Skip to content
Eagles
Link copied to clipboard

Eagles may rely on rookie linebackers for depth

The Eagles linebackers on the practice field Wednesday were a collection of unheralded rookies who even the most devoted fan would need to research for trivia. But a look at the depth chart shows those rookies could become more relevant than their name recognition suggests.

The Eagles linebackers on the practice field Wednesday were a collection of unheralded rookies who even the most devoted fan would need to research for trivia. But a look at the depth chart shows those rookies could become more relevant than their name recognition suggests.

Nigel Bradham's arrest this week unearthed a problem that was already fermenting throughout the offseason: to whom would the Eagles turn if something happened to one of their starting linebackers?

Bradham, Jordan Hicks, and Mychal Kendricks appear entrenched as the starters, but all three missed time because of injuries last season. Veteran Najee Goode, who is entering his fifth NFL season, is the lone backup with more than one year of experience. The rest of the candidates are as undistinguished as they are unknown.

Deontae Skinner played seven games for the New England Patriots in 2014 before spending last year on the Eagles' practice squad. Joe Walker was one of the team's seventh-round picks, and Myke Tavarres and Quentin Gause were undrafted rookies the Eagles targeted once the draft finished.

Don Cherry signed with the Eagles before training camp to add more depth.

"I'll tell you, Joe Walker has done a great job for us this offseason, and he's going to put himself in a position to be a solid backup," coach Doug Pederson said. "We've got some young guys there, but at the same time we're going to continue to monitor that position and just watch and see and keep upgrading if we can."

Pederson said he would be comfortable going into the season with Goode as the only veteran having notable experience, but the Eagles would still be on the lookout for depth. They first need to see whether they like the rookies already on the roster.

Walker received Pederson's praise and could serve as Hicks' backup in the middle. A good pro day prompted the Eagles to select the Oregon product, who never played for Chip Kelly with the Ducks but continues the pipeline. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz likes Walker's athletic ability, but Walker must adjust to playing downhill instead of laterally.

Tavarres is another player with a big adjustment. The Eagles were intrigued enough with Tavarres out of Incarnate Word University to give him the second-highest signing bonus of any undrafted rookie in the NFL this spring, according to ESPN. Tavarres said the signing bonus was an enticement, but it was the opportunity available in Philadelphia and the defense the Eagles play that most intrigued him.

Tavarres played on the line of scrimmage in college, but he now must be more coverage-oriented. He's best as a strong-side linebacker covering tight ends, where he said his versatility is an asset. He did not think the defense was too complicated, even coming from a small school.

"Wherever the ball goes, you go to the closest gap," Tavarres said.

Though he played a low level of competition in college he briefly spent time at Arkansas and considers himself an SEC-caliber player. The Eagles wanted him to add weight, and Tavarres has already bulked up from 225 pounds to 240.

Gause has the level of competition checked off. He started two seasons for Rutgers in the Big Ten and ranked second in tackles for the Scarlet Knights during both those seasons. Schwartz was presented his film by a scout before the draft because the Eagles knew they would need to unearth a prospect in the post-draft free agent market, and Schwartz was intrigued by what he saw.

Gause chose the Eagles because of the opportunity at linebacker and their special teams' reputation. He already made his presence felt this week when he closed down on a pass catcher on what would have resulted in a big hit had the Eagles been in pads.

"He allows his 'backers to fly around and cover the backs and the bigs, so I love it," Gause said of Schwartz's scheme. "It's definitely similar to what I did at Rutgers. . . . I'm making sure I know every single thing, knowing what the safety is doing, where my help is. Once I know that - and I know it already - but study it, solidify it in my head, I'll be able to teach it to you. . . . That's what's going to make me a great player and help me make this roster."

The rookie linebackers met in the hotel lobby this week to discuss their responsibilities. Their workload will decrease once the veterans arrive for practice, but, unlike many rookies, they're not buried deep on the depth chart. The Eagles lack depth at linebacker, and unless they find a veteran they like elsewhere, they'll need to turn to these rookies in key reserve roles.

"Right now, we're very pleased with the work that these guys have done in the offseason, what the rookies have shown these last three days, and just looking forward to putting the pads on," Pederson said.

zberman@phillynews.com

@ZBerm

www.philly.com/eaglesblog