Bill Davis has DeMeco Ryans, a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the true leaders in the Eagles' locker room.
Davis has Kiko Alonso, the 2013 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Davis has Mychal Kendricks, who the Eagles made the ninth-highest paid inside linebacker in the NFL a few months ago.
And despite those names, Davis knows he can’t take Jordan Hicks off the field.
Hicks, the Eagles’ third-round rookie, has moved into the starting lineup since Kendricks and Alonso got hurt during the Eagles’ Week 2 loss to the Cowboys, and the results have been remarkable — three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, a sack and an interception in his first four NFL games on defense.
But what about when Alonso and Kendricks come back?
What happens to Hicks then? Does he simply revert back to special teams?
No way.
Davis conceded after a recent practice that Hicks will remain in the Eagles’ regular defensive rotation if — and it’s a big if — all four inside backers are ever all healthy at the same time.
“Originally, we had a three-headed monster in there with Mychal and Kiko and DeMeco, wih Jordan really the special teams player and emergency,” Davis said.
“But he got thrown in and he’s done so well. If they’re all healthy — if they’re all healthy — we’ll have to do a rotation and I’ll move in and out of some packages and get them all on the field helping us.
“That’s our goal, our best players on the field helping us. But until they all get healthy, as Kiko’s getting healthier, as Mychal’s getting healthier, Jordan can take some of that load. They still have to get back in shape, they’ve got to get in football shape, they got to get reps.
“It’s a great luxury to have. Will all four be healthy? I don’t know. So we’re very happy with that situation.”
Is it possible to rotate four inside linebackers?
Davis said it is.
“You look at their strengths and what they do well and the pairings … how do Jordan and Mychal play together, Jordan and Kiko, we’ve seen Jordan and DeMeco,” he said. “There’s a lot of things that go into it.”
When healthy, Ryans is probably the most stout against the run, Kendricks and Alonso are strong dropping back into coverage, and Hicks has shown he can be an every-down linebacker.
So it will be up to Davis to find ways to get each guy on the field in situations that are suited to their strengths.
As for Hicks, he laughed off the suggestion that he’s earned the right to stay on the field even when the Eagles are at full strength.
“That’s not even what’s on my mind,” he said. “Worry about it when the time comes. I think I’ve done a pretty good job so far, but I still have a lot to learn and grow into.
“I’m in a room full of vets. Guys who’ve been very, very succesful. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without them. Without their help and teaching me and pushing me to get to this point. Whatever happens down the line happens.”
Chip Kelly simply doesn’t speculate or talk about potential situations. So don’t expect any insight on the topic from him.
“I hope we get to that point,” he said. “I mean, you could say the same thing, but DeMeco and Hicks could get hurt next week.
“That's why we never worry about [possibilities]. Just tell us who's available and we'll go from there. But having too many good players is a good problem to have.”