Philadelphia Eagles

2019 Eagles Draft Encyclopedia: Defensive Tackle Edition

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This week we’re diving into the defensive side of the 2019 NFL Draft. This may be the most defense-heavy first round in recent memory and as an Eagles fan, that’s exciting. Holes in the secondary as well as in the front seven should be solved to some extent in April, but by whom? This series will be an intro for those looking to get a grasp of some of the better options that will be available for the Birds during the draft. As always, draft projections are never perfect, and even the most thorough analyses can let future Pro-Bowlers slip through the cracks. So, if you feel that I’ve missed someone, gotten it wrong, or would just like me to do a write-up of your favorite under-the-radar prospect, let me know in the comments below!

Heading into the 2019 NFL Draft, Philadelphia holds six selections not including compensatory picks which have yet to be calculated. According to the most recent compensatory projections list by Over The Cap, the Eagles are set to receive three compensatory picks: a 4th-round pick for Trey Burton, and two sixth-rounders for Beau Allen and Patrick Robinson. The Birds were able to replace Beau Allen with the Haloti Ngata signing, and may lose one of their two 6th-round compensatory picks because of it. As of now, their draft positioning is as follows:

First Round Pick 25 (25)
Second Round Pick 21 (53)
Pick 25 (57)
Fourth Round Pick 25 (121)
Compensatory Pick
Fifth Round Pick 25 (153)
Sixth Round Pick 25 (185)
Compensatory Pick
Compensatory Pick

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

After almost a full year without Timmy Jernigan, the whole Philadelphia fan base saw what happens when Fletcher Cox is asked to shoulder the burden for the interior defensive line. He was as incredible as ever, but there is no questioning the fact that he needs some help. Jernigan is no lock to return with his high price tag and impressive offseason addition Treyvon Hester is not ready for a full-time starter role. With Howie Roseman mentioning the talent and depth of the defensive line class this draft, defensive tackle is an obvious target for the Eagles early on in April.

There are a few notes to keep in mind when evaluating the fit for Philadelphia. Number one: Jim Schwartz loves a quick first step. The Eagles’ run defence may have dropped off in 2018, but that does not mean the solution is a big 330 pound gap-closer. While Fletcher is a massive man, it was his athleticism that prompted the Eagles taking him in the first round. Which brings me to number two: size is secondary to effort. The Philadelphia draft staff have historically been willing to pass up a prospect with prototypical physique for one that gives maximum effort. Length is included in that equation. Short, squat and athletic is the m.o. for Eagles lineman — scouts like to call them “dancing pandas”. I believe defensive tackle will be one of the Eagles first three picks in 2019, and so I have tried to include options that will be available to them at picks 25, 53 and 57; and then some in the 4th round.

Ed Oliver – Houston

Walter Football Rank: 2

CBS Rank: 2

DraftTek Rank: 2

Draft Wire Rank: 2

The Draft Network Rank: 2

Range: Top 15

Size: 6’1″, 274 lbs

Breakdown: Oliver was a top five pick early on in the draft process, but size concerns have caused him to fall as far as the teens on many mock drafts. He’s the most athletic interior defensive lineman in the class and it’s not close. He showcases elite explosiveness time and time again and plays the position with shrewdness and a high compete level.

Pros: Jumps off the line like he was shot out of a cannon. Easily the fastest first step in the class. Will penetrate gaps before linemen can get out of their stance. Very quick overall. Not many defensive linemen can move like him, period. Nimble, agile, quick on his feet. This helps him widen his stance to create balance when double teamed. Bend is fantastic, has incredible flexibility in all areas of his motion. Fantastic understanding of leverage. Strong punch with hands and good technique. Has the athleticism to play all over the defensive line, took snaps at DE for Houston.

Cons: Size is really the only major knock. Doesn’t have the desired weight or length for the position. That being said, it hasn’t held his production back much. Won’t eat up gaps in the run game. Doesn’t have the length to make tackles off-hip while engaged with a defender. Doesn’t have the ability to redirect offensive lineman in the run game, generally just pushes them backwards, or makes plays with penetration. Recognition and overall technique should improve quickly, but right now it holds him back. Will overrun tackles. He did miss four games in 2018 with a knee injury.

How he fits: I said I would only outline players that would be available options for the Eagles, so why did I include Oliver, who will undoubtedly be drafted by the time the Eagles are on the clock? Great question imaginary hypothetical inquisitor. In a very stacked first few rounds, Philadelphia has the fortune of holding two second round selections. If Oliver fell to the 12-15 range, the Eagles could package one or both of their second round picks along with a kicker — possibly a player, or a late round selection — to move up and grab a prospect who was once the premier option at his position. Philadelphia would be happy to overlook what I consider phantom concerns about his size. The same was said about Brandon Graham.

Oliver would make an unbelievable chess piece for what was already one of the more difficult defensive lines to game plan against. He and Cox would fit together like the missing piece in a 2,000 piece puzzle. Don’t get me started on what he would bring to the NASCAR package on third downs and obvious passing situations. I think Howie really values having two second round options, and trading both away may hamper the team’s ability to fill all their needs. Nevertheless, moving up in this draft is an overlooked possibility for a team with ample bargaining chips. There are few players worth it, but if Oliver were to fall — which many think he might — he would definitely be one of them.

Signature play:

Christian Wilkins – Clemson

Walter Football Rank: 3

CBS Rank: 4

DraftTek Rank: 5

Draft Wire Rank: 4

The Draft Network Rank: 4

Range: First Round

Size: 6’4″, 300 lbs

Breakdown: Wilkins is a hyper athletic, high-motor tackle who is known for his ability rushing the passer. He has a heavy build and carries most of his weight in his lower body which makes his impressive agility jump off the screen. He’s not the most physically imposing tackle, but may be the hardest worker of the bunch.

Pros: Has a motor like a speed boat, constantly chasing plays, relentless effort. Athleticism is off the charts, even took some snaps at halfback — not just fullback, halfback — and ran fake punt plays. Versatile, played every position on the Clemson line. He was even asked to drop into coverage on occasion. Good gap discipline, but has some bad games with over-pursuit as well. Has great quickness after his first step, lateral movement is good. Despite being 6’4″, pad level is excellent, has great bend at knee and ankle. His “squat” physique makes him hard to double, and he just doesn’t give up, ever.  Beloved locker room personality.

Cons: Lacking some length in his arms — shows up in fighting off blocks and in tackling. First step can be slow and will get caught off balance by quicker, more explosive lineman. Will need more consistency with his hands. Has good gap discipline, but can’t always find it with a man in his face and he will over-pursue from time to time. Defends better against power schemes than zone, which is contrary to his skill set. That should indicate attainable room for improvement. Will win his pass rushes more because of his effort than his bag of tricks. Doesn’t always have a plan, just expects to out-work the opponent. Some scouts question his ceiling: can he get more athletic, can he show more effort?

How he fits: A high effort, mobile defensive lineman with a big personality and length concerns? Wilkins has Eagle written all over him.  Length concerns have been an easy one for Philadelphia to overlook in the past. He’s aggressive and his over pursuit problems when facing zone run schemes should simmer in Jim Schwartz’s defense in which he’s allowed, almost encouraged, to neglect the ball-carrier on the way to the quarterback. The coaching staff will love the fact that he was asked to play all over the line at Clemson. Concerning production, two National Championships will put a twinkle in Howie’s eye. Wilkins is my hands-down prediction for who the Eagles take in the first round. There’s a growing chance he’s doesn’t last that long, however. He’s been creeping up mock drafts, but at the moment, these mocks don’t take into account the teams that are willing to risk it all to move up for a quarterback. He and Cox would make a terrible twosome that would haunt offensive coordinators for the next few years. He may even be able to stand-in as a fullback. If he’s still on the board at 25, you may see the draft team break into a sprint to get the card to Roger.

Signature play:

Here’s him catching a pass 20 yards downfield:

https://twitter.com/seldomusedrsrv/status/1063389893878009856

Dexter Lawrence – Clemson

Walter Football Rank: 6

CBS Rank: 7

DraftTek Rank: 1 (1-tech)

Draft Wire Rank: 9

The Draft Network Rank: 7

Range: First to Second Round

Size: 6’4″, 340 lbs

Breakdown: He’s more of a true 1-tech than the other names on this list. A two-gapping, run-stopping nightmare, Lawrence may be the best run defender in the class when it’s all said and done. He’s limited as a pass-rusher but has a nasty bull-rush that can surprise opponents in pass protection.

Pros: NFL size, he’s a true 340. High effort player, shows up big in short yardage situations. Gap filler, does well to stack blocks and creates clear running lanes for linebackers. Won’t get pushed back off the line. Fantastic leverage, and has a good bend at his hip. Good length and locks arms on linemen with regularity. Can be a devastating tackler. Cannot be left unblocked, and is a challenge for centres one-on-one — or anyone really. Can push the pocket with relative ease, and does not take plays off.

Cons: Has pretty quick reaction time to the snap, but does not burst off the line. While rushing the passer, has one move: bull-rush. Doesn’t have the mental processing to counter his lack of speed, will have a hard time coming down the line to make plays from a backside position against zone schemes. Tightness limits range of motion and reaction time. Tested positive for osterine, a banned substance, before the CFB playoffs.

How he fits: He was mocked to the Eagles lot early on in the pre-draft process, but I don’t love the fit. He won’t be that versatile, despite pretty impressive athleticism for his size. He’s something the Eagles don’t have right now, but his limitations rushing the passer make him a rotational player until he can learn some counters to his bull-rush. He can collapse the pocket and that will definitely create some opportunities for the myriad of rushers the Eagles have at their disposal. Still, if Howie takes him at 25 — I don’t think he’ll last until their selections in the second round — it will seem like settling. The first round is not where you want to take a player that has to come off the field for 40% of your snaps.

Signature play:

https://twitter.com/DLineVids/status/909280733994164224

Jeffery Simmons – Mississippi State

Walter Football Rank: 5

CBS Rank: 5

DraftTek Rank: 3

Draft Wire Rank: 5

The Draft Network Rank: 3

Range: Second to Fourth Round

Size: 6’4″, 301 lbs

Breakdown: Simmons is a well-rounded, high ceiling, pass-rushing defensive tackle. He has the size, athleticism and motor of a top pick. However, off-field issues nixed his invitation to the NFL Combine and he will enter the draft in the midst of an ACL tear. Both of these concerns will cause him to drop despite his first-round talent.

Pros: Quick first step. Will beat most interior lineman with get-off. Fires off the ball low and with purpose. Rushes with a plan and won’t get caught thinking. Well balanced and hard to move because of length and leverage. Won’t get blown back by stronger guards and centres. Disciplined in single gap control and showcases good leverage with hand placement and length. Fantastic against zone runs. Good closer, fast and nimble in pursuit.

Cons: Tore his ACL early in the pre-draft process and will most likely have sit out a majority if not the entire 2019-2020 season. Run-stopping based more on penetration more than a re-direction and won’t be a huge factor in two-gap situations. Can’t stun defenders with his punch, more of a winner of battle of attrition than at the point of attack. Isn’t always able to shed blocks, could use his length better in run defence. Talent in closing was mentioned, but all in all, not a consistent tackler.

How he fits: A great fit as a 3-tech beside Fletch. His shortcomings with 2-gap responsibilities would be negated in the Eagles defensive scheme with all that defensive line talent. The fact that he may fall to the third or fourth round (more likely the early third) would shock scouts had you told them in November. Some teams may still consider him a second round pick. I do not think the Eagles are among them. The two major concerns are big ones; especially for the Birds. Philly needs defensive tackle help now and Simmons injury will keep him away from the field until at least October, likely mid-November. The off-field concerns stem from a viral video of Simmons striking a female in 2016. The Eagles have been reluctant to pursue players involved in domestic violence issues in the past. Scouts are bound to do their research, but that will likely be a hot topic for the draft staff. If Philadelphia comes across a third round pick, or Simmons falls to the fourth, the value may be too much for the team to pass up.

Signature play:

Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame

Walter Football Rank: 7

CBS Rank: 8

DraftTek Rank: 6

Draft Wire Rank: 6

The Draft Network Rank: 11

Range: Second Round

Size: 6’5″, 306 lbs

Breakdown: Tillery is a big man and is well-rounded as an interior defensive lineman. He’s strong and physical and shows flashes of a quick first step. At the NFL level, he’ll need some polish and help with his mental processing.

Pros: Very dominant hands if he is the first to land a punch. Real ability to stun lineman with long, powerful jab. Can take over games, feeds on making plays and has a great motor. Had a fantastic 2018 season — could develop quickly if he remains on the same trajectory. Good leverage if he comes off the ball low. Has a good first move and counter in pass rush. Two-gap potential, but isn’t there yet.

Cons: Pad level is mostly good for a tall 6’5″, but inconsistent. Hand placement is also hit-and-miss. Pretty tight in his motions due to size, won’t surprise with his ability to round the edge. First step is good, but there are more explosive athletes in this class. Slow to recognise blocking schemes and focuses too much on the ball carrier. Suspensions and some on-field high-jinks have caused some to question is character. Before the 2018 season work ethic was a concern.

How he fits: The football fit is great. Tillery has a high upside and should only get better going forward. The Eagles could use another power rusher in their arsenal and he could be electric with a few more moves in his collection. However, he’s not there yet and I don’t see him as a first-round talent unless he shows some amazing stuff at the combine. That being said, expect him to come off the board in the early second. I don’t think he’ll be available for the Eagles if they stay where they are. Yes, I said if. With two second round selections, Philadelphia easily has the capital to move up in the second round and get a borderline first round talent. If they don’t get the man they want in the first round, it’s also a possibility they trade down. Howie has been a pretty fluid mover in past drafts and 2019 should be no exception.

Signature play:

Dre’Mont Jones – Ohio State

Walter Football Rank: 4

CBS Rank: 6

DraftTek Rank: 7

Draft Wire Rank: 7

The Draft Network Rank: 9

Range: Second to Fourth Round

Size: 6’2″, 295 lbs

Breakdown: Jones is a high level athlete and a crafty finesse pass-rusher at the 3-tech position. He’s undersized and not a difference-maker against the run, but he gets after the quarterback and shows a lot of potential to get better in that area. Scouts aren’t yet sure if he’ll fit better as a 3-tech DT or a 3-4 DE, but he has the physical traits to play multiple positions.

Pros: Great first-step quickness. Has a good repertoire of hand techniques and still has room to learn. Has good balance and change of direction. Quick in pursuit. His athleticism should bode well for his ability to move around the formation. Slices through the line like butter when he gets the jump on opposing linemen.

Cons: Pad level is consistently too high, doesn’t have the bend or flexibility to compensate. Won’t overpower opposing linemen and does not have a stable anchor. Overruns plays and can get caught sideways to the play. May need to add some weight. Will probably have to come off the field in short yardage situations.

How he fits: Because of his shortcomings against the run, Jones will only fit in specific defenses. He can’t be counted upon to guard more than one gap and will have to make plays with his first-step and penetration. That may cause him to tumble on draft boards. If that happens, the Eagles could scoop him up for a discounted rate. He won’t be an every down player, but he’s a pass-rush specialist and Jim Schwartz can’t get enough of those. His speed will fit right in to the Eagles’ NASCAR package on third and long. If there’s one thing he can do, it’s quickly penetrate. Nevertheless, the team could really use some more muscle up front and it’s no guarantee that Jones will ever be a strong interior lineman. Second round? I don’t know. Fourth Round? Absolutely.

Signature play:

Khalen Saunders – Western Illinois

Walter Football Rank: 9

CBS Rank: 14

DraftTek Rank: 12

Draft Wire Rank: 11

The Draft Network Rank: 17

Range: Third to Fourth Round

Size: 6’0″, 318 lbs

Breakdown: A raw FCS prospect who was dominant at his level despite sloppy technique. Saunders has all the physical tools that scouts love — size, athleticism, violent hands and burst. Is it strange to say a defensive tackle has wiggle? He did really well for himself at the Senior Bowl and the public will hear his name more often as the draft draws near.

Pros: Unbelievable movement for a man of his size. Really light on his feet and has some deceptive agility and lose hips. Has a great push-pull against smaller opponents. Has the ability to toss small-school lineman to the side like children. First step is so-so, but next three steps are very fast. High ceiling with his ability to penetrate. Keeps his feet moving when driving. Good lateral movement, will stay moving while engaged in an attempt to make plays. Quick footwork allows him to expose linemen with beautiful hesitation swim move despite lacking technique (check the Senior Bowl sack). High-effort guy, has a great closing speed. Rushed from a standing position on the outside as well as a 3-point stance.

Cons: Technique will need a lot of work. Processing is behind his classmates. Hands can get lazy, does not match the activity of his feet. Conditioning is an issue, will need to join a rotation in his first year. Doesn’t really work to close gaps. Not great at getting off his blocks despite high activity level. FCS level competition will be held against him, and in his case, it probably should be.

How he fits: Saunders is exactly the type of small-school player that has scouts salivating. His performance at the Senior Bowl was no doubt noticed by the Eagles brass. He’s a work in progress, but that hasn’t stopped Howie in the past. Saunders is a well-kept secret — for now — and the fit will depend on when he’s available. With an impressive combine, which he should almost undoubtedly have, and defensive line talent flying off the board, he could be a late second to early third round pick. Without a third round pick, I think the Eagles may miss the opportunity to draft Saunders. Regardless of when he hears his name called, Saunders will be an absolute steal for whichever team is willing to put the time in. Personally, I’m a fan and I hope he doesn’t go somewhere inept at developing defensive line talent.

Signature play:

Have to love this effort (the DT closest to the screen):

Daniel Wise – Kansas

Walter Football Rank: 24

CBS Rank: 25

DraftTek Rank: 10

Draft Wire Rank: 13

The Draft Network Rank: 12

Range: Fourth to Fifth Round

Size: 6’3″, 290 lbs

Breakdown: Wise might be overlooked because of Kansas’ struggles, but he’s a very talented player. He was used all over the formation because of his lighting quick first step and bag of tricks. He’s not a huge factor in the run game because of his size, but will shoot gaps and can get into the backfield in a hurry.

Pros: Fantastic first step in combination with quick hands. If he gets the jump on you, it’s all over. Deep tool bag with hand moves that include some pretty powerful punches. Also has some great counter moves. Has great length, but could use it better. Good lateral movement along the line. Forceful tacker. Versatile, lined up as DE and 5-tech frequently at Kansas. In great shape for a 3-tech and won’t have to come off the field for rest very often.

Cons: Does not have a great anchor and should not be called on to cover two gap assignments. Can concede leverage and often gets too high after initial burst. Doesn’t use his length to disengage with blockers, instead tries to fight them head on. Won’t make teams pay if doubled. If he can’t penetrate on his first few steps, he’s relatively ineffective against the run. Bowling over lineman will never be his forte, will have to work more at converting speed to power.

How he fits: Wise was a standout at the Shrine game and won most of his one-on-one battles. His quick first step and powerful hands fit well with the traits Eagles scouts look for. He would love to play in Jim Schwartz’s “go-get-’em” scheme. I think a lot of his issues stem from being schemed against and moving around the formation. Once he settles into a 3-tech role and is able to learn the nuances of the position, his ceiling will be much higher. He also won’t have to worry about double teams with Cox in the building. Let’s be honest, he might never be a huge factor in short yardage situations, and Philadelphia will still have to grab a situational run-stuffer. However, the willingness to lean on a rotation allows Schwartz to take chances on guys like Wise. He could be had at a relatively cheap price in the fourth or fifth round because of his limitations against the run. For the Eagles, his versatility would be a bonus. Overall, I would be very happy with this pickup.

Signature play:

Kingsley Keke – Texas A&M

Walter Football Rank: 25

CBS Rank: 35

DraftTek Rank: 9 (1-tech)

Draft Wire Rank: –

The Draft Network Rank: 15

Range: Fourth to Fifth Round

Size: 6’3″, 305 lbs

Breakdown: Scouts have a very hard time putting a finger on Keke. He’s a talented, deceptive pass rusher with bend like a defensive end. He has an elite ability to round the edge for a man his size. He’s a tad undersized and doesn’t have the strength to overpower linemen, but his versatility will allow him to get favourable match ups on passing downs.

Pros: Great repertoire with his hands, but will need more consistency. Great flexibility and bend when rounding the edge. Works well through traffic. This may take some explaining, but he has the innate ability to be forgotten about and then make the play. He does well to stay active. Has good length and can make tackles outside of his frame. A leader at A&M.

Cons: Will most likely need to add size and weight. Good range of moves, but is slow to put them into motion. Will get stood up by lineman with a good anchor due to high pad level, both against the run and the pass. Doesn’t have a fantastic first step, counter to high-level athleticism. Processing is average, better on the edge than at the tackle spot. Shouldn’t be assigned two-gap responsibility.

How he fits: Simply put, Keke would be a great flexible, versatile option for the Eagles in the fourth round. He could play as a big defensive end in certain packages and would a fantastic rotational option on passing downs. Generally, the scouting staff would prefer a quicker first step. However, his athleticism could translate into more burst with good coaching. A lot of teams just won’t know what to do with the guy. I don’t think that would be an issue for Jim Schwartz. His rare bend is a blue-chip trait and it’s not often you can find those in the fourth round.

Signature play:

Final Analysis

Will the Eagles Draft a Defensive Tackle? One hundred percent, yes. It’s more likely they draft multiple than none. If they make some splashes in free agency, that could change. There are definitely some high-end defensive tackle free agents. However, they all come with their own hitches. The top talent on the market — Grady Jarrett, Sheldon Richardson — may demand a lot of money. Richardson has proven himself a talented starter, but is coming off a down year and may take a one-year prove it deal. Most of the other names on the list specialize in stopping the run. Therefore, even if the Eagles attack the free agent market, they will still need a difference maker beside Fletcher Cox on passing downs.

What Round? That’s a tough question. The solution at defensive tackle might require multiple players. The Eagles have found success bringing in free-agent defensive tackles who are stout against the run in rotational roles. As mentioned, there are plenty of options in that regard. Keeping the team’s pass rushers fresh for Jim Schwartz’ favorite down, third-and-long, is what keeps the defense ticking. Outside of Fletcher Cox, they don’t really have a defensive tackle that can do more than occasionally push the pocket. The defense has relied on cutting their defensive line loose and letting the linebackers clean up the mess. The strategy will not change for 2019. As the old adage goes: “tackle the running back on the way to the quarterback”.

In a draft loaded with defensive line talent, each team may be able to find their own perfect fit. This bodes well for Philly, who has famously been willing to take chances on defensive talent that other franchises overlook. Accordingly, a majority of the defensive linemen outlined above are not that stout against the run. Run-stopping is a necessity at the defensive tackle position for many teams, whereas the Birds are fine to rely on their rotation. Howie probably has his heart set two or three defensive lineman that he wants in the first round. If they don’t fall, he won’t reach. My guess is if they aren’t able to secure one of the top five defensive tackles at the 25th pick, they’ll use one of their second rounders on an interior defensive lineman. It’s just not often you can find a rotational talent like Beau Allen — we miss you Beau — in the late rounds.

About the Author

Morgan Burkett

5-year Sportswriter for PSN. Co-Host of Flippin’ The Birds Podcast. Defensive Coach at the University of Waterloo.

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