Mississippi State has two prospects that are projected to have great NFL careers. The Eagles are like other teams in the league and are showing some interest in the dynamic duo of Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat.
Jeffery Simmons | DT | 6’4 300lbs
Simmons 2018 season was filled with accolades:
2018 Bednarik Award Semifinalist
2018 Conerly Trophy Winner (top player in Mississippi)
2018 Second-Team All-American (AP, The Athletic)
2018 Fourth-Team All-American (Phil Steele)
2018 First-Team All-SEC (AP, Coaches)
2018 ESPN All-Bowl Team
Simmons was set to be a 1st-round draft pick in this year's draft, but a torn ACL during the pre-draft process has left his rookie season in doubt, lowering his potential draft position. Some still believe he could be a 1st-rounder, but he is now likely to be taken in the 2nd round. The Eagles want to add depth to their defensive line, but with Simmons likely to miss pretty much all of 2019, they may be more inclined to grab someone who can produce this season. If they want someone for the future though, Simmons is ready to become a dominant force in the middle of the line next to Fletcher Cox.
Current Projection: 2nd Round
Montez Sweat | DE | 6’6 245lbs
Sweat's accolades are just as impressive as Simmons':
2018 First-Team All-American (FWAA, Sporting News, Phil Steele)
2018 Second-Team All-American (Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports)
First-Team All-SEC (Associated Press, Coaches)
2018 Bednarik Award Semifinalist
Finished second in the SEC and tied for sixth nationally in sacks after leading the league as a junior
The defensive end position isn't a "need" anymore since the team decided to re-sign Brandon Graham, but Howie Roseman has made it known he wants the Eagles to have extreme depth on both the defensive line and offensive line. Sweat isn't projected to be there by the time the Eagles pick 25th overall, but stranger things have happened. Roseman could also decide to trade up to grab one of the best pass rushers in this year's draft.
Current Projection: Early 1st Round
