More Eagles Draft Talk

Posted: April 9th, 2019 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 1 Comment »

Now that the excitement of the Luis Perez signing has died down a bit, let’s get back to talking about the draft.

Oliver is an intriguing player. He measured 6-1, 287 at the Combine. He probably played at closer to 275 during the season. Oliver is an athletic freak.

DTs are not supposed to move like that. Heck, we’ve seen a few Eagles RBs who could move like that.

Oliver was used primarily as a NT by Houston. This seems insane. You want a guy like him out in space where he can use his movement skills to shine. The UH coaches wanted him in the middle of the field where they thought he could impact more plays. Their job was to win games, not have Oliver pile up stats.

And Oliver didn’t pile up gaudy stats. He did have 53 TFLs, but only 13.5 sacks. I don’t see that as an issue. Oliver made his share of plays. He also ate up blocks and allowed those around him to make plays. He was an impact player.

I don’t think Oliver is going to fall to 25. The Eagles are likely trying to figure out just how much they like him. If Oliver falls to a certain spot, is he worth moving up for? Howie Roseman has always believed in targeting special players. If the Eagles think Oliver could be special, he might be worth a trade.

Oliver would be a good fit in Jim Schwartz’s scheme. Schwartz wants DL that can fire upfield and be disruptive. That is Oliver to a tee. Is Oliver a sure thing? No. Some undersized players do great in the NFL. Aaron Donald is a freak. Geno Atkins has had a terrific career. Other guys don’t make it. I think Oliver is so good that he’s worth taking a chance on, but there is risk.

It is hard for me to talk about the Eagles moving up for him. This is a talented group of DTs. The Eagles need young talent. I think they need to be careful with their picks. Still, if Oliver proves to be a game-changer, he’d be worth a steep price.

Oliver plays with great leverage. He can be stout and take on blocks or he can use his agility/burst to fly into the backfield. It would be a lot of fun to watch Oliver play with Fletcher Cox and the rest of the Eagles DL. Oliver could play NT, 3-tech or even some DE. I doubt the Eagles find a way to get him, but it really is a fascinating idea.

One of the things you have to remember with these Top 30 visits is that teams are trying to figure out just how much they like certain guys. You try to get a feel for the player’s personality. Get him out of his comfort zone and see what happens. Some players understand they’re on a business trip and shine. Others come across as immature or just plain stupid. That’s when you have to forget the game tape and decide if this is a person you want to invest in.

*****

Parris Campbell might remind you of Nelson Agholor. Campbell played a lot in the slot at Ohio State, but do not think of him just as a possession receiver. He had a 40-inch vertical at the Combine and ran a 4.31. This dude can fly. He has the ability to play inside or outside in the NFL.

Campbell was used on run plays (9.1 yards per carry) and also as a KOR (30 yards per return). He is an athletic weapon. Campbell is probably a second round pick.

The Eagles realize the importance of having weapons for Carson Wentz. Right now the skill players look good, but you always want more talent if you can find it. Campbell would make a lot of sense for the Eagles offense. And he would be a lot of fun to watch.

*****

I am not a huge fan of Harry’s.

Very talented player. He’s got great RAC ability. He can really make things happen with the ball in his hands.

I don’t think he has great hands. I don’t like the way he lets the ball into his body at times.

Harry is a big, strong, physical receiver who could thrive in the NFL, but he wouldn’t be my preference for the Eagles.

*****

That preseason opener will be here sooner than you think.

And it will be cool to face Nick Foles in Week 2, even if only for a few series.

_

One Comment on “More Eagles Draft Talk”

  1. 1 Eagles News: Philadelphia lands DeMarcus Lawrence in NFL Draft do-over – SportsHeadlines.News said at 9:26 AM on April 10th, 2019:

    […] More Eagles Draft Talk – Iggles BlitzI don’t think Ed Oliver is going to fall to 25. The Eagles are likely trying to figure out just how much they like him. If Oliver falls to a certain spot, is he worth moving up for? Howie Roseman has always believed in targeting special players. If the Eagles think Oliver could be special, he might be worth a trade. Oliver would be a good fit in Jim Schwartz’s scheme. Schwartz wants DL that can fire upfield and be disruptive. That is Oliver to a tee. Is Oliver a sure thing? No. Some undersized players do great in the NFL. Aaron Donald is a freak. Geno Atkins has had a terrific career. Other guys don’t make it. I think Oliver is so good that he’s worth taking a chance on, but there is risk. It is hard for me to talk about the Eagles moving up for him. This is a talented group of DTs. The Eagles need young talent. I think they need to be careful with their picks. Still, if Oliver proves to be a game-changer, he’d be worth a steep price. […]