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The Eagles defensive line had a tough time against the Saints in the last year's playoffs. A lot of that lack of success has been put on the shoulders of Bennie Logan, who seemed winded and overmatched at times against New Orleans. While that criticism is likely overstated and the Eagles love Logan, the team could stand to build their depth along the line. Arizona State's Will Sutton is a player that could rotate with Logan at nose tackles as well as with Cedric Thornton and Fletcher Cox at defensive end.
College Career
One of the top defensive lineman in the state of California, Sutton committed to Arizona State in 2009. His freshman season involved appearances in 12 games (two starts) and he collected 17 tackles (three for loss), one sack and forced fumble. Sutton redshirted as a sophomore but returned in 2011. He played in 13 games (12 starts) at defensive tackle while recording 33 tackles (5.5 for loss), 2.5 sacks and a pass breakup.
As a redshirt junior, Sutton appeared in 13 games and notched 64 tackles, 13 sacks, and four pass breakups. This earned Sutton a first team AP All-American selection and PAC-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Sutton repeated both of those honors in his final year with the Sun Devils. He produced 48 tackles, four sacks, one interception and two pass breakups.
Sutton was invited to the Senior Bowl.
Combine Numbers
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 303 lbs
Arm Length: 31 1/4"
Hands: 10"
40: 5.36 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps
Vertical Jump: 28.5 inches
Broad Jump: 99.0 inches
3 Cone: 7.93 seconds
Shuttle: 4.82 seconds
Strengths
Sutton is extremely violent at the point of attack and uses his hands very well. He is aggressive and can shed blocks with his initial burst and technique. He is a strong athlete for his size and has good balance. He seems to always get in the backfield and gets regular pressure. His sack totals in college are impressive for an under tackle and he is very good at swatting passes despite his size. He has some short area quickness.
He has NFL lineage as his father, Mickey, was a defensive back and punt returner from 1986-1990. Mickey Sutton played for the Rams, Packers and Bills.
Weaknesses
Sutton gained a ton of weight as a senior and it really made him a lot slower. He is very short and could be stronger. His motor is on and off in games and will go through stretches where you forgets he is in the game. He has issues with being taken out plays when runs go away from him.
Eagles Outlook
Sutton is probably best fit for the 4-3 defense, which is what he played in at ASU. However, his added weight may make him appealing as a rotational nose tackle that could also play the five technique. The Eagles need to improve their pass rush and Sutton is a guy that can rush the passer from the interior. Sutton is likely a Day 2 pick, so the Eagles would have to be comfortable spending another premium pick on an interior defensive lineman. Chip Kelly and Billy Davis like competition, but will they be able to get over Sutton's size and lack of speed?
Trust Your Own Eyes
Well, that's all folks. We reached 65 draft profiles over the last several months. I appreciate you guys reading most (if not all) of these and I had fun doing them. I hope you're as stoked for the draft as the BGN Staff because our coverage is going to be second to none this week. Stick with us all week for the latest on the draft, our picks, mock drafts and more. We are doing it bigger than we ever have before!