According to Phillymag.com's Tim McManus, there's a "good chance" the Eagles switch to a 3-4 defensive front under HC Chip Kelly. GM Howie Roseman says the team has been preparing for scheme versatility since before Andy Reid left. Indeed, Philly appears more adaptaple to such a shift than the Saints. Trent Cole, Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry look like the kind of speed rushers who can work as standup OLBs in the 3-4. The Eagles dropped Cole into coverage -- more often than they should have -- back when Sean McDermott was DC. That was a key complaint leading up to McDermott's firing, but the fact that Cole got put in that situation from a down lineman spot indicates his ability. LB DeMeco Ryans might prove a questionable fit after the 3-4 shift forced him out of Houston. But there is no Brian Cushing in Philly. Perhaps Ryans will be fine as the 3-down, multi-role MLB instead of the 2-down weak inside player. Playing time (vs. salary) appeared more of an issue than his ability at the end in Houston. 2012 rookie DT Fletcher Cox can play anywhere on the line and would figure to slide to DE in a 3-4 base. Fellow 2012 rookie LB Mychal Kendricks is smallish and would need to prove he could work through traffic inside. But he excelled at multiple positions in college and came on late last year for the Eagles. Of course, we'll first have to see who Philly picks as DC. Then we can start breaking down any changes for real.
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