The Eagles' pick is in -- and they have drafted offensive linemen Andre Dillard.
Dillard, 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, as considered by some to be the best offensive tackle in the draft. He started all 39 games of his career at Washington State, all at left tackle.
Here are some thoughts on the decision:
1) Need: The Eagles had a need at offensive tackle for the future. Jason Peters is likely in his last season with the Eagles. The team hasn't used a first-round pick on an offensive linemen since 2013 when they selected Lane Johnson. A youth movement was needed along the offensive line, and the Eagles got it in Dillard.
2) Mailata: The obvious first question is -- what does this mean for Jordan Mailata? Viewed as an elite prospect by many despite being a seventh-round pick last year, the road to him playing now has two huge road blocks -- Dillard and Johnson. Mailata's future with the Eagles now seems to be on the bench.
3) No help in 2019: The Eagles won't be getting any help from a first-round pick for the second straight season, as they traded out last year and Dillard will likely be on the bench this season. Dillard's future might be bright -- but chances are we won't be seeing much of him this season.
NFL.com: Talented four-year starter at left tackle with outstanding feet who offers an instant athletic upgrade for teams getting battered from the blind-side. Because of his scheme, Dillard will be a little behind in terms of his feel for set points and firing off the ball in the run game. While he could play with a little more ferocity as a finisher, he has the athletic ability to make all the blocks and the protection talent to become a good, early starter on the left side.
BobMcGinnFootball.com: Fifth-year senior. "Like him a lot," said one scout. "He's quick, uses his hands well. He's patient. He can bend. He pass blocks, and that's what people do now. He can do that. Easily." Started 39 of his 42 games at LT. "Best left tackle prospect in the draft," said one scout. "Really nice feet. Always has a base under him. Will be a Day 1 starter for somebody that needs one." Led the tackles in the broad jump (9-10) and short shuttle (4.40). "I'm not a big fan because he's not strong and he comes from Washington State," a third scout said. "They're way behind in technique. They've never been in a three-point stance. Somebody that needs a tackle, (bleep), there aren't any. They're going to take him in the top 15, probably. But you put on the Senior Bowl, that big ol' giraffe from Iowa (Anthony Nelson) beat him for a sack. He didn't have a great Senior Bowl. He's a year away. But really good kid. He's not a dog. He's got really good feet." Everywhere coach Mike Leach has been, his teams throw the ball and then throw it some more. "He could bust because of the offense he plays in," said a fourth scout. "He's a pass protector in college. That's what he does. Plays in a two-point stance. He's always kind of on his heels playing backwards. Well, he's not going to be able to do that in the NFL. He's got to play forward. He's got to put his hand on the ground. I worry about guys from those kind of teams. All they do is pass protect 55 times a game. You wonder how it translates." From Woodinville, Wash.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
