6. Middle Linebacker
Nate Gerry was second on the team in tackles in 2019 and has continued to improve after making the move from safety. Gerry will likely start at outside linebacker, meaning the decision will come down to the middle linebacker. T.J. Edwards will see a significant increase in playing time at the position but could lose reps to a faster player on passing down.
If that’s right, that leaves an open spot next to Gerry in nickel, which is essentially the Eagles’ base offense. The candidate for that role:
Jatavis Brown, Duke Riley, and two rookies, Davion Taylor and Shaun Bradley will compete to add that athleticism to the defense that has been missing, with Riley likely finally cracking the roster.