The Eagles are set to host Boston College linebacker Steven Daniels on a pre-draft visit, according to a report from Jared Tokarz. Daniels is one of 30 prospects scheduled to visit the team's facility in Philadelphia leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft.
This isn't the first time the Eagles have shown interest in the 23-year-old defender. The team reportedly met with him for a private workout in late March.
Daniels measures in at 5-11, 243 pounds. He finished his college career with 266 total tackles (29 for loss), 10.5 sacks, three interceptions, one forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
Pro Football Focus pegs Daniels as one of most underrated prospects in this year's draft class.
Despite being the anchor of a stout defense at Boston College, Daniels is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft. He was not only the best linebacker in the ACC, but he also received the highest grade among all college linebackers, which is largely due to his work in defending the run. His run stop percentage of 15.3% led all Power-5 inside linebackers and 50 of his 56 tackles in the running game were stops, which is a very impressive number. Although, he improved in pass coverage in the 2015 season and allowed only one touchdown in coverage; it is still to be seen whether he can be a three-down linebacker in the NFL, which will probably impact his draft position.
The Eagles are looking to add depth at linebacker behind their current starters: Nigel Bradham, Jordan Hicks, and Mychal Kendricks.
Some project Daniels as a Day 3 pick. Here's a scouting report on him via NFL.com.
"Strengths - Vending machine build with wide hips and burly frame made for life inside. Downhill daddy. Anticipates his run fits and will jump downhill into the gaps to congest the lane. Has terrific upper body strength and some nasty in his big hands. Able to snatch and shed blockers with force. Can sense down blocks and sinks to fend them off. Instinctive, intelligent approach to the game.
Weaknesses - Stiff-legged puncher when taking on climbing linemen and will give some initial ground due to a lack of bend. Below average athleticism and balance create slim margin of error as a tackler. Has some downhill burst to the ball, but has borderline range and coverage ability as a pro.
Bottom Line - On first glance, Daniels simply appears to be too big and stiff to be able to function as an NFL linebacker, but the more you watch, the more you realize that his motor and strength makes up for some of his deficiencies. Daniels has flexibility limitations that will hurt him, but his production over the last three years as a downhill player should be considered. He plays better football than he tests and could become a consideration for 3-4 teams looking for a thumper to add some depth."
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
RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
LB Steven Daniels, Boston College
WR Antwane Grant, Western Kentucky (Local visit?)
CB Daryl Worley, West Virginia (Local visit?)