The way Eagles Nation has reacted, you would think DeMeco Ryans is headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Remember Mark Simoneau?

Then again, diehards have watched so many ordinary linebackers almost anyone with a couple of Pro Bowls on his resume is an immense improvement.

Even, it seems, if those accolades came before a torn Achilles' tendon. More on that during the OTA's.

At any rate, Ryans already has exhibited the 'it' factor.

Just a quick talk with new teammates was enough to open eyes. 

The guy is a leader. And that's largely why the Eagles traded a fourth-round pick to the Texans to secure him.

"Just going in there and shaking his hand you can see how confident he is," Eagles linebacker Brian Rolle said. "I look forward to playing next to him."

It's OK to be excited. Especially after Barry Gardner, Levon Kirkland and, remember Mark Simoneau?

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