Defensive tackle has been a position of need for the Eagles even though they finished tied for the top spot in the NFL with 50 sacks.

 

With starters DeMeco Ryans, Brian Rolle and Jamar Chaney, linebacker is another area of concern.

Could the Eagles fill one of those positions with their first-round pick?

The Eagles are just one month away from the NFL draft where they sit at pick number 15. They have a huge decision to make and it could come down to one of these two positions with the first pick.

Now that the middle linebacker situation seems to be fixed with the addition of Ryans, that draft pick at number 15, if they elect to keep it, could come down to two positions on the defensive-side of the ball, defensive tackle or possibly outside linebacker.

While there are three elite level pass-rushers in this years draft and one elite level linebacker the Eagles could pass on both areas and add depth at the defensive tackle spot.  While adding more pass rush never hurts (see NY Giants), clearly with the way today's NFL has gone, with the importance of the quarterback position and getting to him, anytime you can get a pass rusher that's enormous.

But sometimes people sleep a bit on the tackle position and almost overlook it, because its not a numbers position.  However, if you have a chance to grab a top-level defensive tackle in this year's draft it may be the way to go.  With Mike Patterson 28-years old, coming off brain surgery and Cullen Jenkins, 31-years old, the Eagles need to get younger at that position.

The guys in this year's draft that could be there at 15 are all interesting prospects who all offer different skills.

Dontari Poe and Michael Brockers are the top two defensive tackles in the draft and might not find their way down to 15, but the Eagles could trade up to get either guy.  If they elect to stay at 15, Fletcher Cox, Devon Still and Jerel Worthy are all first round material at the tackle position.

At the outside linebacker position, Courtney Upshaw and Zach Brown are two options to keep an eye on for the Eagles.

The NFL  Draft is April 28, 29, 4o and can be heard on 97.3 ESPN and 1450 ESPN.

More From 97.3 ESPN