Beth Hall – USA TODAY Sports
Bennie Logan was chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of April’s NFL draft, after the team had selected a defensive lineman with their top pick in each of the last three years.
Many have already penciled Logan in as a defensive tackle in what is expected to be a hybrid 4-3 and 3-4 alignment up front. However, the 23-year old LSU product has other ideas for those with that notion.
“I’m a defensive lineman,” Logan emphatically stated to reporters after walking off the field following his second- NFL training camp practice. “They’ve been working me out at a few different positions along the line.”
Be it at defensive end or at tackle, Logan will be asked to rush the passer in Bill Davis‘ defense. At the very least, he hopes to be a disruptive force in the backfield.
“When you’re rushing the passer, you’re not always going to get to the quarterback,” Logan pointed out. We were always taught, when you see the quarterback at the point of releasing the ball, try to get your hand in the passing lane, bat the ball down.”
Logan, who grew up a New York Giants fan, explained Wednesday that he looks up to Justin Tuck and models himself after him as a player.
Last season, the Eagles defense left much to be desired, finishing the season ranked 18th overall after allowing 343.2 yards per game. The wide eyed Coushatta, LA native likes what he’s seen this spring from his defensive linemen teammates.
“We’ve got a mixture of veterans [and young players]. You’ve got a mix of speed, size, power,” Logan said. “Whatever coach calls, he has the personnel to fit the scheme,”
Logan stands 6-foot-2, 309 pounds and rounded out his junior season with 45 tackles, 5.5 for loss and two sacks while wearing the prestigious number 18 which is awarded to Tigers who demonstrate outstanding leadership and character.
He has one simple message to fans that may be skeptical of this defense in Chip Kelly’s first season as head coach.
“I would characterize this defense as mobile. Mobile and exciting to watch,” Logan explained.
Join the conversation and follow Matt on Twitter.
