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Philadelphia Eagles Draft: 5 Combine Prospects To Watch

By Benjamin Solak

Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones jumps up to stretch before running the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones jumps up to stretch before running the 40 yard dash during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia Eagles
Oct 31, 2015; Fort Collins, CO, USA; San Diego State Aztecs defensive back Damontae Kazee (23) calls out towards the student section of the Colorado State Rams in the fourth quarter at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium. The Aztecs defeated the Rams 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State

Kazee is one of my favorite under-the-radar prospects this year. An aggressive corner, he does bite too often on fakes and double-moves, but his ball skills rank among the top in this class. He plays with nice length and physicality in press, and with fluid hips and quick-twitch athleticism, he has potential as a boundary cornerback in the NFL. Watch him during the positional, change-of-direction drills for DBs. I expect him to shine.

But, of course, there’s a “but”. Kazee lacks the recovery speed of a true CB1. If he loses the battle at the line of scrimmage or gets swallowed up by a fake, he’s often burned over the top. This lack of speed will push him down draft boards everywhere.

However, teams with a rangy free safety (read: Rodney McLeod) have a better chance of playing with a slower corner on the edge. If Kazee can put a solid 40-yard dash out on the field (4.50-4.54 range) he has a chance as a CB1 in the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense. Honestly, I think Schwartz will love his competitiveness, his willingness in the run game, and his knack for finding the football regardless. The speed would just assuage my concerns.

If the Philadelphia Eagles draft Kazee, he’s likely the second CB they’ve taken, as he’ll go late Day 2/early Day 3. A Round 1 prospect, like Sidney Jones or Quincy Wilson, gets the start as CB1. Kazee plays opposite him, not required to track the opposing team’s WR1, but available to in a pinch. 2nd-year LSU product Jalen Mills moves into the nickel, where he belongs. And the Philadelphia Eagles’ league-worst cornerbacking core gets some desperately-needed help.

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