Breaking news:

The Eagles actually took a linebacker in the NFL draft. First one since Joe Walker in the 7th round back in 2016 –

He’s a late riser with a lot of upside, barely played any high school football at all.

Here’s the overview at NFL.com:


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Traits-based linebacker project with rare speed and explosiveness who may need an extended developmental runway to counter his lack of experience and awareness. Religious beliefs prevented him from playing high school ball (other than a single game) and he is still in the early stages of learning and applying proper technique and fundamentals in all phases of the game. While his inexperience shows up plenty on tape, he has flashes that show off what he could be capable of in the future. Scouts say he’s very coachable and that he’s one of Mel Tucker’s (current CU head coach and former NFL coach) favorites. At best, he develops into a playmaking starter after two or three years. At worst, he should be a plus special teams talent fairly quickly.

Strengths
  • Former track man with rare long speed and closing burst for linebacker
  • Explosive traits for rapid growth with additional experience
  • Able to range from opposite hash and get in on the play
  • Surprisingly loose hips for a former sprinter
  • Has the talent to make the plays in front of him
  • Aggression inherent in his pursuit and engagement
  • Fearless to stick his nose in and make his mark as a striker
  • Wrap, lift and run tackler
  • Leverage and power at point of attack should come with more coaching
  • Athletic ability to match tight ends in man coverage
Weaknesses
  • Hasn’t played enough football yet
  • Substantial ground to make up with technique and fundamentals
  • Slow to key and diagnose
  • Lack of awareness turns him into a block magnet
  • Remedial hand usage prevents consistent stack and shed
  • Loses contain responsibilities
  • Move to “star” position provided mixed results
  • Too many busted coverage assignments
  • Not very instinctive to squeeze the route from zone

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The Eagles do a love a project player, don’t they?

Here’s some film: