Eagles really count on linebacker youth

Philadelphia Eagles the training camp is around the corner … maybe? Players are currently scheduled to report to the NovaCare complex later this month. As we count the days together, Bleeding Green Nation will preview each position on the Eagles list. We continue today by taking a look at the linebackers’ bodies. Previously: Strategist | Come back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Offensive line | Defensive end | Defensive tackle.

NATHAN GERRY

Gerry 620’s defensive snaps in 2019 were second behind only 717 by Nigel Bradham at the position. With the latter party, Gerry is on track to be the Eagles’ second linebacker in 2020. Gerry is something of a polarizing player … from a fan perspective, at least. He made a few games last year: five quarter hits, five defensive assists, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, one defensive touchdown. But he also ended up as one of the worst linebackers in the league with failures on 29% of his attempts, which placed him third in the NFL. No matter what you or I think about Gerry, the Philly coaching staff really seem to like him. The 25-year-old was praised for his intelligence and athletic ability. Gerry has experience calling the defense and I imagine he will continue to do so this year. It’s a great season for Gerry as the fifth round pick of 2017 will be a free agent in March. He is playing for his next contract.

TJ EDWARDS

Edwards has quietly had a promising rookie season. Pro Football Focus specifically noted that the 2019 free rookie free agent stood out as a race advocate. The Eagles seem to believe that Edwards is ready to play a bigger role in the second year. He has yet to prove that he can really resist pass coverage, but the team appreciates the way he is assigned and instinctive. It’s also worth mentioning that Edwards has had 10 interceptions in three years in Wisconsin although he doesn’t have the best combination of size and athleticism. It will be interesting to see if Edwards can become one of the two main linebackers or if he is able to be more of a rotation player.

DUKE RILEY

Riley is well positioned to be on the Eagles list in 2020 after initially joining the team via commerce last September. The former Atlanta Falcons third-round pick ended the 2019 season as captain of the Eagles’ special teams. He could very well resume this role this year. There is also an internal thought that it might be better suited to Philly’s defensive system than the Seattle-based system in which he played under Dan Quinn. The Eagles appreciate Riley’s athleticism. He could be used in the old role of Kamu Grugier-Hill (playing about a third of the defensive shots) if he doesn’t create a bigger one.

JATAVIS BROWN

Brown comes to the Eagles with a minimum contract after recording 23 starts in 56 games with the San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers. A film outage by my BGN Radio co-host Jimmy Kempski shows that Brown really had a hard time in 2019. This sentiment matches what a Chargers writer told BGN about Brown and others’ bad fight . The athleticism, play experience, and abilities of Brown’s special teams might make it interesting, but he doesn’t have a lock to stay. He will have to earn his place in the team.

DAVION TAYLOR

The Eagles selected Taylor to # 103 overall in the 2020 NFL draft. It seems unlikely that the 21-year-old will be a significant contributor as a rookie. Taylor is already inexperienced to begin with and now he also faces a shortened offseason. Taylor is still one of those undersized but athletic linebackers that the Eagles cherish. Its long-term potential is intriguing, but it doesn’t plan to provide much help as a short-term solution, except for special teams.

SHAUN BRADLEY

Bradley has been selected 93 times after Taylor in this year’s draft, but the former may in fact be ready to see the field earlier. Bradley is not as athletic as his rookie linebacker, but he is a bit taller and more experienced. Bradley plans to be a replacement assuming he wins a spot on the list. The Temple student will also assist special teams.

ALEX SINGLETON

Singleton shone during the 2019 preseason. The Eagles kept the former CFL star on their training team before promoting him to the main lineup. The unstable nature of the Eagles linebackers’ body gives Singleton a chance to win some hard work … if not more. But the potential lack of preparatory games could affect his chances of proving himself.

DANTE OLSON

The Eagles paid Olson the lowest security of their 13 unwritten free agent signings. Again, the fact that the Eagles are thin to linebacker gives him at least a theoretical chance to stay. But the odds are against the Montana product.

The Eagles seem pretty skinny to the linebacker. Not only when it comes to starting talent but also depth. This is probably their weakest position. This reality is not entirely accidental. The Eagles clearly do not place as much importance on linebackers as some other teams.

The Eagles really count on their youth to progress in this place. Look at this age distribution:

Gerry – 25
Edwards – 23
Riley – 25
Brown – 26
Taylor – 21
Bradley – 23
Singleton – 26
Olson – 23

Brown and Singleton are the most senior options and they aren’t even locks for being on the team.

The feeling here is that Gerry will have the most linebacker shots in 2020. Edwards may be right behind him, but doesn’t entirely rule out Riley intervening there. Brown is in the mix for spinning play time. Barring injury, Taylor and Bradley are required to contribute primarily to special teams.

Brown would be a notable break since the Eagles signed it relatively early in free agency. He may be the next veteran linebacker not to stay at Philly. Previously in this mold: Corey Nelson, LJ Fort, Zach Brown.

Bradley would also be a noticeable cut since the Eagles used it, but he may be considered for the training team.

One can only wonder if the Eagles could still sign another veteran for this position.