Brandon Graham slots in at number 9 on our top 15 impact players for next season. Graham, a formers Michigan stand out, was selected 13th overall in the 2010 draft. The Philadelphia Eagles traded up to get him, as they clearly saw massive potential. In his short NFL tenure, Graham has mostly been disappointing, but the way he ended his 2012 season, shows that he has the skills to be a major impact player for the Eagles next season.
With the Eagles switching to a 4-3 this upcoming season, Graham will have to shift to linebacker. While it is expected to only help improve his play, this what he had to say about the switch.
Right now, I’m just learning everything, Just trying to get better with my technique because I know I can rush the passer, I know I can do all those things, but I’m trying to work (on) what I can (do) in space. Change is always difficult because you don’t know how it’s going to go, but so far, so good, I think (the coaches) have a real good plan for me, they know what I can do. I’m just adding on to what I did last year and trying to start off this year and keep it rolling. I’m not worried about it at all. I was nervous for the change, but now I feel good.”
Brandon Graham has tons of confidence, and feels good about the change. This is exactly what you want your young players to be saying, and exactly how you want them to carry themselves. Graham will be far more effective next season as he has always been too small for the defensive line anyway. The move will help him utilize his speed to his full potential, and help improve stopping the run.
Based on the way Graham ended his 2012 campaign, Eagles fans should be excited for his future. On the year, he totaled 5.5 sacks, and 38 tackles. To end the season, he went on a tackle tear, and showed fans why he was drafted so high. With the move to linebacker, he should be one of the team leaders in terms of total tackles.
While most fans have expected more out of Graham, he has shown some spurts of being a great NFL player. This season could be his breakout year, and he will be a major impact player for the Eagles. With the switch to 4-3, Graham will get to display his versatility to the league, and prove that he can be a difference maker.
[Photo: Al Bello/Getty Images]Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
