Philadelphia Eagles Combine Preview: 5 Sleepers on Defense

Aug 30, 2014; Charlottesville, VA, USA; UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley (17) runs with the ball as Virginia Cavaliers linebacker Max Valles (88) chases in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

4) Max Valles, OLB, Virginia

Depending on which direction the Eagles head in during free agency, they could have a need at outside linebacker. Brandon Graham is set to hit free agency and veteran Trent Cole has a large cap number in 2015 and may be asked to take a pay-cut or restructure his deal. Either way, Philadelphia can use a young and promising player at the position.

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When you talk about young, it may not get any younger than Virginia outside linebacker Max Valles. At just 19 years old…yes, I said nineteen years old, Valles may be the youngest player in the draft. But it’s not just his age that’s intriguing, Valles has outstanding size, listed at 6-5, 240 lbs. on Virginia’s official website.

It was a shock to many when Valles announced he would be entering the draft, especially after initially shooting down the rumors via social media. Valles has a long way to go before he’s ready to start at the next level but he certainly has the size and potential. He finished the 2014 season with 9 sacks, second best in the ACC, as well as 55 tackles and 8 pass breakups. Not to mention this interception which he returned for a touchdown, pretty impressive for his size.

The projections as far as where Valles will get drafted are all over the place. But if he puts on a show at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, his age, potential and size may too hard for some scouts and teams to pass up on during the draft. It’ll be interesting to see if he is on the Philadelphia Eagles radar as well, only time will tell.

Next: Lynden Trail, DE/OLB, Norfolk State