The Eagles need some help when it comes to the linebacker position. They already have Alex Singleton who produced the most at the linebacker position for the Eagles in 2020. He had 75 tackles during the season along with two sacks and one interception. The other linebackers they have are young and do not provide that x-factor for the Eagles’ linebacking core.
It has been rumored since the Eagles have traded down to the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft that they might go with a defensive option in the draft. This would certainly help the Eagles out, but they have not picked a linebacker in the first round in a long time. It would be more likely the Eagles find their linebacker in free agency. Neville Hewitt has been a solid linebacker in the league and could be that big name free agent linebacker the Eagles need. It has also been confirmed that the Eagles have expressed interest in the veteran linebacker according to Sports Illistrated. This is why the Eagles should sign Neville Hewitt.
Hewitt’s college career
Neville Hewitt had a fantastic career at his time at Marshall that prepared him for his career as an NFL linebacker. Hewitt played at Marshall for two years and dominated at the position in Conference USA. In 2013, he had 85 total tackles. Hewitt also had 3.5 tackles for losses and 2.5 sacks during his his first season with the Herd. In 2014, he really became that elite college linebacker. He eclipsed his tackles total from 2013 and totaled 123 tackles in 2014. He also had 13 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks.
Hewitt was named 2014 Conference USA defensive player of the Year and 1st in total tackles within the conference. He led the Thundering Herd defense to 13-1 season, and gave Marshall a real shot at going to a New Year’s Six Bowl that year before their loss to Western Kentucky to end Marshall’s undefeated season.
Neville Hewitt in the NFL
Hewitt is now a veteran in the NFL and has spent time with the Dolphins and the Jets during his career. Hewitt had two huge seasons with the Jets in 2019 and 2020. In 2019, he totaled 75 tackles with six of those tackles being for losses. He also disrupted the quarterbacks a lot during that season with eight quarterback hits. In 2020, he became even more of a beast at tackling. He racked up an impressive 134 tackles, with 91 of them being solo tackles and 43 being assisted. He also matched his tackle for loss total at six tackles during the 2020 season.
What Hewitt can do for the Eagles
Hewitt is great at stopping the run, as his tackle total can attest for. The veteran linebacker is also fast and can fly around the field which is impressive since he’s big at 6-foot-2 and weighs 234 pounds. He can also get through the offensive line and disrupt the quarterback by either sacking them or getting in their face and causing mayhem during the play that ultimately leads to mistakes by the opponent.There have also been times during seasons where Hewitt has laid down the lumber on players. Hewitt is a very hard hitter and his strength and speed can disrupt any NFL defense. Hewitt and Singleton together can make a dominant duo at the linebacking position for the Eagles. This will also give the Eagles solid depth at the linebacking position which the Eagles really need.
The Eagles would have to spend a lot for Hewitt since he is one of the more premier linebackers in the league in recent years. They will also have to compete with multiple other teams who are also in the running for him. In the end, it would be worth acquiring Hewitt’s services and the Eagles should definitely look at picking him up. This is why the Eagles should sign Neville Hewitt.
Go to our NFL page for more articles and updates!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!