We’ve spent a lot of time talking about who the Eagles might play at quarterback next season and learned the names of a couple of players who won’t be helping the defense, but there hasn’t been a ton of discussion about just what the defense will look like under new defensive coordinator Billy Davis.
Head coach Chip Kelly and others have resisted filing the defense under a strict 3-4 definition, saying that they want to see what the players on the roster can do and tailor a defense that best fits their needs. It seems likely that things are going to start with some 3-4 principles, a notion supported by Brandon Graham. Graham played defensive end the last few years in Philly and says he thinks he’s headed to a new position in 2013.
“I think linebacker is where I’m going to be — outside linebacker,” Graham said, via Tim McManus of PhillyMag.com.
Graham is working to lose 10 or 15 pounds this offseason to get prepared for the move. Gra which could include coverage responsibilities that weren’t on the table at defensive end. The same could be true for Trent Cole and Vinny Curry and the ability of the old Eagles dogs to learn new tricks will have much to do with how well the transition to the new defense works in 2013.