[Ed. note - Promoted from the FanPosts.] --- This is my first attempt at a fan post here on BGN, and I want to take a look at the players the Philadelphia Eagles picked up in the 2016 NFL Draft. A lot of attention has been paid to Carson Wentz, and we've been inundated with info about his positives and negatives. I want to focus on the players that we picked up after Wentz, and take a look at how they may benefit the team moving forward.

I've broken down several plays from each player that highlights the positive and negative traits of each prospect. Overall the Eagles did a good job of filling holes and making dart throws at high upside specialty players:

Isaac Seumalo, Oregon St, G/C/T #56:

Isaac Seumalo was drafted in the 3rd round, 79th overall and is the product of a football household. His father was a coach at OSU for part of his collegiate career. Seumalo is a versatile player that has experience all across the offensive line. He projects best as a G/C swing, with the upside to be a starter in the NFL.

Pros-

Hands and Technique:

When he gets locked onto a player he can move them off the ball. Very good technique, works at his craft and is the product of a football household:

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

Finishing Blocks:

Has the ability to finish blocks, plays until the whistle is blown. Won't be confused with a mauling offensive lineman (Like Big V!), but commitment to finishing the block leads to pancakes in the running game:

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

Pulling:

Seumalo also shows enough athleticism to get around edge to pull in the run game or to get out in front of screens:

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

Pass Blocking:

Is a serviceable pass blocker, who can anchor in the pass game. When he uses his technique and leverage he can consistently win vs interior rushers:

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

Cons-

Strength at the point of contact:

Lacks the strength to uproot a defender. If he doesn’t get lower than defender he can be stood up and driven backwards:

(RG #56)

When leverage and technique are not strong, he can be moved backwards from the LOS. Sometimes when operating in a phone booth, Seumalo doesn't have the space to gear up and move a defender:

(RG #56)

Over Reaching:

Sometimes reaches and over extends. When he doesn't have a good foundation and lacks strong technique he gets beat by interior pass rushers:

(RG #56)

(RG #56)

After going through the tape (Versus Stanford and Arizona) I came away impressed with Seumalo. I didn't know who he was initially when he was drafted, but I see the traits and skills necessary for a potential NFL starter. Seumalo played guard in both games, and that appears to be his position for the Eagles.

He has positive skills that he will be able to leverage, and his functional speed and athleticism allow him to get to the second level when pulling. His deficient areas are certainly a concern, but Coach Stoutland should be able to maximize Seumalo's potential. He will need to add muscle to his frame in order to consistently hold the point of attack versus NFL caliber interior linemen. Seumalo should serve as a nice reserve lineman as a rookie, and even push for starter snaps if he can learn the techniques quickly.

Prediction: Starting Guard (Year 2)

Wendell Smallwood, West Virginia, RB #4

Drafted in the 5th round as the 153rd pick, Smallwood was the most productive RB in the Big 12 in 2015, racking up 1600+ yards from scrimmage and 9 TD's. Howie Roseman mentioned Smallwood's big play ability, which is evident on his tape. He breaks to open space and uses above average ball carrier vision to compliment his short yardage agility.

Pros-

Catching ability/Screen game

Smallwood is adept at making catches in the pass game and in the screen game. Has soft hands, and catches the ball away from his body. Natural receiver that should be able to contribute in the pass game for the Eagles:

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

(RB #4)





Agility and Vision:

Has the ability to plant his foot and get downhill in a hurry. Makes quick decisions and has the vision to find the open hole:

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

Chunk Plays:

Has the prerequisite agility and acceleration to get to the second level consistently:

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

Great run out of a pro style formation. Takes the hand off and uses his patience, agility, and vision to attack the hole at the perfect time and then it's off to the races:

(RB #4)

Cons:

Ball Control:

Smallwood shows occasional lack of focus in regards to protecting the football. Doesn't always keep it high and tight, leading to unnecessary turnovers:

(RB #4)

Blocking:

Smallwood doesn't always give a strong effort when pass blocking, and he will need to work on this to get snaps for the Eagles as a rookie. Shows minimal commitment to blocking edge rushers and linebackers, looking almost "scared" at times:

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

Smallwood is sometimes asked to lead block as apart of the WVU offense. Shows more ability as a lead block, but still lacks any sort of technique:

(RB #4)

Avoiding Contact:

When running outside Smallwood has the tendency to get down and avoid contact. This isn't always a negative, but he's shown that he won't always take on a defender:

(RB #4)

(RB #4)

Wendell Smallwood presents as an intriguing prospect that can do multiple things. He is a receiving back that can get in space and cause disruption. After emerging from Charles Sims' shadow Smallwood put his talents on display for the nation. Smallwood definitely gets what is blocked, but leaves a lot to be desired in regards to breaking tackles. More often than not Smallwood goes down on first contact.

As a 5th round pick Smallwood won't be expected to come in and be a bell cow, but will work himself into a niche in order to contribute. I imagine Frank Reich and Doug Pederson have an idea of how they want to implement Smallwood in this offense, and after watching several games of his I see why they pulled the trigger. Off the field and Social Media issues aside, Smallwood can be a 3rd down back that can develop into a steady contributor for the Eagles.

Prediction: Dion Lewis-esque specialty back

Halapoulivaati Vaitai, TCU, T #74

Halapoulivaati Vaitai aka Big V was selected in the 5th round as the 164th overall pick. He is a HUGE prospect out of TCU that seems destined to be a developmental right tackle for the Eagles. Standing 6'6 320 with 34 1/4" arms, Big V could pay off in a big way for the birds if Stoutland can coach his talents up.

Pros-

Length:

Long levered prospect that can reach out and keep defenders away from his body. Can use his length and athleticism to seal the edge and move defenders out of the running lane:

Sets the edge vs Buckner and seals Buckner, opening a lane to the outside:

(LT #74)

Again, does an excellent job using his arm length and strength to kick the defender out the running lane and seal the edge:

(LT #74)

Kick Slide:

Has enough athleticism to slide his feet and engage edge rushers. Uses his arms to keep rushers at bay, push them past the QB, and/or redirect the rusher completely:

Uses his athleticism to stay in front of Buckner and keeps him away from the QB:

(LT #74)

Does an excellent job of anchoring, setting his base, and driving the smaller edge rusher away from the QB:

(LT #74)

Pulling:

Can get out in front of the ball carrier to open up lanes to the second level. Athletic man for his size, may even have the skills to kick inside to guard in an emergency.

(LT #74)

Pulls from left tackle and lays a WOW block on the backside! Lays a punishing block and shows he can convert his power into devastating run blocks:

(LT #74)

Cons-

Speed rushers:

Even though Big V is a relatively good athlete, he has trouble sticking with edge rushers. The Von Miller's and Khalil Mac's of the NFL will cause Big V issues (who wouldn't have issues though?) early in his career:

Gets beaten around the edge by a faster player, ok recovery to push the defender past the QB. Still is susceptible to getting beat by quick twitch edge rushers:

(LT #74)

Different angle:

(LT #74)

Issues with a superior pass rusher and quick twitch athlete rushing the edge. Gets beat with a counter and the pass rusher almost gets the safety:

(LT #74)

Different angle:

(LT #74)

Reaching/Waist bending:

Gets beat by DeForest Buckner with the fake outside then an inside rip move, doesn't have a counter and grabs Buckner. If the play were to his side, Buckner makes a TFL or gets the sack. Buckner is a good representation of the quality of rusher Big V will face on a consistent basis as a RT:

(LT #74)

Again, reaches and makes a faint attempt at blocking Buckner. Buckner swims past Big V, leaving Vaitai stumbling down the field. Must give better effort than this in order to be a starting NFL tackle:

(LT #74)

Technique/Counter Moves:

Consistently stood up and walked around by Charles Tapper (Former Oklahoma DE and Current Cowboy). Doesn't have another move to out maneuver rushers with longer arms and/or more strength:

(LT #74)

On back to back plays Vaitai is stood up by Tapper and gets man handled. This time Tapper makes the stop for a minimal gain:

(LT #74)

Again Tapper stands Big V up and uses his arms to keep him at bay. Tapper has only slightly longer arms (34 3/8") than Big V (34 1/4") but uses them far more efficiently:

(LT #74)

Halapoulivaati Vaitai shows the ability to develop into at worst a solid back up lineman. His ceiling however is much higher, if he can add more strength (only 23 reps at 225) and refine his technique. Vaitai aka Big V lands in a great spot in Philadelphia with Jeff Stoutland tasked with his development as a blocker.

I see why Big V is a polarizing prospect, he isn't a great fit in every system. With Pederson shifting back towards a more conventional West Coast pro-style offense, Vaitai is a solid fit for us. Only time will tell if Vaitai evolves into an NFL RT, showing inconsistency with his technique.

Charles Tapper, and to a lesser extent DeForest Buckner exposed holes in Vaitai's game. Vaitai is a large man, but doesn't always convert his weight into run block/pass block strength. Tapper walks Big V into the backfield numerous times, and Buckner counters and swims past Vaitai on several occasions. Buckner is a top 10 draft pick and Charles Tapper is a 4th round pick of the Cowboys. Both represent the types of rushers Vaitai will see on a regular basis in the NFL, and Vaitai was inconsistent versus that level of talent.

Prediction: Reserve Right Tackle

Blake Countess, Auburn, CB #24 (Michigan, CB #2)

Blake Countess was drafted in the 6th round as the 196th overall pick. He is a developmental (see the trend?) corner that is versatile enough to play all over the secondary. Countess recorded 8 INT's and 23 PBU's in 30+ starts for Michigan and Auburn. He is undersized at 5'9 184 lbs, but put up 21 reps on the bench (225 lbs) and posted a 36 1/2" vertical showing some core strength and athleticism:

Tackling:

Comes up and makes a play on the receiver to minimize the RAC:

(CB/S #24)

Countess comes down hill and makes a solid tackle:

(CB/S #24)

Reads run and reacts attacking the ball carrier and making a solid form tackle:

(CB/S #24)

Reads the screen and attacks the ball carrier wrapping the runner up:

(CB/S #24)

Shows no fear getting to bigger RB's. Attacks the legs and wraps up cleanly:

(CB/S #24)

Willingness to take on blockers:

(CB/S #24)

Recovery Speed:

Does get beat by receivers, but shows the ability to recover and either make a play on the football or make the tackle limiting runs after the catch:

(CB/S #24)

Beat initially for the reception, but makes the tackle limiting the RAC yards:

(CB/S #24)

Pass Break ups (PBU's):

Recorded 23 PBU's in his career. Makes a solid play on the football and breaks the pass up:

(CB/S #24)

Cons-

Size:

Will struggle against larger players in coverage, even with his good strength and above average vertical. While this wasn't necessarily reflected consistently in the two games I watched, it will be an issue in the NFL.

Speed/Athleticism:

Countess measured as an ok athlete, but nothing spectacular. Due to his small-ish frame this will be a hindrance for him moving outside. May be best suited as a deep safety or slot corner in the NFL:

(CB/S #24)

Beat on a deep out route by the receiver. Another over throw leads to an incompletion but Countess is clearly beaten on the route:

(CB/S #24)

This is obviously a very small sample size, but after reading further into Countess and his backstory, I believe he has a legitimate chance to make this football team. What he is lacking in size and athleticism he makes up for with will and fearless determination. He works hard every play and brings the blue collar attitude he needs to succeed. With the coaching of Defensive Backs Coach Cory Undlin, I think Countess will carve out a nice NFL career.

I also saw a lot of scheme versatility from a player that made over 30 starts in his career at a variety of positions, giving the team added versatility at an important position. Special teams will be the area Countess must thrive, and all signs indicate he will. I wouldn't be surprised if Blake made a few big hits during training camp and during the preseason to open the eyes of the skeptical.

Blake Countess definitely has some limitations to his game, and he will need a creative coordinator (Schwartz!!) to put him in position to be successful. Countess isn't a quick twitch athlete and will have trouble with the bigger more athletic WR's in the NFL. He may also struggle with TE's in the seam, but certainly won't back down from the competition.

Prediction: Reserve Slot Corner and Special Teams maven

Jalen Mills, LSU, CB/S #28

Jalen Mills was selected in the 7th round, 233 overall out of LSU. He is another somewhat versatile corner, with starts all across the LSU secondary. He is not the most athletic corner, but has above average field awareness and cover skills. He recorded 8 INT's and 11 PBU's in 4 years at LSU:

Pros-

Versatility:

Has the ability to line up anywhere in the secondary and make plays. Was blitzed on occasions, and shows awareness when chasing down the QB or RB:

(CB/S #28)

(CB/S #28)

Lined up against the offense's best slot players, showing good instincts and the ability to turn and run. Still lacks the elite top end speed, but is crafty enough to make up for his athletic deficiencies:

(CB/S #28)

(CB/S #28)

Comes down into the slot and makes a great play on the jet sweep:

Big Hits:

This is as much a pro as it is a con because his inability to wrap up leads to a lot of missed tackle opportunities. But there are situations in which Mills delivers a shot against the ball carrier:

(CB/S #28)

Comes up from safety to deliver a hit on Derrick Henry one on one:

(CB/S #28)

Lays a hit on the Notre Dame QB:

(CB/S #28)

Cons-

Strength:

Is not a very strong prospect, 16 reps on 225 was good, but doesn't play to that on tape. He does not show a commitment to tackling, and when he does he is inconsistent with his form:

(CB/S #28)

Doesn't set the edge versus the counter and gets buried inside:

(CB/S #28)

Gets out jumped and out muscled by Sammie Coates:

(CB/S #28)

Tackling Technique:

This is as an example of a lack of commitment to run defense and terrible technique. Mills doesn't come up to wrap up, and is easily duped:

(CB/S #28)



Again, Mills shows poor tackling technique and gives up a longer gain. Also doesn't show the ability to disengage from blockers:

(CB/S #28)

Speed:

Doesn't have that 5th gear in order to stay with the faster WR's. If he sits too long before diagnosing the receiver will run past him:

(CB/S #28)

Lacks the recovery speed to catch up to a receiver breaking away from him. In this scenario he gets beat and then struggles to bring down the receiver:

(CB/S #28)

Jalen Mills is less intriguing of a prospect to me than Blake Countess. Countess has traits that I can see translating to the NFL (tackling and toughness), whereas I don't see anything readily identifiable with Mills. He is definitely a versatile player, but so was/is Jaylen Watkins and he's struggled to make any NFL impact.

Mills, like Countess, has the benefit of working with Defensive Backs Coach Cory Undlin, who is one of the best in the business. Mills will need to settle into a primary position (Nickle/Dime Corner or Safety) and work diligently at his craft. His lack of commitment to tackling and run support will hinder his chances of making an NFL roster. He is timid when approaching a ball carrier, and I don't see him being a high impact Special Teams player.

As a 7th round flier I don't necessarily see anything wrong with this pick, but Mills has a mountain to climb to crack the Eagles 53 man roster at an already crowded position.

Prediction: Practice Squad

Alex McCalister, Florida, DE/OLB #14

Alex McCalister was drafted in the 7th round as the 240th overall pick. McCalister is a long athletic project out of the University of Florida who will need to develop his game to make an impact in the NFL. McCalister finished his 3 year career with 12.5 sacks and 17.5 TFL's. He flashes traits of an NFL pass rusher, but must work at his technique to capitalize on his potential.

Pros-

Length:

Blessed with 36" arms, uses length to keep blockers at bay:

(DE/OLB #14)

Uses his outstanding length to fight off the tackle and get to the QB:

(DE/OLB #14)

(DE/OLB #14)

Pass Rush Ability:

This is undoubtedly a huge reason the Eagles took a chance on McCalister despite off field concerns. He flashes the ability to get around, or under pass blockers en route to the QB:

(DE/OLB #14)

(DE/OLB #14)

Gets the edge this time on the opposite side versus the LT using a quick first step:

(DE/OLB #14)

Again utilizes the bend/dip move to speed past the RT for the sack:

(DE/OLB #14)

Uses his go to dip move to beat the RT for the sack versus Tennessee:

(DE/OLB #14)

(DE/OLB #14)

Bends around the corner for the QB hurry and causes the incompletion:

(DE/OLB #14)

Performs a stunt and gets to the QB:

(DE/OLB #14)

(DE/OLB #14)

Dips the RT and bends the corner for the sack:

(DE/OLB #14)

(DE/OLB #14)

Cons-

Frame/Build:

At 6'6 and under 240 lbs, McCalister has a tough time "weighing down" in run support or against stronger defenders. McCalister has the long arms to compete but has a thin frame at the moment that needs to be filled out:

Takes on a double team and gets kicked out of the running lane. Too small to "weigh down":

(DE/OLB #14)

Makes the correct read against the run but is again pushed backwards by the run blockers:

RT dominates McCalister on this running play, escorting him out of the running lane:

(DE/OLB #14)

Lacks the strength to counter against larger tackles, gets pushed past the QB and driven to the ground:

(DE/OLB #14)

Alex McCalister is an interesting pass rushing prospect out of Florida. He flashes plenty of ability as a pass rushing end with his propensity to dip under tackles and blow past them. He has the chance to be a situational pass rusher in Schwartz's Wide-9 defense, but must develop secondary and tertiary pass rush counter moves.

McCalister's lack of strength at the point of contact will be a point of contention if he wants to stick with an NFL team. He has the best intentions of setting the edge, but doesn't have the core strength or technique to fight off blockers. Will also need to show the ability to perform as a Special Teams contributor early on to avoid being on the practice team.



McCalister also has off field concerns, being suspended before the Gators 2015 Bowl game. He also missed time due to injury, preventing a potential break out 2015 campaign. I like McCalister's pass rushing talent, but it will be up to him to capitalize on this opportunity.

Prediction: Situational Pass Rusher (Year 2)

Joe Walker, Oregon, LB #35

A quick athlete that made waves at the Oregon Pro Day due to his measureables. He ran a 4.56 in the 40, with a vertical of 37 1/2" and 23 reps on the bench (225 lbs). Doesn't have a ton of tape and doesn't show up every play, but shows flashes on occasions.

Pros-

Speed and Athleticism:

Shows the athleticism to make a play on the football and the burst to close on the ball carrier:

(LB #35)

Uses his athleticism to elude the blocker and make the tackle:

(LB #35)

Walker uses his speed to pick up the fumble and take it to the house:

(LB #35)

Cons-

Over Runs Plays:

Athletic specimen that can function in space, but will sometimes over pursue and take himself out of position:

(LB #35)

Coverage:

Gets lost in space and gives up the reception:

(LB #35)

Gets faked out in zone and loses the receiver in the middle of the field for a reception:

(LB #35)

Joe Walker tested off the charts but doesn't necessarily play to that level on tape. His highlights are littered with flash plays, yet his snap by snap production is lacking. Walker could potentially play his way on to Special Teams, but is most likely a practice squad player at best.

Walker gets lost in coverage, and doesn't convert his athleticisim, speed, and agility into play making ability. Walker, like Jalen Mills, has a mountain to climb in order to make the team. This seems more like a "Chip Kelly" move than it does a Howie Roseman selection. The team evidently has an idea for a role Walker can fill, with the hopes he plays above his current skill level.

Prediction: Practice Squad

Summary:

All in all I feel as though the Eagles did a pretty good job filling out the roster with players that can make a push for roster spots. Carson Wentz is the big fish here, and the most visible of all of the prospects we drafted. Trading up for Wentz changed the landscape of the draft, forcing the Eagles to be creative with their selections.

I feel safe assuming Isaac Seumalo and Halapoulivaati Vaitai make the team, with Wendell Smallwood and Blake Countess having great opportunities to make a roster push.

I hope you all enjoyed my draft pick breakdown, please comment and share/rec if you enjoyed the content!

Draft Grade: B+

- Mal