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2020 NFL Draft profile: K'Lavon Chaisson holds Pro Bowl DE potential despite the numbers

By Andrew Kulp • •

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K'Lavon Chaisson didn't post eye-popping sack totals at LSU, and he didn't work out at the combine, denying us an impressive athletic performance.

That said, it isn't difficult to project Chaisson becoming a Pro Bowl pass rusher at the next level.

At 6-foot-3, 254 pounds, Chaisson has the build to become a three-down defensive end in the Eagles' 4-3 defense. He also possesses the quickness, reportedly with 4.6 speed, and perhaps more importantly, the agility and bend to get around tackles on the edge.

Injuries are a concern, as Chaisson missed almost all of 2018 with a torn ACL, plus two games in 2019 with an ankle. He also finishes his three-year college career with just 19.0 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks.

Even still, Chaisson has all the tools to make it in the NFL, both physically and mentally. Only athletes with great character and leadership qualities are given the No. 18 jersey at LSU.

Current roster at DE: The Eagles aren't in bad shape at the ends. Brandon Graham and Derek Barnett are a quality tandem, Josh Sweat is developing rotational pass rusher, and there are prospects in 2019 fourth-round pick Shareef Miller, Joe Ostman and Daeshon Hall. Then again, Graham is 32, while Barnett has had a tough time staying healthy -- is there a single future starter behind them?

How Chaisson would fit: From day one, Chaisson is another fastball the Eagles can throw at quarterbacks in obvious passing situations. The defense needs another rusher to groom in case none of the young reserves pans out. Scouting reports suggest Chaisson needs to improve against the run, but he's a smart player, so there should be no qualms about his ability to supplant Graham in a year or two.

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Eagles' history at DE in draft: Seldom does a year go by where the Eagles don't draft a pass rusher. In fact, just three years ago the club selected Barnett 14th overall, while Graham was the 13th pick in 2010. Historically, first-round picks have been less successful, producing names like Jerome McDougle (2003), Jon Harris (1997), Mike Mamula (1995). In fact, since Reggie White in 1984, the Eagles drafted only three ends that reached Pro Bowls -- Clyde Simmons, Derrick Burgess and Trent Cole.

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