Philadelphia Eagles 2009 Preview: Defensive Line, Pt. 2

In our last 2009 Philadelphia Eagles Preview, we took a good look at the defensive ends and what can be expected of the group in the up-coming season.  In this part two, we will continue to examine the defensive line, this time with a focus on the defensive tackles.

The Eagles currently have five defensive tackles on the roster. They have right defensive tackle's Brodrick Bunkley, Dan Klecko and left defensive tackle's Mike Patterson, Trevor Laws and rookie free agent (also half-brother to Eagles center, Jamaal Jackson) Jervonte Jackson.

I'd like to start this preview off with a look at the depth at the defensive tackle position.  One thing the Eagles have always tried to accomplish in the Reid/Johnson era is to have fresh legs on the defensive line by using a rotation of starting caliber players. 

This is easier said than done in the NFL. With Dan Klecko focused soley on one position this year, this should add much to achieving this goal.

Dan Klecko may be best known for his one-yard TD catch as a Colt, in the win of the 2007 AFC Championship game against the Patriots.  Klecko could be considered a bit under-sized for a defensive tackle (5'11", 275 lbs), but I don't see this as a negative. 

In a backup role, this should provide a nice change of pace while keeping opposing offensive lines guessing at how they will be attacked.

Another depth player who should keep legs fresh on the line is second year player Trevor Laws.  Laws, drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2008 draft, is an interesting prospect that I feel may catch a bit of fire this year.

With limited game play last year Laws contributed with 10 solo tackles and a nice fumble recovery in the final game of the season against Dallas. 

Coming into his second year, Trevor should be ready to see his role increase.  This kid at one time was ranked the No. 1 high school wrestler in the nation as a Super Heavyweight with a record of 142-5. 

What does this tell us other than that he's tough to pin down?  Laws takes well to training, has a solid head on his shoulders and is a dominating athlete. With year one under his belt, I expect Trevor Laws to come out of the gate pushing Patterson for starter duties.

If Dan Klecko is undersized at tackle, new-comer Jervonte Jackson is HUGE.  Standing at 6'5" and weighing 300 pounds, Jackson is the Eagles largest defensive player.

A two-time All-Sun Belt Selection while attending Florida Atlantic University, Jackson will add to the mix with his size and camp competition.  Much playing time seems unlikely though. If Jervonte Jackson can make a gameday Eagles roster in 2009, look for him to have a limited role.

Starting right defensive tackle and 2006 first round draft pick, Brodrick Bunkley is coming off his best season to date. 

In 2008, Bunkley dominated on the line.  In one game against the Giants he nearly beat his rookie season tackle total (13) with 11.  He ended the season with 86 tackles (46 solo's) and two sacks.

Bunkley became a starter in 2007 and the Eagles went from a team that everyone could break a big run against into an elite run-stopping defense.  Since that time, the Eagles rank sixth overall against the run averaging just 94 yards rushing allowed per game.

Now, obviously this isn't all Bunkley—the addition of Stewart Bradley certainly helped matters—but it's hard to deny the presence he brings to the defense.  I expect Bunkley to continue with his 2008 efforts and improve.  A Pro Bowl caliber year is not out of the question.

This leaves us with Mike Patterson, drafted 31st overall in the 2005 draft. Patterson will be entering his fifth season with the Eagles. 

On the surface it may appear Mike Patterson took a step back in 2008. 

His total tackles were down (114 in 2007, 86 in 2008) his sacks were down (four in 2007, just .5 in 2008) and he even played less games in 2007 (15 in 2007, 16 in 2008) but this is more a tribute to his great play in 2007 than what I would call a "step back."

Though, 2008 may have been a step back statistically, Patterson continued to impress on the field setting a career high for tackles in a game (15 versus Was—10/5/08).  Also picking off an Eli Manning pass for a 21 yard return setting up a go-ahead TD.

2009 should see a fresher Mike Patterson on the field.  With Trevor Laws fighting for playing time at left defensive tackle, Patterson should be more effective with the time he spends in rotation.  I look for Patterson to have another great year.

All in all, the Eagles have an outstanding group of DT's and two nice prospects that could really come on quick.  Merge that with the strong core of DE's and the Eagles should have a great, if not amazing at times, defensive line in 2009.

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Dan Bandekow is a writer on Bleacher Report covering the Philadelphia Eagles. He is also the Lead Writer for www.thephillyeagles.com.