Philadelphia Eagles Draft | Benjamin Solak Top 100 Big Board

Early Day 2 players have had big impacts in recent years: Michael Thomas, Landon Collins, and Eric Kendricks come to mind. Can the Philadelphia Eagles find a gem in the second round?

As discussed, CBs show up everywhere in the top of this draft–but so do edge defenders. With 11 in my top 37, premier talent will tumble into the second round, and the Eagles may capitalize on the opportunity.

Defensive ends Charles Harris from Missouri and Taco Charlton from Michigan both excelled with their hand in the dirt in college, while Ryan Anderson rushed as an OLB opposite Top-15 prospect Tim Williams in Alabama. As such, Harris and Taco will more likely interest the 4-3 Eagles early on Day 2. Taco is an incredibly raw prospect who will need to take well to coaching, while Harris plays overzealous at times, struggling to diagnose plays at an NFL speed. Both, however, can tee off and pressure the passer with the best of them.

NFL teams will monitor both OLB Joe Mathis from Washington and T Ryan Ramczyk of Wisconsin closely. Mathis had a foot surgery in November that cut his senior season short and may impede his ability to perform at the Combine. If his stock drops due to injury concern, the Eagles could make a future-oriented pick and snag the gifted edge rusher.

Same story for Ramczyk: considered the best offensive tackle in a thin class, Ramczyk’s tape will stand alone as he undergoes hip surgery, preventing him from participating in any pre-draft workouts. Should teams become concerned with his health going forward, he may slide. The Eagles desperately need a contingency plan should Jason Peters retire, Lane Johnson receive a two-year suspension, or *gulp* both. Ramczyk could rehab without a timeline and slide in to guard while waiting for a tackle position to open up. With the oldest offensive line in the NFL, the Eagles need as much big, ugly youth as possible.