Eagles

Pro Football Focus Loves The Eagles’ Draft

By Kyle Scott

Published: May 2nd, 2017 · 1:28 PM EDT

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Pro Football Focus ranked the top 10 prospects they love more than most. EAGLES FOR DAYS:

1. Derek Barnett, Edge, Tennessee
This one should come as no surprise. We’ve been pumping Barnett as the closest thing to Myles Garrett in this class for the last couple of years. The athleticism numbers are certainly concerning, but they aren’t devastatingly prohibitive—especially considering that the former Volunteer was still well above average in the 3-cone (6.96 seconds). Barnett led the entire FBS by a good margin with 37 combined sacks and hits last season. In each of the past two seasons, he’s actually graded out higher overall than Myles Garrett. Barnett is a special talent, just without special athleticism.

4. Nathan Gerry, S, Nebraska
In terms of production grades at the safety position in 2016, LSU’s Jamal Adams was PFF’s top safety. It may surprise that second on that list was the unheralded Nebraska safety, Nathan Gerry, who collected four interceptions and six more pass breakups. What’s even more impressive, though, is that he allowed only one completion of 20-plus yards into his coverage all season long. That reliability on the back end has considerable value in the NFL.

8. Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina
It’s difficult to get too excited about a receiver with 81 catches on 144 targets over the past three seasons, but that’s exactly how we feel about Mack Hollins. Hollins turned those 81 catches into 1,667 yards for a per catch average of 20.6 yards. At 6-foot-4 and 221 pounds, that is ridiculous big-play ability. His speed is so easy and formidable at his size that he could develop into a terrifying deep threat.

I don’t hate Howie at the moment. It will probably be fleeting. But right now, I nod my head in approval of his off-season.

H/T to (@aloder)