Eagles Trade for DeMeco Ryans

Added on Mar 21, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

If there was one thing on the offseason wish list of Philadelphia Eagles fans besides firing Andy Reid, it was adding legitimate talent to a weak linebacking corps. Well, for once, the Philly faithful got what they wanted after the Eagles shipped a fourth-round pick in April’s draft to the Texans in exchange for two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans.

The Eagles front office is famous for pulling off shrewd deals (they once received a second-round pick from Miami for quarterback A.J. Feeley), so it should come as little surprise that pigskin pundits are classifying the trade as a “steal” for the Birds. In addition to the fourth-rounder, they also swapped third-rounders, sending the 77th pick to Houston for their 89th.

Ryans brings athleticism and proven leadership to the position, something that has been missing since the days of Jeremiah Trotter. Ryans, who turns 28 in July, was the 2006 Defensive Rookie of the Year when he totaled 155 tackles, 3.5 sacks and one interception.

His numbers dipped in the last two seasons due to a torn Achilles that caused him to miss 10 games in 2010, and then a switch to defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ 3-4 scheme. Ryans is a natural middle linebacker who flows to the ball fluidly and possesses enough size (6’1″, 247) to shed offensive lineman and attack runners.

So why would Houston trade him for what amounts to a middle-round pick? He wasn’t as effective playing in a 3-4 and there appears to be some concern about his long-term health after the Achilles surgery. He started every game in 2011, but didn’t look like his old self. However, not having the benefit of rehabbing with team trainers during the lockout shortened offseason might have contributed to his slow recovery.

Whatever the case, the Eagles get an instant upgrade in the middle of their defense. Jamar Chaney and Brian Rolle are intriguing prospects, but both are raw and undersized. It’s a low risk, high reward move for Reid and Co. Even if Ryans doesn’t return to his Pro Bowl form, all it cost to acquire him was a fourth-round pick.

Source; NFL.com