Eagles Draft Coverage: Prospects To Watch During the NFL Combine

By Tucker Bagley, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

The NFL Scouting Combine will kickoff tomorrow as running backs, offensive linemen and specialists take the field for the first day of the week-long event. 

In addition to observing four days of workouts from prospects, the Eagles will finally learn where their first-round pick will fall and can conduct interviews with various players. Here are a few players to keep an eye on during the so-called "Underwear Olympics."

Day 1: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

With a need for offensive weapons, the Eagles could turn to Cook with their first round pick. A dynamic receiver out of the backfield, Cook is a touchdown threat every time he touches the ball. With Ryan Mathews seemingly on the way out the door and Darren Sproles unable to handle a full workload, Cook could come in and add another dimension to the Eagles offense from day one.

Cook is still behind Leonard Fournette on many draft boards, but his explosiveness will be on display during the three-cone drill. Right now Cook's draft stock has him falling right into the Eagles' range, but he could test well and challenge for a top-10 selection. 

Day 2: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Williams was regarded as the top wide receiver in the draft for much of 2016, but he's slipped a bit in recent weeks behind Western Michigan's Corey Davis. With Davis out at the combine with an ankle injury, Williams can make up the ground he has lost with a good showing on Wednesday.

Williams is an explosive jumper who isn't afraid to fight for the ball in the air. That physicality should translate to the field. Depending on how the draft board falls, it's certainly possible that both Davis and Williams will be available when the Eagles are on the clock in the first round, so familiarizing themselves with Williams at the combine could help Howie Roseman and company make a decision on draft night.

Day 3: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple

The third day of the combine will feature workouts from defensive linemen and linebackers. With the Eagles not in a position to spend a high-round pick on one of these guys, we'll turn our attention to a local product who has seen his stock skyrocket in recent months.

Reddick walked on at Temple as a safety before transitioning to linebacker and settling in as an edge rusher during his senior season. Reddick is a tremendous athlete who wowed scouts during the Senior Bowl and is now being evaluated as a first-round talent. With a solid performance on Thursday, the former Owl will solidify his first-round status.

Day 4: Adoree' Jackson, DB, USC

Perhaps the most intriguing day for Eagles fans will be on Friday, when defensive backs will work out. Perhaps the guy with the most to gain is USC's Jackson who showed off his versatility and playmaking ability during his college career. Currently slated as a Day 2 pick, Jackson is an explosive athlete who won a pair of PAC-12 championships in the long jump.

Jackson may have a hard time moving up draft boards that are filled with so many defensive backs, but he has a playmaking skill set that so many teams are searching for. If his numbers match his athleticism, he could be in the conversation for a first-round pick.

Go to top button