Linebacker options to pair with Nick Rallis
This week, the Philadelphia Eagles brought in another new coach for their complete coaching overhaul. Nick Rallis joins the Eagles as the new linebackers coach after spending the last few years as the assistant linebackers coach of the Minnesota Vikings. In his time with the Vikings, Rallis had the opportunity to work with very talented linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. Their production on the field has been excellent, and you have to think Rallis played a big part in that.
Looking at the Eagles, their linebacking core has been one of the worst the last few seasons. They haven’t invested the necessary capital in the position and rely on young players to play significant roles. Although they are currently strapped for cap space, they have an opportunity to find a good linebacker in either the draft or free agency. Whichever way they decide to go, the position needs to be addressed. Here are three linebacker options for the Eagles to pair with new coach Nick Rallis.
KJ Wright
Probably more of a pipeline dream, but still an option at the moment. KJ Wright comes off of a very productive 2020 season and looks for a new contract. It’s a possibility he could return to Seattle, but with Bobby Wagner already under contract and Jordyn Brooks being selected in the first round in 2020, Wright could be looking for a new home in 2021.
Wright would be a great target for the Philadelphia Eagles. Sure, he’s 32, but he would bring a ton of experience, wisdom and leadership to the linebacking core. They’re probably going to roll with Alex Singleton and TJ Edwards next year, but having a guy like Wright to lead them and give them advice would go along way in developing them to be better linebackers for this team. If the idea is bringing Wright in on a one-year stop gap deal, it’s something the Eagles should jump on.
Dylan Moses
The former Alabama linebacker had an interesting college career. Came in as a highly touted five-star prospect, played significant snaps and looked like a star in his first two seasons. Before his junior year begins, he tears his ACL and misses the whole season. His final year in 2020 looked more like a recovery year on the field, as he showed glimpses of being the guy he was before but also looked a little slower. This is normal for players, as that first year post knee injury looks like a learning year and getting back to your normal self.
Although he’s shown an injury history, the Eagles shouldn’t shy away from taking him in the draft. He’s shown to be a talented player on the field, especially in the run game on defense. The more practice he gets and the more time he’s on the field, he will get back to his previous self and be a good linebacker. Before his injury, he was a lock to be a first-round pick. After, it looks like he could slide to a Day 2 pick in the second or third round. If the Eagles want to value the linebacker position and find young talent, they should look to bring in Dylan Moses.
Anthony Walker
Heading back to free agency for another linebacker option for the Eagles. With the recent addition of new defensive coordinator coach Jonathan Gannon, there could be interest of free agent Colts to reunite with their former defensive backs head coach. Sure, Walker is a linebacker and Gannon might not have had a ton of time to work with him, but the interest could still be there given the scheme Gannon decides to run. Currently 26, Walker was a very productive player in his first four years in the league, making the most out of his former fifth round selection. He’s had a great opportunity of playing next to Darius Leonard, one of the best linebackers in the league. Leonard could see a big contract extension soon, making the ability to retain Walker more difficult. If Walker wants to be looked at as the lead guy for a team, he should look to reunite with Gannon and join forces with Nick Rallis by bringing his talent to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categorized:Eagles