Philadelphia Eagles: Zach Brown Should Be Priority in Round 2

The Philadelphia Eagles got Fletcher Cox in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft by trading up to reach the No.12 pick. The most incredible fact, though, is that they didn’t have to give away any second or third-round picks, which allows them to go after some premium talents who are still on the draft board.

Apparently, the only weak spot of the Eagles right now is at linebacker and at safety. However, there are no safeties worth drafting so high and since last year’s reach for Jaiquawn Jarrett proved to be a rushed move that gave little in return, I don’t think the Eagles will do that again.

On the other hand, it would be fantastic if Philadelphia could draft an outside linebacker, since DeMeco Ryans and Jamar Chaney can both play at the middle. There’s also Brian Rolle on the roster—a player who can perform ably as a weak-side linebacker.

So, the Eagles need to add a linebacker who can play on the strong side of the defensive formation; a run-stopper and at the same time, strong and fast enough to cover tight ends.

Zach Brown, Terrell Manning and Lavonte David are players who can help the Eagles from the “SAM” position. Brown, however, looks like the best linebacker Philadelphia can get tonight.

Brown is a little taller than 6’1” and weighs about 236 pounds. He is very fast and strong enough to bring down most NFL running backs. More impressively, he can play coverage and stick with the opponent tight end, keeping him out of the game.

In recent years, the Eagles have struggled to cover athletic tight ends; Zach Brown is someone who can do that with effectiveness while being the final piece on a very strong front-seven.

Philadelphia has the 14^th and the 19^th pick of the second round and I can’t see how Brown will be available by then. If Howie Roseman and Andy Reid want him, they'll probably have to trade up.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind if they gave a second and third-round pick to jump in the top five of the second round just to get Brown. He is what the Eagles miss the most.