The Eagles' seventh-round pick, Cole Wisniewski, is a safety with a unique skill set. Standing at 6'3 and 219 pounds, he's a physical presence near the line of scrimmage, excelling in run support. This physicality and size make him reminiscent of a player the Eagles have tried to cultivate in the past: a linebacker-turned-safety. The team has a history of converting safeties like Wisniewski into linebackers, as seen with Jacoby Stevens and Nate Gerry. Wisniewski's playing style is aggressive, as evidenced by his highlight reel, where he's a physical tackler who plays downhill.
His size and playing style have drawn comparisons to another player, Jeremy Chinn, a hybrid safety/linebacker for the Raiders. Chinn, like Wisniewski, played at an FCS school, Southern Illinois, and has a similar build, though Chinn is slightly more athletic. The comparison is intriguing, but it's important to note that Chinn has been a starter throughout his pro career, while Wisniewski will have to compete for a roster spot. Despite this, the Eagles' general manager, Howie Roseman, has praised Wisniewski's instincts, ball skills, and physicality, drawing parallels to another former Eagles player, Reed Blankenship.
Wisniewski's potential role in the Eagles' defense is intriguing. He might not start, but his ability to play a dime linebacker role and contribute in run support could be valuable. This role is similar to Chinn's, and it's possible that the Eagles see Wisniewski as a player who can bring the same level of hustle and tackling ability to the team. With his size, physicality, and playing style, Wisniewski has the potential to make an impact, especially in a role that complements the team's existing players.
The comparison to Chinn and the team's history of converting safeties to linebackers highlight Wisniewski's versatility and potential. While he may not start immediately, his skills and playing style make him an interesting prospect for the Eagles' defense.
