Who Makes the Cut: Linebackers
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Who Makes the Cut: Linebackers
Zach Berman
Wed, Aug. 15: Offensive line
Thur., Aug. 16: Defensive tackles
Fri., Aug. 17: Cornerbacks
Mon., Aug. 20: Running backs
Tues., Aug. 21: Wide receivers / tight ends
Wed., Aug. 22: Linebackers
Thur., Aug. 23: Safeties
Fri., Aug. 24: Quarterbacks / Specialists
Mon., Aug. 27: Defensive ends
LIKELY TO KEEP: 6
WHO STAYS: DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Brian Rolle, Jamar Chaney, Casey Matthews, Akeem Jordan
WHO GOES: Ryan Rau, Monte Simmons, Adrian Moten, Keenan Clayton
The Eagles’ linebacking corps will be judged by the first two names on the “Who stays” list: Ryans and Kendricks. They were marquee offseason acquisitions – Ryans via trade, Kendricks in the second round of the draft – and both will start.
The Eagles are hoping Ryans is the answer in the middle of the defense, and he was one of the best defensive players in the NFL before suffering an Achilles injury and the Houston Texans switching to a 3-4 defensive alignment. Ryans is still amid his transition to the Eagles, but he insists he’s all set for the season.
With Kendricks starting at strong-side linebacker, the “competition” in the Eagles starting unit is at weak-side linebacker. Rolle is currently the front-runner to start at that spot, but don't write off Chaney. Chaney is currently coming back from a hamstring injury. He offers experience in the Eagles’ defense and more size than Rolle.
Both will make the roster, though. Matthews, who is dealing with a high ankle sprain, also looks to be on the roster. He can contribute on special teams and knows the defense better this season than last year.
Most of the competition is for the sixth linebacker spot, which must be a key special teams player. Jordan and Clayton are the frontrunners. I’m going with Jordan because of his special teams prowess and ability to be the backup strong-side linebacker, but don't write off Clayton. Clayton, a converted safety, is adept in coverage and is pushing for the job. He’s in his third season after being selected in the fourth round in 2010 and is two years younger than Jordan. Clayton will work in the final two preseason games to make it a difficult competition.
Look for at least one of those other names to end up on practice squad. Simmons, who spent last year with the 49ers’ practice squad, could be good player in that spot to develop.
Jordan over Clayton - right call— dragoon6- I am not sure what Matthews is doing to have a spot locked up. I am going to have to see these guys more in the final two exhibitions to make a call. I do like Clayton, because he can cover and hit. One of his problems is he isn't a very good practice player. Clayton needs to work harder every day, or it will be his own fault when he gets cut.— Paul SoTX
- Jordan has made a nice little lasting career from starting on the practice squad so many yrs ago. I see Matthews makes plays here and there, I dont think he is as terrible as everyone seems to want him to be for some reason. He can get better as well, prob worth the investment to see if he pans out at least. Also, wasnt deserving of starting last season and Castillo didnt help any players look good.— peteike
- It frustrates me that again, Matthews is gifted a roster spot. Didnt they learn anything from last year? Last summer, without having played a single down in practice, Matthews was given a starting job. Didnt take long to figure out that was a horrible mistake. This year, he's done absolutely nothing, yet, every roster projection has him on the team. But other than "he's a 4th round pick," no one can rationalize his guaranteed spot on the team. Its a joke. Him being drafted that high was a mistake, but hey, this is the same organization that drafted Jarrett in the 2nd, Daniel and T'eo Neshiem in the 3rd.....how'd that work out? Keeping guys who cant play just because you wasted a draft pick on them is always a bad idea. Its called compounding the problem.— audrina
- I'm sorry to say I'm also in the "what the heck is Casey Matthews doing on this team club." If they are that impressed with the genes (i.e. his brother Clay, his father Clay and his uncle Bruce) maybe they should start drafting by genealogy rather than good old scouting. He might of been a good D.I player, but in division one you are lucky to be playing a team that has any more than three or four pro caliber players(probably less in the Pac-10). Matthews just looks like he does everything on the field that makes you want to beat your head against the wall. The kid just doesn't have the physical make-up and you can't teach that. He seems to lack the upper body strength to get off a block to save his life cut him now and either keep Clayton in his place or comb the waiver wires for something more reliable. Casey Matthews makes me nauseas. Cut your loses now, they won't regret this one someday.— DandyFarAndy
- Matthews is on the team because he can back up any of the three LB spots. Not particularly well, mind you, but that's the thinking behind him making the team.— TongueWagger
- sorry but you guys have no idea how he compares to the other lbs in the mix on this team. You arent watching film and every practice like the coaches do, so why do you continue to post that you know more than they do. I really dont understand everyone hating on this guy so much. He did not look good last year, I get that but nobody did on that defense. He has speed and he can get stronger and play smarter, its not impossible. If he was as bad as everyone claims, they would cut him. He must be outplaying Clayton but maybe not and he gets the ax and your dreams of saying I told you so about a 4th rd pick can come true.— peteike
- actually he isn't fast at all. his 40 time at the combine was in the 4.78 range, which is quite slow for a linebacker. maybe before you criticize others for not knowing the facts you should check your own before throwing them out there. — djgq42
- Agree with you on these picks! I like Jordan and Kendricks has looked really good so far. I hope we get the Ryans who was pro bowler at Houston as we need a big hitter and strong leader.— connorjr
- Agreed Petike. Most of the people on this forum have no idea how good Matthews is or how even how good any of the other linebackers are. They see a play here or there, but they really don't know.
At least no one is touting the "he's too small to play" in the NFL line. Some media person says that last year and I swear that's all I heard for a couple months around town concerning Matthews. Then you look at his size and compare it to actual other linebackers around the NFL and you realize he's actually an average size. Goes to show that most people just make their opinion on a play here or there or whatever the media writes.
Brian Rolle is almost a midget out there. He's listed at 5'10'' but is likely closer to 5'8'' or 5'7'' and no one brings that up.— staup640 - i didn't read anyone supporting Rolle. in fact it seems like most fans don't view him as a starter, so why would they bring him up? why did you bring him up? — djgq42
- Totally agree with this LB scenario...in fact, while AR is always good for one surprise or two, this seems like a pretty easy road to 53 to me: QB: Vick, Foles, Kafka RB: McCoy, Lewis, Brown, Polk FB: Havili TE: Celek, Harbor WR: Jax, Maclin, Avant, Cooper, D. Johnson, Gilyard OL: Kelce, Mathis, Watkins, Herremans, King, Bell, Kelly, Vandervelde, Gibson K: Henery, McBriar LS: Dorenbos DE: Babin, Cole, Graham, Hunt, Curry DT: Jenkins, Cox, Landri, Thornton, Dixon LB: Ryans, Kendricks, Rolle, Chaney, Matthews, Jordan S; Allen, Coleman, OJ, Jarrett CB: Nnamdi, DRC, Hanson, Boykin, Marsh. That's 53. Tapp gets traded for a pick. Colt and Patterson to PUP (see you in Game 6). McNutt, Hamler, Harris, Thomas, Simmons, Ford or Brackett, Washington and Igwenagu to PS. So long Hall, Edwards, Clayton, Hughes, Lindley, Henry the punter, and everyone else.— jmk1512
- Kendricks is a better player than Ryans already so there should be no question of his starting position. He's outplayed everyone on the defense thus far. I think he's going to be a stud, barring injury, and really like the guy's future.— djlen
- He's a dog cut him now.
— sewell guy - Fabio has a better chance of replacing the singing cowboy in the NYC subway than he does of being an NFL caliber LB.— Astro Jones
