Every day leading up to the 2020 NFL draft, we’ll be taking a look at this draft class by position. We’ll highlight a few players who will fit the Eagles and separate them into three categories based on where they’re likely to get drafted.
We already looked at tight ends, receivers, linebackers, running backs, cornerbacks, offensive tackles, quarterbacks, defensive tackles and defensive ends.
Up today: Interior offensive linemen
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At No. 21
Cesar Ruiz, Michigan, 6-3, 307
At some point, the Eagles are going to have to prepare for life after Jason Kelce and they can’t count on hitting in the sixth round again. Ruiz is a very athletic center who grew up in Camden, New Jersey. He also played guard earlier in his career at Michigan so he offers some versatility. But with Kelce back for another season, drafting a center in Round 1 wouldn’t be great allocation of resources.
In the middle
NFL
Matt Hennessy, Temple, 6-4, 307
The Temple center is considered one of the best in this class. He'll most likely be a Day 2 pick and will probably go in the second round. Important for any center charged with replacing Kelce, Hennessy is a very good athlete and has the ability to get all over the field to make blocks.
Nick Harris, Washington, 6-1, 302
Undersized and fast, Harris has been compared to Kelce a ton during this process. He played some guard earlier in his career at Washington but was even better at center. Some teams will be put off by his lack of size but his athletic makeup and intelligence make him a possible replacement for Kelce down the line. Could be a third-round pick.
Late-round sleeper(s)
Darryl Williams, Mississippi State, 6-2, 304
Williams was a three-year starter at Mississippi State and played both left guard and center. He finished his career as a center in 2019. Not an overwhelming athlete, Williams made up for it with toughness, durability and versatility. He projects as a 5th-7th rounder with the potential to be a top backup early.
Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon, 6-5, 317
We all know how much the Eagles value versatility and Throckmorton played both tackle spots, guard and center during his four seasons with the Ducks. He showed off that versatility at the Senior Bowl this year too. He’s not a great athlete and is limited in that capacity, but he’s dependable and versatile enough to warrant late-round consideration.
Jon Runyan, Michigan, 6-4, 306
Yes, this is the son of former Eagles tackle Jon Runyan. The younger Runyan played both tackle spots for the Wolverines but projects as a guard in the NFL. A note on the Michigan guys: former Eagles coach Juan Castillo was part of the Michigan coaching staff in 2019, so the Eagles might have a little more depth to their knowledge of them.
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