In seven days time, fans across the NFL will be reacting to the selections made by their favorite teams on day one of of the NFL Draft, preparing for a weekend of sleepers, steals and surprises. The Eagles currently own a hefty bag of late-round picks, so here are five under-the-radar names the Birds may be keeping an Eagle-eye on.
WR, Penny Hart, Georgia State
I’m a little biased when it comes to Penny Hart, purely because when I finally got my hands on a copy of NCAA Football 14 over here in the UK, my first save was with Georgia State and Penny Hart was just incredible. Because of that, I’ve followed his progress very closely. Posting 1,121 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2017, Hart Followed up his successful campaign with a slightly less productive 2018, although he showed plenty of versatility.
His ability to change speed and make clean and concise cuts on deep routes make him a threat from anywhere on the field. He’s extremely quick getting off the line of scrimmage and will soak up the sun when given space to do so. The only real drawback I can see is that he lacks the desired play-strength (standing at 5’8, 180 lbs) to consistently beat NFL DB’s (although can be improved) and as a result, relies on his agility which won’t always be enough when asked to drive vertically.
Hart projects to be a perfect slot receiver at the NFL level and given that the Eagles have no idea what the long-term future has in store for Nelson Agholor, grooming a long-term replacement could be a perfect plan.
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Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
OT, Chuma Edoga, USC
USC's starting right tackle for the last two years also has experience on the other side of the bookshelf and projects favorably into Pederson's zonal blocking scheme. Edoga stands at 6'3, 304 lbs, but moves like a defensive end. He explodes out of his kick-stance (sometimes a little too much) and has a rare blend of mobility and hand-technique.
With 34 3/4" arms, it's hard not to see the value in the length Edoga brings to the table. There are some red flags with injuries and a suspension on his resume, but in terms of an athletic profile, Edoga could the best of the bunch on day three.
He's more of a fluid blocker than a powerful one and when asked to anchor, he can sometimes get overwhelmed early. But if he's driving to the second level or carving open rushing lanes, good luck.
At this point, I feel like the Eagles are so in love with Tytus Howard, who is soaring up draft boards, that drafting another tackle almost seems alien. But if they are indeed comfortable with Vaitai as a backup (as they should be), then a year learning under Jeff Stoutland could benefit Edoga greatly.
QB, Brett Rypien, Boise State
The Eagles are on the record as wanting to back to the days of drafting a quarterback every year, and while an inconsistent AAF signal-caller fills the void, I don't think Luis Perez is the next 'Nate Sudfeld'.
Insert Brett Rypien. A man who through 50 collegiate games threw for over 13,000 yards, 90 touchdowns and 29 interceptions. He doesn't have the size (6'2, 202 lbs) that some of the others in this class do, nor does he have the mobility of Kyler Murray. His arm-strength isn't as impressive as Dew Lock and the level of competition faced isn't as fierce.
But Rypien throws dimes. He's aware of his shortcomings, navigates the pocket well and if you want a quarterback to drop it in the bucket every single time, Rypien's your man. He completed 67% of his passes last season and stood out massively against Air Force. He's able to lead receivers into space with his ball-placement and can hold Safeties with ease.
Rypien would be a perfect game manager at the next level...which is a little convenient, as that's what one Nick Foles was formerly labeled...
Jimmy Moreland, CB, James Madison
If you're familiar with my work, you'll know I'm a SUCKER for good cornerback play. In a class where the drop-off in talent is substantial, I believe Jimmy Moreland is a real diamond in the rough.
In 56 games at James Maddison, he knocked down 63 passes, intercepted 18, accumulated 208 tackles and recorded 7.5 for a loss. That's impressive, right? When i tell you he's 5-11 and weighs 175 lbs, it's even more so.
Moreland is a scrappy corner who plays with a chip on his shoulder. He can get grabby at times as a result. His ball-skills are flat out ridiculous, tracking the ball over his shoulder like a wide receiver and keeping his head on a swivel, playing the ball and not the receiver.
He presses hard at the line of scrimmage and gives more than a 'bump' at the best of times which could hurt at the next level.
His size will likely limit him to a nickel role at the NFL level, but considering how much movement could take place in the Eagles secondary, why not add an aggressive corner who will chirp like Jalen Mills, hit like Rodney McLeod and pluck like Rasul Douglas?
RB, Devine Ozigbo, Nebraska
Ozigbo will wear down defenders as the game progresses and there’s little wear on the tire, given that he’s only carried the ball 20+ times in a game on 7 occasions during his career. He’s laterally rapid, maintains a low center of gravity and is able to really explode in short-yardage situations. He possesses the right mentality to be efficient in pass protection and his acceleration is among the best in this list.
Long speed hurts Ozigbo and while turning the corner isn’t a worry as such, being able to find the next gear when he’s done so could turn a would be 20-yard gain into a much shorter one.
Ozigbo would replace the role Wendell Smallwood currently has in this case and would cost the Eagles very little. He has all the right tools in the box, it’s just a case of developing a hard-nosed runner into a more well-rounded prospect.
Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
