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With their eighth and final pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles added to their defensive line depth by selecting defensive tackle Elijah Qualls. The big man has an interesting backstory. More quick info on him below.
Elijah Qualls had 24 tackles that were either for no gain or a loss in 2016 on top of 4 sacks and 29 hurries. Impressive for a nose tackle.
— Ben Natan (@TheBenNatan) April 29, 2017
Qualls was a running back in high school. Ran for over 1,800 yards and 23 scores in his final two years. Now, a 313 pound run stopper.
— Ben Natan (@TheBenNatan) April 29, 2017
"They ran away from me." -- #Eagles new DT Elijah Qualls on the defenders that tried to tackle him as a 260-pound RB in high school.
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroCSN) April 29, 2017
Elijah Qualls was a 260-pound RB in high school before converting to defensive line.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) April 29, 2017
"Scoring touchdowns wasn’t exciting to me anymore."
DT Elijah Qualls is a player the Eagles have shown interest in. 6-1, 313. Athletic. Played some DE and some DT. Has good potential.
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) April 29, 2017
Pick 214: The Eagles select interior D-lineman Elijah Qualls from Washington. #EaglesDraft #NFLDraft
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 29, 2017
Profile: https://t.co/5WE559vxC7 pic.twitter.com/QB9XUwWCjO
#UDub's Elijah Qualls (@ElijahQualls11; Casa Grande High School) is #NFLReady! pic.twitter.com/XTscSLVEuy
— DLineVids (@DLineVids) December 11, 2016
Look at Elijah Qualls sniff out the run play here #Washington this kid has something pic.twitter.com/FHn9Gpw3u8
— Daniel Parlegreco (@DTPDraftScout) November 18, 2016
More Elijah Qualls.....I can't stop watching. https://t.co/GfsH2JaVkg
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) December 11, 2016
Fun fact: Elijah Qualls, PHI DT, has a boxing background. You can see it in his hand placement, timing, and power.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) April 30, 2017
DT Elijah Qualls was first-team All-Pac 12 in 2016.
— Adam Hermann (@adamwhermann) April 29, 2017
Y'all don't know how happy I am right now mane!!! Got my brother back wit me @ElijahQualls11 !!! Show him some love Philly
— Sidney Jones IV (@SidneyJonesIV) April 29, 2017
And round it off with @NathanGerry and @ElijahQualls11 ! Welcome boys!
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) April 29, 2017