Eagles news: Philadelphia invites Delaware linebacker to local pro day
Eagles invite Blue Hens linebacker Johnny Buchanan to show off his skills on their pro day.
The Philadelphia Eagles might look for more depth at the linebacker position in the NFL Draft, and they are looking at the talent close to home to fill those spots, maybe.
Currently, the Birds are expected to slot Haason Reddick, Nakobe Dean, and Nicholas Morrow into starting roles, but the talent behind those guys could be beefed up a little. That’s a fact that isn’t lost on vice president/general manager Howie Roseman.
According to the Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler, Philadelphia has invited the University of Delaware linebacker Johnny Buchanan to their local pro day. Here’s an update courtesy of his official Twitter handle.
Fresh off a Pro Day where he ran mid 4.5s and jumped 40” in the vert, Delaware LB Johnny Buchanan will attend the Eagles, Giants, and Jets’ local day in the coming weeks.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 1, 2023
3x All-CAA and led the FCS in tackles (150) in ‘22.
The Blue Hens linebacker wowed scouts at the University of Delaware’s pro day a couple of weeks ago. He posted a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and showcased a 40-inch vertical. He would have placed first among all linebackers at the most recent NFL Scouting Combine had he had the same showing there.
Check out his hops! This is a must-see!
A performance fit for Sunday’s ‼️ pic.twitter.com/OIHPxjQmIP
— Delaware Football (@Delaware_FB) March 23, 2023
Johnny Buchanan could be a tackling machine for the Eagles.
At the University of Delaware, Johnny Buchanan always found his way toward the ball, as he led the FCS tackles in 2022 with 150 total stops. In addition to that, he collected 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and 8.5 tackles for losses last season.
The New Jersey native’s best-tackling game of the season came when he suffocated every Navy ball carrier he could find en route to 23 tackles. In five separate games, he eclipsed the 15-tackle threshold. He earned a ton of postseason accolades as a result.
He was named an All-CAA First Team selection. He was a Buck Buchanan Award Finalist and earned seven All-American selections following the campaign.
In his five seasons with UD, Buchanan totaled 326 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions, four pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles, and 16.5 tackles for loss, but believe it or not, he isn’t the first Blue Hens player the Eagles have invited to their pro day. Minnesota Vikings linebacker Troy Reeder participated in the Birds’ pre-draft event in 2019.
As far as Buchanan is concerned, he is projected to be selected in the late rounds. If he isn’t, he’ll be a priority rookie undrafted free agent. The Eagles recently have shown a nice eye for talent on Day 3 of the draft or in the days that follow immediately thereafter.
The last University of Delaware star to play for Philadelphia was quarterback Joe Flacco. He was their backup in 2021, but as you know, he wasn’t with the team for very long.
