Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Bold predictions for Jordan Hicks in 2017
Here are three bold predictions for Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Jordan Hicks in 2017.
Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Jordan Hicks is cementing himself as one of the best linebackers in the NFL. The former Texas Longhorns defender fell all the way to the 84th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft because of his injury history. He tore his Achilles one season and then followed that up with a hip flexor injury that forced him to miss extensive time. He did play in every game his senior season, but he broke his foot in the offseason.
Ironically, Philadelphia hates Chip Kelly, but he was the one that drafted the 6-2, 241-pound linebacker in the third round. It may have been Kelly's best decision in his three years as the Eagles head coach. Hicks entered the league with more questions than answers. Although, he quickly showed that when he is healthy, he can be a star in the NFL.
He started five games in his rookie season, compiling 50 tackles, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), a forced fumble, and a sack. The only problem was that his rookie season was cut short due to an injury, which was the big concern with him.
Luckily for the Eagles, Hicks came back stronger in his sophomore campaign — and healthy. Hicks started all 16 games for the Eagles in 2016. Having a full season to give a sample size, Hicks showed how good he can be. He ended his second season with 85 tackles, five interceptions (leading all linebackers in the NFL), and one sack.
It is clear that Hicks is trending upward on becoming the best linebacker in football. 2017 will be a big year to see if he continues to progress or if 2016 was his peak. Here are three bold predictions for Hicks in 2017.
Oct 30, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brice Butler (19) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
3. 16 Games: 115+ tackles and 10 turnovers (4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries)
Hicks had a solid year, but his statistics to end the season did not tell the full story of his ability. He was a monster in coverage all season. According to Pro Football Focus, opposing quarterbacks shied away from Hicks when they dropped back to pass. He had the most coverage snaps played per target for middle linebackers in 2016 at 14.7. The next closest was 12.4.
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That was a direct reflection to Hicks' ability to pick the ball off and make a play for his team. His league leading five picks for linebackers highlight his dominant year in pass coverage. It also is a sign of bigger and better things to come. Look for Hicks' stats to follow with his elite play. Hicks has the ability to change the game by creating turnovers and he should end his third year in the NFL with 10 turnovers.
His 85 tackles were on the low side, especially for a linebacker who played 95.19 percent of the defensive snaps according to Pro Football Reference. Look for him to add 30 or more tackles to his numbers when the 2017 season is over. He is a guy that runs all over the field and that will never change. His high motor will allow him to continue to improve his tackle numbers. Had he not been injured in his rookie season, his 10 tackles per start had him on pace for 160. There is no doubt in my mind that Hicks will end the year with 115 or more tackles.
And for those Eagles fans who hate the Dallas Cowboys, Hicks has created a turnover in all four of his career games against "America's Team." That amazing statistic will continue in 2017.
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA;Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) celebrates a sack with middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys, 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
2. Ends the year as the No. 1 Linebacker by Pro Football Focus
Pro Football Focus is highly regarded in the football world for their in-depth, every play look at each player throughout the season. Many fans and media members will use a player's ranking by Pro Football Focus when talking about how a player did in a season. Well, in 2016, Hicks was ranked No. 5 for all linebackers. That ranking was well-respected by many and helped cement the fact that Hicks played dominant football last year.
As everyone should, Pro Football Focus has given Hicks the love he deserves by ranking him highly for his play. That high ranking has allowed many people to appreciate what Hicks brings to the table. However, it has also given him higher expectations in his third year. Those high expectations should be met like Hicks meets a running back in the hole.
Eagles fans should be happy if Hicks can get back in the top 10 of Pro Football Focus's rankings for linebackers. Although, the expectations for Hicks will be that he finishes in the top five for a second straight year. Those lofty expectations have led to this bold prediction. Hicks will make the top five again. However, he will be the No. 1 ranked linebacker when the 2017 season is over.
Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Eagles middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 32-14. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
1. Second Team All-Pro and make his first Pro Bowl
Ending the year as the No. 5 linebacker by Pro Football Focus, Hicks has become known by the more casual fan. That was helped by Pro Football Focus showing that Hicks graded out the same as division rival, Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee. Both Lee and Hicks ended the year with an 88.0 rating, but Pro Football Focus asked, "Which linebacker would you rather have on your defense?"
That is an argument to be made at another time, but the fact that Hicks is even in discussion with the 2016 First Team All-Pro linebacker is a good thing for the Eagles. Lee had a solid year in 2016, and I am not taking anything away from him, however, Hicks was the more impactful player. Lee had a ton of tackles, 145 to be exact, but he only forced one turnover. Even though Hicks had 60 less tackles, his five extra turnovers are of more importance.
With that in mind, and my bold prediction of 115 or more tackles matches with 10 turnovers, Hicks should not only be the No. 1 ranked linebacker by Pro Football Focus; Hicks should earn All-Pro honors and his first trip to the Pro Bowl. It may not be First Team All-Pro honors, but even Second Team All-Pro love will be huge for Hicks after his dominant 2017 season.
