It’s that time of year again. The NFL Combine is almost upon us and the hype surrounding the upcoming Draft is beginning to snowball. The Eagles face arguably their most important offseason in recent history and the Draft is where the front office will look to surround Carson Wentz with talent he can grow with. The question is, which direction should they go?
With an incredibly deep draft at cornerback and wide receiver, two positions of need for the Eagles, the team are in a strange position of power. Regardless of how they decide to use their first round pick, there is enough talent at both positions in the middle rounds of the Draft that it gives the Eagles some much needed breathing room, knowing that they can add players with star potential at both outside spots later on. The possibilities are seemingly endless when you take free agency into account as well, but it’s time to take a look at one that would not only see the Eagles add a plethora of talent at positions of need..but also continue to build upon the foundations they have laid in the last 12 months.
Round 1: LB Reuben Foster, Alabama
If the Eagles are indeed in a position to draft the best player available and Reuben Foster is still on the board, this should be a no brainer. While the duo of Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham was beyond impressive in 2016, the fact that Jim Schwartz relied on his nickel formation due to a lack of a strong coverage linebacker, arguably hurt the team. After Ron Brooks fell injured, it was veteran Safety, Malcolm Jenkins, filling in that slot role and leaving Jaylen Watkins to play as the backup safety. Ripping apart the tandem of McLeod and Jenkins, a duo that was primed for dominance under Jim Schwartz, shouldn’t have happened as often as it did.
Yes, the team have the hidden ace of Joe Walker up their sleeve..but many consider Foster to be the top ranked linebacker in this draft as well as one of the top talents. With 115 tackles, 13 for a loss and 5 sacks in 2016, the Alabama product showed everything you could want in a coverage middle linebacker. A finalist for the 2016 Nagurski Award, Foster may not be an all out pass-rusher..but luckily, that’s not what the Eagles need.
At 6’1, 228 lbs, Foster has impressive range and never veers to far away from the ball. He’s explosive in space and has great closing ability. It was the lack of such an ability that left Mychal Kendricks in the dark last season.
Foster is also incredibly quick when dissecting plays and identifying the run. The other aspect that screams schematic fit, is his aggression. Foster is ruthless and has no hesitation in letting opposing guards, running backs and receivers know that he means business. While some have criticized his tackling technique for being too reckless and debatably leading to his rotator cuff injury, it’s this nasty streak that saw him wreak havoc under Nick Saban last season.
The injury could infact benefit the Eagles, who could see Foster slide down the board and right into their laps. A trio of Bradham, Hicks and Foster would not only make the Eagles linebacker corps one of the most complete in the league, adding to their already ferocious pass rush..but it would give them some much needed depth at the position as well as star talent throughout. Opening up the Defense for some flexible looks and taking pressure off of a very young cornerback corps, Foster could be the ultimate 3-down linebacker that the Eagles crave.
Round 2: CB Tre’Davious White, LSU
There’s no denying the Eagles need for star-potential at cornerback..and a former teammate of Jalen Mills could offer just that. Over the last two seasons, Tre’Davious White has emerged as a true shutdown corner for the Tigers. Being used as both an outside corner and in the slot, his lean frame has helped him keep up with some of the biggest receivers in the game, including the likes of Amari Cooper.
In 2016, White defended 15 passes out of the 42 that were thrown his way and like Reuben Foster, his aggression has been a trait that has been subject to praise and criticism. There is no denying his production however. Over his four year career, White racked up 167 tackles, with 111 being solo. That may not sound like a big deal but if we compare that to what Jim Schwartz covets in a corner, it speaks volumes. Combine that with his six picks and a forced fumble..and the numbers do all the talking.
While his frame may see him experience some of the same flaws that Jalen Mills endured during 2016, he may be one of the best mirror corners in the draft. Impressive footwork, patient play and a quick recovery time make him one of the most dangerous “dinner” cornerbacks in his class. White’s fluid style of play combined with a tenacious attitude make him the perfect fit in the Eagles 4-3 scheme.
If that wasn’t enticing enough, White was also used as both a gunner and a punt-returner..with a return touchdown in every year throughout his career..and we all know how valuable special teams are to the Eagles.
Round 3: WR Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington
From one hole to another, addressing the wide receiver depth could be a option in the third round for the Eagles..and there would be no better fit than Cooper Kupp. Already expressing his admiration for Carson Wentz and of the same agency, Kupp’s physical nature saw him reign supreme in the FCS this season before dazzling at the Senior Bowl.
The 6’2, 200 lbs, receiver reeled in 428 receptions for 6,464 yards, in addition to adding 73 touchdowns to his resume. Kupp can be lethal from both the slot and outside positions..opening up the game massively for the Eagles.
His biggest strength besides his ability to separate and use his frame to win the battle at the line of scrimmage, is catching the ball cleanly. Kupp may have some of the most reliable hands in this year’s draft and after a 1,700 yard senior season..it’s easy to see why. For a more complete profile of this small school giant, check out our “Small School Sleepers” article here.
The Eagles have poached plenty of players who have shined at the Senior Bowl in recent season’s..and this year could be no exception to the rule. Kupp ticks all the boxes for the Eagles. Versatile, reliable and able to take the top off of a defense regardless of where he’s lined up, adding such a strong receiver to the roster would act as the perfect compliment to any free agency “Star” addition that the team may have added at this point.
Round 4: DE Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova
The Eagles defensive line through all it’s dominance, still has major question marks. The future of Connor Barwin is up in the air, Marcus Smith is running out of chances and Vinny Curry failed to live up to the expectation that such a monster contract placed on his shoulders. Enter Tanoh Kpassagnon, another small school prospect who shined in the Senior Bowl.
Standing at just under 6’7, and 290 LB’s, the word beast simply doesn’t do Kpassagnon justice. An FCS All-American, he amassed 105 tackles, 22 sacks and 37.5 tackles for a loss while forcing and recovering 4 fumbles in his career. Stunningly, half of those sacks came in his senior year.
Running a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash, the physical monster also has impressive speed..giving the Eagles some much needed burst off of the edge to partner with the consistent greatness portrayed by Brandon Graham.
The Eagles don’t just need depth on the defensive line, but also versatility. For someone to be so freakishly athletic and physically dominant is a rare combination that could see the Eagles patch two potential holes with the same bandaid. If Bennie Logan is to test free agency and the Eagles do lose Connor Barwin..adding a player who can run rampant at both spots in a scheme that fits his aggressive style of play perfectly is not only idealistic..but realistic. At the cost of a 3rd/4th round pick, Tanoh Kpassagnon could be the next small school sensation.
Round 4: WR Chad Hansen, Cal
The Eagles need wide receiver help…and one rookie may not be enough to patch the wound. However this former Golden Bear has been regarded as a potential steal by many because of the sheer depth in the class. A walk on at Cal, Hansen has played with a constant chip on his shoulder..and it shows in his play.
In 2015, we saw a preview of things to come as the 6’3 receiver caught 19 passes for 249 yards and a touchdown..but one year later, his desire to leave Idaho State for greener grass would pay off. Averaging 124.9 yards per game, Hansen would go on to explode for 92 receptions, 1,249 yards and 11 scores as a junior..fast-tracking his way to the NFL Draft.
So, why is he not in the same conversation as a Mike Williams or Corey Davis? With such a deep class, it’s easy to focus on the “Stars”. Being so young with only one breakout year behind him, Hansen hasn’t had the same level of excitement as the two aforementioned. Partner that with a lot of his success coming from screen passes and deep routes..and it’s easy to see why he remains in the hunt but not quite able to break ahead of the pack.
While this may throw some teams off as it limited his versatility, it would fit the west-coast offense perfectly. With a clean release, stunning route running and a “big-play” ability, Hansen never shies away from making a huge catch and contests the ball at its highest point. An ethic that would be perfect for new WR coach, Mike Groh.
Still incredibly young at just 22-years old, the Eagles would be bringing in a receiver who has sky-high potential and can contribute immediately in a schematic jigsaw that sees Hansen drop in perfectly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPHaywOvuZA
Round 5: CB Brenden Langley, Lamar
Another small school prospect fitting the “Low-risk, high-reward” mould, Langley could be another solid fit to re-enforce the Eagles lacking cornerback corps.
At 6’2, 210 pounds, he has the perfect size for the position..and it shows in his play. In his senior year, Langley collected 43 tackles, 6 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and averaged 11.7 yards a return on punts. He’s as versatile as they come and showed that in playing at FS and LB as well as taking on slot duties during 2016. Like Hansen, has youth on his side. Langley is just 21-years old and has already shown an ability to shine in big games..like his eyebrow raising performance against Clemson as a Georgia Bulldog before transferring to Texas.
The Lamar Cardinals DB had a very interesting day at the Senior Bowl too, showing great recovery after being burned early on and catching an underthrown pass for an interception later in the day. With 3 tackles to his name, Langley did all he could to separate himself from the crowd..but a tough touchdown to stomach might have dented his hopes of rising up boards.
This could play perfectly into the Eagles hands who as mentioned earlier, pay close attention to the prestigious Senior Bowl week. Langley may not be the most polished corner in the draft, nor is he likely to emerge as a starter anytime soon..but his flaws are coachable. As a former wide receiver, he carries the tools of both trades that if harnessed in the right environment, could see him develop into a promising weapon for the Birds.
Round 6: RB De’Veon Smith, Michigan
One of the other avenues for improvement this offseason is expected to be in the backfield. With Ryan Mathews facing an uncertain future, an aging Darren Sproles who has stated intention to retire after next season and Wendell Smallwood amongst other underdogs..it’s a position of interest that could utilize a committee effort behind a stern O-Line in 2017.
Insert former Wolverines running back, De’Veon Smith. During his senior year, Smith led Michigan in rushing with 846 yards and 10 touchdowns. At 5’11 and 228 lbs, Smith is an incredibly tough runner who is able to break tackles and keep the motor running after contact. He may not have the appeal or prestige of some of the higher round picks..but again, this plays into the Eagles favor.
He fits the Eagles Offense perfectly. Proving he can catch with a career 251 receiving yards at Michigan and a touchdown, he has also spent plenty of time growing familiar with a pro-style Offense under Jim Harbaugh. Add into this his solid frame and blocking ability and what you have is a jack-of-all trades running back who combines strengths of nearly everyone in the Eagles backfield and condenses them.
With such a strong running back class, Smith could slip through the cracks with ease..and with the Eagles already initiating a zonal rushing attack with littered success, an up-the-gut rusher (Cough like a certain DeMarco Murray) would be the perfect compliment to a committee effort that is striving for a true rushing identity.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Nm0wImu8UM
Round 7: OT Levon Myers, Northern Illinois
The Eagles have adapted a “build from the ball out” mentality that has acted as a foundation to their plan moving forward. It would be unwise to avoid bolstering the unit yet again, given that Jason Peters is nearing the end of his career.
A left tackle in college, Myers could come in as a long-term replacement for Peters or at least act as a serviceable backup behind Vaitai, allowing Lane Johnson to retain his presence on the right hand side. At 6’5 and 309 lbs, Myers has dominant size and uses it well. His long reach and core strength act as a solid foundation to break out of his stance with shorter steps and keep a balance against the more elusive edge rushers, closing them in and preventing opponents breaking out of his grasp.
The only downside is that his technique is often regarded as slow. While patient in pass protection, opening up the run game can be tricky at times and he lacks the athleticism that Lane Johnson and even Jason Peters seem to possess. Some slower footwork means that Myers is often reliant on his impressive strength to control the front, but an ability to cut block legally could be a saving grace.
Myers is by no mean’s a top ranked LT..but with versatility a pressing attribute for the Eagles, he could one day develop into a solid option. The fundamentals are there and power is the name of the game for Myers. Drafting him late not only adds depth, but gives the rookie room to grow and develop his technique behind two of the most impressive tackles in the game. A nine time pro bowler and the franchise right tackle of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
