Eagles, Te'o-Nesheim Agreed On Terms
By Lance Epstein
The Eagles and defensive lineman Daniel Te'0-Nesheim have come to terms on a four-year contract. Te'o-Nesheim was the club's third round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft (86th overall) out of the University of Washington and is currently the highest draft pick the Eagles have under contract.
With Te'o-Nesheim signing his rookie contract, he becomes the 10th Eagles' draft pick to sign, which leaves only three rookies unsigned-- defensive end Brandon Graham, free safety Nate Allen and wide receiver Riley Cooper. Still Eagles fans should not get too worry about getting their two highest draft picks [Graham and Allen] signed because no first or second-rounders have signed a contract yet.
At Washington, Te'0-Nesheim (6-3, 262) started all 49 games in his four-year college stint and became the school's all-time sack leader with 30 sacks. Additionally, he twice earned All-Pac 10 selection as he registered 194 tackles, 47 tackles for loss and eight force fumbles over his collegiate career. His best season came during his senior season as he compiled 14 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
A key reason the Eagles and head coach Andy Reid were so intrigued by Te'o-Nesheim was due to his flexibility. While he is considered to be undersized for a defensive end, the Eagles have and plan on using him at defensive tackle on nickel and dime packages. At other times, he will lineup at his natural defensive end position.
His ability, skill set and game are very similar to former Eagle and Saint Darren Howard. Remember the Eagles would constantly line Howard up all over the defensive line due to his versatility and knack for getting pressure on the quarterback. Howard gave the Eagles an inside pass rusher on third downs or passing downs, which they lacked in starters Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson.
Nevertheless, many fans were upset when the Eagles decided to pull the trigger on Te'o-Nesheim in the third round since most draft experts predicted he still be on the board in the fifth round. However, Te'o-Nesheim's ability to play multiple positions on the field at a high-level, his relentless motor and his potential special teams contributions could eventually make him a fan favorite.
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