The Eagles traded back three spots in the third round, acquiring an additional sixth-round pick (No. 191 overall) from the Carolina Panthers, before selecting defensive tackle Milton Williams out of Louisiana Tech with the 73rd overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
"When I got the call, it was a lot of emotion. I was talking to the coach earlier and told him, 'You got me crying like a baby,'" Williams said. "Just so excited. Ready to be an Eagle. My high school (Crowley, Texas) mascot was the Eagles, so it's going to be my second time being an Eagle. Just ready to be a part of a great organization."
The first-team All-Conference USA selection just turned 22 years old earlier this month. The 6-3, 284-pound native of Crowley, Texas was a two-year starter at Louisiana Tech where he played both end and tackle in the team's 3-4 base scheme. He was third in the conference with 10 tackles for loss this past season and also led the Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks, earning third-team All-American honors from Pro Football Focus.
"Basically any position along the defensive line that the coaches would like to put me in, I feel like I can be productive with the coaching and things like that," Williams said.
A consistent performer, Williams posted at least three tackles in every game in the 2020 season. In 30 career games (23 starts), Williams finished his college career with 106 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.
"I feel like I'll be on the edges on early downs with my strength and being able to hold point on the edge, but on third down, passing downs, I'll bump inside and be able to be productive inside," Williams said.
Scouting Report
"Milton is a twitched-up, explosive player who's got scheme versatility," Howie Roseman said. "He can play 3-technique and he can get quick pressure on the quarterback. He can bump outside and set the edge and play early downs in the run game."
"Jonathan Gannon and our defensive staff are juiced to work with Milton to help him realize the potential he showed in college and throughout the scouting process. Versatile players like Milton make it tough on opposing offenses because they open up so many options for a defense. With the players we have in that D-line room, we know Milton will be able to develop his game and find a role to contribute," Head Coach Nick Sirianni said.
