Six down, one to go. The NFL Draft rolls on and with their sixth round selection, the Philadelphia Eagles really ensured they would extract the most value possible.
By now, we all know that the team LOVE to use the term ‘versatility’, especially on the offensive front. Given that the team were light on both interior and exterior depth, an O-line selection had to be carefully picked if they were to add to the best unit in Football. Enter TCU’s Matt Pryor.
The California native became a full-time starter at right guard during his junior year and eventually spent time both there and at right tackle one year later. Consistently flipping between both roles, this giant 6’7, 338 lbs lineman really hit his stride during the 2017 season. A strong pass-protector thanks to his thick base and broad upper body strength, Pryor can also drive defenders back in the run, keeping his pads level and shifting his weight with ease.
Philadelphia don’t have a lot of depth behind Stefen Wisniewski at interior guard, especially considering neither Seumalo nor Warmack could win out a starting role. Should Brandon Brooks go down with an injury, the team would be paper thin on depth. This pick adds some bulk on he right hand side.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai (Another former TCU lineman and former teammate of Pryor) seemed serviceable at left tackle in the absence of Jason Peters and if the legendary lineman does call it a day after next season, it would make sense to sustain Lane as the franchise right tackle and bring in some developmental depth behind him. Insert, once again, this TCU monster who mauls through opposing linemen who brings a near 36″ wingspan to the table.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
