Late Boomers

The NFL Draft is closing in on two weeks away, inevitably ushering in expanded discourse and bold proclamations.

Much of the theorizing and deliberating generally centers on the early round prospects due to familiarity and curiosity.

But there isn’t nearly enough light shined on the third and final day, when rounds 4-7 take place. While many opt for the frantic Google searches after each selection to learn more about the lesser-known prospects, most viewers realize that the vast majority of NFL rosters are comprised of players taken when all but the analysts, families and draft diehards have checked out.

Versing yourself on some of the prospects ahead of time could maybe conjure more interest on Day 3.

On Tuesday, I listed three Day 3 offensive prospects – at positions of need – who would meet the criteria.

Today, here are five intriguing options on defense:

GETTY IMAGES: Kentucky DT product Deone Walker would be a desirable late-round prospect for the Eagles.

Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

The depth behind Jalen Carter, in light of the free-agent departure of Milton Williams, has been much discussed. Rightfully so, too, as Williams accounted for 48 percent of the defensive snaps, while Davis and third-year interior lineman Moro Ojomo each finished at 37 percent.

But regardless of whether or not you believe Davis and Ojomo are poised to elevate into larger roles, the position could use another developmental prospect. At 6-foot-8, 328 pounds, Walker carries an imposing frame to go along with an 84-plus inch wingspan and nearly 11-inch hands.

Desired length for the position aside, Walker’s nimble, fluid movements are greatly aided by his basketball background. That, coupled with the off-ball explosiveness and athleticism, make Walker among the more intriguing Day 3 defensive linemen.

It’s tough to forecast Walker’s rookie acclimation, but he has the ability to become a viable second or third tackle in a rotation. Given his unique dimensions and athleticism, I have Walker slotted to go in the fourth-round.

Antwuan Powell-Ryland, EDGE, Virginia Tech

With an organizational philosophy of fortifying the trenches, the Eagles are likely to select an edge defender within the first two days, adding depth and upside to a room that over the offseason lost Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham to free agency and retirement, respectively.

Powell-Ryland (6-foot-3, 258 pounds) spent his first three seasons at the University of Florida before spending the 2023 and ’24 seasons at Virginia Tech. In his two years there, Powell-Ryland combined for 25.5 sacks and six forced fumbles over his 25-game Hokies career.

While Powell-Ryland might not have the desired length for the position, the Virginia native is good at converting speed to power, using leverage to his advantage and torquing his body and getting around the edge. I currently have a fifth-round grade on Powell-Ryland, who could be best equipped to settle into a sub package role; a fastball off the edge.

GETTY IMAGES: Drafting Cal LB product Teddye Buchanan would give the Eagles much needed depth.

Teddye Buchanan, LB, Cal

The Eagles currently have three healthy off-ball linebackers — Zack Baun, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Dallas Gant – so the later rounds feel like a reasonable range for them to bolster the position group.

Buchanan (6-2, 233), is a player the Eagles have shown some interest in, meeting with him at a college all-star game and conducting a Zoom meeting with him back in March. Buchanan, who began his career at UC-Davis before playing his final season at Cal,  was elected a team captain at both places.

He demonstrated his athleticism and explosiveness at the NFL Scouting Combine, recording a 4.6 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical and 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump. Buchanan routinely flashes instincts, closing speed and range. He also thrived as a blitzer, racking up five sacks and a pair of forced fumbles to go along with 114 tackles (12 for loss) over 13 games.

Buchanan, in my estimation, comes off the board in the fifth round, where the Eagles currently have a flurry of picks.

Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers

The Eagles could stand to add another young cornerback to inspire competition and fill out the room. Longerbeam (5-11, 175) dazzled throughout the pre-draft cycle, recording a 4.39 40-yard dash, 36-inch vertical and 11-foot, 2-inch broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine.

A three-year starter on the boundary for the Scarlet Knights, Longerbeam stood on his impressive combine numbers during Rutgers’ pro day last month, opting only to partake in the 3-cone and short shuttle. He also accepted an invitation to the Eagles’ local pro day Thursday, though a source said he will not be doing any testing.

Given his slight frame but high-level instincts and competitiveness, Longerbeam projects more as an inside cornerback. A smooth, twitched-up defensive back with exceptional ball skills – a combined 22 passes defended over the past two seasons – Longerbeam should come off the board in the fifth or sixth round.

The slender frame and underwhelming play strength will undoubtedly be a deterrent for some teams, but Longerbeam possesses the qualities of an early impact defensive back.

“I think he’s gonna be a pro, and he’s gonna be a pro for a while,” Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said.

Craig Woodson, S, Cal

The Eagles created a major void after shipping safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Houston last month and must account for Gardner-Johnson’s 900-plus snaps and six interceptions. Third-year safety Sydney Brown, a 2023 third-round pick, will be given every opportunity to elbow his way into a starting role opposite Reed Blankenship, but must play with more restraint and within the confines of coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense.

Perhaps the Eagles address a thin room on Day 2, but if they wait, they’d get an effective depth piece and special teams standout in Woodson. A starter in all 38 games for the Bears over the past three seasons, Woodson (6-0, 200) showcases solid range and versatility to go along with plus-instincts.

I currently have the 24-year-old slotted to come off the board in the sixth-round.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.