Rookie Kendricks could have huge impact

One of the Eagles' biggest weaknesses during their 8-8 2011 season was the linebacker position -- all three of 'em.

But the team has targeted the position this off-season. First, the Birds traded for middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans.

Then, the Eagles took Mychal Kendricks in the second round of the draft out of California.

NFL.com thinks that Kendricks is poised for a breakout season with the Eagles. What do you think?

Kendricks isn't the biggest linebacker in the world but he's feisty. He's listed at 5-11, 239 but he plays tough.

He's an edgy player and that's what NFL.com likes about him. I have to agree.

We've only seen a little bit of Kendricks so far during OTAs and minicamp and it's really tough to evaluate defensive players without pads, but so far, I like what I see.

"But the edginess is welcomed after what we saw last season," NFL.com writes.

And there really does seem to be an edginess in Kendricks' personality. He's a chippy player and as long as he can control it, he can use it to his advantage.

Kendricks is also in a much better position than Casey Matthews was last season. Matthews, a fourth-round selection before the 2011 season, was plugged into the middle linebacker slot. It was an ill-advised move to say the least. Matthews struggled and lost his starting spot early in the 2011 season.

Kendricks looks to be a starter in his rookie season too, but he is in a much better spot. He'll be next to a Pro Bowl player in Ryans and Kendricks had a chance to go through OTAs and minicamps, which can really help a young player. Kendricks will also be on the strongside, which should allow him to utilize his speed.

E-mail Dave Zangaro at dzangaro@comcastsportsnet.com