Brian Orakpo, OLB
Age: 28
Height: 6-3
Weight: 255
Last team: Washington
Scouting report
Orakpo, picked 13th overall by Washington in 2009, has made three Pro Bowls in his six seasons, but somehow hasn’t lived up to his draft billing. He has 40 sacks in 71 career games but never had more than 11 in a season. His 40 sacks only rank 31st in the NFL since 2009. Health has been an issue. He played just two games in 2012 and just seven last year. Orakpo made $11.455 million last year under the one-year franchise tag.
Geoff’s take
I kind of like Orakpo as a value signing. His price tag should be cheap compared to other pass rushers given his problems staying healthy and the fact that he’s never proven to be an elite pass rusher, so you can get some upside for little money. He’s long removed from that 11-sack rookie season and hasn’t replicated it since. If the Eagles can get him on the cheap, he’d be a nice addition to pair with Trent Cole if Brandon Graham flies the coop. But by no means would I engage in a bidding war for his services.
Roob’s take
As recently as 2013, Orakpo was a 10-sack Pro Bowl guy, but he was banged up last year and ineffective when he did play. I have no idea which Orakpo the Eagles would get if they signed him, and that’s the problem. You could get a double-digit sack guy -– when he’s played at least 10 games, Orakpo has averaged 9½ sacks per year. Or you could get a guy who spends half the season or more in the trainer’s room. The Eagles can’t afford to take that risk. Orakpo is an intriguing prospect, a former top-15 pick who’s still in his 20s and is just a year removed from a Pro Bowl season. But you just can’t devote serious resources to a guy that’s this big of a question mark.