NFL Draft 2012: Who Will Eagles Draft Now That DeMeco Ryans Is on Board?

After acquiring linebacker DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans via trade on Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles may be shifting their draft strategy. Until now, conventional wisdom had the Eagles using the No. 15 pick in the first round to select a linebacker. With Ryans on the roster that might change.

Considering how weak the Eagles were up front in 2011, the next priority for Philadelphia will likely be getting a defensive tackle to pair with Cullen Jenkins. Another option could be taking the top safety available.

At defensive tackle a number of guys could be had at 15. LSU's Michael Brockers, physical freak Dontari Poe out of Memphis and Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox to name a few. Meanwhile, Alabama safety Mark Barron is projected to come off the board in the 13-18 range, which means he too could be available. 

The Eagles have done well to add Ryans, a two-time Pro Bowler who just didn't fit in Houston's new 3-4 scheme. Ryans really only cost Philadelphia a fourth-round pick, as they also flip-flopped third-round selections as part of the deal. 

Ryans will step right in and man the middle of the team's 4-3 defense and makes the drafting of a guy like Boston College's Luke Kuechly pointless. It also softens the blow of missing out on signing free agent Stephen Tulloch. 

Now the Eagles must turn their attention to shoring up the rest of their roster, whether by adding a defensive tackle or a safety, they must continue to improve the middle of their defense. Either way they should be able to grab at quality player with the 15th pick in this year's draft.