown: Tranquill is a very physical converted safety with good understanding of coverage. He’s very smart and has a ton of experience. He also has a troubling injury history.

Pros: Nasty finisher. Successful blitzer from all over the formation. Strong, aggressive hands with good technique for getting off blocks. Savvy in both man and zone coverage. Disciplined in run support. Sets a strong edge. Captain at Notre Dame and winner of community service award.

Cons: Not very burst-y. Change of direction is limited. Still learning the linebacker position, but intelligence has helped him adjust quickly. Will struggle to cover in space due to lack of quick twitch. Not a sudden reactor. Two ACL injuries in successive seasons — the second occurred while celebrating. Will be a 24-year-old rookie.

How he fits: He’s had great production when he can stay on the field. If he had a clean bill of health his draft projection may be very different. His path to the league has been similar to Cowboys’ Jaylon Smith, but he does not have the same kind of special athleticism. However, the Eagles have taken chances on players with medical history before and could steal away one of the more NFL-ready players if they’re willing to roll the dice with Tranquill. The experience at safety is an added bonus. 

Signature play:

Dakota Allen – Texas Tech

Walter Football Rank: 20 (ILB)

CBS Rank: 23

DraftTek Rank: 12 (ILB)

Draft Wire Rank: 28

The Draft Network Rank: 22

Range: Fourth to Sixth Round

Size: 6’1″, 232 lbs

Breakdown: We all know Allen from Last Chance U and it turns out he’s actually a pretty great football player. One of the hottest names to watch, he has let his play do the talking in 2018. He’s a cerebral player with good athleticism and his zone coverage shines on tape. 

Pros: Good feel for the football. Dependable tackler. Has great closing speed. Hustle and heart are a premium trait. Sideline to sideline defender when he can avoid blocks. Great motor. Fantastic feel in zone coverage, although can get married to a route. 

Cons: Has to split blocks to be effective in traffic. Limited move set and smaller frame keep him on truly going toe-to-toe with linemen. Has to do a better job of recognizing blocking schemes. He will bite on fakes and misdirection. Off field history was documented in Last Chance U; although to his credit, he stayed clean in his second go at Texas Tech. 

How he fits: Simpy because of his background, he’s a popular pick for almost every team in every mock draft. However, he is truly a good fit for the Eagles defence. He’ll have to settle his feet and learn to be patient, but when he is allowed a free release on the football he’s electric. Allen would get plenty of opportunities to do just that behind Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson. He’s already shown how good he can be in zone coverage and his athletic profile should permit him to man cover as well. Reality is that the former reality star may get over-drafted simply because of the draft hype. I do not expect the Eagles to be one of the teams that falls for it. 

Signature play:

https://twitter.com/barstoolttu/status/911623871928905728

Dre Greenlaw – Arkansas

Walter Football Rank: 27 (OLB)

CBS Rank: 34

DraftTek Rank: 21 (OLB)

Draft Wire Rank: –

The Draft Network Rank: 28

Range: Fifth to Seventh Round. 

Size: 5’11”, 237 lbs

Breakdown: Greenlaw is a speedy backer with flashes of incredible football IQ. He’s a four-year starter but doesn’t always look like one. Still, he finds himself around the football simply by running his butt off. 

Pros: True speed. Flies around the field. Bursts out of his first few steps and closes on the football quickly. Fluid athlete. Good change of direction and agility. Solid in the open field. 

Cons: Inconsistent tackler. Misses a lot. Does not invite contact. Hesitates on reads to avoid taking on blockers. Not very aggressive nor physical. More of a lateral defender than downhill. Some injury history. 

How he fits: Greenlaw is a project, there’s no way around it. However, his athleticism would be a rare find in the late rounds. Not many people can fly around like he does at 235+ pounds. He could be superb on special teams and earn minutes as he sits and learns. 

Signature play: Just look at the way he moves:

Gary Johnson – Texas

Walter Football Rank: –

CBS Rank: 22

DraftTek Rank: 13 (OLB)

Draft Wire Rank: 14

The Draft Network Rank: 27

Range: Fifth to Seventh Round

Size: 6’0″, 225 lbs

Breakdown: Johnson is a very fast, sudden athlete. He can be slow to react and doesn’t always trust his instincts, but has a good motor and can be found all over the field. 

Pros: Great motor. Explosive player and a big hitter. Will wallop backs when allowed a free release. Really quick out first step and great speed (4.43). Times blitzes well and closes on the quarterback in a hurry. Sideline to sideline defender when he can avoid traffic. 

Cons: Linear athlete, not fluid in his change of direction. Tight hips limit his mobility. Has the speed to keep up with running backs, but not the agility or change of direction. Struggles to get off blocks. Gets caught up in the trash. Angles are sometimes sloppy and will overrun tackles. Can forget to wrap up.  Instincts and football IQ are average. 

How he fits: Johnson is a work in progress but has some special athleticism that would be a welcome addition to the Eagles’ linebacker group. His ability in coverage may cause Howie to shy away, but with some work, he has the speed and burst to keep pace with anyone. The suddenness he shows when shooting gaps will be the reason Philadelphia considers this pick. He should carry reasonable value despite being one of the fastest linebackers at the combine. 

Signature play:

Final Analysis

Will the Eagles Draft a linebacker? Here’s hoping so. I’m still not sold on the idea that Howie will address the position early in the draft, but they would be silly to leave it unattended to. 

What Round? Seeing all the talent that should be left on the board after the first and second rounds, it’s possible the Eagles leave it to the fourth round to draft a linebacker. I think they’re plenty content with letting Fort, Grugier-Hill and Worrilow battle it out for snaps while a young playmaker develops behind them. Maybe watching Jordan Hicks leave for greener pastures (money is green after all) will be enough to force the front office’s hand. A top talent at the position would be a welcome addition, but that hasn’t stopped the Birds from drafting BPA for the last half-decade . . . century? I am not impervious to the hype of what a Devin Bush Jr.-type player could bring to the defense, but I just cannot help thinking that this will be another year that the Eagles undervalue the linebacker position. 

 Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

About the Author

Morgan Burkett

5-year Sportswriter for PSN. Co-Host of Flippin’ The Birds Podcast. Defensive Coach at the University of Waterloo.

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