Eagles work out Ohio State LBs
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Eagles work out Ohio State LBs
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
The Eagles worked out a pair of Ohio State linebackers on Monday, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.
The Birds got an up-close look at Brian Rolle and Ross Homan.
Rolle (5-10, 229) was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior, totaling 76 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. At the combine, he ran a 4.56 40-yard dash, third-best among linebackers.
Per Wilson, Rolle, who played middle linebacker with the Buckeyes, has also been participating in defensive back drills for NFL scouts.
Homan, meanwhile, is listed at 6-1, 240. He had 73 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles and an interception as a senior. Like Rolle, Homan was a first-team All-Big Ten selection.
At the combine, he led all linebackers in the bench press, putting up 225 pounds 32 times. Homan was a three-year starter at Ohio State.
As I've written in the last couple of posts, the 2011 offseason could operate under the 2010 rules even if no new CBA is in place. That would mean players would need six years of service to become unrestricted free agents.
Earlier this month, the Birds tendered Stewart Bradley at a second-round level. He has four years of service.
The Eagles did not offer tenders to Ernie Sims, Omar Gaither or Akeem Jordan. All three players started at linebacker at one point or another in the past two seasons.
The Birds added Rashad Jeanty earlier this offseason. A few weeks ago, I wrote more about the team's linebacker situation.
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Either would be a great choice for the Eagles. I have watched both of their careers and they both have a lot of skill and heart. Rolle is a bit small, but he reminds me of a Zach Thomas type. He will give you everything he's got and leave it on the field.
Homan is just a beast in stopping the run and would fit really well in their 4-3 scheme. Go Eagles and Go Bucks!— eaglegreen17
1st team all big 10 says a lot but a linebacker 5-10 229 is pretty smallish for the NFL, or even the big 10. Maybe 200 of the 229 is in his heart!— willbert31
Last year was the year to take a LB. This year's crop seems kind of weak. Maybe go the Free Agent route when the CBA is settled. The D line prospects are terrific this year. Corner backs, once you get past the top couple of prospects there's a big drop off. Hopefully the Eagles have done their homework and can come away with a steal or two this year. They need a dominant D tackle to help out Trent Cole and Brandon Graham. A big beast to collapse the pocket in the middle. That will produce more tackles for loss, more sacks and allow the LBs to flow to the ball. It would make the whole defense better. I hope that they've figured this out. They also desperately need a right O tackle to protect Vick's blind side. Winston Justice and King Dunlop need to go. If you have to play those guys, you're in trouble.- 5'10 229, that guy is smaller than most running backs he will face in the NFC east— rvb2321
- glad to see they are finally paying some attn to the LB position (maybe watching the packers insane LB corp win the SB inspired them)..bradley is a backup LB, at best. either one of these guys could start over him— main liner
- Heyward
- Unfortunately, the Eagle's fascination with midget football players continues. I'm beginning to think Joe Banner must be running the scouting department now.— JLH
- Maybe they are looking at Rolle at safety?— Bobbyo
- Kinda small at 5'10". I can see TE's catching balls thrown over their heads.— ej610
- I think this is a smokescreen. Whoever they pick will be a surprise, and when the kid is interviewed, he will say he didn't think the Eagles were interested in him and he's surprised too. Or he'll say they talked to him a little bit, but not a lot.— ej610
- If the Eagles are looking at them they must be high motor, fast ball types of players…— CrashTestCorzine
- Small: Brandon seems small as he also had a high motor,remember? Where are taller, fast LB's at 250?? Guys who can actually cover WR's.— Koons
- Too light, too short...wonn't be able to cover tight ends due to height issue and to small to stop big backs......as usual JOE and Howie are on the wrong page.....The league is getting big at tight ends and the backs are getting biggger also......but then fast and quick and light has worked for us in the past. (see the trophy case and count the Lombardi's )— nuggett
- Another midget sized LB awesome!— cesar20
- Another midget sized LB awesome!— cesar20
- Rolle will make a great TE in Reids "No Red Zone " offense. When will the Eagles stop signing the Injured, lame, undersized TE's and overweight linemen???— tulsaphil
- Rolle will make a great TE in Reids "No Red Zone " offense. When will the Eagles stop signing the Injured, lame, undersized TE's and overweight linemen???— tulsaphil
- Bingo Bobbyo - Quite possible they're thinking strong safety for Brian Rolle. And while a 4.56 40 is on the slow side for a safety, speed is only one aspect of the traits a safety needs.
After all, they've said goodbye to their undersized LB's - Gaither, Jordan and Sims.— CarpGuy - Rolle might be small at LB but he does fit the "project type" at Safety. Either way it's a prototypical Reid pick...Fanfuggintastic....— glove69
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Time to stop paying attention to this circus and tell the NFL and the NFLPA what you think Philly. Do you want to continue being a patsy, or take back your power? Join the fans union; sportsfans.org add your voice to the discussion. Stop whining and become more relevant than your wallet. I will come back to the NFL when they come back to me!- what's with the points display? Is this some kind of game show?— wordsword
- I hate OSU but if you start there for 3 years you must have some skills. Not saying he's a 1st round pick, but could be someone to look at in later rounds.— adpsufan
- Losing interest in football by the players current actions. Sorry to say it, but I hope the season is lost and those greedy millionaires lose a year of pay.— dapmman
- another position that this regime cannot adequately evaluate from a talent perspective. doesn't matter. whoever they draft/claim/sign gets to be coached up by the offensive line coach.— coloradoeagle
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