NFL Combine shopping list: Six sleepers that the Eagles should absolutely keep their eyes on

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The NFL combine is upon us. We can all awake from the Super Bowl winning slumber and begin to focus on what’s next for the Philadelphia Eagles. Below are seven prospects who may not have the spotlight just yet, but could snatch a glimpse of it over the next few days in Indy.

 

Marcus Davenport (DE, UT-San Antonio)
It wasn’t so long ago that this stud defensive end was a sleeper. After a Senior Bowl breakout, Davenport is now anything but. At 6’7, 255 lbs, Davenport brings a unique sense of size and athleticism to the table. Incredibly agile in his bends, Davenport stunned with 8.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for a loss last season for UT-San Antonio.

Why the Eagles should be interested?
The Birds’ have done a fantastic job in building from the ball out. With two franchise defensive tackles penned for the future, and Vinny Curry and Derek Barnett at least locked in on the outside, it’s time to add yet more explosive depth. Imagine having to account for the insane ankle flexion of Derek Barnett and defensive tackle like length in Marcus Davenport.

 

Leighton Vander Esch (LB, Boise State)
One of the rapidly emerging sleepers in the draft, ‘LVE’ is a freak of nature. At 6’4 and 250 lbs, Vander Esch has outstanding athleticism to go with his alligator-like wingspan. A sideline-to-sideline linebacker who wraps up his prey with ease, LVE is a beast in both stuffing the run and dropping back into coverage. The 2017 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year dominated the Mountain West Championship game, tallying 16 tackles and a game-sealing pick.

Why the Eagles should be interested:
With uncertain times ahead, a linebacker who can come in and contribute in both facets of the game five the team some much needed flexibility. Malcolm Jenkins could be called upon if needed, but having Vander Esch line up alongside Jordan Hicks would be a huge security blanket.

 

Royce Freeman (RB, Oregon)
With 1,475 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, Royce Freeman became a powerhouse for the Ducks. His 5’11, 231 lbs base makes him a terror to bring down and while he may not be as versatile as Barner before him, Freeman runs angrily and would be a perfect fit in a West-Coast scheme…which brings us to…

Why the Eagles should be interested:
Another Oregon RB? Why not? Losing LeGarrette Blount is a likely possibility and Freeman would provide that same workhorse ability if needed, should Jay Ajayi not be able to take on the wear and tear of 16+ carries per game. It certainly looks as though the Brit will be the guy that the Eagles are leaning on, but Freeman would inject that same tenacious style of running in short-yardage situations that they could lose in Blount.

 

Dalton Schultz (TE Stanford)
He may not be as electric as a certain Penn State tight end, but he doesn’t have to be. What Schuyltz brings to the table is true tight end versatility. A prototypical run blocking frame (6’6, 240 lbs) is backed up by supreme in-line blocking and soft hands when asked to ran routes. With 22 receptions for 212 yards and 3 scores, Schultz was more than capable of handling the rock.

Why the Eagles should be interested:
Philly could be primed to lose a blocking tight end in Brent Celek and a receiving threat in Trey Burton. Schultz would fill both voids if not next year then 2019, with Billy Brown able to take over the more prominent receiving role.

 

Jamarco Jones (OT Ohio State)
Jones won’t dazzle you like some of the more talented offensive line prospects this year, nor will he wow you with versatility. He will, however, give enough power and patience to become an efficient pass-protector at the next level. The first-team all-conference honoree started all 14 games for the Buckeyes at left tackle as a senior.

Why the Eagles should be interested:
A technically sound tackle to sit in behind Peters and Vaitai would be a welcome addition and the Eagles don’t have much draft capital. Jones would be a late-round snag, like Vaitai, who can learn under Jeff Stoutland and the league’s best offensive front.

 

Derrick Nnadi  (DT Florida State)
At 6’1, 312 lbs, Nnadi is a natural run-stopper. With 53 tackles and 10 for a loss, he has the size and power to clog the lanes and while there wasn’t a tremendous sense of development during his time as a Seminole, he certainly has all the traits needed to translate over to the NFL

Why the Eagles should be interested:
The Eagles may not have a desperate desire for a nose-tackle, but if Beau Allen is released into the free agency waters, depth along one of the most rotated positions on the roster will be light. Nnadi is built like Destiny Vaeao and can use his lower-body strength to push interior guards back and open the floodgates for the likes of Cox or Jernigan.

 

Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports