NFL Free Agent Profile: Bennie Logan, DT, Philadelphia

Throughout the offseason, we’ll be profiling players who may end up in Denver when all is said and done with NFL Free Agency. The Broncos clearly have plenty of holes to fill before they get back to Super-Bowl form and we’ll be examining a long list of players they may choose to help the franchise do just that.

Outside of Philadelphia, defensive tackle Bennie Logan often gets largely overlooked due to the player next to him: Fletcher Cox. After signing a six-year, $102.6 million contract last offseason, Cox received most of the national spotlight when it came to the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive line. However, Logan has quietly established himself as one of the better interior defensive lineman against the run since entering the league in 2013.

As the seventh defensive tackle taken in a deep 2013 draft class, Logan has exceeded his third-round draft position. After taking over the starting job midway through his rookie season, he has started every game that he’s played since, including 13 last year. With a total earnings of $3.03 million since entering the league, it is safe to say that Logan will receive a significant pay raise when free agency opens on March 9.

Strengths

In a 3-4 defensive scheme—which the Eagles used from 2013-2015—Logan proved he was one of the best run stoppers in the game at defensive tackle. In 2014 and 2015 he finished in the top 10 in run stuffs. By the end of the 2015 season, the LSU product had established himself as one of the best young interior lineman in the game.

Along with being a force in the run game, he surprised people with his ability to create pressure in the backfield. While he only has 5.5 career sacks, Logan proved that he isn’t a one-dimensional player. Additionally, Logan is a leader on and off the field and a good person to have in an organization.

Weaknesses

After grading out very well in his first three seasons in the league, according to Pro Football Focus, Logan’s play took quite a hit last year—only receiving an average grade. However, last season the Eagles switched from a 3-4 defensive scheme to a 4-3, meaning Logan’s role on the defensive line changed. This would suggest that the 6-foot-2, 315-pound player is better fit to play at nose tackle in a 3-4, rather than at defensive tackle in a 4-3.

Another question that arises with Logan is can he be this good without players like Cox and Brandon Graham surrounding him? If he leaves Philadelphia that question will be answered fairly quick.

How he fits in Denver

If general manager John Elway breaks out the checkbook for Logan, the Denver Broncos would instantly have their replacement and upgrade for Sylvester Williams in the middle of the defensive line. Logan and Williams actually have many similarities: both were 2013 draft picks, both are around 6-foot-2, 315-pounds and both have been tasked with stopping the run.

The difference between the two is Logan has consistently been better through his career and that will make him significantly more expansive than Williams in free agency. A benefit for Logan joining Denver, besides a substantial pay increase, would be for him to return to a 3-4 defense where he had his most success.

At 27-years old, Logan would be the Broncos’ answer in the middle of the defensive line now and for years to come.