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Clemson defensive tackle and Ohio State wide receiver seemingly among Eagles latest pre-draft visits

Philly continues to do their homework.

College Football Playoff National Championship Presented By AT&T - Alabama v Clemson Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Eagles seemingly hosted 2019 NFL Draft prospects Clemson defensive tackle Christian Wilkins and Ohio State wide receiver Parris Campbell on official visits this week.

Wilkins posted a short video standing outside of Max’s Steaks on his Instagram on Sunday evening (hat tip to @travieboi2017). Campbell also posted an Instagram story update showing that he was in Philly (hat tip to @Afuentes710). Let’s take a closer look at these prospect.

CHRISTIAN WILKINS

Wilkins is arguably one of the most popular targets for the Eagles at No. 25. The Clemson captain checks a lot of boxes in terms of versatility, production, talent, leadership, durability ... you name it. He also just happens to play a position that Philly could afford to address with a premium resource.

Wilkins finished his four-year college career with 192 total tackles, 40.5 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 15 passes deflected, and two forced fumbles. He was one of the most efficient pass rushers at his position last year:

A rare knock against Wilkins is that he’ll turn 24 as a rookie so he’s on the older side as far as college prospects go. For context, Derek Barnett is about to enter his third NFL season and he’s still only 22.

I’d imagine the Eagles would love to select Wilkins if he falls to them. He’d be a nice addition behind the starting duo of Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson. We all know the Eagles love to rotate their d-linemen so Wilkins would get plenty of playing time in Jim Schwartz’s system.

The question is if Wilkins will make it to where the Eagles can pick him. Some mock draft scenarios do have him falling to No. 25. Others project him often going in the teens. Here’s how five notable draft outlets have Wilkins ranked:

Daniel Jeremiah: 7th
ESPN: 14th
The Draft Network: 15th
CBS Sports: 19th
Pro Football Focus: 25th

Wilkins could be a trade up target if he ends up falling on draft day and Philly can jump up a few spots. Maybe the Eagles get lucky and he somehow makes it to No. 25. Probably not, though.

Scouting report via NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein:

Desired combination of athleticism, production and character with the ability to fit into a stop unit that already has some pieces in place. Wilkins is a slippery, upfield three-technique with the ability to make plays outside his area. He plays with low pads allowing for optimal disruption leverage in the gaps, but he needs to be paired with an attacking front as he lacks the length and strength to hold his ground as a read-and-react tackle. He’s busy and agile as a rusher, which could keep him on the field for more snaps

Highlights:

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:


PARRIS CAMPBELL

The 21-year-old Campbell measures in just under 6-0 and weighs 205 pounds. He finished his Buckeyes career with 143 receptions for 1,768 yards (12.4 average) and 15 touchdowns. He also rushed 23 times for 210 yards and two scores. Campbell averaged a solid 30.4 average on 30 kick return attempts.

Here’s a scouting report from Zierlein:

Blue-chip athlete with elite package of size, speed and fluidity as a big slot receiver. Campbell’s athletic attributes could create a coverage conundrum if his offensive coordinator puts him in a diversified role that allows him to attack vertically more often. Teams know he’s a gifted athlete, but he needs to add more polish as a route-runner to become a well-rounded target instead of a gadget slot. His upside is bolstered by his traits while his special teams ability and talent with the ball in his hands should level out any bust concerns.

Campbell could be an interesting piece for Doug Pederson to work with. Or he could be a frustrating addition if he’s merely replacing those ineffective, manufactured touches that we saw Golden Tate receive last year.

In any case, Campbell is now the THIRD known slot receiver the Eagles have brought in for an official visit. It’s clear the team is doing their homework at that position. And it’s not exactly shocking given that Nelson Agholor is set to make $9.4 million this season without a contract extension in sight.

Highlights:

Spider graph via Mockdraftable:

Complete list of known Philadelphia Eagles draft visits

Ohio State WR Parris Campbell

Clemson DT Christian Wilkins

Louisiana Tech DE Jaylon Ferguson - [Click here]

UCF DT Trysten Hill - [Click here]

Arizona State WR N’Keal Harry - [Click here]

Alabama RB Josh Jacobs - [Click here]

Georgia CB Deandre Baker - [Click here]

Mississippi State DE Montez Sweat - [Click here]

Virginia S Juan Thornhill - [Click here]

Houston CB Isaiah Johnson - [Click here]

Houston DT Ed Oliver - [Click here]

Maryland S Darnell Savage (Local) - [Click here]

Boston College OL Chris Lindstrom - [Click here]

Oklahoma OT Cody Ford - [Click here]

Ole Miss WR A.J. Brown - [Click here]

Penn State CB Amani Oruwariye - [Click here]

Arkansas G/C Hjalte Froholdt - [Click here]

TCU DE L.J. Collier - [Click here]

Old Dominion DE Oshane Ximines - [Click here]

Michigan RB Karan Higdon - [Click here]

Florida S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson - [Click here]

Alabama State OT Tytus Howard - [Click here]

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