2013 Draft: Ranking the NT Class

One of the first moves Howie Roseman made this offseason was signing former 49ers NT Isaac Sopoaga. This wiped out a major need for the new 3-4 defense. However, Sopoaga will be 32 years old once the regular season starts, so he's not the long-term solution there.

Most nose tackles are only two-down run-stuffers who occupy blockers. This, and the fact that Sopoaga will likely man the middle for the next two years, makes me think the Eagles will look more towards a mid-late round project rather than spending a high pick on one.

Let's take a look at the top 5 NTs in the 2013 Draft:

2013 Draft: Ranking the 3-4 DE Class

I think these posts are valuable for Eagles fans. Most experts rank the players on their overall skills, but I'm spending hours ranking players based on how their skills will maximize and translate with the Eagles.

Chip Kelly is set with Fletcher Cox at one DE spot and Isaac Sopoaga at the NT, but that leaves one other DE spot open. This open DE spot and the RT/RG spot are really the only two gaping holes on the roster. Cedric Thorton (6'4" 309 lbs) and Quinton Geathers (6'7" 325 lbs) will compete, but Howie might want to add a more talented player to compete as well.

Here's the top 10 prospects for the Eagles 3-4 DE spot:

2013 Draft: Ranking the OLB Class

The Eagles hold the 4th selection in the 2013 NFL Draft and 10 draft picks overall. This is Chip Kelly's first draft and the most important draft in the past 14 years for the franchise. By the recent free agent signings, it's looking more and more likely that the Eagles will run a more traditional 3-4 defense than many first thought, including myself.

The first position I've scouted for the draft is 3-4 OLBs. The Eagles signed OLB Connor Barwin and have Trent Cole and Brandon Graham likely to make the transition to OLB. But with the Eagles interest in OLB Victor Butler, it's clear they're still looking for pass rushers. It's vital that Howie and Chip use this high draft pick on the best player available, instead of reaching for a tackle or defensive lineman.

Here's my rankings of the 10 best 3-4 OLBs for the Eagles system:

UPDATED: 15 Free Agent Bargains

The sexy names this year among the Philly fan-base are S Dashon Goldson, CB Sean Smith, and TE Jared Cook (I'm guilty of being enamored with him also) to name a few. I actually am very hopeful Chip and Howie don't overpay any of these big names. History always supports the "paying big for free-agents rarely works" philosophy. So let's take a look at some value free agents this year that could make a big impact:

QB Headed to Philly Monday

There were questions as to why the Eagles weren't at Arizona QB Matt Scott's pro day. He is a dual-threat quarterback with a big-time arm, seemingly a fit in Chip Kelly's scheme. Well, Matt Scott is actually flying to Philly to meet with the team on Monday. New quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor is expected to work out the QB on March 28th as well. Let's take a look at the scouting report for Scott:

Eagles On The Move?

Each year, once free agency begins and up to the draft, the Eagles typically trade players in an attempt to stockpile draft picks. Was Andy Reid the architect of that philosophy, or will the trend continue under the Chip Kelly regime? The upcoming change in defensive scheme will result in players that just don't fit the new style. Let's take a look at players possibly on the trading block and discuss what kind of value they have on the market:

Nate Allen has never lived up
to a second-round pick.

S Nate Allen - The 2nd round pick has flashed as a play-maker and has disappointed. Last year he was benched in favor of Kurt Coleman and Colt Anderson. The 25 year-old has talent, but is the team ready to overhaul the position? I think there's a reasonable chance Allen will be wearing a different uniform next season.
- Trade Possibility: Decent Chance
- Return Value: 5th-6th round pick.

RB Dion Lewis - Lewis is an OK change-of-pace back. He's elusive, versatile, and young. There is a very good chance he gets moved this offseason. LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown will likely get most, if not all, the carries in '13. Chris Polk is the favorite for the third running back spot because he adds special teams value, where Lewis does not.
- Trade Possibility: Good Chance
- Return Value: 7th round pick.

DE Vinny Curry - Curry has done nothing to warrant a trade. However, at 6'3" 266 lbs, he's a tweener for a 3-4 or 4-3 Under defense. I could see Chip Kelly asking the youngster to put on weight, if at 280 lbs he would have potential as a pass-rushing LDE in the 4-3 Under defense. There is still a slim chance the youngster gets moved because he has value.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 3rd-4th round pick.

Graham had a nice bounce-back
year with 5.5 sacks and 2 FF

DE/OLB Brandon Graham - Despite being in a crowded rotation at DE last year, Graham was able to have a bounce-back year (5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles). He has experience in a 3-4 defense at OLB and was projected at that position by many scouts coming out of college. Graham has cut weight and I think he's almost a sure thing to return in midnight green for 2013. He's still only 24 years old and could be the "Predator" of the future in the Billy Davis defense.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 4th round pick.

QB Nick Foles - The 2nd year QB played very solid football at times last year and also looked like a 3rd round rookie as well. He has potential but does he fit the ideal Chip Kelly scheme? Probably not. If Foles is traded though, it almost hands Vick the starting job (the only QB I think they'll draft is a developmental guy). I think Kelly and Roseman want competition for Vick, so I think Foles stays.
- Trade Possibility: Not Likely
- Return Value: 3rd round pick.

DE Phillip Hunt - He was also victim to the crowded DE position last year. After a great preseason, he wasn't a big factor during the regular season. He doesn't seem to have a spot in Billy Davis' defense and there's probably a 4-3 team looking for a speed rusher off the edge.
- Trade Possibility: Good Chance
- Return Value: 6th-7th round pick.

Asomugha's lack of speed was a
major issue last season

CB Nnamdi Asomugha - Remember the Asante Samuel situation last year? Huge cap number for Nnamdi and chances are he will probably be cut sometime this week. There has been a hold-up in the process however, maybe a team is working on a deal with the Eagles that involves a re-structured contract with Asomugha (like the Samuel trade last year).
- Trade Possibility: Slim chance, but a chance.
- Return Value: 6th round pick.
                                                                                                                                                   

* Follow me on Twitter at @Matt_Chastain25 and @OfficialEagles_, I'll get ya back!

Draft Profile: OLB Dion Jordan

With the 4th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select... Dion Jordan?

The 6'6" 248 pound athletic freak is an intriguing prospect. He played for Chip Kelly and assistant head coach Jerry Azzinaro at Oregon and Kelly was quoted as saying Jordan has "a special place in my heart". He would project as an OLB in a 3-4 or the SAM in the anticipated 4-3 Under Billy Davis is expected to run.

Dion Jordan moved up many draft boards
after an impressive 2013 NFL Combine.

Combine Numbers:

- 40 Yard Dash: 4.60 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 122 inches
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds\
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.35 seconds

Let's put these numbers into perspective:

- Dion Jordan performed at the combine as a defensive lineman, but as an Eagle, he'd play linebacker.

- Jordan ran the 40 yard dash that would've ranked 3rd among linebackers, very impressive speed.

- He would've ranked T-6th in broad jump among linebackers. At his size, he displayed his tremendous athleticism.

- He would've ranked 5th among linebackers in the 3-cone drill.

- He fell in the middle of the pack among linebackers in the vertical jump and 20 yard shuttle.

Strengths:

Jordan flashed at Oregon but was asked to do many
things other than attack opposing quarterbacks.

• Dion Jordan is an elite athlete. 
• He is surprisingly agile in space, which is important if he's projected to be the SAM linebacker in the 4-3 Under. (Remember from previous post, under Billy Davis the 4-3 Under SAM rushes the QB 70% of the time and drops into coverage 30%.)
• At Oregon, he was asked to cover the tight end and even the slot receiver at times. This contributed to only 14.5 career sacks, which shouldn't be alarming.
• Doesn't have bulky frame, but has great hand work to fend off blockers and get to the quarterback.
• Fierce competitor but good guy off the field.
• Excellent size and length

Weaknesses:

• Injury concerns, scheduled for shoulder surgery which will take 3-4 months to rehab.
• Needs to add bulk to his frame.
• Still developing pass rush moves, a little RAW in this area.
• Can get aggressive and over run plays, getting out of position.
• Needs to play stronger, has potential to be susceptible to the run in the NFL with bigger, more athletic offensive linemen.

Compares To:

• NFL.com - LB Julian Peterson
• CBSSports.com - DE Chandler Jones
• SBNation.com - OLB Aldon Smith

How does Jordan fit?

• Obviously his injury concerns are a red flag. On the brighter side, at least it's his shoulder and not a knee problem. If the doctors give the OK, I'm on board.
• He has no ceiling as a player. He's got the physical tools that have graced players like Jason Pierre-Paul. He's still RAW in his technique, but so was JPP (not to compare them, just saying).
• The thought of Dion Jordan at SAM and Mychal Kendricks at WILL is very intriguing. Two exceptional athletes with tremendous speed and play-making potential.
• His coverage experience is important, it sounds like he could handle the SAM role in the 4-3 Under but Kelly and Roseman could have him graded exclusively as a pass-rusher.
• I think free agency will determine the likelihood of Jordan as an Eagle. If they release Nnamdi and let DRC walk, while not signing any high-quality cornerback, I would expect Dee Milliner to be the favorite.

* Injury Update:

- Jason Kelce and Todd Herremans appeared on CSNPhilly to discuss their injuries. Herremans said his foot is close to 100% and Kelce said he's on track to return by mini-camp.

Watkins has a chance to revive his career with a fresh start.

- Howie Roseman discussed Jason Peters' rehab process. He gave no return-date, but said he expects Peters to return at some point and reach his old, elite form.

- Very encouraging news.

* Extra Point:

- 2011 first-round pick Danny Watkins has been a disappointment in Philadelphia, but I haven't given up on him yet. Watkins was known as a mauler and never fit the finesse scheme of Howard Mudd. New offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is known for coaching a big, physical offensive line. Something that fits the fiery demeanor of Watkins. I expect the third-year guard to compete for a starting job on the right side of Jason Kelce.

- Follow me on Twitter @Matt_Chastain25 and @OfficialEagles_, I'll get ya back!

- Coming soon: Draft Profile: CB Dee Milliner