Image courtesy of Sophie Weller
CHESTNUT HILL: It was a packed house at Boston College on Monday morning as all 32 NFL teams had scouts and talent evaluators on hand to watch one of the deepest groups of Eagles workout in a long time.
Like the scouts, we evaluated the players as well. Here is our evaluation of their performance and if they help their draft status.
Kam Arnold, LB: Arnold had a solid day and certainly improved his draft stock. A physical specimen, he tested well and dis what he had to do in the on field drills to get the attention of scouts. Versatility will be Arnold’s calling card as he can play on or off ball linebacker and he can be used in pressure packages. The former safety has consistently proven in his career that he can cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage.
Bryquice Brown, CB: Brown did not pop in terms of his testing but he had a good on field workout and he has size that would intrigue teams looking for boundary corner depth.
Jack Conley, OT: The 6’7 325 pound Conley had a good day. He moved well in the testing portion of the event and was impressive in the on field workout. A natural bender who gets good movement on contact, Conley certainly helped himself. His versatility will be perhaps the biggest reason he gets drafted. He can play both tackle spots and guard. He profiles as a right tackle or right guard but he certainly has the size and skill set to either start or be the sixth lineman on the roster.
Donovan Ezeirauku, EDGE: Ezeirauku was a spectator today choosing not to workout. Instead, he supported his teammates and took some time to meet with the media. Ezeirauku is locked in as a first round pick and should go between picks 18-32. He told the assembled media that he is excited about the draft and getting to realize his childhood dream of playing in the NFL.
“It’s gonna be a very exciting moment on April 24th or whatever day it is. I really can’t wait,” Ezeiruaku said. “I feel good (about going in the first round). At the same time, anywhere is a blessing. 24th or 25th whatever the case may be, as long as my foot is in the door.”
Cam Horsley, DT: Horsley was solid, wrapping up a good spring that has him positioned to be a day three pick. We saw the strong hands and the vertical quickness in his get off during the on field workout. Horsely also moved well in the testing portion. At 6’3 312, he has the length and the size to play either tackle spot and be effective. He helped himself even more today.
Khari Johnson, S: Johnson looked smooth in the on field workout and he tested well. He profiles more as a third safety who can line up in the slot or play over the top. Johnson did not “pop” today but he quietly helped himself and could be a late day three pick or highly sought after priority free agent.
Drew Kendall, C: Kendall tested at the combine so he only did the on field workout. He is definitely bigger, measuring in at 6’4 308. He moved well in drills and showed good pop, power and strain when stressed in drills. We all know about Kendall’s high I.Q and how fundamentally sound he is. He has really helped himself this spring and you could see him go as early as the third round. Kendall said afterwards he welcome an opportunity to play with the Patriots but he will play anywhere.
“I’d be happy anywhere. Just need that opportunity and make the most of it. But it would definitely be really special [to play for the Patriots]. I grew up about 40 minutes away from Foxborough, so it would be a really cool experience,” Kendall said. “[Vrabel] came up to me at the end and said good job, shook my hand. It’s awesome. It’s a good thing that he’s here.”
Kamari Morales, TE: Morales did not impress in the testing portion but I thought his on field workout was good. He ran clean routes, caught the ball well and he showed he can punch and anchor in one on one blocks. He still profiles as a second or third tight end but Morales did enough on the field to warrant getting a camp invite and an opportunity.
Neto Okpala, EDGE: Okpala was my sleeper prospect coming in and he did not disappoint. He moved well in the testing, specifically the 40 yard dash. His broad jump was impressive as well. In terms of on field work, he moved well vertically and laterally and showed good hand usage on the bag drills. The height is an issue for scouts but Okpala plays with good burst, lean and bend and that should negate some of the concerns about his length.
Kye Robichaux, RB: Robichaux unofficially ran a 4.6 but he showed good hurst and cutting ability on the bag drills and he caught the ball well out of the backfield. He ran clean routes, getting into breaks with ease. He also caught the ball well. Robichaux is a late round prospect who is ideally suited to be the second or third back in a timeshare.
Dino Tomlin, WR: I was impressed with Tomlin’s route running during the on field workout. He got in and out of cuts with ease and was sharp on his breaks. He caught the ball cleanly on underneath routes but had a couple of drops on vertical routes. We had Tomlin unofficially as a 4.5 in the 40 yard dash. He certainly has enough speed and with his size, he could be a late round pick or priority free agent. He needs to be more consistent catching the ball vertically.
Ozzy Trapilo, OT: The biggest knock on Trapilo coming into Monday was can sustain blocks and bend. He answered some of those questions in his on field workout. Trapilo has been working with Dante Scarnecchia and it showed. I thought he did a much better job of staying on the bag longer in drills and blocking with better bend and leverage. Trapilo’s pass blocking skills and hand usage are undeniable. It is his run blocking that needs to improve fundamentally and he showed on Monday that it has.
Treshaun Ward, RB: Ward profiles as a second or third running back and special teamer. If he gets drafted, that is why. He showed good burst in his testing and on field work. He is a smooth athlete who runs terrific routes and catches the ball with ease. He had a good day and certainly helped his draft stock.
Cole Birdow, OL, Merrimack: The 6’5 315 pound Birdow is a former defensive lineman who converted to offensive line. Birdow moved well in testing and I was impressed with how good he was technically during the on field workout. He has a lot of upside. He is priority free agent more than likely. Birdow is a guard at the next level.
Sal Lupoli, DB, Bentley: Lupoli tested well and helped himself with his on field workout. He showed good burst and fluidity in drills and he was comfortable catching the ball. The former Bentley standout did enough to warrant a mini camp invite.