It hasn't happened in the Andy Reid era and it hasn't happened in Philadelphia since Jerry Robinson in 1979, but it was reported by National Football Post's Aaron Wilson that UCLA linebacker Akeem Ayers will visit with the Eagles on Wednesday.
The 6'3", 255-pound Ayers is expected to be selected in the first round of the upcoming draft and many draft experts rate him as the second best outside linebacker behind Von Miller, making him a likely top-five pick.
A starter for the past two years, Ayers registered 143 tackles (10 for a loss), 24.5 sacks and six interceptions over the course of those 25 games. The redshirt junior renounced his final year of eligibility to enter the draft.
The potential for the Eagles to add Ayers makes a lot of sense.
Under new defensive coordinator Juan Castillo, the wide-nine technique will put more of an emphasis on the linebackers to secure the C gap. Ayers is slated to play on the strong side, a weak side of the Eagles defense.
With linebacker being a definite need for the Birds, is this the position in the draft to fill this hole? Is Ayers talented enough to make an immediate impact on the woeful Philadelphia defense, or would cornerback Ala Jimmy Smith be a better pick?
We want your thoughts!
