2016 NFL draft positional breakdown: Linebacker

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We continue our weekly positional breakdowns leading up to the 2016 NFL draft with the linebackers. Instead of a traditional top 5, we'll highlight players at these positions who fit the Eagles and have a chance to be available when the team picks. 

NOTE: We started this series with possible choices with the No. 8 pick. Well, that isn't going to happen anymore. Here's a look at who they can get later. 

In the middle
Scooby Wright III, Arizona, 6-0, 239 
The former Pac 12 defensive player of the year will probably come off the board around the third round. He's not an elite athlete but always seems to be around the ball. And injury in 2015 hurt his draft stock, but could make him a decent mid-round sleeper. 

Nick Kwiatkoski, West Virginia, 6-2, 243
The Eagles have been all over this kid from early on, even reportedly bringing him in for a visit. And it's easy to see why. He's a great tackler and became the focal point of the West Virginia defense.

Nick Vigil, Utah State, 6-2, 239
The brother of Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Vigil, who went undrafted. Nick Vigil will probably land around the fifth or sixth round. Hard to argue with his production in the Mountain West. There are question about his frame, but some team will give him a shot. 

Tyler Matakevich, Temple, 6-1, 230
Matakevich had a much better performance at the combine than most probably expected, but he's still not known for his athleticism. What Matakevich is known for is production. Look around college football and you won't find a more productive linebacker in the last four years. 

Outlook: None of these guys are Myles Jack or Darron Lee, but that's not to say they can't have pretty good careers in the NFL. And with the Eagles' need to find depth at ILB, it's worth taking a look. 

Late-round sleepers 
Antonio Morrison, Florida, 6-1, 232
There are some injury concerns and some concerns about off-the-field incidents that could cause Morrison to wait until the seventh round to be drafted and there's a chance he might not even hear his name called. But if he does, it could be a steal for a team, because he has talent. 

Josh Forrest, Kentucky, 6-3, 249
By the time the sixth and seventh rounds roll around, teams are not only looking for positional depth, they're also looking for players who can immediately play special teams. The big-bodied Forrest should fill that need. Has good speed for his size. 

Outlook: Morrison's off-field incidents would have been enough for Chip Kelly to completely write him off, but Chipper is gone and we'll have to see how the new regime handles these situations. With the Eagles' lack of depth, it wouldn't be crazy to see them take two linebackers in the draft. If they don't, look for them to bring in a few undrafted guys. 

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