Eagles NFL draft options at 25: OT Andre Dillard

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Andre Dillard, one of the top two or three offensive line prospects in this year’s draft, stands 6-foot-5, 315 pounds and should be able to step in and play from the get-go.

Dillard is a smooth, polished three-year starter with terrific footwork and strength. Any question about whether he was a top-20 pick went out the window when he crushed it at the combine, where he ran 4.96, had the second-fastest cone drill and the fastest short-shuttle drill.

The biggest question about Dillard is his run blocking ability, since Washington State basically throws every down — the Cougars had 4,859 passing yards and 1,096 rushing yards last year. But he’s athletic enough that getting up to par shouldn’t be a problem. 

Current roster at OT: Jason Peters is nearing the end, and although Jordan Mailata is an intriguing prospect, it wouldn’t surprise anybody if the Eagles drafted an offensive tackle in the first round. Lane Johnson, the starter on the right side, turns 29 next month, so infusing the roster with young offensive line talent is important.

How he would fit: Halapoulivaati Vaitai, a fifth-round pick in 2016, has been the backup the last couple years and was the starter down the stretch and in the postseason during the Super Bowl season. But he regressed last year and isn’t really seen as a long-term solution at left tackle.

Dillard would give the Eagles a legit stud left tackle who could play now if the oft-injured 37-year-old Peters got hurt and could eventually replace Peters when he either retires or the Eagles decide to finally move on.

Eagles' history at OT in draft: Since 1991, the Eagles have taken four offensive tackles in the first round — all among the first 14 picks, most recently Johnson in 2013. The Saints are the only other NFL team that’s taken four offensive tackles in the first half of the first round since 1991.

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Other options at 25 

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