As the Eagles get closer to training camp, the complexion of this very young team is starting to become less murky. While there may be quite a ways to go, some of the team’s draft picks are starting to fall into place.
Whether or not they make the team is still to be determined, but being that some of these guys address important team needs, they have a good shot at being in the picture for the regular season.
Those draftees that have been inked so far are running back Charles Scott (pictured), cornerback Trevard Lindley, defensive tackle Jeff Owens, linebacker Jamar Chaney, and safety Kurt Coleman.
Out of them, the Birds should keep a careful eye of the progress of Scott, Lindley, and Coleman.
Looking at the team’s running attack, respected veteran Brian Westbrook is no longer with the team and the jury is out as to whether or not second-year back LeSean McCoy can be a true number one. His ball-handling skills are also questionable, but if he can increase his carries and decrease his fumbles, he could be a legitimate heir to #36.
Scott, who signed for four-year deal worth about $1.8 million, has the background to be a legitimate back-up, especially in short yardage situations. If he pans out, and Leonard Weaver reaches his projected star status, this will be one hell of a running attack.
The Birds’ secondary has also been a huge problem since safety Brian Dawkins departed for Denver. Marlin Jackson, signed as a free agent in March, was ripe to fill this role. Unfortunately he went down for the season last week with a right Achilles tendon rupture. No one was surprised, but fans and the team alike were holding out for a healthy season from him.
Some of the young guys could be the answer, like safety Kurt Coleman out of Ohio State. His four-year contract doesn’t guarantee him a spot on team, but if he impresses this summer, there is a chance he can jump ahead of some of the other contenders at the position.
Quintin Mikell, fellow draft pick Nate Allen, and Quintin Demps may remain higher on the depth charts, but the seventh rounder could make a case for himself at a position that is in desperate need of stability.
Similarly, fourth round pick Trevard Lindley could address needs at the cornerback position. Like the rest of draftees, this contract is not guaranteed, but Macho Harris, Joselio Hanson, and Ellis Hobbs have their own issues as well.
During his time at Kentucky, Lindley was a starter for the duration of his career. He is the all-time leader in pass breakups at 34, and also had 189 tackles and 10 interceptions.
With Macho learning a new position and Hanson getting back into the swing of things after an injury, the young Lindley has an outside shot at adding to the secondary in South Philly.
Something that can’t be stressed enough is that this will be a very different team, one that is both very young and full of question marks. We could be in for a long ride, but if enough young guys make an impact guy, that ride is going to be a lot less bumpy.
