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Philadelphia Eagles OT Matt Pryor: What the experts think

By Geoffrey Knox

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 2: Matt Pryor
ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 2: Matt Pryor /
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So, what should we make of the 2018 NFL Draft’s 206th-overall selection, Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Matt Pryor?

Just about all of us knew the Philadelphia Eagles were in the market for an offensive tackle. Just about all of us knew they’d probably address some other needs first. What none of us expected was to hear the name Matt Pryor when the Eagles made their selection at pick 206.

With that being said, what should we make of Philly’s new mystery man, who the Eagles brass is hoping pays huge dividends?

First, let’s congratulate the young man on the chance of living his NFL dream. Here’s the official announcement from the Philadelphia Eagles shortly after his selection:

Let’s do some research.

Pryor wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine. Most scouts didn’t have him in their top-20 of projected NFL-ready offensive tackles. He may not have even been the best tackle on his TCU Horned Frogs squad, that honor may, indeed, go to Joe Noteboom. Still, the Eagles felt good enough about him to use a draft pick on him.

Might he have been available post draft? It’s a fair question. We know he isn’t Mike McGlinchey or Kolton Miller, but we owe him some credit. He isn’t Tony Mandarich either.

What are some of the expects saying? Let’s take a look. Here’s some of what was said on his draft profile, courtesy of NFL.com:

"Pryor is great big, long-armed blocker who falls in the category of prospect rather than project. His size and length traits along with his ability to play guard or tackle will offer immediate appeal as a potential third-day selection. He’s better suited as a drive blocker who is allowed to work inside a smaller radius, but he’s not a bad athlete in general. Pryor has dropped about twenty pounds since the end of the year which could help his case for staying at right tackle, but he’s more than capable of playing guard if needed."

Here’s more from a few trusted names that you’re probably very familiar with:

Much needs to be worked out between now and when he banner is hung on opening night, but overall, it’s been a successful draft for the Eagles organization. That includes the selection of Matt Pryor. Now, the work begins.

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