DeMeco Ryans

Offseason reports hinted that the Eagles were looking to replace Ryans before the 2014 season, but the team didn't add any noteworthy talent in the draft or free agency, so his three-down role appears safe for the most part. The eight-year veteran is coming off his best season since his 2007 rookie year, posting 127 tackles (102 solo), as well as four sacks and two interceptions. With his role unchallenged and the Eagles defense logging a high play-count due to the team's hurry-up offense, Ryans should breeze past the triple-digit tackle mark again in 2014.

Ryans bounced back from a 64-tackle 2011 in Houston to post 113 tackles (86 solo) in his first year as an Eagle, making him one of the few Philadelphia players who didn't disappoint in 2012. It took him a big snap count to reach that tackle mark, however, and he might not see 1,043 defensive snaps for a second year in a row. Still, it seems like Ryans has a high floor due to what should be a strong hold on a three-down role in Philadelphia, because Mychal Kendricks is the only other inside linebacker of note on the roster.

Ryans was unproductive as he attempted to return from a torn Achilles’ tendon last year, finishing the season with just 64 tackles, but he’s a great gamble to bounce back in a big way in 2012. He’s leaving Houston’s 3-4 for the middle linebacker spot in Philadelphia’s 4-3, which is more in tune with his skill set and should allow him to regain the form he showed when he averaged more than eight tackles per game from 2006 to 2010. Still, 64 tackles is a frighteningly low figure, so Ryans is a risk until he conclusively shows he still has it.

Ryans suffered a torn left Achilles' tendon in October, but he is expected to be healthy in time for training camp. He was off to a fast start last year before the injury struck, as he had 54 tackles (32 solo) in just six games. In Houston's new 3-4 defense, he should be in a good position to pursue that sort of production again in 2011. Houston’s defensive line talent is ill-suited to the scheme at the moment, particularly at the nose tackle position, so Ryan could see a lot of ball carriers making it to the second level in 2011, particularly as the team adjusts to the scheme change early in the year. Don’t expect the super smart Ryans to have any trouble catching on to the scheme right away, however.

Ryans has yet to match the stellar IDP numbers he posted as a rookie (156 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception) but has emerged as a consistent force in the middle of the Texans D and a good bet to generate about 120 tackles a year. His durability is a big plus; like all NFL players, Ryans has been hit with a variety of minor injuries, but he’s been able to play through them without missing time or losing productivity. He may be called upon to do more during the first quarter of the season while teammate Brian Cushing is suspended for violating the league’s PED policy.

Ryans made a great first impression on the NFL. As a rookie in 2006, he racked up 156 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception. He hasn’t matched those lofty numbers; in fact, his tackles have fallen in each succeeding season. In 2008, he was slowed by a variety of nagging injuries but never missed a game, posting 112 tackles and a sack despite being banged up for most of the season. Even though his numbers have decreased, Ryans still shows great range, quickness and instincts. Back at full strength for 2009, Ryans should return to the top of the IDP scoring charts, particularly if the Texans get better play from the defensive line.

Ryans didn't match his incredible 155 tackles from 2006, but the second-year man was still tough in 2007 (127 tackles, two sacks, one interception). His decline seemed to be more related to the Texans' improvement on defense than any slip in skills. He'll be 24 when the season opens and figures to be in the 130-plus range in tackles in 2008. Ryans is a great tackler whose main downside is that he doesn't offer quite as much sack or interception potential as his elite colleagues. His motor is relentless and he has good field vision.

Ryans beat out Sam Cowart in the preseason last year for the starting middle spot and never looked back. The defensive rookie of the year, Ryans posted a league-leading 125 solo tackles and was second to Zach Thomas with 155 total tackles, including an amazing nine games with double-digit tackles. If you've got a ball in your hands, you don't want Ryans on your tail. He's relentless, forceful and intelligent, always in the right place and determined, but also refined. His sprinkling of sacks and interceptions show he is as comfortable rushing, whether from a three-point stance or standing up, as he is making plays in coverage. Scouts agree with what those stats say. While Ryans obviously lacks a track record, he also has the potential to improve from his third standing among IDPs last year to the top of the list.

Ryans is an outside linebacker first, but the club tried him out in the middle and he easily beat out Sam Cowart for the starting job. It's not often we see a rookie take over such an important role on the defense, but the coaches like his football IQ and are confident Ryans can handle it.