New Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly has yet to reveal exactly what his defense will look like, but Brandon Graham is getting ready for a switch to linebacker. The defensive end has an offseason plan to drop weight and play standing up.
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"I think linebacker is where I'm going to be - outside linebacker," Graham told Birds 24/7's Tim McManus. "I think once I get in the groove it will come natural for me. I'm just trying to be prepared for whatever. At the end of the day I am a ballplayer - I'll adjust and find a way to get out on the field."
The goal is to get down to 260 pounds from Graham's playing weight of 270-275. He played linebacker in high school before switching to defensive end at the University of Michigan.
Kelly has said he's fond of a 3-4 system, but wants to evaluate personnel first. At the NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Howie Roseman talked about Antonio Dixon being a 3-4 nose tackle and Graham and Trent Cole being able to move to outside linebacker. Many thought Graham could fit the role when he was the No. 13 overall pick in 2010.
The biggest challenge for Graham will be getting used to playing in pass coverage.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
