Philadelphia Eagles 2019 NFL Draft watch: DT Christian Wilkins
With the 2019 NFL Draft approaching, let’s discuss another prospect the Philadelphia Eagles are eyeing, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.
You didn’t actually think we were going to do all of these 2019 NFL Draft profiles and leave this guy out. Well, did you? Everybody who’s anybody has, at one time or another, mentioned the name of Christian Wilkins and tied it to the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a fit. It makes sense. No one would be surprised if it happened.
Ladies and gentlemen, much like Josh Jacobs, Wilkins is one of those names we’re certain has a chance of being called when the Eagles are on the clock at pick 25. Count them up. He tallied 192 tackles (94 were solo and 40.5 resulted in a loss of yardage), 16 sacks, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and 15 passes defensed at the collegiate level.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compares him to B.J. Hill and gives him a pre-draft grade of 6.12, meaning he could become an instant starter. Despite his six-foot-three, 315-pound frame, he ran the 40-yard dash in 5.04 seconds. He also posted a vertical of 29.5 inches and had a nice showing with a 107-inch broad jump.
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He’s also very intelligent as he became the first scholarship football player at Clemson to earn a degree in just two-and-a-half years. Check out this highlight reel from the ACC Digital Network:
Clip courtesy of the ACC Digital Network’s official YouTube channel
Here’s more of Zierlein’s take in Wilkins’ draft profile:
"Desired combination of athleticism, production and character with the ability to fit into a stop unit that already has some pieces in place. Wilkins is a slippery, upfield three-technique with the ability to make plays outside his area. He plays with low pads allowing for optimal disruption leverage in the gaps, but he needs to be paired with an attacking front as he lacks the length and strength to hold his ground as a read-and-react tackle. He’s busy and agile as a rusher, which could keep him on the field for more snaps."
Let’s check in with Pro Football Focus. They’ve given him the second-highest grade of any defensive tackle in the draft. The only person who graded higher was Alabama‘s Quinnen Williams:
Clip courtesy of PFF’s official YouTube channel
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Don’t expect any red flags here. According to coaches, teammates and everyone that knows him, his character is off the charts. If Philly’s looking for another locker room leader and someone they can add to their defense, if indeed they’re thinking defense at pick 25, this is one of the top two or three guys you go with if they’re available.
Period. Point blank. End of sentence.