The offseason has arrived in Philadelphia, which means it's time for fans to start paying attention to rumors about free agents and see which draft prospects the team is keeping a close eye on.
This week some prospects are preparing for the East-West Shrine Game, which is the first of a few showcases for players who have declared for the 2020 draft. Monday was the first practice for the event, and at the conclusion of the event all team scouts can interview prospects that capture their attention. The Eagles ended up interviewing four players in total at the conclusion of Monday's practice (two from the East team and two from the West team).
Here is a look at who they interviewed and why the Eagles might have had interest in them:
West Team
John Penisini | DT | Utah | 6'1 324lbs
In 39 games at Utah, Penisini collected 80 tackles (15 for loss) along with five sacks, two passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick. He was also a two-time second-team All-Pac-12 (2018-19) selection. At the next level he is much more likely to be a run-stopper rather than providing a pass rush from the middle of the defensive line. The Eagles need a defensive tackle that focuses more on the latter of those two styles of play, so this might be more of a due diligence interview. At the moment Penisini doesn't have much draft buzz, but that's exactly what this Shrine Game is all about -- providing more film for scouts to see of you and get noticed.
Current Projection: 7th Round/UDFA
Jordan Glasgow | S | Michigan | 6'0 226lbs
This past season Glasgow was a Butkus Award semifinalist as well as a Burlsworth Trophy Candidate. In 53 games, Glasgow racked up 140 tackles (10 for loss), seven sacks, three passes defended, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and is credited with a blocked kick. He was mostly a linebacker in college but it looks like he will try to transition to safety in the NFL. He also might try to become like Malcolm Jenkins and be a jack of all trades for a defense. The key word is try though, because once again there is currently not much draft buzz around this guy.
Current Projection: UDFA
East Team
Michael Pinckney | LB | Miami | 6'0 2205lbs
Pinckney was second-team All-ACC for his contributions this season. In 49 career games at Miami, he registered 267 tackles (42 for loss), 14.5 sacks, three interceptions, 12 passes defended, and one fumble recovery. He has the prototypical size teams want in their linebackers, and he is known for being a heavy-hitter. However, his athleticism will limit him at the next level, which is why he is not expected to be a high draft pick in April.
Current Projection: 7th Round/UDFA
John Reid | DB | Penn State | 5'11 194lbs
Reid is a local boy, as he was born in Mount Laurel, New Jersey and attended St. Joseph's Prep for high school. He finished his career at Penn State with 126 tackles (9.5 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 37 passes defended, seven interceptions, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 51 games. His best position at the next level might be as a nickel back or third safety, and the Eagles are desperately trying to find a reliable one of those. He does have some of the same undesirable traits that Jalen Mills has -- he gets duped on double moves and gets called for pass interference often. Still, the Eagles need to address their defensive backs this offseason, so keeping an eye on Reid makes complete sense.
Current Projection: 6th-7th Round
