Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

Explosive Talent

Posted April 19th, 2018 | Comments Off on Explosive Talent

The Eagles have had some interesting pre-draft visitors in recent days.

Jones would be in play at pick 32 or if the team moved back into the 2nd round. He is one of the most explosive RBs in the draft and would give the Eagles their fastest runner in a long time. Jones ran 4.39 at the Combine and had a 36.5-inch vertical jump. That speed and explosiveness isn’t just for workouts. It shows up on game tape.

Remember Jay Ajayi getting loose on the long run in Dallas? Or Corey Clement’s long catch and run in the Super Bowl? Both were caught from behind. Jones would give the Eagles a faster, more dynamic threat. He would make a great offense even more dangerous.

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Alexander is a very talented prospect. I have him rated as a 1st rounder, but there are other CBs I like more than him. He is big time athlete, running 4.38 at the Combine and also posting great times in the 3-cone and short shuttle. Quickness, agility, body control, explosive speed…he’s got it all.

Alexander makes some real highlight plays. His physical gifts make him a player with huge potential. My only issue is that he’s not as instinctive as I like. Alexander relies on physical ability to make plays. That’s fine in college and can even work in the NFL. I just happen to prefer players who have a good feel for things.

He played a lot of press man at Louisville and the Eagles would use him in that role in the slot. Alexander certainly has the physical skills for it. He will hit and tackle, which is key for that spot. Alexander also has PR experience and the Eagles could use some help in that role.

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Turay was terrific at the Senior Bowl. He stood out day after day. He is 6-4, 252 and has dynamic potential as an edge rusher. His ability to get off the ball quickly, bend and dip as he goes by the OT should remind you of a good pass rusher from the 2017 draft…Derek Barnett.

There is a big difference in Turay and Barnett. Production. Barnett set the Tennessee record for career sacks and played at an elite level for multiple years. Turay was great as a freshman, racking up 7.5 sacks and looking like a special talent. Shoulder injuries limited him to 11 games over the next 2 years. Turay only had 7 sacks over his final three seasons.

The Senior Bowl gave Turay a chance to show what he could do when healthy and consistently attacking off the edge. He will be one of those players who is much better in the NFL than in college.

The big question here is value. I currently have Turay rated as a 3rd rounder. This isn’t a great class for edge rushers so it wouldn’t shock me to see him possibly go higher than that. The Eagles might consider trading up from the 4th to get him, if Turay lasts into the 3rd.

Is it possible the Eagles could like him enough to trade back into the 2nd round and take him there? Brandon Graham, Michael Bennett and Chris Long aren’t getting any younger so the Eagles could use a young player to add to the mix for the future.

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Demby is not explosive. But he is a solid prospect and would be an interesting prospect for the OL.

Demby is 6-4, 319 and played LT for Maine. He could play OG or OT in the NFL. Demby has potential to develop as a pass protector, but he really stands out as a run blocker.

The Eagles love big, physical, versatile OL. Demby checks every box there. Should go somewhere in rounds 4-6.

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