NFL Draft Results: Elijah Qualls to Philadelphia Eagles with 214th pick

The Philadelphia Eagles select Washington defensive tackle Elijah Qualls with the No. 214 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The 22-year-old Qualls is a pretty big dude. He measures in 6-1, 313 pounds. In three years playing for the Huskies, Qualls recorded 77 total tackles (11.5 for loss) and 7.5 sacks.

The Eagles were in need of defensive tackle depth considering Timmy Jernigan is a free agent after the 2017 season and Beau Allen is injured. Allen might not be ready by the start of the season, so Qualls might be able to fill in as a rotational run-stuffer.

Here’s a scouting report on Qualls via NFL.com.

Strengths: Has broad, thick hips. Possesses low center of gravity and plays with natural leverage. Has ability to control point of attack. Powerful upper body and can land a strong punch that sets a winning leverage point. Former high school fullback with nimble feet and surprising athleticism for his size. Has feet to overcome early reach block and work back into pursuit. Looks to pursue and run through the rib cage of a running back at impact. Two-gap reader with ability to eat space and brace up to double teams. Has ability to stuff wash-down blocks and cuts. Plays with good body control.

Weaknesses: Body consists of stubby legs, short arms and a very soft middle with excess weight. Can be a little sluggish off the snap against lateral movement. Will get behind early in the rep. More adept at holding ground than making plays. Feet are nimble but hips are stiff. Unable to flip around the edge as pass rusher. Need to see more plays being made against run and pass. Stays glued to blockers for too long. Game lacks consistency of effort and production. Scouts say he has put on bad weight and needs to improve his work ethic.

Draft Projection: Round 3-4

Sources Tell Us: "I think he's a better three-technique than a nose tackle. He's quick enough to play three, but he's getting too fat and needs to drop down to around 310 to be at his best. If he keeps getting bigger he will have to play nose. He's a run-stuffing interior lineman though and those types of players are a dime a dozen." -- NFC West area scout

NFL Comparison: Corey Liuget

Bottom Line: Athletic interior defender with the play traits and ability to play three-technique or nose tackle in the right scheme. Qualls' draft stock could be a hurt by a lack of desired length and a growing concern in scouting circles that he is a boom-or-bust prospect with concerns over his future weight and work ethic. He has the talent to become a solid, early-down run defender but is unlikely to ever factor as a pass rusher.

Remaining Eagles draft picks

1st - No. 14 - Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

2nd - No. 43 - Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

3rd - No. 99 - Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia

4th - No. 118 - Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina

4th - No. 132 - Donnel Pumphrey, RB, San Diego State

5th - No. 166 - Shelton Gibson, WR, West Virginia

5th - No. 184 - Nathan Gerry, LB, Nebraska

6th - No. 214 - Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington

2017 NFL Draft schedule

• Day 1: Round 1 – 10 minutes
• Day 2: Round 2 – 7 Minutes, Round 3 – 5 Minutes Per Pick
• Day 3: Rounds 4-6 – 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick

(Compensatory picks = 4 minutes)