Eagles have turned major weakness into strength, NFL analyst believes

Ryan OLeary

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Eagles have turned major weakness into strength, NFL analyst believes image

Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has long believed in building his defenses through the trenches, and that’s led to some lean linebacker rooms over the years. Seeking change this past offseason, Roseman actively hunted for help at the position in free agency, notably signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Devin White and New Orleans Saints pass rusher Zack Baun.

One NFL analyst already sees inside linebacker as a position of strength for the Eagles in 2024. 

Ross Tucker, a former NFL veteran who’s now a game analyst for the Eagles among various other media gigs, singled out Baun in particular when breaking down the team’s linebacking corps:

Baun is one of several Eagles players navigating a change of position during training camp. He came on strong in a pass rushing role with Saints in 2023, but has been lining up alongside White as a starting interior linebacker throughout camp with the Eagles.

“I just play linebacker,” Baun told the media back in July. “I can do a lot of different things. I can pass rush. I can play inside backer, can cover. I’m just here to contribute to the team however they see fit.”

Tucker also sees big things coming for a pair of rising stars in Nakobe Dean and Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

The team clearly had big plans for Dean in 2023, but his season was cut short due to a Lisfranc injury. Now back to full speed, Dean’s made a strong case to start at inside linebacker himself through two preseason games. Trotter Jr., meanwhile, has flashed enough to earn first-team reps in practice as well. 

“I think they can both play,” Tucker said. “I think the Eagles have four linebackers who can legit play. I’m not worried about it.”

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan OLeary Photo

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.