Philadelphia Eagles: Who Will Start at Linebacker in 2011?

With stud free-agent cornerbacks like Nnamdi Asomugha and Jonathan Joseph in free agency, it seems that all Eagles fans are talking about is filling the void in the secondary.

From where I stand, the real questions aren't at corner, but actually at linebacker.

This doesn't mean the team needs to go and sign free-agent linebackers, but it's very unclear who will be starting at the position when the 2011 season finally rolls around.

The Eagles have talented players: Stewart Bradley, Jamar Chaney, Keenan Clayton, Moise Fokou, Omar Gaither, Rashad Jeanty, Akeem Jordan, Greg Lloyd, Casey Matthews, Brian Rolle and Ernie Sims.

We can first eliminate Ernie Sims from the equation. The "shark in the water" was obviously drowning last season. He looked lost on assignments and failed to make plays. He likely won't be returning to Philadelphia.

It's unclear at this point if Bradley will be returning as well. When he went down with an injury late in the season, Chaney stepped in and opened some eyes. It appears he will be starting at middle linebacker next season.

Bradley still could return and play the Mike linebacker position. However, he needs to be re-signed.

Jordan lost his starting position to Fokou and he will likely remain a backup next year.

Gaither and Jeanty are clearly special teams players. It's very likely that Lloyd and Rolle were drafted to play special teams as well.

Out of all the draftees, Matthews seems to be the one with the best potential to start.

After breaking this down, this means that Bradley, Chaney, Clayton, Fokou and Matthews could all start next season at linebacker.

The problem isn't a good one to have, but that doesn't mean we can't speculate or have a good time trying to figure out what the Eagles do.

With so much depth at the position, it's very possible that the team lets Bradley walk. Although he is a talented player, he has been unable to stay healthy a full season.

I'm not completely sold on Matthews yet. I feel he has the potential to be a stud on special teams, but may lack the size and athleticism to start at linebacker.

This leaves Chaney, Fokou and Clayton as the starters.

This would mean two seventh-round picks and a fourth-round pick would be starting at linebacker.

Interestingly enough, I can't say I would complain.

What do you think Eagles fans? Who will be the starting linebackers for Philadelphia in 2011?