Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Backups Who Could See Serious Time for the Eagles in 2012

The Philadelphia Eagles have a few "diamond in the rough" players who deserve to see more action in the 2012 season.

After a disappointing 2011 campaign which saw the team bat only a .500, there is no question that changes need to be made.  The team will likely look to either the draft or free agency to make those changes, and hopefully those routes bring answers to some of the problems.

But it just may end up being that seldom-used players already on the roster make some of the biggest differences this year.  One of the best ways to build a dynasty is by developing prospects and turning them into solid contributors.  

With experience now under their belts, these following players are poised to spend more time on the field and make a difference for the team.

Riley Cooper, Wide Receiver

Behind the likes of DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant, receiver Riley Cooper wasn't able to net much playing time early in the season.  

That changed in Week 11.  Thanks to injuries to the men in front of him, Cooper was able to see a significant amount of snaps for the remainder of the season.  He then showed his gratitude by posing 13 catches for 240 yards and a touchdown in the three games in which he started.  

Now, word on the street is that Jackson will likely be back in Philadelphia, which will limit the amount of opportunities Cooper gets next year.  But he has more than proven himself capable of handling more snaps, and the team could desperately use his big body in the red zone.

Cooper still needs to polish his route running, but he has the talent to be a capable No. 2 or 3 receiver.

Keenan Clayton, Linebacker

Considering how inept the linebackers were in 2011, it might come as surprise to see one listed in this article.  But Keenan Clayton gets the nod here because he showed promise in a relatively few amount of snaps.

A converted safety, Clayton has the speed to cover opposing tight ends.  That is becoming an increasingly difficult assignment, given the athleticism of the new breed of tight ends 

He didn't see much time on the field last season, only registering 156 snaps.  But he made his presence known when he was on the field.  That was most obvious in Week 17 against the Washington Redskins, when Clayton notched nine total tackles.  

With the linebackers leaving much to be desired last season, it is worth a shot to give Clayton more time at the "SAM" linebacker position.

Brandon Graham, Defensive End

Fans are already labeling Brandon Graham a bust, but there is still time for the young man to prove himself.  Granted, in two seasons he has produced only three sacks, but the fact that he spent much of his first two seasons dealing with injuries must be taken into account.

In his rookie season, Graham tore his ACL and then spent much of last season trying to adjust to his reconstructed knee.  Before the injury, however, Graham showed plenty of promise as a pass-rusher.

Now a full year removed from knee surgery, it seems likely that Graham will rebound and perform at a higher level.  Or at least he better.  General Manager Howie Roseman has made it known that 2012 will be a key year for Graham.

He may be playing behind defensive studs Trent Cole and Jason Babin, but Graham should hopefully earn enough playing time to see a healthy increase in production.

Dion Lewis, Running Back

While he left much to be desired as a returner, Dion Lewis showed enough as a running back to warrant being bumped up to No. 2 on the depth chart.  

Lewis doesn't necessarily have the size or strength to be a full-time starter, but his lateral quickness makes him an ideal change-of-pace back.  When starter LeSean McCoy needs a breather, the Eagles should feel safe handing the ball off to Lewis.

Like Keenan Clayton, Lewis was also to display his talent in Week 17 against the Washington Redskins last season.  The young man from Pitt touted the pigskin 12 times that game, notching 58 yards and a touchdown.  

With Ronnie Brown likely headed elsewhere next season, Lewis would be an ideal candidate to replace him as McCoy's primary backup.

Curtis Marsh, Defensive Back

For most fans, the name Curtis Marsh might sound unfamiliar.  That would be because he played a grand total of 13 snaps all of last season.  

A third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Marsh was pegged as a long-term prospect with raw talent that needed polishing.  Then the Eagles went out and signed Nnamdi Asomugha and traded for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  By the time the dust finally settled, Marsh was left riding the pine.

Despite that, Marsh put on quite a show during training camp.  He was making plays all over the field, and some observers even thought he was worthy of at least defending the slot.  Heck, a few even likened him to longtime Eagle cornerback Bobby Taylor.

With Asante Samuel likely headed for greener pastures, Marsh could move up the depth chart.  His raw talent and intelligence will make him an intriguing prospect to watch during the offseason.