Taking a look at five future defensive draft picks who stood out at the NFL Scouting Combine and the Eagles should keep an eye on leading up to the draft.
We skipped a lot of the first-round talent to find guys who will mostly go in later rounds:
Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia (6-0, 205)
The Virginia safety absolutely crushed the combine and absolutely helped his draft stock. He’s even known as a ballhawking safety, which should intrigue the Eagles almost as much as his gaudy combine numbers. He ran a 4.42 time in the 40 (fifth among safeties), did 21 reps on the bench (second) and then crushed the jumps. His vert of 44 inches and his broad of 11-9 were not only tops among safeties, they were top numbers of all players.
40 time: 4.42
Bench: 21 reps
Vert: 44”
Broad: 141”
Darnell Savage, S, Maryland (5-11, 198)
Another possibility at the safety position is Savage, who ran a 4.36 time in the 40, good for second among safeties. His jumps weren’t all-timers like Thornhill’s, but he was still impressive.
NFL
40 time: 4.36
Bench: 11 reps
Vert: 39.5”
Broad: 126”
3-cone: 7.03
20-yard shuttle: 4.14
Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois (6-0, 324)
I still think it’s very possible the Eagles use their first-round pick on a defensive tackle, but if they don’t, Saunders could be an option a little later. Saunders’ spider chart won’t look impressive, but you have to remember that he’s doing all this at 324 pounds. His 3-cone drill is really impressive for his size.
40 time: 5.01
Bench: 27 reps
Vert: 30.5”
Broad: 101”
3-cone: 7.57
20-yard shuttle: 4.62
Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan (6-5, 255)
He needs some bulking up, which might make you question if he can remain as athletic once he gains weight. But after seeing his performance in Indy, he might be worth taking a late-round chance on just because of his athleticism. He was top-three among defensive linemen in every event he participated in. He had the best 3-cone, 20-yard shuttle and broad jump and the second-fastest 40 among defensive linemen.
40 time: 4.66
Vert: 36”
Broad: 122”
3-cone: 6.89
20-yard shuttle: 4.13
60-yard shuttle: 11.35
Chase Winovich, DE, Michigan (6-3, 256)
Winovich is going to be a higher pick (likely Day 2) than Crosby, but will also need to pack on more bulk. He had 19 sacks in 2017 and 15 1/2 in 2018. And then he went to Indy and did work. His 3-cone number was fantastic and he had a really good 40 time as well.
40 time: 4.59
Bench: 18 reps
Vert: 30.5”
Broad: 116”
3-cone: 6.94
20-yard shuttle: 4.11
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