Eagles Host Western Kentucky OLB, Alabama DL

With the draft just 12 days away, prospect visits continue for the Eagles.

The team hosted Western Kentucky defensive end/outside linebacker Quanterus Smith, according to Gil Brandt of NFL.com. Smith (6-5, 250) was leading the nation with 12.5 sacks through 10 games last season before tearing his ACL. Because of his injury, Smith wasn’t able to participate in drills at the Combine.

Injury checks are a big part of pre-draft visits, and that was likely the reason the Eagles brought Smith to the NovaCare Complex. Brandt reports that Smith checked out healthy when he returned to Indianapolis for a medical re-check recently.

Smith’s primary skill is as a pass-rusher, meaning he’d transition to outside linebacker in a 3-4. He is considered a mid-round pick.

Meanwhile, look for the Eagles to address defensive line depth in the draft and through undrafted free agency. One guy who could fit the bill is Alabama’s Quinton Dial. Dial (6-5, 318) visited with the Eagles yesterday, according to Adam Caplan.

In addition to his height, Dial has 34 1/2-inch arms and could play defensive end (5-technique) in a 3-4. He began his college career at junior college because of academics before joining Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. Dial was a rotational player, notching 21 tackles, five for loss and 1.5 sacks.

He is projected to be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.

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Smith had three sacks against Alabama and five sacks against Florida International. Both cut-ups are below, courtesy of DraftBreakdown.com.

Follow Sheil Kapadia on Twitter and e-mail him at skapadia@phillymag.com.
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