Each week we will take a look at rising and falling NFL draft prospects who could potentially be a fit for the Eagles in 2016.
Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss, junior, WR, 6-2/210
This is the second time I've highlighted Treadwell and it's well deserved. He recorded a season-high eight catches, 136 yards and two touchdowns. It was against New Mexico State, but check out how smooth he is.
Below is from a game against Troy last season.
Yes, the Eagles desperately need offensive line help. But if Treadwell is available in the first round, that may be too much talent to pass up.
Ole Miss got to celebrate its blowout win, but there may not be a whole lot of celebrating when it comes to finding out about the fate of All American left tackle Laremy Tunsil. The NCAA is weighing the punishment for Tunsil, who reportedly held on to a "loaner car" a little longer than the NCAA would like. A decision is expected sometime this week.
On the field, Tunsil (6-5/305) is a monster. He has the size and athleticism to be an elite tackle at the NFL level. He is only a junior, but he could be the first tackle off the board if he decides to come out. You can see below (No. 78) his ability to get down field on a screen to Treadwell.
If you're the Eagles, the hope would be that he comes out, the (possible) year away from football causes him to slip, and he falls into your lap.
NFL
Taylor Decker, Ohio State, senior, OT, 6-7/315
Decker is a large human. He plays like one, too. He's not as athletic as Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley of Notre Dame, which is why he likely won't be in that tier of tackles come draft time. But he is big and strong, and is athletic enough to be a good tackle at the next level. Last year against Michigan State, he was stout in pass protection, decent when asked to get to the next level and dominant when asked to get downhill in the run game.
Guard Pat Elflein (6-3/300) isn't as imposing physically as Decker, but is a pretty good athlete, showing good mobility in last year's game against Michigan. Between Decker and Elflein, Elflein may be the better fit for the Eagles at this point. Elflein probably lacks the ideal size for most teams at guard, but for Chip Kelly, his athleticism may fit right in with what the Eagles like to do in the run game.
From a skill player standpoint, receiver Michael Thomas had his first big game of the season (nine catches, 109 yards) in the Buckeyes' 49-28 win over Maryland on Saturday. Thomas may not have the speed to be a vertical threat in the NFL, but he has great size (6-3/210), is an excellent route runner and is a willing and capable downfield blocker. Check out his game against the Spartans last year as well. He breaks a simple slant route for a big touchdown and throws a great block on a big Ezekiel Elliot run.