Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft Mondays: Week 9 Edition

If you were to tell Eagles fans that the team bolstered their defensive line, they would probably be jumping up and down, cheering that the team added an edge rusher. It would be at that point you would have to inform them that they actually drafted a player who is primarily an interior lineman.

Sure, the Eagles already have Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave, not to mention recent third-round pick Milton Williams, so why target another interior lineman? Well, simply put, Leal would be the best defensive lineman on the board.

It’s not unreasonable to suggest that both the New York Jets (6th overall) and the New York Giants (seventh overall) could both select the remaining top edge rushers after Kayvon Thibadeux almost certainly goes first overall. With Aiden Hutchinson and George Karlaftis now off the board, the next best thing is an aggressive, position versatile lineman like Leal.

Some project him to primarily play as a 5-technique defensive end at the next level, but he could easily play the 3-technique as well. The 5-technique (typically considered a 3-4 defensive end) lines up outside of the opposing offensive tackle, while the 3-technique (often considered a 4-3 defensive tackle) lines up outside the opposing guard.

Leal is incredibly strong in the run game. Admittedly he’s no Aaron Donald in the passing game, but that’s okay. He still can provide the team with a defensive anchor for the next 10-plus seasons.

Many thought that Milton Williams would hopefully become the heir-apparent to Fletch Cox. DeMarvin Leal, however, would surely be worthy of taking up that mantle.