The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to targeting small school players in the NFL draft and the results have been positive recently.
The Eagles used the 2016 Senior Bowl to analyze Carson Wentz and the results have been fairly positive since Howie Roseman used the No. 2 pick on the former North Dakota State star.
There have been plenty of small-school gems drafted over the years and with the Eagles in need of some retooling, here are 8 sleeper prospects who could interest the Birds.
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1.Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
The 6-4, 215-pound stud put on a show in Mobile at the Senior Bowl and firmly put himself on the map as a player in the NFL draft.
Gandy-Golden has all the tools and 4.5 40-yard times that could catapult him up, draft boards.
Last season, Gandy-Golden racked up 79 catches for 1,396 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He excels at boxing out defenders and catching the ball at its highest point.
2.Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne
Dugger is a six-foot, 217 pounds safety that is moving up the draft boards thanks to his solid production at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.
During his career at Lenoir-Rhyne Dugger recorded 237 tackles, 10 interceptions, 36 pass breakups, 6 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks to go along with six punt return touchdowns.
His ability to hold up in coverage makes him that more appealing as a candidate.
3. Ben Bartch | OL | St. John’s
Bartch is powerful and likely won’t be available for the Eagles after using a special diet to gain 70 pounds during college, turning himself into one of the elite small school linemen in college football.
Bartch ascension at the Senior Bowl even caught the eye of former Eagles star, Tra Thomas.
With the Eagles getting older along the offensive line, Bartch is a name for the Eagles to look at on day 2 to help ease the transition of Jason Kelce.
4. Alex Taylor | OT | South Carolina State
The Eagles are always looking for a developmental tackle prospect and South Carolina State’s Alex Taylor could be that guy. At 6-foot-8, 308 pounds with 36 1/8″ arms and an 88″ wingspan, Taylor would flourish under the tutelage of Jeff Stoutland.
5. Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Wilson is a tough and rugged linebacker with a motor to match his intensity. He finished his collegiate career with 249 solo tackles, seven sacks, 34.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and 10 interceptions.
A smart and instinctive football player, Wilson could be a valuable day 3 option for the Eagles.
6. Kyle Hinton – Washburn
The versatile offensive line could learn under the tutelage of Jeff Stoutland while having the best offensive line in football for mentors.
Hinton (6-2, 300) was impressive at the pro day, running the 40-yard dash in under 5.0 seconds, and bench pressing 225 pounds 34 times.
A left tackle, Hinton was a three-time Division II All-American and participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game following the 2019 season.
7. Ron’Dell Carter, DE, James Madison University
An athletic edge-rusher with a motor, Carter finished his collegiate career ranking ninth all-time at James Madison with 23 sacks.
As a Senior, Carter was named a Phil Steele FCS National Defensive Player of the Year, FCS ADA All-American, Associated Press First Team All-American, AFCA First Team All-American, Walter Camp First Team All-American and STATS FCS First Team All-American.
8. Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State
Davis-Gaither was the most active linebacker at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and is skilled at rapidly filling running lanes and disrupting the passing attack.
Built-in the mode of Nigel Bradham, Davis-Gaither has great speed, can tackle in the open field and can cover tight ends and wideouts.
