Instant analysis: Eagles explode with three sixth-round selections

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The sixth-round of the NFL Draft was an explosive one for the Eagles, who rallied to three total picks through a trade with the Bears and Dolphins in order to set themselves up for a firework finale. Here’s everything you need to know about the newest Eagles to the nest.

Shaun Bradley

The former Temple owl played in four seasons in his college career, racking up 249 tackles, 22 TFL, 2 sacks, 3 picks, and 5 passes defensed. 86 of those tackles came in 2019, a career-year as a senior.

The 6’1, 235 lbs, linebacker impressively ran a 4.51 second 40-yard dash. It’s safe to say that the Eagles were really valuing the need for speed this Draft and that desperation has spread across the entire team.

Bradley also recorded a vertical of 32.5 inches and a broad of 121, while posting a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.24 seconds.

unlike Taylor, Bradley is an inside backer that may finally take over a MIKE spot the Eagles have struggled to fill. NFL.Com projects him to be a WILL in a 3-4, which may work with how the Eagles now seek to deploy their army of speedy backers, covering tight ends and relying on speed to get into open space and shut down pesky offenses.

He’ll likely compete with names like Alex Singleton and Duke Riley, along with providing some special teams value.

WR Quez Watkins

Oh, you want SPEED?! How about 4.35 speed? That’s how quick Quez Watkins ran the 40-yard dash before becoming the Eagles’ third receiver in this class. The Birds’ actually met with Watkins at the NFL Combine, keeping the streak going.

At Southern Mississippi Watkins dominated the competition, finishing his final season with 1,178 yards and six touchdowns. He had a notable amount of off-field issues, specifically with academics, which forced him off the playing field on a few occasions. It was a bit of a surprise when Watkins declared for the draft, considering how raw he was, but his physical profile might cause teams to give him a look. Against lesser competition, he looks fast and made a lot of defenders look silly in jump ball situations.

Watkins is another speedster looking to add to an already rapid room.

OT Prince Tega Wanogho

At 6’5, 308 lbs, the Eagles take one of the most underrated Tackle prospects of the entire Draft. They took Jack Driscoll in the fourth round, but the starter gave an interesting quote in his first presser as an Eagle:

The center is something I’ve really worked on throughout this process, and understanding being able to snap the ball makes you just that much more valuable. Like I said, any position they ask for, I’ll do it.

Driscoll is a phenomenal athlete and will likely transition to center to try out as Kelce’s heir.

Tega Wanogho meanwhile, was graded as a mid-rounder and earned that reputation in the rigors of the SEC< where he was named a second-team All-SEC pick for his 12 starts at left tackle as a Senior. This fits the mold of finding young franchise tackle, Andre Dillard, a backup to replace big V.

The OT has plenty of range and athleticism, but lacks some of the burst out of his stance to see him elevate into a top selection. Learning under Stoutland, who helped Dillard overcome similar setbacks, as well as a shorter wingspan, may give him the perfect developmental landing spot. He’s loose in his movement and is instinctive with hand-placement, but will need some development in terms of sustaining his base as time goes on.

His upside is clearly a future backup and beyond and injuries may have hampered his stock, but it’s a stock well worth the investment.

 Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports