April 25, 2016
Jonathan Bachman/AP
Linebacker depth is a glaring need for the Eagles heading into the 2016 NFL Draft.
After signing Nigel Bradham in free agency this offseason, the Eagles' starters at linebacker are set. However, they have next to nothing in terms of depth. Here's how I would project their depth chart at linebacker:
| SAM | MIKE | WILL |
| Nigel Bradham | Jordan Hicks | Mychal Kendricks |
| Brandon Hepburn | Deontae Skinner | Najee Goode |
Jordan Hicks was a steal in the 2015 NFL Draft, but he slid to the third round because of his injury history. Obviously, last season, after a brilliant start to his rookie season, he was lost for the year with a torn pectoral muscle.
Meanwhile, both Mychal Kendricks and Nigel Bradham have missed seven games over the last two years.
If the Eagles were to lose a linebacker or two, they'd be in big trouble. You can bet they'll be in on linebackers in the draft, and maybe higher than some are projecting.
Here are five linebackers who might make sense in the 2016 NFL Draft:
Jones doesn't have good size, but he does have good speed, a little thump in his game, and excellent cover skills. In that sense, he can be a three-down linebacker in the NFL, although you may have to use him creatively. He is also a guy who can contribute on special teams from Day 1.
At the Combine, Jones ran a 4.59 40, which is good, but certainly not eye-popping. At his pro day, he ran a ridiculous 4.38.
LSU LB Deion Jones had an off-the-charts pro day yesterday. Was clocked in 4.38 and 4.42 seconds in 40. https://t.co/O21mLj0pA2
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) March 15, 2016
There's a big difference in 4.59 and 4.38, obviously. Is LSU's track on a 10 degree decline? It would be a mild surprise if Jones lasted until the Eagles' pick in the third round, but if he does, he could be good value there.
Draft projection: Second-Third round
Schobert finished his season with 10 sacks as an edge rusher in Wisconsin's defense, but at 6'2, 236, he's probably going to have to transition to a 4-3 linebacker in the NFL.
Schobert is a good athlete, so I don't foresee that being an issue. Against Iowa last season, he nearly single-handedly wrecked the second half of the game, when he had 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, several additional knockdowns, and he killed the QB while throwing, which led to a pick. This is worth your time:
Schobert would be good value in the fifth round.
Draft projection: Fourth round
The Eagles gave Kwiatkowski a little extra attention at the Senior Bowl, and then they reportedly met with him at West Virginia's pro day. And then they had him in for a pre-draft visit to the NovaCare Complex. Obviously, the Eagles have interest. Over the last three seasons, Kwiatkowski has racked up 275 tackles, with good pass breakup numbers in 2015 from his linebacker spot:
| Nick Kwiatkowski | Tackles | Sacks | FF | PBU |
| 2013 | 86 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 | 103 | 0.5 | 0 | 4 |
| 2015 | 86 | 3 | 1 | 7 |
| TOTAL | 275 | 5.5 | 3 | 11 |
Kwiatkowski played safety in high school, and then all three linebacker spots as well as special teams for the Mountaineers. That versatility could make him a mid- to late-round target as a versatile reserve linebacker. He is also a physical tackler, which was a common theme from the acquisition the Eagles made in free agency for Jim Schwartz's defense.
Draft projection: Fourth-Fifth round
In 2013, Daniels finished third on his team with 88 tackles. In 2014, he was second with 72 tackles. And in 2015, he led the Eagles' defense with 82 tackles.
Daniels will not wow anyone with his measurables, as he is only 5'11, and he ran a 4.86 40 at the NFL Combine. Daniels' spider chart:
Bleh. However, much like some of the defenders the Eagles have brought in to play in Jim Schwartz's defense this offseason, Daniels can thump:
Daniels could be a late-round fit to play behind Jordan Hicks at the MIKE spot.
Draft projection: Sixth round
Here's Morrison's overview, via Dane Brugler of CBS:
Arguably the most intense player at the college level, Morrison wasn't supposed to play the first half of the 2015 season due to a serious knee injury in the Gators' bowl game last January. He was expected to miss 10-12 months, but was back on the field in only six months and has played at a very high level as a senior.
Do yourself a favor and just watch Morrison's game against Ole Miss, and you'll see what Brugler is talking about when he says he's an intense player. I mean, watch this crazy bastard throw his body around. He's in on everything:
Sooooo... How is he available in the seventh round in this scenario? Well, he ran a 5.1 40 at his pro day, which is going to raise huge concerns about a serious knee injury Morrison suffered in 2014. While he came back to play in 2015, Morrison did not have the same speed.
But in the sixth or seventh round? Hell yes. Just stick him on special teams and let him destroy people. Also, Howie #GatorBias.
Draft Projection: Sixth round
