The Eagles end the draft addressing each side of the line at picks 207 and 209
Virginia Tech defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland, a former Norcom High star, picked up two national player of the week honors for his performance in a victory over Old Dominion. (Courtesy of Virginia Tech Athletics)
The Eagles have been defined by the team’s offensive and defensive lines for the better portion of the last 10 years. Howie Roseman continues to keep the trenches a priority in this year’s draft, picking the team’s 3rd offensive lineman in tackle Cameron Williams, and 2nd pass rusher in Antwaun Powell-Ryland.
The Texas Longhorn product, Williams, will help add depth to the Eagles at tackle. He is a giant figure weighing in at 317 lbs.
Williams is an extraordinary run blocker, but very shaky in passing situations. The biggest thing that worked against his draft stock was his lackluster footwork. He was only a one-year starter for Texas and will have plenty of resources around him to develop at the NFL level.
He’ll get to work with Jeff Stoutland and learn under Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson, who are 2 of the best tackles in the NFL. He’s certainly a project, but if things fall his way, he could become a great value selection down the road.
2 picks later, Roseman snagged Virginia Tech’s Antwuan Powell-Ryland.
He’s a very interesting player. On one hand, his lack of length will have longer-bodied tackles at the pro level most likely dominate against him early on. He’s also struggled to make much of an impact in the opposing team’s rushing attack from the edge spot.
Then, on the other hand, he has one of the deepest bags of pass rushing moves out of any player in the draft to make up for it. Scouts have said that if Powell-Ryland is going to carve out a career in the NFL, it’ll most likely be as a 3rd down rusher or somebody put in for specific situations.
Philadelphia is certainly a great fit for him, as he could benefit from the uber-talented secondary the Eagles have to get coverage sacks.
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Ethan Whitney
Ethan is a writer for Philly Sports Reports and a Color Commentator for Rally Sports Network. He has been a massive fan of all Philly Sports for as long as he can remember and wants to share that passion with the world. He is looking for a long career in the sports media sphere.
