So many components go into an offseason discussion. Who are the impending free agents? How much money is there to spend? How do we prioritize our free agents? Though these are popular topics now. the Philadelphia Eagles have been tossing these conversations around for a while now.
Philly has decisions to make about a nice portion of their roster. Most of us agree that Zack Baun, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams are among the priority signings, but we have also theorized that there’s a chance that the Birds aren’t going to be able to afford to keep all of them.
The salary cap is expected to rise. That helps, but have you seen the money these guys are making now? Milton Williams will be among the highly-touted interior defensive linemen once the new league year begins. We wouldn’t be shocked if Philly kept him or allowed him to walk.
For the sake of argument, let’s assume the latter option is Philly’s decision.
Here are the Eagles’ top interior defensive line prospects if they move on from Milton Williams during free agency.
The Eagles have begun the process of defending their title as pro football’s champion. They begin with a trip to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis before free agency kicks off at the start of the new league year on March 12.
Keep an eye on the defensive lineman. If the Birds move on from Williams, his replacement may be working out among the bunch. Here’s our ranking of the top prospects who should be available when Philadelphia is on the clock with the 32nd overall selection.
We’re assuming former Michigan Wolverines Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant will be drafted early, and they won’t be.
1. Walter Nolan, Ole Miss Rebels
Walter Nolan is one of the better sack artist on this list. At the risk of sounding disrespectful he might be an upgrade for Milton Williams.
We said “he might”. Let’s not overreact here, but if you ask this guy to stop the run and rush the passer with equal proficiency, we won’t be frustrated with the results. He notched 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and a pair of pass breakups.
He lacked consistency at the NCAA level, but in the right locker room, he could truly blossom.
2. Derrick Harmon, Oregon Ducks
Derrick Harmon’s Oregon Ducks teammate Jordan Burch might be added to this list later. He’s listed as a defensive end, but because of his size (six-foot-six and 295 pounds), he could kick inside at the next level.
Harmon is another space-eater. He stands at six-foot-five and tips the scales at 310 pounds. He was a quality defender without the overabundance of bad tape. He notched 42 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles during the college football season.
3. Darius Alexander, Toledo Rockets
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Quinyon Mitchell out of Toledo last April, and that decision is going to work out for them. They could take their shot at his former teammate, Darius Alexander, in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Alexander is built like a small storage unit, standing at six-foot-four and tipping the scales at a whopping 320 pounds. Last season, he tallied 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks, four pass breakups, and a 58-yard pick-six.
We have no issue with reuniting him and Quinyon as professional teammates at the NFL level.
4. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina Gamecocks
T.J. Sanders is one of the better pass rushers on this list. We’ll be honest with you. If you line him up next to Jalen Carter, we have no idea what opposing offensive lines are supposed to do to limit them.
5. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State Buckeyes
Place this guy next to Jordan Davis and the opposing O-line isn’t moving anyone. He stands at six-foot-three. He tips the scales at 330 pounds. He may even be a better pass rusher than Davis. He notched 46 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season.
6. Alfred Collins, Texas Longhorns
Alfred Collins won’t give anyone much as a pass rusher. We’d rank him higher if he did, but at six-foot-five and 313 pounds, he should have several teams salivating at the prospect of landing him.
7. Shemar Turner, Texas A&M Aggies
Shemar Turner has never been dominant, but as part of a great defensive line or rotation, he could bring much to the table. His instincts and hands have been questioned. He doesn’t explode out of his stance. He needs to get stronger.
But, that’s nothing that a weight room and some coaching won’t fix for him. We trust him under the tutelage of D-line coach Clint Hurtt.
Worth mentioning: There are a couple of things to consider here. There’s no guarantee Philly will address the interior of their defensive line in Round 1. Help on the defensive edge is more of a priority, but if a defensive tackle is at play early, these are probably the guys worth discussing.
We’ll get into a few Day 2 guys and some under-the-radar prospects at another date.