The Eagles are drafting a DT. But who will it be?

Always invest in the lines

There is no doubt that the Eagles will draft a defensive tackle. Milton Williams, second on the DT depth chart in snaps played, left in free agency and the Eagles have not signed a DT in free agency, and any they do between now and the draft is unlikely to make an impact.

The Eagles will take DT in all shapes and sizes, from short (6’1.5” Marlon Tuipulotu) to tall (6’6 ⅜” Jordan Davis); from light (Milton Williams and Moro Ojomo are under 290 lbs) to heavy (Jordan Davis and Noah Ellis are over 340 lbs). It’s not the size that matters, it’s what you do with it, and the Eagles prefer quick DTs. All but three DT acquired during the Nick Sirianni era clocked a 10 yard split of 1.72 or under, and two of those three weighed 320+ lbs; all but two a shuttle of 4.67; and all but one a 3 cone time of 7.71 or under.

So pretty much everyone that has been consistently mocked in the first few rounds of the draft is in play for the Eagles. We can split them into two buckets.

The big boys

The Eagles developmental DTs are all on the lighter side, Gabe Hall and Byron Young are under 300 lbs and Thomas Booker is just 301. Milton Williams, at 291, was also lean. But Jordan Davis’ future is a question, so they may look to go with someone who can compete with him now and potentially replace him.

Alfred Collins, Texas

At 6’5”, 332 and with long arms, Collins, a 5 star from the 2020 class, certainly looks the type on paper. On tape, not so much. When he flashes he looks really good, but the flashes are too far and few between consistent missed opportunities.

Collins didn’t test at the Combine, and he didn’t participate at his pro day due to a foot injury. His play and his inability to test make it difficult to justify him as a top 100 prospect that many consider him to be.

Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Like Jordan Davis, Grant is a huge run stuffing NT with good athletic upside who could flip the table for Carter, giving him a partner who could command double teams that free up Carter.

Grant has great play strength, dominating interior lineman, making it a waste of time for teams to run at him. Like Davis he needs improvement as a pass rusher, but the Eagles will take that bet.

Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

In 2021 The Eagles had an organizational shift in draft philosophy: after years of ignoring top players on top teams, they actually started drafting key players from the best teams in college. It is not a coincidence they made two Super Bowls since then, winning one. Last year they got away from that but still had a great draft. They may be going back to the well this year. Tyleik Williams is the best defensive player...