Earl Wolff

How much will the Eagles rely upon Earl Wolff in 2015? (AP Photo | Michael Perez)

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell steps to the podium at the NFL Draft announcing the Eagles' selection with the 20th overall pick in the first round, he very well might call the name of Alabama safety Landon Collins.

That would be just fine with Eagles safety Earl Wolff, entering his third year out of N.C. State after missing the final nine games last season to undergo season-ending knee surgery.

"I told [Eagles safety] Malcolm [Jenkins], I don't know what they're going to do in the draft this year," Wolff said Tuesday during an appearance on my radio show along with Joe Staszak on 97.5 FM The Fanatic in Philadelphia. "But I told him 'I'm going to be starting next to you this year.' When I'm healthy, they know what kind of player I can be. I just went through so much adversity it's crazy and I can't wait to get back out there."

Wolff has 52 career tackles and one interception but has suffered through multiple knee injuries in his brief career, including one that cost him five games and a chance to play against the New Orleans Saints in the postseason in 2013.

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After starting six games as a rookie, Wolff spent a majority of 2014 as a backup with a Week 9 game against the Houston Texans being his only start of the season. He said Wednesday that it will likely be a month until he is fully cleared to return to practice after his latest injury.

That hasn't stopped the 25-year-old from working hard this offseason.

"I've been here in Philly the entire offseason," Wolff explained. "I've been here spending a lot of time with Malcolm. Me and Malcolm have been watching a lot of film. I don't know if you know how smart he is, but he knows the defense like the back of his hand.

"He's taught me little things that I didn't hardly think of. I've been watching a lot of film with him every day, about four times a week, I'm just trying to get comfortable with the information like he knows it. I feel like that's going to be huge for me.

"I'll probably be a little behind when I first come back, just because everyone else has been working and I've just been trying to get back ... But, I feel like once I do get back on the field and putting that new knowledge that I know on the field, that I feel like along with my athleticism, I feel like the skies the limit for me. That's why I have so much confidence right now. I just can't wait to get back on the field."

Wolff's injury history combined with the fact that he didn't exactly steal a starting job away from Nate Allen last season is what has led to continued speculation that the Eagles will take a safety as high as the first round in next week's NFL Draft.

The doubters, Wolff said, serve as motivation for him as he prepares for the new year.

"Honestly that kind of conversation and the doubters make me feel great," Wolf said. "I'm all about it. That just fuels my motivation and my drive. Some people say good things about me. Some people say bad things about me.

"I use both as motivation. I just know what kind of player I can be in this league. Even my new defensive backs coach told me the same thing. He's watched film on me and says he knows I can play at this level and I can start at this level.

"I feel like that's why I'm still here. The coaching staff still has a lot of trust in me. They still believe in me and I still believe in myself. Honestly, I'm just keeping that faith, staying positive and can't wait to get back on the field."

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook