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Always invest in the lines
There is no doubt that the Eagles will draft a defensive tackle. Milton Williams, second on the DT depth chart in snaps played, left in free agency and the Eagles have not signed a DT in free agency, and any they do between now and the draft is unlikely to make an impact.
The Eagles will take DT in all shapes and sizes, from short (6’1.5” Marlon Tuipulotu) to tall (6’6 ⅜” Jordan Davis); from light (Milton Williams and Moro Ojomo are under 290 lbs) to heavy (Jordan Davis and Noah Ellis are over 340 lbs). It’s not the size that matters, it’s what you do with it, and the Eagles prefer quick DTs. All but three DT acquired during the Nick Sirianni era clocked a 10 yard split of 1.72 or under, and two of those three weighed 320+ lbs; all but two a shuttle of 4.67; and all but one a 3 cone time of 7.71 or under.
So pretty much everyone that has been consistently mocked in the first few rounds of the draft is in play for the Eagles. We can split them into two buckets.
The big boys
The Eagles developmental DTs are all on the lighter side, Gabe Hall and Byron Young are under 300 lbs and Thomas Booker is just 301. Milton Williams, at 291, was also lean. But Jordan Davis’ future is a question, so they may look to go with someone who can compete with him now and potentially replace him.
Alfred Collins, Texas
At 6’5”, 332 and with long arms, Collins, a 5 star from the 2020 class, certainly looks the type on paper. On tape, not so much. When he flashes he looks really good, but the flashes are too far and few between consistent missed opportunities.
Collins didn’t test at the Combine, and he didn’t participate at his pro day due to a foot injury. His play and his inability to test make it difficult to justify him as a top 100 prospect that many consider him to be.
Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Like Jordan Davis, Grant is a huge run stuffing NT with good athletic upside who could flip the table for Carter, giving him a partner who could command double teams that free up Carter.
Grant has great play strength, dominating interior lineman, making it a waste of time for teams to run at him. Like Davis he needs improvement as a pass rusher, but the Eagles will take that bet.
Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
In 2021 The Eagles had an organizational shift in draft philosophy: after years of ignoring top players on top teams, they actually started drafting key players from the best teams in college. It is not a coincidence they made two Super Bowls since then, winning one. Last year they got away from that but still had a great draft. They may be going back to the well this year. Tyleik Williams is the best defensive player on the defending national champions.
Of the top 330+ lb DTs, Williams is the best pass rusher, consistently generating good pressure. He is the complete package, it is surprising that he is not more highly rated.
The lean guys
If the Eagles prefer a like for like replacement for Milton Williams, they’ll look to DTs with leaner frames.
Darius Alexander, Toledo
The Eagles will already be familiar with Alexander, having two of his teammates from last year on the roster in 1st round pick Quinyon Mitchell and UDFA Dallas Gant.
Alexander pops on tape, his speed and athleticism clearly a step above the low level of competition he faced in the MAC, and he backed up the tape with strong testing at the Combine. He brings a quickness that should pair well next to the double teams that Jalen Carter commands.
But his play leaves a lot to be desired against the run, where he consistently struggles; and a fifth year breakout against poor level of competition brings questions about how high both his floor and ceiling are.
Mason Graham, Michigan
Will not be on the board.
Derrick Harmon, Oregon
The appeal of Harmon is easy to see, he’s a height/weight/speed/measurement freak at 6’4, 313 lbs, with arms over 34”, hands over 10”, a sub 5 second 40, and a 10 yard split of 1.74. Oregon lined him all over the defensive line, from EDGE to NT. His athletic profile says his ceiling is sky high, his tape shows a low floor. Harmon struggles to finish, against FBS competition he had just 3.5 sacks and 9 TFLs. The potential is there, both for a high level of play and to bust out of the league. The Eagles are in a position to bring him along slowly.
Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
A somewhat popular mock draft pick for the Eagles, and it’s easy to see why. Nolen has huge potential, he is the fastest off the snap in this class, his movement is great, and he’s got a great frame. His ceiling is extremely high, but he needs to gain consistency. But if he had that consistency, he likely wouldn’t be available to the Eagles.
TJ Sanders, South Carolina
Sanders is a disruptive pass rusher. And despite being under 300 lbs, South Carolina used TJ Sanders as a nose tackle, and he excelled as a run stopper. It is surprising he is not higher rated, he has a strong athletic profile, can play 1 gap or 2 gap, and was productive.
