CAN THE Eagles' third outside linebacker - the top sub - be as big a part of the defense as Brandon Graham was last year? Graham played 43 percent of the defense's snaps and notched 5 1/2 sacks.
With Trent Cole gone and Graham now a starter, the top candidate as Graham's replacement is already down for the season, Travis Long having torn his right ACL. The Eagles will have to rely more on someone like 2014 first-rounder Marcus Smith or Brandon Hepburn, a practice-squad inside linebacker last season.
Eagles defensive coordinator Bill Davis said yesterday the team needs that third OLB to be a contributor.