Defensive line is considered the deepest position group of this draft class. Two defensive tackles, Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy, are widely considered the two best prospects in the draft and two defensive ends, Derrick Morgan and Jason Pierre-Paul, are borderline top-10 selections.
But there is also plenty of depth in the class, with value to be had across the line throughout the draft. For the Eagles, finding a young, pass-rushing defensive end is considered a priority, regardless of the round. There is already depth at defensive tackle with Antonio Dixon and Trevor Laws behind Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, but if a defensive tackle is at the top of the Eagles value board, there will be no hesitation to scoop one up.
Here are some defensive linemen to keep your eyes on during tomorrow's combine drills.
DE Carlos Dunlap, 6-foot-6, 277 pounds - Dunlap has been projected by several outlets to be a first-round fit for the Eagles. The former Florida Gator is a physical specimen and his upside is as high as any lineman in the draft, but there are questions about his motor and attitude. Dunlap's performance in the drills figures to be impressive, but his interviews may prove more important.
DE Everson Griffen, 6-foot-3, 273 pounds - Another player with worlds of talent but questions about his consistency. Griffen figures to come off the board in the second half of the first round and could be a fir for the Eagles, but he also has to overcome fits of inactivity during games. His pass-rush ability makes him a good fit as a 4-3 end.
DT Jared Odrick, 6-foot-5, 304 pounds - Odrick is one of the more versatile defensive linemen in the draft and could end up as a 4-3 tackle or a 3-4 end. Coming off an impressive performance during Senior Bowl week, Odrick can solidify a spot in the second half of round one with a good performance tomorrow. For the Eagles, Odrick would help the pass rush up the middle.
DE Corey Wootton, 6-foot-6, 270 pounds - Wootton was considered a first-round talent until he tore his ACL in the final game of his junior season at Northwestern. His productivity dropped this season but if he Wootton's knee checks out and is able to return to his previous level of play, he would represent good value.
DE Austen Lane, 6-foot-6, 276 pounds - Lane's stock rose following a productive Senior Bowl week, including a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the game, and he'll probably come off the board somewhere around the third round as well. Lane, from division II Murray State, is a productive pass rusher and is expected to impress in the 40-yard dash.
DT D'Anthony Smith, 6-foot-2, 304 pounds - Smith is a middle-round prospect who should contribute as a pass-rushing defensive tackle. A product of Louisiana Tech, Smith is a developmental prospect as a run-blocker and he has trouble beating double teams, but his athleticism should impress during drills.
-- Posted by Bo Wulf, 4:08 p.m., February 28
