Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles have been in Indianapolis this week for the combine and in his press conference he expressed a desire to start playing rookies more often. The Birds have been notoriously stingy in allowing playing time for first-year players, but that may change in 2024. These defensive prospects would make an immediate impact.
4 prospects the Eagles should keep a close eye on
Linebacker (2)
The Eagles’ linebacker unit was one of the weakest in the league in 2023 and even if they address the position with a high draft pick or by signing a veteran in free agency, they will need more.
Trevin Wallace is a young prospect who is still learning some of the tricks of the trade, but he has already shown he is a force to be reckoned with. Wallace had 5.5 sacks during the season while also forcing a fumble and snagging an interception. He has no quit and pursues ball carriers with a purpose, using angles well to track them down. He is extremely physical and a very sure tackler. Trevin displays all of the qualities teams look for, including being a team captain. His quickness and agility should impress at the combine.
Another linebacker who should interest the Eagles is Payton Wilson. Wilson brings violence to the point of attack and hits ball-carriers with bad intentions. Has a great burst and plays sideline to sideline with ease. Payton is big and long and has the athleticism to run with tight ends, something the Eagles desperately need. He is so good in coverage that at times you forget he’s not a large defensive back. The combine is a chance for the NC State product to show that his health is not a concern. If he proves to be healthy, Payton will be a second-round selection.
Safety
Named the top safety at the Senior Bowl by his teammates, Javon Bullard could propel himself into the conversation of being the top safety in the draft with another impressive performance in Indy. Javon is instinctive and versatile and has showcased his ability to cover in the slot. He anticipates the offense well and reads the QB as well as anyone in this class.
In 2023 he excelled in coverage by forcing a 26.9% incompletion rate. One word that kept coming up when asking about Bullard was “mirror”. He mirrors routes, receivers, and the ball. If he performs the way he did in the field this past season in Indy, his speed, quick hands, and fluidity will have him moving up draft boards.
Cornerback
It is well documented that the Eagles have not drafted a cornerback in the first round in 22 years, but there are a couple worth the investment in this draft. Quinyon Mitchell is intimidating, tough, and one of the most athletic in class.
He has great length and strong hands which he uses to punch the ball out while also playing through the receiver’s arms. Quinyon had 37 PBUs (pass breakups) over the last 2 years. He also only allowed 48 yards after the catch in all of 2023.
The Senior Bowl standout is a bonafide game-changing playmaker. The only question teams have is if he can perform the same way against elite competition. He reportedly ran a 4.39 for scouts in the spring, if he runs a 4.3 in Indy coupled with showcasing his athleticism during the drills, he will be one of the first corners off the board in April.
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