By: Steve Johnson
Offense predictions can be found here
DE (5)- Trent Cole, Jason Babin, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Phillip Hunt
Brandon Graham has one more year to prove that he was worth the 13th overall pick, he will get every shot for that in training camp. Vinny Curry was the Eagles 2nd round pick this year, and he will fit perfectly into the Eagles wide 9 defense. Phillip Hunt will compete with Daryl Tapp for the last DE position. Hunt surprised everyone by making the team last year with his relentless motor.
DT (5)- Mike Patterson, Cullen Jenkins, Antonio Dixon, Fletcher Cox, Derek Landri
The Eagles like to rotate their DTs, which is why they moved up in the first round to select Cox. Cox will be a force on the Eagles line for years to come and will be a multiple pro bowler. Dixon comes back from injury last year after a great 2010 team. Landri was resigned after leading the team in tackles for loss last year as a role player in this defense.
LB (6)- Demeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Jamar Chaney, Casey Matthews, Brian Rolle, Keenan Clayton
Demeco Ryans was a huge trade this off season, providing the Eagles with a LB the fans have been calling for years. Kendricks was their other second round pick and will start immediate, and ultimately become a fan favorite with Curry. Chaney will move outside to either the SAM or WILL depending on how they use Kendricks. Matthews, Rolle, Clayton, Moise Fokou Greg Llyod and Akeem Jordan will all compete for the backup roles. We expect Matthews and Rolle to make the team and contribute on special teams, neither player was ready to be placed in the starting lineup last year. Keenan Clayton (a player they like), Fokou and Jordan will likely battle it out for the final position, with two of them being released prior to the season.
CB (5)- Nnamdi Asomugha, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Brandon Boykin, Curtis Marsh, Cliff Harris
With Asante Samuel traded, Rodgers-Cromartie is put in his natural position as an outside corner opposite of Asomugha. Expect a much better season from both, after a year of being in the system. Newly hired former Miami Dolphins interim coach and current secondary coach Todd Bowles will have his work cut out for him, especially if Juan Castillo falters and Bowles takes over as coordinator. Brandon Boykin was selected to play the slot and return kicks, and he was a complete steal in this draft class. Marsh returns from almost zero playing time last year, he was a 2011 third round pick that the coaching staff still likes. Cliff Harris went undrafted after being kicked off the Oregon football team for marijuana incidents. Harris has all the talent in the world, and was projected as a top pick, he will need to get his head on straight.
S (5)- Nate Allen, Jaiquawn Jarrett, Kurt Coleman, Colt Anderson, Phillip Thomas
Allen is finally healthy, and Jarrett will get every chance to learn the playbook and get the starting nod. Coleman played great last year, but he is nothing more than a 3rd safety and special teams standout in the NFL. Colt Anderson is coming off an injury, they would love for their best special teams player to be healthy. Phillip Thomas is my last man to make the team, he went undrafted out of Syracuse and will have to work his butt off to make this team.
ST (3)- Alex Henery, Ryan Tydlacka, Joe Dorenbos
Despite what some Eagles fans think, Alex Henery had the greatest season for a rookie kicker EVER. He was excellent and will be the Eagles kicker for many years to come. Ryan Tydlacka went undrafted and will compete with last years punter Chas Henry. Dorenbos is a top long snapper in the NFL and would have to be injured to lose his job.
No comments:
Post a Comment