NFL Draft 2017: Giant Villanova offensive tackle will visit the Eagles

The Eagles will host Villanova offensive tackle Brad Seaton on a pre-draft visit in Philadelphia, according to a report from Yahoo’s Eric Edholm. Seaton won’t count against the Eagles’ top 30 visit limit since he’s a local prospect.

Seaton is a very large man. He measures in at 6-8, 310 pounds.

Seaton played in 32 games for the Wildcats over four years, primarily lining up at left tackle. His redshirt junior season got cut short due to a knee injury in 2015.

The 23-year-old Seaton projects to be a Day 3 pick. The Eagles could spend a pick on him as a developmental player. Philadelphia is currently set at offensive tackle with Jason Peters and Lane Johnson but it’s only a matter of time before JP retires. The Eagles also have Halapoulivaati Vaitai, but it can’t hurt to add another tackle to the mix.

Here’s a scouting report from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

Strengths: Three-year starter with surprising lateral quickness and agility for such a tall player. Patient on the move and takes good angles to reach defenders outside shoulder on play-side zone. Uses consistent footwork to mirror and sustain his blocks on the move. Has body control to handle work-up assignments to linebackers on combo blocks. Will adjust his second level assignment and find work when his initial target is out of range. Good balance leads to easier redirects inside against stunts and twists. Displays adequate anchor against bull-rushers.

Weaknesses: Quickness of kick-slide is average. Could have trouble handling left tackle pass pro responsibilities in NFL. Punch rhythm is predictable and can be timed up by a studious defensive end. Will need to improve his play strength to help him do a better job of redirecting defenders when they get to his edges. Hands tend to land a little wide and his punch lacks snap. Height forces him into disadvantage from leverage standpoint. Plays with too much waist-bending as run blocker in attempt to lower pad level. Struggles to create push as drive blocker.

Bottom Line: There are a handful of very tall tackles with good athleticism in this draft, but most of the others lack a functional anchor to hold up against power. Seaton isn't a power player, but he appears to have enough natural core strength to project as a swing tackle best-suited to the right side. His ability to operate on the move could appeal to zone running teams.

And here’s a highlights video that features Seaton just rag-dolling defensive linemen. Pretty great stuff.