Eagles may find a couple of choices at linebacker

INDIANAPOLIS - Linebacker Luke Kuechly has been called a possible "slam dunk" for the Eagles (Mike Mayock, NFL Network), the "perfect first-round melding of team need and draft slot value" (Don Banks, SI.com) and has been linked to Philadelphia in countless mock drafts.

He was scheduled to meet with the Eagles here at the NFL combine Sunday night, though teams meet with dozens of players they won't draft and sometimes never meet ones they do take.

But as fans look ahead to April's draft, Kuechly, from Boston College, said he's trying to stay focused on the combine. Known as a smart, instinctive player, Kuechly's raw physical abilities will be tested Monday when he begins going through drills here.

"The primary concern is doing well here and taking care of business here," Kuechly said. "I had to prove that I was a sufficient size, and the biggest thing was being able to move with the weight that you have."

The 6-foot-3 junior has put on five pounds, bulking up to 242, and wants to show he can still run. Facing questions about his athleticism, his 40-yard-dash time could be a key to his standing, according to Mayock.

Kuechly (pronounced KEEK-lee) isn't known for spectacular plays but for consistent, steady production. He led the nation in tackles each of the last two seasons and is widely regarded as the best inside linebacker in the draft.

"I do a pretty good job of preparing myself, and that's something I take pride in, being prepared and knowing what each individual guy on the defense is responsible for," he said. "Doing that and knowing what everyone's doing, you can play faster."

A very different linebacker has captured many fans' hearts, though. Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict earned a reputation as one of college's nastiest defenders as highlights of his big hits became fodder for YouTube.

But his fierce play spilled over into penalties, benchings for a lack of discipline and a locker room fight with a teammate. Add in a disappointing 2011 season, and he has slid in scouts' eyes. Draft watchers have knocked him for having poor instincts and not being as tough as his highlights when it comes to taking on blocks.

Burfict, though, called himself "the best linebacker in this draft" and said he has Hall of Fame aspirations.

"I think I will come in and change the whole atmosphere [where he's drafted]," Burfict said. "Be a leader and bring aggression to the game."

His penalties, he said, come from the fact that "I just love to hit. I hate to lose."

He spread the blame for his disciplinary problems and down year to coaches, referees and a teammate. Burfict said officials targeted him for flags and that the fight stemmed from being hit by a wide receiver in a non-contact drill. The argument carried into the locker room.

"He started roughhousing me. He pushed me, and my first instinct was to swing, and everyone thinks I'm the bad guy because my first instinct was to swing on the guy," Burfict said.

His season, which he described as "average," was due in part to bulking up to 260 pounds, Burfict said, which sapped his endurance. He's now back to 248.

"The coaches kind of messed me up," he added. "I didn't know if I would start a game or be benched. It hurt me, but I tried to fight through it."

The Eagles famously haven't used a first-round pick on a linebacker since 1979, and while they have a need, they might have attractive options in free agency. There is also a deep draft class of defensive tackles, a position Andy Reid covets.

But the Eagles don't devalue linebackers, at least according to general manager Howie Roseman.

"We're not averse to taking any position in the first round if that guy is the best player," Roseman said.

In sprints and drills Monday, Kuechly and others will try to add to their arguments over who fits that description.