A stout defensive tackle with great technique, Mike Patterson is perhaps one of the most underrated players on the Eagles defense.

Known for his consistent play week in and week out, Patterson posted career highs in sacks (4.0) and tackles (114) in 2007, and has also led all Eagles defensive linemen in tackles since 2005 with 262.

The Eagles used the offseason to give the 24-year-old Patterson some help on the D-line with a player who has drawn comparisons to the team's first-round pick in 2005. The team used its first pick in the 2008 draft (47th overall) to take Trevor Laws of Notre Dame in the hopes of providing some much needed depth at the defensive tackle position.

Even Andy Reid said that Laws' style of play can be compared to Patterson's

However, the depth behind Patterson and Bunkley was a question mark entering this offseason. Montae Reagor battled back from injuries suffered in a car accident in 2006 and Kimo von Oelhoffen, a 14-year NFL vet, is a free agent. LaJuan Ramsey saw limited action in his second season.

So the Eagles drafted the 6-1, 304-pound Laws who has been called a Patterson clone because they both play with a high-motor and have a similar build (Patterson is 6-0, 292 pounds). The two got their first taste of working side-by-side together at the first mini-camp earlier this month and they got along well together.

"The older guys, like Mike Patterson, have been great to me," Laws said.  "I am just trying to learn as much as I can from them by just following in their footsteps.  I am excited to get in there and contribute to the team.  It is my goal to be on the field and help these guys out."

Laws' quick burst, impressive hand technique and non-stop motor will be an ideal fit for the Eagles' 4-3 scheme. He is coming off of a senior year in which he led the Fighting Irish with 112 tackles, the second-highest single season total in Irish history by a defensive lineman. 

As a sophomore in 2005, Laws shared the Westwood One/State Farm Student-Athlete of the Year Award with offensive guard Dan Santucci thanks to his 3.15 grade-point average. Those smarts will come in handy during this week's Rookie Camp, which will be a refresher of everything Laws learned about defensive coordinator Jim Johnson's defense at the post-draft mini-camp.

"He's a good guy out on the field, is from a good university and seems like a smart kid," Patterson said about Laws. "It's going to be some good stuff this year, I'm very excited."

And why not?

If Laws can help Patterson improve upon last year's numbers, it will be hard for anyone to call Patterson underrated much longer.