The NFL Scouting combine has been and gone and for Eagles fans, this is where things really get interesting. With an important Quarterback decision around the corner and no second round pick, this draft is crucial for the birds. So, who did the Eagles have meetings with at the combine? We’re here to shed some light on the players to sit down and talk with the birds and what this means for the teams direction heading into the draft.
Quarterbacks-
Paxton Lynch:
The Memphis Quarterback is who many associate with the Philadelphia Eagles and their 13th overall pick regardless of the Sam Bradford situation. Lynch possesses an abundance of athleticism considering he’s 6″7 and has a great ability to scramble out of the pocket whilst favoring the passing option. He’s is widely considered as one of the most promising talents in the draft but is he ready to start in the NFL? That’s a debate that rages on but we know that Pederson would like to groom a young Quarterback into becoming “The guy” and if there’s anyone who’s the perfect fit to sit in behind whoever the Eagles choose as their starter..it’s the mobile Memphis product.
Keenan Reynolds:
The fourth ever Navy player to have his jersey retired, Reynolds enjoyed a decorated career as the teams Quarterback but recently transitioned into a running back whilst others believe he could be an intriguing receiver. Reynolds could be set to emerge as a steal in this years draft when you take his versatility into account. There’s no doubt that Pederson would find a way to utilise Reynolds, be it as a development Quarterback or as a depth receiver…he’s an eye to keep an eye on for sure.
Running Backs
Daniel Lasco
Strangely, it’s been made known that the Eagles might consider drafting a running back despite the position being very densely populated..however if they are, Lasco could be a prime target after an excellent showing at the Combine. The 23 year old endured a hip injury that stunted his progress last season..but is a good combine enough to see him fly back up the draft board or could the Eagles be looking at another late steal?
https://twitter.com/DasarteYarnway/status/703446953359708160
Wide Receiver
Leonte Carroo
After missing the Senior Bowl following an ankle injury and measuring at under 6 foot, the Rutgers Receiver needed a good combine. With the ankle injury still lingering, Carroo’s 40-yard dash time tied him 11th out of 37, as did his vertical. He didn’t exactly light up the drills but his career stats of 122 receptions, 2,373 yards and 29 touchdowns might just save his stock. The pattern here tends to be that the Eagles are looking for players who many will overlook, of course, they still have the Sports Science program in place let’s not forget!
Rashawn Scott
The pattern is becoming very obvious here. Scott missed a would be senior year after a four game season in 2013 due to upper body injuries and suspensions, leading him to just 39 receptions in four years. However in 2015 he posted five touchdowns and 695 yards and of course that memorable 58 yard catch. His combine performance saw him rack up 17 reps during the bench press, a 32.5 inch vertical and a 9″8 broad jump..an interesting prospect
Tajae Sharpe
The UMass receiver didn’t exactly light the Combine on fire and most likely cemented himself as a mid round pick, however he did look very comfortable in the Gauntlet and appears to have a very steady pair of hands, something the Eagles could definitely use! At 6″2, he’s a very lean receiver and would likely need to bulk up a little but with a career total of 3,486 yards on a total of 277 receptions for 16 touchdowns, he’s shown he has the talent!
Tajae with a perfect run through the gauntlet drill: pic.twitter.com/w2dv8lFT4K
— Daniel Malone (@Daniel_Malone) February 27, 2016
Linemen
Josh Garnett
Another name widely associated with the Eagles, it should come as no surprise that the birds sat down with the Stanford guard..but it also shouldn’t shock you that both the Colts and Seahawks spoke to the guard who fancies a career in medicine after his football days are over. 6-foot-5, 321 pounds and a vicious attribute set saw Garnett perform as expected at the combine..which was very well.
Donavon Clark
At 6″4, the 23 year old moves surprisingly quick from left to right..especially when you take his 315lbs weight into account. Clark has started at both guard and tackle in his career which is a huge tick for the Eagles, but he has struggled to maintain blocks and often loses his footing..which could wipe the tick away immediately.
Nick Martin
The Notre Dame Center is not only the brother of Cowboys Guard Zack Martin, but also ranked as Mike Mayock’s number two. However, Martin also played as a guard and earned his stripes as a captain. At 6″4 and 299 pounds, Martin ran a 40-yard dash time of 5.22 and more impressively 28 reps on the bench-press…impressive numbers for an impressive and very physical lineman who could well be among the prime targets for the Eagles.
Alex Lewis
Some off-field issues might have dented the former Husker’s draft stock..but his combine might just re-elevate it. A 6″6, 312 pound frame sounds impressive enough and after 27 reps in the bench press he was already turning heads. 100 inches reached on the broad jump and a shuttle drill time of 4.72 saw Lewis re-emerge as a name to watch and it’s easy to see why the Eagles were keen to interview him.
It’s also important to note the quantity of players in each position that the Eagles interviewed. The team seem to be very aware of the holes that need patching, with four linemen and seven receivers interviewed. The question is, will we see any of these in midnight green come September?
Photo credit: USATSI
