Eric Moncur a determined challenger within DE position for Eagles

Bring up the Eagles’ defensive end position, and names like Brandon Graham and Trent Cole are sure to be among the first mentioned. Dive deeper, considering guys battling for reserve jobs, and players like the versatile rookie Ricky Sapp and trade acquisition Darryl Tapp will be discussed. However, there’s one challenger within the position that has been put in the background, yet is determined to make an impact and could be a surprise candidate to stick with the team for the remainder of the offseason–Eric Moncur.

Though he doesn’t have the flash and college credentials that some of the team’s other defenders do, Moncur (pictured) has just as good of a chance to make the final roster as other players on the team competing, such as two-year veteran Alex Hall, who has similar characteristics. His inconsistency and seeming unwillingness to engage blockers while playing for the University of Miami in the NCAA make him a questionable option as a potential starter, but the 25-year-old rookie definitely possesses a solid work ethic and respectable pass rushing skills to make it at the professional level, even if in a reserve or special teams role. One of Moncur’s best seasons during his collegiate career came in 2007, when he notched 31 tackles and five sacks.

A variety of injuries while in college greatly effected Moncur’s stock in the 2010 Draft, hence the fact that he was not selected by a team and joined the Eagles as a rookie free agent. Obviously his history of getting hurt will be a factor while with Philadelphia (especially since the Birds dealt with plenty of injuries on their squad last season, which undoubtedly negated their defense’s success at times), but he’s got the right amount of determination and potential to star for the Eagles.

Thus far in the offseason, Moncur has been taking repetitions as the team’s third-string defensive end, but there’s a good shot the staff will work him within the linebacker corps as well. No matter what, the absence of Victor Abiamiri–who has been struggling to get on the field as of late with knee issues–and the unproven state of other Eagles makes Moncur a player to keep an eye on as OTAs progress and the roster battles intensify.



(bleed-green.com)