Brandon Graham: 'I Was Worthy Of That Pick'
By Ray Boyd
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Brandon Graham had a lot to prove to Eagles fans early in his career. Any player does when a team selects them in the first round and trades up to do so. Graham appeared to be a player who was falling short of expectations, but this season, he appears poised to prove his worth.
Graham was a guest on The Howie Roseman Show on Monday and he discussed his feelings on his early days in Philadelphia and how far he has come.
"No, I haven't," Graham said on Monday when asked if he had ever had more fun playing the game of football. "Coach Kelly, he's definitely someone you want to play for. We go out there everyday in practice, have fun, music's playing, team's feeling good."
LISTEN: Brandon Graham on The Howie Roseman Show
The team has every reason to keep the music blasting at the moment. The Eagles currently share the honors of the best record in the NFL at 9-3. They are coming off a decisive win over the Cowboys in Dallas on Thanksgiving and the defensive front, which includes Graham, has finally found an identity in terms of rushing the quarterback.
That identity has a lot to do with Graham's growth as a player.
"When I was hurt I began to doubt myself," Graham said referring to the torn ACL he suffered during the 2010 season, his first with the Eagles.
"I wasn't able to fight my way back just yet before people started writing me off. It was kind of frustrating at one point."
Graham's struggles continued even upon returning from injury. He struggled to find a consistent role as a defensive end in the Eagles' 4-3 scheme and was transitioned into the outside linebacker role last season in the team's 3-4 defense.
Graham has made the transition much better than most expected and is currently having the best season of his career as he already has 5.5 sacks which ties his career high.
"I said that before I leave Philly, I'm definitely going to let them know I was worthy of that pick," Graham said when asked about being taken 13th overall and experiencing struggles.
Graham has been a disruptive force as a pass-rusher off the bench for the Eagles. Graham and Vinny Curry have come off the bench for the Eagles and have combined for 12.5 sacks on the season. Graham also leads the team in forced fumbles with four.
That type of disruptive contribution has been incredibly valuable for this defense.
Graham is serving himself well in his quest to prove that he was worth the pick.
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