Senior Bowl 2016: 10 Prospects to Watch for the Eagles

All week long we’ve heard the buzz surrounding many of the prospects in this year’s Senior Bowl down in Mobile, Alabama.

Of course, the Philadelphia Eagles have also made some noise of their own, signing a few of their “homegrown” players to huge contract extensions.

That being said, the Eagles still have plenty of holes to fill on their roster and they’ll be keeping a close eye on a bunch of the prospects in today’s Senior Bowl. Here are ten prospects to watch for during today’s game at 2:30 PM ET on NFL Network.

North

1) Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State

Despite coming from a small school, North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz was the “belle of the ball” this week in Mobile, Alabama. Everyone wanted to see what the gunslinger was made of, especially when he was facing a higher level of competition. For the most part, it appears as though Wentz has lived up to the hype but the real test will come in today’s game when the pass rush is live and every play matters. The Eagles have certainly shown interest in Wentz, interviewing the quarterback twice this week, so they’ll certainly be watching him closely in today’s game.

2) Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State

A former quarterback at Ohio State, not much was expected just yet from wide receiver Braxton Miller. Many expected Miller to show some rawness during this week’s practices but Miller may have been one of, if not, the most polished wide receiver on either roster. Miller showcased superb footwork and route running, leaving defenders in the dust multiple times in one on one drills. Just look at what Miller does to Northern Iowa cornerback Deiondre’ Hall, poor kid.

https://vine.co/v/i57mgBXFWiw

3) Josh Garnett, OG, Stanford

Although the Eagles locked up starting right tackle Lane Johnson through 2021, they still have a lot of work to do along their offensive line. Especially on the interior of their offensive line, where they struggled a ton this past season. Stanford guard Josh Garnett would be an ideal target for the Eagles to solve their issues moving forward. Garnet could step in and start immediately at left guard for the Eagles in 2016 and solidify what was a shaky position this past season. According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, the Eagles have shown interest in Garnett and met with him this past week.

4) Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana

Would you look at that? Another offensive linemen for the Eagles and their fans to watch for. Get used to it though, they really need one or two…or three. Heading into the first practice of the week, many viewed Indiana offensive tackle Jason Spriggs as a rising prospect in the draft. Spriggs only solidified his place as a potential first round pick with his play this week. In fact, Spriggs was voted as the top offensive linemen, according to NFL scouts in attendance. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see Spriggs mocked to the Eagles at 13th overall prior to the 2016 NFL Draft.

The @NFL scouts have voted. Here are the @seniorbowl awards after a week of practice in Mobile. pic.twitter.com/fffIEnJaYY

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 29, 2016

5) Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah

Here’s another small school prospect with big time potential…both literally and figuratively. Southern Utah safety Miles Killebrew possesses the real life version of the “hit stick” from Madden. He certainly knows how to set the tone as a safety and flourishes when he’s lined up close to the line of scrimmage. That’s exactly why I believe the Eagles will keep a close eye on Killebrew throughout tomorrow’s game. Former starting safety Walter Thurmond is set to be a free agent and doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a safety in new Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s scheme. Killebrew certainly fits that mold and would fit perfectly alongside cemented starter Malcolm Jenkins.

South

1) Cody Whitehair, OG, Kansas State

Remember when the Eagles spent a first round pick on an older guard? Yeah…we’ve all tried to forget about Danny Watkins but it’s obviously hard to do so. Yet the Eagles may find themselves doing so once again in the 2016 NFL Draft if Kansas State guard Cody Whitehair is available when they’re on the clock with the 13th overall pick. Although he’ll be 24 years old when the regular season begins, Whitehair is the best guard in the draft and would immediately start for the Eagles and fill a major void in their offensive line. According to Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com, Whitehair met with the Eagles twice during this past week so clearly the team is interested in the draft’s top guard and rightfully so.

2) Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky

If Eastern Kentuckey defensive end Noah Spence was in the 2015 NFL Draft, he wouldn’t have even been on the Eagles’ draft board. But with Chip Kelly no longer in town, the Eagles won’t be afraid to take a chance on a “troubled” prospect with off the field issues. Spence made some costly mistakes in the past but seems to have learned from them and moved forward. What will catch the Eagles’ attention is his pass rushing ability and relentless motor. Spence would be a dream fit in Scwartz’s attacking 4-3 scheme and would wreak havoc as a defensive end in Philadelphia.

Guess what? Spence actually grew up a fan of the Eagles and models his game after a familiar face in the City of Brotherly Love.

Eastern Kentucky DE Noah Spence grew up an #Eagles fan. The Harrisburg, Pa. native said Trent Cole was who he tried to model his game after.

— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) January 27, 2016

3) Jeremy Cash, S, Duke

If the Eagles are looking for a versatile chess piece for their new-look defense, look no further than Duke “safety” Jeremy Cash. Despite being listed as a safety, Cash spent a majority of his time on the field at outside linebacker and slot cornerback. Cash is an outstanding tackler and can get after the quarterback as well. Cash reminds me a bit of former Washington State “safety” Deone Bucannon, who know wreaks havoc as a jack of all trades for the Arizona Cardinals. I’d personally love to see Cash get a shot to play under Jim Schwartz in Philadelphia but only time will tell if that will actually happen.

4) Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor

It’s going to be hard not to notice Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman in today’s game. He burst onto the scene last year to many that don’t even watch college football, thanks to this notorious picture.

Oakman just has the look of a guy you don’t want to mess with. He measured in at 6’7, 269 pounds at the Senior Bowl weigh-ins and wowed scouts with his physique. But Oakman struggled on the field throughout the week drawing some tough criticisms from reporters in attendance. Either way, the Eagles met with Oakman and seem to be somewhat interested in the Philadelphia native. You can’t teach size, which Oakman certainly possesses, he might be worth taking a risk on in the third round or later in the 2016 NFL Draft.

5) Glenn Gronkowski, TE, Kansas State

Yes, I said Gronkowski…but not that Gronkowski. Kansas State tight end Glenn Gronkowski is Rob’s little brother but played well enough during practice this week to get the attention of scouts and reporters in Mobile, Alabama. “Baby Gronk” will likely play a hybrid tight end/fullback role in the NFL which may fill a sudden need for the Eagles. Apparently they are interested in the younger Gronkowski as well, as they met with him this week, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com. He may not be anywhere near as good as his older brother, but Glenn could play his way into a role on his favorite NFL team with a solid performance in today’s game.

 

Be sure to check back here at PhillyInfluencer.com for a Senior Bowl recap and all the latest news regarding anything and everything happening in the City of Brotherly Love!