Eagles Wake-Up Call: Live At the Combine
![Howie Roseman. (USA Today Sports)](https://cdn10.phillymag.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/roseman_940_030314-e1456288919584.jpg)
Howie Roseman. (USA Today Sports)
INDIANAPOLIS — 64 days.
We’re more than two months away from the draft, but the next week will go a long way in determining who’s picked where in the final days of April. The 40-yard dash and quarterback throwing sessions will get the most attention, but the one-on-one interviews can make the difference between a guy moving up on a team’s board, or completely falling off of it.
Today is the first day of media availability, and we’ll be able to talk to the running backs, kickers, punters, long snappers, and the group I’ll spend the most time around: offensive linemen. We’ll get the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends tomorrow, defensive linemen and linebackers on Friday and the defensive backs on Saturday.
Teams may interview quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, running backs, offensive linemen, kickers, punters and long snappers today, while the last five position groups will also get measured and have their medical examinations. Media interviews with head coaches and general managers run from 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., with Doug Pederson scheduled at 4:15 and Howie Roseman slotted for 4:30.
Adam did a good job of previewing five offensive linemen who could interest the Eagles in the draft, and Mel Kiper explained on Monday why he thinks Philadelphia will target one of those players.
“The big problem (the Eagles) have right now and going into this year is solidifying the guys up front for the quarterback, whoever that may be,” Kiper said. “Jack Conklin, from Michigan State, an outstanding left tackle in college. If you feel he’s immediately needed at right tackle, you can play him there, or guard, which has happened before, where you draft a collegiate tackle and initially they play at guard.
“So Jack Conklin would be a major upgrade over what they have inside, and even as far as the bookend situation, depending on how that comes back and how they decide to go with that. I think a versatile lineman like Conklin, who projects to three different positions, in this day and age in the NFL, is tremendously important.”
Here are Mike Mayock’s top guards, centers and offensive tackles so you know who to keep an eye on today and tomorrow:
Tackle
- Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss
- Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame
- Conklin
- Taylor Decker, Ohio State
- Willie Beavers, Western Michigan
Guard
- Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
- Vadal Alexander, LSU
- Joshua Garnett, Stanford
- Christian Westerman, Arizona State
- Graham Glasgow, Michigan
Center
- Ryan Kelly, Alabama
- Nick Martin, Notre Dame
- Max Tuerk, USC
- Evan Boehm, Missouri
- Jack Allen, Michigan State
WHAT YOU MISSED
“If I’m the Eagles, my priority list is quarterback at No. 1.” Mike Mayock’s take on the draft.
The Eagles drafted a stud linebacker last year. Could it happen again? Combine prep.
Continuing our offseason outlook series with an examination of the cornerback position.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Bleacher Report’s Jason Cole reports that teams around the league expect Sam Bradford to re-sign with the Eagles this offseason.
Ian Rapoport listed the Eagles as one of five teams who could land Robert Griffin III.
Discussed some potential landing spots for RGIII in the wake of Bruce Allen’s comments: #Chiefs, #Eagles, #49ers if no Kaep. #Broncos, DAL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2016
COMING UP
Doug Pederson and Howie Roseman will address the media at 4:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.