4 LBs the Eagles have targeted for the 2018 NFL Draft

Leighton Vander Esch, Boise St.

Leighton Vander Esch has picked up some massive momentum heading into the draft. After being named the 2017 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, NFL Scouts couldn’t wait to see him live and direct at the combine. As expected, Vander Esch impressed his peers and is now gaining some mid-to-early first-round attention.

The inside linebacker stands tall at 6’4″ weighing 256 lbs. While scouts have some concerns about him still filling out his frame, his size won’t be much of a matter when he gets some guidance from NFL coaches. Although he may not be the first linebacker off the board, he may be the safest pick at the position.

Vander Esch is expected to become a starter from day one when training camp arrives. While it is easier said than done, he has the skillset to standout amongst other NFL teammates. Nothing is a sure thing for first-round picks, but Vander Esch surely made himself an interesting day one prospect. Will he drop to pick No. 32? You never know. But if he does, taking him would be a no-brainer for the Eagles.