Eagles need depth at linebacker; Stephen Tulloch is available

Jordan Hicks has lined up at middle linebacker this summer with Mychal Kendricks on one side and Nigel Bradham on the other, and there is little question or variation about the starting trio in the Eagles' base defense.

The depth at the position has been an issue since the spring, without legitimate competition for the starters and a lack of experience throughout much of the depth chart behind them.

That could change if the Eagles add veteran free-agent linebacker Stephen Tulloch. The Eagles have had discussions with Tulloch, a league source confirmed. ESPN first reported the news Saturday night. Adding Tulloch would make sense, considering the 31-year-old played for Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in both Tennessee and Detroit.

"I have a lot of respect for that guy and his production," Schwartz said Sunday after discussing his background with Tulloch.

However, Schwartz said he'd leave it up to Eagles executives Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas for any ways to improve the team.

"Whoever is out there that can improve our team, whether it's a guy like 'Tully' who is unsigned or guys that are on other teams . . . we're going to watch preseason games and be looking at the waiver wire, who might be cap casualties," Schwartz said.

The only established backup linebacker is Najee Goode. Other than Deontae Skinner's seven games with New England in 2014, the back end of the depth chart is filled with mostly anonymous rookies. Schwartz said the Eagles don't have any "preconceived notions" about how the roster should be constructed, and again deferred to Roseman and Douglas on assembling the final roster.

"We'll coach who's out there," Schwartz said.

Certainly, a player of Tulloch's skill set and experience would at least help the depth. Tulloch has started 111 games in 10 seasons, most of which came in this style of defense, and has 670 solo tackles, 141/2 sacks, and five interceptions.

But even with his experience and understanding of the scheme, it's likely the Eagles are set with the starting unit. Hicks has settled in at middle linebacker - Tulloch's position - where he's looking to build on a strong start to his rookie season. One of his responsibilities is lining up the front seven, although Schwartz said "it's not that complicated" so Hicks won't receive "any gold stars for that."

"I know the defense," Hicks said. "I know where everyone's supposed to be, I know how it's supposed to be run. That's my role in this defense, and I'm embracing it."

At weakside linebacker, the Eagles need a bounce-back campaign from Kendricks. The former second-round pick has excelled at times during his four years with the Eagles, and the production and potential were enough to warrant a four-year, $29 million deal last season. Kendricks was injured and inconsistent in 2015, but he can now move back to the system in which he was originally drafted to play.

"I'm a lot more downhill," said Kendricks, who will have less responsibility on his shoulders in this scheme.

In addition to his athleticism, one of the best parts of Kendricks' repertoire is pass rushing. Kendricks showed the penetration he's known for during practice on Sunday and said the Eagles would dial up more pressure once they solidify their base defense.

One area that could likely use some work is pass coverage. Former defensive coordinator Bill Davis told the Daily News last week that the Eagles' inside linebackers struggled covering running backs and tight ends, and the mismatch was exploited late last season.

"I felt like last year, I had games where I was responsible for the back and I felt like I should have had help," Kendricks said. "As a player, I'm trying to get better in everything. As a coach, if he feels my coverage was off, I'll take that as constructive criticism and I'll work with that. I'm always trying to get better, seriously. As far as coverages, I'm always upping my game. I'm feeling really comfortable in this scheme with coverages."

Davis predicted that Kendricks will "flourish" under Schwartz, and that Kendricks just needs to pick up his coverage game. He also said that Kendricks "kind of drifts on you at the wrong times," and would make some great plays and other plays that hurt the defense.

When Schwartz was asked about Kendricks' coverage, he mentioned that there are players on the Eagles' defense who need to be more consistent.

"Mychal's a very, very good athlete," Schwartz said. "He can do some things. He's explosive. He can run. He can cover. It is a little bit new for him, but it's starting to get toward the end of being new."

Bradham, who has lined up at strongside linebacker, has experience playing for Schwartz in Buffalo. Schwartz called him a "tough, physical player" who "plays fast" and "fits what we're doing."

The background in the scheme helps. Kendricks and Hicks don't have the same experience under Schwartz, but they're proven players who are versatile and dependable. Both must prove they can stay healthy this year, though, after missing time in 2015. Bradham also missed time. That's why veteran depth like Tulloch could make sense.

"The more help, the better," Kendricks said. "If he makes us better, I'm for it."

The Eagles practiced without left tackle Jason Peters (quadriceps), safety Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), wide receiver Jordan Matthews (knee), defensive end Marcus Smith (concussion), defensive tackle Mike Martin (knee), running back Wendell Smallwood (quadriceps), and cornerback JaCorey Shepherd (hamstring). Safety Rodney McLeod returned after missing the previous two days because of a funeral.

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm