It's lucky number 13 for the Eagles, as they grabbed an extra pick in the seventh round to select linebacker Jamar Chaney. The Eagles traded into the 220nd pick (seventh round) to select Chaney, surrendered a 2011 sixth-round pick to the Detroit Lions in order to move up for Chaney, a player widely considered to be selected on the second day of the draft. He may have fallen because of a previous ankle injury.
Here is Tony Pauline's report on Chaney, who he believes projects to play middle linebacker.
MLB Jamar Chaney, Mississippi State | |||||
Pos. Rank: 4 | Grade: 3rd Round | Height: 6-0 1/2 | Weight: 242 | 40: 4.55 | Year: 5-Sr. |
The Good: Explosive, hard-hitting linebacker who makes plays against the pass and run. Remains disciplined with assignments, displays a good head for the ball, and works to make plays. Fast moving sideline to sideline, breaks down well, and nicely flows to the action. Gets depth on pass drops, quick footed moving in reverse, and keeps his head on a swivel, displaying good instincts. Quickly changes direction, easily redirects to ball-carriers, and wraps up tackling.
The Bad: Very slow adjusting off the initial hit then getting back to playing form. Possesses poor hands for the interception. Easily blocked from the action.
The Verdict: Chaney did a terrific job returning from injury last season and really presents himself as a potential three-down linebacker for the next level. He's a hard-working player with good athleticism and football intelligence. Cheney has the possibility to be used at several linebacker spots in a number of systems, which will only enhance his value to NFL teams.
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 3:53 p.m., April 24