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Eagles select Elijah Qualls with final pick of 2017 NFL Draft

By Ryan Quigley

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) is tackled by Washington Huskies defensive lineman Elijah Qualls (11) after a run by Hurts during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) is tackled by Washington Huskies defensive lineman Elijah Qualls (11) after a run by Hurts during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to the Philadelphia Eagles, Elijah Qualls!

With their final selection of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have selected Washington defensive tackle Elijah Qualls with their No. 214 overall pick.

The Eagles needed to add an interior defensive lineman at some point in this draft. With Beau Allen having suffered a major injury this month, Philadelphia’s depth at defensive tackle took a hit. The addition of Qualls, however, gives them another option.

Qualls isn’t as tall as a lot of teams would prefer (just 6’1″), but he’s a very wide space-eater who can clog running lanes effortlessly.

He also played fullback in high school, so if the Eagles are ever in a fourth and short situation, Qualls could be their guy!

Here is a scouting report on Qualls, courtesy of NFL.com.

"STRENGTHS: Has broad, thick hips. Possesses low center of gravity and plays with natural leverage. Has ability to control point of attack. Powerful upper body and can land a strong punch that sets a winning leverage point. Former high school fullback with nimble feet and surprising athleticism for his size. Has feet to overcome early reach block and work back into pursuit. Looks to pursue and run through the rib cage of a running back at impact. Two-gap reader with ability to eat space and brace up to double teams. Has ability to stuff wash-down blocks and cuts. Plays with good body control.WEAKNESSES: Body consists of stubby legs, short arms and a very soft middle with excess weight. Can be a little sluggish off the snap against lateral movement. Will get behind early in the rep. More adept at holding ground than making plays. Feet are nimble but hips are stiff. Unable to flip around the edge as pass rusher. Need to see more plays being made against run and pass. Stays glued to blockers for too long. Game lacks consistency of effort and production. Scouts say he has put on bad weight and needs to improve his work ethic."

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