Chris Williams – Offensive Tackle – Vanderbilt – 6’6” – 315 lbs.
Projected Round: 1st Chase’s Position Rank: 3rd
Overview: Is a natural pass blocker who rarely breaks his form or technique. Even in his long jump he landed initially with his feet and knees under his shoulders. Has a questionable lack of “mean streak” that most teams covet in a mauler Right Tackle. He’ll probably need to bulk up to be able to play to his potential at the next level. Off the field, nobody has anything bad to say about the guy. He’s known to be a hard worker and a quick study who is a likeable guy in the locker room with teammates and coaches. Is known to take the younger guys under his wing and help them improve on their own game; a team leader. Is believed to be one of the best offensive linemen in Vanderbilt history. Known more his “finesse” than power, but made a bold attempt at the Combine to prove the stereo type wrong by being somewhat over-aggressive in his position drills. He also showed great athleticism and the ability to “pull” and “stunt” fluidly though some scouts question his technique running longer distances. Has had experience at both guard and tackle and could probably make the switch to guard his rookie season until he reaches the ideal weight to bookend the offensive line.
Where he would fit in on the Eagles: With both current offensive tackles, William Thomas and Jon Runyan, the Eagles have a potential future problem at offensive tackle. If Chris Williams is selected by the Eagles at #19 (and it would have to be here) he will be a very good long-term solution to the future departure of William Thomas at left tackle but will most likely step in and compete for the starting Left Guard position his rookie season. Williams will need to add bulk in the offseason to make the transition to pros but at his current size it would appear that the transition to guard would be a more realistic scenario. But this is not his permanent home. The Eagles will need to work closely with him to get his body in shape to take a step to left when the spot is left vacant. I feel that he could become a staple in this offensive line in both positions on the left side of this defensive line but you will get the most value out of him at tackle.
What Scenarios Will the Eagles Possibly Face: Well, as with every #1 draft pick, there will be some questions that would need to be answered in depth chart on the offensive line. This pick will most affect the future of Winston Justice on this football team. It will boil down to if they feel Justice is better suited for the right side or not, which I feel that he is. But more immediately, this pick would pose a three-way position battle at left guard this training camp. Todd Herremans struggled at times and was unable to solidify his status as starter on the offensive line. Max Jean-Gilles was drafted in the 4th round two years ago and filled in respectably in spots at both guard positions and is expected to give Herremans a run for his money in Training Camp. With all four offensive guards from last season returning this is going to leave an odd man out and even open the possiblity of a trade later in the draft of either Herremans or Justice (who was a projected first round pick in 2006).
Derrick Harvey - Defensive End - Florida – 6’5” – 252 lbs.
Projected Round: 1st Chase’s Position Ranking: 3rd
Overview: Is a pass rush specialist. Is quick off the ball and is at his best when facing blockers that lack the athleticism or technique to counteract his speed. Has had no experience as a linebacker, but some feel that he is better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker because his frame seems too lanky to have success in the NFL with his hand down. But if there is one thing that scouts seem to be wrong on more often than not is if a particular defensive end prospect doesn’t have the size to be an effective defensive end in the NFL (i.e. Dwight Freeney, Trent Cole). Though pass rushing is Harvey’s strong I personally do not feel that he is limited to this. In my opinion he seems to have the body that still has some pounds to gain and has extremely long arms that can be used to his advantage if he is taught how to use them. Harvey is most compared to Jevon Kearse, mainly in my opinion because they both were productive defensive ends at Florida and have similar physical measurable, unlike Kearse though Harvey has a wide variety of pass rush moves that he uses effectively. Is athletic enough to drop back in coverage in a zone blitz and fast enough to clean up sweep runs to the outside. I feel that Harvey could immediately step in and play in at least passing situations depending on what weight he reports to training camp at but that could develop in a very versatile every down defensive lineman in the NFL.
Where he would fit in on the Eagles: That’s easy. Remove Jevon Kearse and plug in Derrick Harvey. I think the comparisons between the two will make it hard for the Eagles to turn down if he’s still on the board. The Eagles were willing to pay Kearse big bucks to be the kind of defensive end that Harvey still has the potential to become. I see Harvey working right into the rotation on passing downs right away and as he starts to grasp the concepts of the defense and the NFL, he will eventually compete with Juqua Thomas and Victor Abiamiri for snaps.
What Scenarios Will the Eagles Likely Face: Well the buzz has already been going on around various circles that the Eagles might be ready to part ways with Jevon Kearse drafting Derrick Harvey would basically be packing Jevon’s bags for him. Darren Howard and Jerome McDougal have not been productive since becoming an Eagle and one of these guys could also feel the heat if Harvey is drafted. The Eagles normally carry five defensive ends going into the season (this year it was Kearse, Howard, Cole, Abiamiri and Thomas. McDougal was on IR) Which would leave at least one of the two the odd man out when it comes time to make the final roster cuts. Not only would this pick increase the production of the defensive end position especially in terms of quarterback pressure but in the long run it would also allow the Eagles to save money by making higher paid, yet disappointing players at the position expendable. A “win-win” situation on more than just the football field.
Projected Round: 1st Chase’s Position Ranking: 3rd
Overview: Is a pass rush specialist. Is quick off the ball and is at his best when facing blockers that lack the athleticism or technique to counteract his speed. Has had no experience as a linebacker, but some feel that he is better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker because his frame seems too lanky to have success in the NFL with his hand down. But if there is one thing that scouts seem to be wrong on more often than not is if a particular defensive end prospect doesn’t have the size to be an effective defensive end in the NFL (i.e. Dwight Freeney, Trent Cole). Though pass rushing is Harvey’s strong I personally do not feel that he is limited to this. In my opinion he seems to have the body that still has some pounds to gain and has extremely long arms that can be used to his advantage if he is taught how to use them. Harvey is most compared to Jevon Kearse, mainly in my opinion because they both were productive defensive ends at Florida and have similar physical measurable, unlike Kearse though Harvey has a wide variety of pass rush moves that he uses effectively. Is athletic enough to drop back in coverage in a zone blitz and fast enough to clean up sweep runs to the outside. I feel that Harvey could immediately step in and play in at least passing situations depending on what weight he reports to training camp at but that could develop in a very versatile every down defensive lineman in the NFL.
Where he would fit in on the Eagles: That’s easy. Remove Jevon Kearse and plug in Derrick Harvey. I think the comparisons between the two will make it hard for the Eagles to turn down if he’s still on the board. The Eagles were willing to pay Kearse big bucks to be the kind of defensive end that Harvey still has the potential to become. I see Harvey working right into the rotation on passing downs right away and as he starts to grasp the concepts of the defense and the NFL, he will eventually compete with Juqua Thomas and Victor Abiamiri for snaps.
What Scenarios Will the Eagles Likely Face: Well the buzz has already been going on around various circles that the Eagles might be ready to part ways with Jevon Kearse drafting Derrick Harvey would basically be packing Jevon’s bags for him. Darren Howard and Jerome McDougal have not been productive since becoming an Eagle and one of these guys could also feel the heat if Harvey is drafted. The Eagles normally carry five defensive ends going into the season (this year it was Kearse, Howard, Cole, Abiamiri and Thomas. McDougal was on IR) Which would leave at least one of the two the odd man out when it comes time to make the final roster cuts. Not only would this pick increase the production of the defensive end position especially in terms of quarterback pressure but in the long run it would also allow the Eagles to save money by making higher paid, yet disappointing players at the position expendable. A “win-win” situation on more than just the football field.
