NFL
By: Thomas Brown
As the 2020 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, I’ll take a glance into the Eagles war room and predict their eight draft selections with an Eagles mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 21: WR Henry Ruggs III
In free agency, the Eagles in no way, shape, or form addressed the offense. To make an immediate impact on the offense, we need a player of Ruggs’ caliber. Ruggs caught 98 catches for 1,716 yards along with 24 touchdowns with Alabama. He also averaged a combined 53.8 yards per catch during that span. His combine results are also agreeable. In the 40 yard dash, he finished the drill in 4.27 seconds. His vertical jump measurement was 42 inches, and his broad jump measurement was 131 inches. He provides youth and immediate help to the Eagles WR department and Carson Wentz.
Round 2, Pick 53: OL Damien Lewis
There’s no question that LT Jason Peters left a massive hole in the Eagles offensive line. Lewis could easily provide some competition for the starting job in that position. Especially for depth at OL, Lewis fits. His combine results display the impact he can have. His 40 yard dash time was 5.24. In the bench press drill, he amassed 27 reps. In the vertical jump, he reached for 30 inches, and in his broad jump, he earned 108 inches. With this selection, the Eagles do not have to start Lewis right away, but Philadelphia can groom him into becoming a starter.
Round 3, Pick 103: LB Justin Strnad
Justin played all of his collegiate career at Wake Forest, for four years. His numbers are encouraging. He had 244 tackles, eight sacks, three forced fumbles along with four interceptions. Strnad’s combine results are just as impressive. His 40-yard dash time was 4.74 seconds. His vertical jump measurement was 29 inches. He had a broad jump measurement of 113 inches. His 20-yard shuttle time was 4.49 seconds. Strnad can thrive in Schwartz’s system, should start immediately, and would have an impact in the Eagles’ front seven.
Round 4, Pick 127: RB Zaccheus Moss
The product out of Utah has the potential to be a vital part in the Eagles backfield. During his tenure, Moss combined for 712 carries, 4,067 yards, 38 touchdowns in just the run game! In the passing game, he’s just as effective. Moss amassed 66 receptions along with 681 yards receiving and three touchdowns. His combine results are impressive as well. In the 40 yard dash, he finished in 4.65 seconds. In the bench press drill, he managed to get 19 reps in. His vertical jump measurement was 33 inches. His 20- yard shuttle drill ended in 4.37 seconds. The three-headed monster with Moss, Miles Sanders, and Boston Scott can quickly pay dividends for Carson Wentz and the flow of the Eagles offense.
Round 4, Pick 145: WR Devin Duvernay
With the relieving departure of WR Nelson Agholar through free agency, Duvernay has the opportunity to become dangerous in the slot for the Eagles offense. As a Longhorn, he compiled 176 receptions, 2,468 receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns. His combine results also can’t be ignored. His 40 yard dash time was 4.39 seconds. The wideout’s vertical jump measurement was 35.5 inches. Devernay’s broad jump measurement was 123 inches. In the 3-Cone drill, Devin finished in 7.13 seconds. He also went on to complete the 20-yard shuttle in 4.2 seconds. He’s one of those prospects that do not necessarily need to contribute immediately and can benefit from learning behind the veterans in the WR room for a year or two.
Round 4, Pick 146: CB Reggie Robinson
Tulsa’s cornerback has the potential to provide quality reps in the Eagles’ secondary. In college, he had 132 total tackles, 34 passes defended, four interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and he forced a fumble. One can’t dismiss his combine results either. His 40 yard dash time was 4.44 seconds. In the Bench Press drill, he put up 22 reps. His vertical jump measurement was 36 inches. Robinson’s broad jump measurement was 132 inches. He ended his 3-Cone drill in 7.09 seconds. His 20 yard shuttle time was 4.18 seconds. He can serve as a backup and improve so he can earn more reps in the defensive rotation for years to come.
Round 5, Pick 168: DE Derrek Tuszka
The edge rusher out of North Dakota State can easily fight for a spot in the Eagles defensive front. Tuszka recorded 129 tackles, 40 tackles for lost yardage, and 28.5 sacks. His combine results are reasonably good as well. His 40 yard dash time was 4.79 seconds. In the Bench Press drill, he managed to put up 24 reps. His vertical jump measurement was 33.5 inches. His broad jump measurement was 120 inches. He finished his 3-Cone drill in 6.87 seconds. His 20 yard shuttle time was 4.34 seconds. If he develops properly, he can provide valuable time to give the starters a breather.
Round 6, Pick 190: LB Evan Weaver
The former Golden Bear is a tackling machine! This pick is easily a diamond if the opportunity presents itself. During his time at Cal, he compiled 407 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 11 passes defended, three forced fumbles and two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. His combine results are also substantial. His 40 yard dash time was 4.76 seconds. In the Bench Press drill, he put up 15 reps. His vertical jump measurement was 32 inches. His broad jump measurement was 117 inches. He finished the 3-Cone drill in 7.02 seconds. The linebacker went on to complete the 20-yard shuttle in 4.21 seconds. He can earn valuable time in the Eagles linebacking group and flourish in the process.
Links:
https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4035875/evan-weaver
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/evan-weaver?id=32195745-4161-3040-b7a3-a0ec6d08c7b7
https://www.phillyvoice.com/philadelphia-eagles-2020-draft-picks/
