The NFL combine has arrived in Indianapolis and for the Eagles, it’s a chance to meet with many of the prospects who may be filling their current draft board. While the athleticism of each player will be on display through various drills this weekend, it’s the meetings and networking that will often determine if a player fits in the organization. The Eagles highlighted this by releasing an incredible look into the combine interview of Carson Wentz from last year.
Ever wonder what goes into a #NFLCombine interview?
Here's an exclusive look at Carson Wentz's sit-down with the #Eagles: pic.twitter.com/fX3HtHk6T8
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 2, 2017
With that in mind, we realize that there is so much going on this weekend..it’s often easy to miss out on some interesting headlines. This tracker has been designed to keep you up to date with which prospects the Eagles are and aren’t meeting with this weekend. So be sure to check back at the end of each day for a closer look at those talking with the team.
March 6th:
It’s been a quiet day for the Eagles with regards to meeting players. Maybe that’s because all the noise was focused on free agency and just about every wide receiver who is set to test those waters in three days time. However, with the cornerbacks showing their athleticism at the combine over the last few days, the Birds have met with some more notable defensive backs. Here are the names I’ve been informed have met with the Eagles over the last day or two (on top of what we already know)
Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
Demontae Kazee, San Diego State
Fabian Moreau, UCLA
Adoree Jackson, USC
Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Rayshawn Jenkins, Miami
Gareon Conley, Ohio State
We will have a detailed profile on EVERY prospect that the Eagles have met with after the combine, including their combine results and potential fit with the team.
March 5th:
The Eagles have began their interview process with defensive backs today..and there have been plenty to meet with the Eagles brass.
LSU Safety, Jamal Adams spoke extremely highly of Eagles legend Brian Dawkins, following a meeting with the team yesterday. After signing Jaylen Watkins to a new one-year deal, the Birds may not be looking to add more depth to the position. But the 6’1, 213 lbs, defensive back racked up 67 tackles last year..with ruthlessness being one of his greatest qualities. If we think back to how the Eagles spent the Blake Countess pick last season, moving him to cornerback, Adams could be a player whose versatility fits that mould.
It’s also reassuring to know that the Eagles have met with arguably the top CB prospect in this year’s draft, Sidney Jones. The Washington Huskies star was targeted just 48 times during 2016 as a result of his shutdown ability. In that span, the 6’1, 181 lbs corner had 27 tackles, 2 picks and 6 pass breakups. The Eagles need a corner who thrives in press coverage..and Jones ticks all the boxes and then some.
According to a report from Turron Davenport of The Eagles Wire, the Eagles met with an LSU linebacker tandem during the NFL Combine. Kendell Beckwith and Duke Riley both met with the Eagles brass and it’s not hard to see why. The Eagles have a specific mould that they’re trying to embed in their Defense..and both Beckwith and Riley tick all the boxes.
At 6’2, 243 lbs, Beckwith is an extremely physical and athletic linebacker, amassing 91 tackles in 2016 before tearing his ACL. Riley ended his final season in LSU with two more tackles than Beckwith..and 1.5 sacks after climbing the depth chart ladder.
Turron Davenport has just published a list of cornerbacks that the Eagles either have met or are scheduled to talk to during the remainder of the NFL Combine period. The most notable is Flordia CB, Teez Tabor. A stunning junior year saw Tabor rack up 33 tackles and 4 interceptions as well as 6 pass breakups. Showcasing his ability to get down and dirty in the run game, Tabor was a corner who hit hard last year and came up with clutch plays on a regular basis..something the Eagles could use. Touted to go in the midst of the first round, Tabor is among the top CB talents in this years draft. For more on Tabor and the following cornerbacks who are set to meet with the Eagles, check out Turron’s breakdown here.
Kevin King, Washington
Fabian Moreau, UCLA
Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado
Ashton Lampkin, Oklahoma State
The Eagles have also reportedly met with Flordia linebacker Alex Anzalone. Projected to go in the mid rounds of the Draft, Anzalone actually grew up an Eagles fan. An injury to his arm plagued a promising year in 2016, but the 6’3, 241 lbs, coverage linebacker still put together an impressive resume, including a 12 tackle game against Tennessee and 3 total sacks on the year.
March 4th:
A busier day on the news front has seen a much quieter day of meetings at the combine for the Eagles. From what we know, the team have met with Villanova DE Tanoh Kpassagnon. The team are in need of some edge rush electricity and as noted in our “Small School Sleepers” series’ this 6’7, 290 lbs, monster could fit the tenacity of the Eagles Defense perfectly.
March 3rd:
WR:
Predictably, the Eagles met with most of the receivers projected to go in the first round. Mike Williams and John Ross have been the two most notable so far, with the likes of Dede Westbrook, Josh Reynolds and Juju Smith-Schuster joining them. We will have much more on each receiver (like yesterday) a little later in the evening, once our tracker has been finalized.
**Update: Corey Davis is scheduled to meet with the team**
It took a while, but the Eagles have also now reportedly scheduled an interview with top receiving prospect, Corey Davis. The Western Michigan receiver has been linked with the Eagles for quite some time now and has been touted by many as a star in the making. The interview may seem like a natural one for the Eagles, but it’s good to know that the front office are keen to learn more about the man who received for 1,500 yards in 2016.
**Update 2**
The Eagles have also now met with Penn State wide receiver, Chris Goodwin. With more than 2,000 yards in two years..the Delaware native looks to be an intriguing local prospect for the Eagles. He followed up a huge junior year with an impressive combine too:
https://twitter.com/JoshNorris/status/837449331410100226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
RB:
After meeting with an abundance of running backs yesterday, the Eagles continued their search deep into the class. South Florida’s Marlon Mack was interviewed by the team, as well as De’veon Smith and Charlotte’s tough running Ellijah Hood.
The consensus seems to be that running back is a huge focus for the Eagles at the combine..as they continue to explore plenty of mid-round options throughout the weekend.
Tackles:
Avery Gennesy, Texas A&M
David Sharpe, Florida
Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin
Daniel Brunskill, San Diego State
Zach Banner, USC
Guards:
Nico Siragusa, San Diego State (notice a pattern?)
Cameron Lee, Illinois State
Isaac Asiata, Utah
Danny Isidora, Miami
Centers:
Tyler Orlosky, Western Virginia
Ethan Pocic, LSU
March 2nd:
OL:
Dion Dawkins:
The Temple offensive lineman has unofficially met with the team at the NFL Combine and has made it clear that he would feel right at home with the Eagles. The Rahway, NJ native is a big man, at 6’5, 325 pounds.
Starting 40 games at both left and right tackle, he was one of just four true freshman starters in 2013..including last years prize tackle, Laramy Tunsil. Helping the Temple Owls to an average of 180 rushing yards a game and 22 rushing touchdowns, he also helped lead his team to 3 straight bowl games.
Dawkins is a thick framed prospect, but very balanced in his stance. He has great leg-drive and his footwork helps him establish dominance.
Damien Mama:
The USC Offensive guard met with the Eagles earlier today and is a much more powerful prospect than some of those listed below. A true freshman starter, Mama started in all but two games over the last two seasons. Much lighter than he was a year ago, Mama is a surprisingly athletic offensive lineman who packs a strong punch at 6’4 and 325 lbs. Sustaining blocks has been a common criticism..but he has the physical traits to iron those errors out at the next level.
Building from the ball out might still be the theme for the Eagles and according to Turron Davenport, they’re wasting no time in doing their homework. From Forest Lamp out of Wake Forest, who has been ranked as the fifth best OT talent in his class this year, to former basketball player Connor McDermott, who uses his lean frame to his advantage and is one of the more athletic linemen in the draft, the Eagles are doing due diligence at the position.
The Eagles also met with Roderick Johnson out of FSU. Johnson was crucial in opening up the run game for Dalvin Cook (Who has also met with the Eagles) and his long reach makes him a very enticing prospect. At 6’7, 311 lbs, it’s clear Johnson has the physical frame to be successful in the NFL. After taking over the starting LT spot in 2014, he hung onto the position and started the remaining 31 games in his career, en-route to being named first team All-ACC in both 2015 & 2016.
Finally, there’s 320-pound monster, Jordan Morgan..who as noted by Turron was PSAC Offensive player of the year as a left tackle. Projected to go in the fourth round, Morgan’s 6’3, and 320 lbs, frame is met with great technique and surprisingly nimble footwork.
Kutztown OG Jordan Morgan met with Eagles in an informal meeting. He was PSAC Off player of the year as a LT.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) March 2, 2017
Western Kentucky OL Forrest Lamp met with the Eagles already here in Indy.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) March 2, 2017
UCLA OT Connor McDermott had an informal meeting the Eagles.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) March 2, 2017
RB:
D’onta Foreman:
With amazing balance and great vision, standing at 6’1 249 LB’s, this tank like prospect has the look of a true number one back. Foreman didn’t become the true starter until 2016, where he ran for 2,028 yards, on 323 attempts, scoring 15 touchdowns. His physical style of running would suit the Eagles offense well and would serve as the perfect back for Wendell Smallwood to compliment, creating almost a Duce Staley, Correl Buckhalter type presence.
James Conner:
After working out with Carson Wentz due to having the same agent, Conner has approached the combine with a clean bill of health. Something crucial for his draft stock. The Pitt rusher amassed 1,092 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2016, as well as receiving for 302 yards and four more scores. Conner is currently projected to go in the middle rounds and a former winner of ACC player of the year award.
Samaje Perine:
The 21-year old Oklahoma standout is certainly an intriguing prospect. At 5’10 and 235 pounds, Perine recorded 4,112 yards which saw him soar to the top of the school’s record book..as well as ranking fourth in the school’s history with 49 career touchdowns.
The one thing that takes away from Perine is his lack of speed. A much more physical style of running back, Perine will rely on a strong combine to raise his draft stock. His strong base and powerful up-the-gut style would see him act as a perfect compliment to a diverse backfield..although he wasn’t used frequently as a receiving running back.
Perine is another back who fits an emerging mould for the Eagles and is a name worth keeping an eye out for as the combine continues.
Dare Ogunbowale:
With Corey Clement injured, Ogunbowale got the nod as the starter for the Badgers. He led Wisconsin in rushing with 819 yards and 7 scores in 2015, before amassing 506 yards on 91 rushing attempts a year later. He may be regarded as a rotational piece that can be useful in short yardage situations, but Ogunbowale also received for over 200 yards in both of the last two seasons..ticking all of the boxes that the Eagles need.
Wayne Gallman:
The 6’0, 215 lbs, Clemson Tiger fits a continuing trend for the Eagles (that will become present during the RB interview process), as a physical back who can contribute in numerous capacities. With 1,133 yards and 17 touchdowns for Clemson in 2016, Gallman proved that he can perform on some of the biggest stages against NFL talent. Playing alongside Watson and Williams may have actually worked in the Eagles favor as they could very easily snap up a running back who packs a punch slightly later than many expect.
DJ Pumphrey:
The most prolific rusher in NCAA history, Pumphrey drew a lot of interest during Senior Bowl week due to his size. At just 5’8 and 169 pounds, comparisons can naturally be made with Eagles running back, Darren Sproles..and rightly so.
With 82 special teams yards during that game, Pumphrey followed up with 4 rushes for 28 yards..averaging 5.8 yards per carry. The burst of Pumphrey, who rushed for 17 touchdowns in his senior year is what really stood out. His acceleration and ability to hit the hole assertively, despite his small frame would have resonated well with the Eagles..who are well aware of the intentions of Darren Sproles, to retire after next season.
The draft is loaded with running backs this year, which could see Pumphrey fall into the Eagles lap if lady luck is on their side. A strong combine will be needed to dispel the concerns over his size..but it’s something he could absolutely shock the world in doing.
Joe Williams:
After retiring and then later returning three games into the year, Williams put up over 1,400 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Utes in 2016. A Pennsylvania native, the 5’11, 205 lbs rusher has been regarded by many as great in pass protection and yet another impressive power runner. Williams isn’t predicted to go until the later rounds of the draft..which could see him provide a very similar level of value to fifth round pick in last year’s draft, Wendell Smallwood.
Alvin Kamara:
The Tennessee running back who rushed for 596 yards in 2016 and averaged 5.8 yards per carry, has met with the team according to a tweet from Jimmy Kempski. While he is correct in saying that he will probably meet with most of the league, it’s interesting to note nonetheless.
Kamara also caught 40 receptions for 392 yards..as well as averaging 10.2 yards on punt returns in 2016. With Jalen Hurd’s injury, Kamara, who was once considered a backup came in and made a huge impact. His standout performance came against Texas A&M in which he ended with 127 rushing yards and 161 receiving yards.
The 5’10, 215 lbs, back is very much regarded as a power-back, a reoccurring theme with the Eagles as of late, given that they’ve been linked with Jamaal Charles among others. Running back is a clear need for the team moving forward and the depth in this draft class could see Kamara still on the board in the middle rounds.
Dalvin Cook:
The 5’11, 215 pound, play-maker is electric and could easily be considered the best skill position player in this years draft. It’s no surprise then, that he’s been consistently linked with the Eagles in recent weeks.
The 2-time All-American has the perfect combination of speed, vision and underrated strength that make him a real threat anytime he touches the ball. His thick base and strong core make it possible for him to run between the tackles, while his break away speed separates him from defenders in a blink, both on the ground and in the passing game.
In his career, he has 4,454 rushing yards on 687 attempts and 46 touchdowns. Add his 79 receptions for 935 yards and 2 touchdowns and you can see why Cook makes for the perfect weapon, to add to the Eagles offense.
Eagles are clear putting stock in this RB class. Meeting with Cook, Joe Williams, DJ Pumphrey, Wayne Gallman to my count.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) March 2, 2017
Happened to hear Alvin Kamara say he's meeting with the Eagles, just FYI. (He'll probably meet with most of the league here).
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) March 2, 2017
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
