First-round grade coming out of 'Bama.

The Eagles made it official.

Yes, they agreed to trade undisclosed draft picks for a middle linebacker.


Not just any middle linebacker, but DeMeco Ryans (6-1, 247), who made the Pro Bowl twice before rupturing an Achilles' tendon.

The Eagles agreed to give the Houston Texans a fourth-round pick for Ryans. They also swapped third-rounders, the Eagles getting the 87th overall pick, the Texans the 77th.

And sure, Ryans is a linebacker who can tackle when he's healthy.

Still, that injury should be reason to curb the enthusiasm a bit.


Players tend not to be the same after tearing Achilles' tendons. There are more Todd Pinkstons who never were all the way back than Demaryious Thomas' (Broncos). If I'm missing a Hall of Famer, by all means, comment.

Ryans must pass a physical on the Achilles he hurt in 2010 to consummate the deal.

That said, I understand your pain. Hopefully the Eagles still will consider moving up the board in the first round to select middle linebacker Luke Kuechely of Boston College. 

Follow Bob Grotz on Twitter.