Slimmer Brodrick Bunkley Looking To Get Career on Track

When the Eagles drafted Brodrick Bunkley with the 14th overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft, Eagles fans thought he was the kind of beastly body the Birds needed up the middle. He was a can't miss. Right? Not exactly.

As things played out last season, people were calling Bunkley one of the biggest busts of the first round. After a brief contract dispute and shortened training camp, Bunkley didn't see much of the field last season and when he did, it wasn't impressive. But at the most recent organized team activities at the Nova Care Complex in South Philly, Bunkley has shown he is serious and ready to prove his doubters wrong. He's not blaming anybody else for his poor showing last year.

"Last season was the worst I've ever had in my life," Bunkley said. "I kind of wanted to blame everything on the fact that I was a rookie, but at the same time I knew I was messing up."

Reports out of this week sessions are that Bunkley has lost more than 30 pounds and is looking in top shape. All signs regarding Bunkley's off season transformation are positive. He even has brought a fresh, workmen-like attitude with him.

"I still have to prove myself to everyone," Bunkley said. "I know I'm going to have to step up my game. I want to show people I'm worthy of being the No. 1 pick."

The Eagles are counting on it, and already have put Bunkley on the first-team defense, alongside fellow tackle Mike Patterson.

After his pathetic performance last season, the Eagles, by inserting him into the first-team, must really believe Bunkley has done a 180 and is ready to play the way we all expected him to last season.