The Philadelphia Eagles hosted West Virginia linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (quit-KOW-ski) on a pre-draft visit today, according to a report from Tim McManus of Birds 24/7. Kwiatkoski is one of 30 prospects scheduled to visit the team's facility in Philadelphia leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft.
This visit hardly marks the first time the Eagles have shown interest in the Mountaineers alumnus. The Eagles interviewed Kwiatkoski at the Senior Bowl this year. The team was also spotted putting him through an individual workout at his pro day. The Birds are showing a lot of interest in him.
Kwiatkoski measures in at 6-2, 243 pounds. He finished his four-year college career with 295 total tackles (28.5 for loss), six sacks, six interceptions, 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He played both SAM and WILL linebacker at WVU.
Philadelphia doesn't have an immediate need for a starting linebacker with Nigel Bradham, Jordan Hicks, and Mychal Kendricks in place. The Eagles do need to upgrade their depth, however.
CBS Sports projects Kwiatkoski to be a Day 3 pick. Here's a scouting report on him via NFL.com.
"Strengths - Has production that has filled up stat sheet for three straight years. Finished last three seasons with 275 tackles. Former safety with a feel for what is developing around him. Had 10 passes defensed this season and two seasons with three interceptions. Good balance to maneuver around trash and get to the tackle. Tough play demeanor and technically sound tackler. Chest up tackler who drives through his target to finish. Gets downhill with timing as a blitzer. Has aggressiveness and nose for the ball to become a special teams performer.
Weaknesses - Scouts worry about his ability to match power at point of attack. Pad level is a little bit high and will run under blocks giving away his gap rather than leveraging it. Doesn't have the combination of burst and instincts to stay off of blockers. Needs to improve hand usage rather than taking on with shoulder so often. Questionable sideline-to-sideline speed.
Bottom Line - Kwiatkoski is known for his weight room work and has transitioned his body type from safety to inside linebacker. He has some physical limitations that could prevent him from becoming a full-time starter, but his mean streak and ability to finish as a tackler could serve him well as a special teamer which is likely how he will have to make a team."
Complete list of known Eagles draft visits
QB Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
WR Mike Thomas, Southern Mississippi
QB Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
LB Nick Kwiatkoski, West Virginia
WR Antwane Grant, Western Kentucky (Local visit?)
CB Daryl Worley, West Virginia (Local visit?)