With the 2018-19 college football season starting tonight, it’s never too early to put together a draft board for the Eagles looking into the 2019 season. Howie Roseman & Co. have 10 total draft picks (for now) in the 2019 draft, with six of those coming in the first four rounds. The guys on this list are there based on team needs, and are likely to remain on the board with the 28th-32ndpick. Some may be stretches, and some would be home runs, but these are the guys you want to keep tabs on throughout the 2018-19 college football season.
Devin Bush Jr. – LB | Michigan | 5’11, 233 lbs | Junior
This guy is a prototypical WILL LB for a Jim Schwartz defense. Electric fast and a sure tackler, PFF writes; “Bush made plays all over the field,missing only three tackles on 94 attempts while notching an impressive seven sacks.” LB will be a position of focus for the Birds and Devin Bush is a name you will want to watch this season. (Late 1st - 2nd round projection)
N’Keal Harry – WR | Arizona State | 6’4, 220 lbs | Junior
Harry’s size and ability to get up and grab a contested ball has brought him into the discussion this season as a top WR in the country. Watching his tape reminded me of Johnny Manziel throwing the ball up for Mike Evans to bring down. Recently named a preseason All-American, N’Keal will look to build on an 1,100+ yd campaign from his sophomore season, and most likely will be on draft boards in 2019. (1st round projection)
Lukas Denis – FS | Boston College | 5’11, 185 lbs | Senior
Former corner turned safety, this kid finds the ball and makes plays. As a junior he ranked 2ndin the nation with 7 INTs and 17thwith 10 pass breakups. Denis seems to like the spotlight as his career performance came against No. 2 Clemson where he had 13 total tackles, an INT and a forced fumble. Would love to see this guy remain an Eagle. (Late 1st-Early 2nd round projection)
Devin Singletary – RB | Florida Atlantic | 5’9, 200 lbs | Junior
Singletary, a patient and elusive runner, shows the ability to be a very good back in today’s NFL. Pro Football Focus graded him highest among returning backs in the country, and had high praises for the Jr back; “heranked third in the nation with 83 missed tackles forced while ranking 12th in the nation with an elusive rating of 112.5.” If it weren’t for his undersized frame and small school, Singletary would be included in the Heisman talks this year. (2nd– 3rd round projection)
Dalton Risner – OT | Kansas St | 6’5, 308 lbs | Senior
A preseason first team All-American according to PFF, and they seemed to have high praises; “With back-to-back campaigns over 90.0-plus and a 2015 season grading at 85.8 at center, Risner has been one of the most productive offensive linemen in the PFF era.” Risner is an athletic tackle who would fit right into what the Eagles are looking for on their offensive line. (Late 1st round projection)
Jalen Jelks – DE | Oregon | 6’6, 245 lbs | Senior
A beast at 6-foot-6, 245 lbs, scouts love this guy’s size. On film you see his high motor and an ability to use his long arms to get off blocks and stuff the run. In 2017 Jelks led the Ducks with 15 TFL and included 6.5 sacks. (Late 1st round projection)
Christian Wilkins – DT | Clemson | 6’4, 315 lbs | Senior
Wilkins is a large part of Clemson’s success on defense over the past few years (no pun intended). However, PFF did not grade him well and had some harsh words on his pass rush abilities stating; “Wilkins has never had the production truly match the first-round hype, but he’s been productive in multiple roles in Clemson’s defense. He must improve upon his pass-rush productivity of 5.4 that ranked 119th among interior defensive linemen.” Fletcher Cox is getting older, and although Tim Jernigan is signed for a few more years, the Eagles may want to take a look into drafting a DT on day two of the NFL Draft. Keep an eye on Wilkins. (2nd-3rd round projection)
Keep an eye on: Marquise Brown – WR Oklahoma | Junior
A DeSean Jackson prototype receiver, who can hit the home run.
Keep an eye on: Josh Allen – LB Kentucky | Senior
Can play inside in a 4-3 or EDGE in a 3-4. Good instincts.
Keep an eye on: Greg Little – OL Ole Miss | Junior
Highly graded OT, but has a rep for lacking a mean streak
