Eagles Rookie Profile: 6 things to know about Casey Toohill

The Philadelphia Eagles selected defensive end Casey Toohill with pick No. 233 in the 2020 NFL Draft. In order to learn more about him, I reached out to SB Nation’s Stanford blog: Rule Of Tree. Cardinal writer Cameron Mellor was kind enough to answer my questions.

1) Can you recap his college career?

He improved every year on campus but never fully realized his athletic ability on the gridiron. There were flashes, moments, even stretches of play that made you say: ‘whoa’ but those were far and few between.

2) What are his strengths?

That athleticism I referenced above. He was perhaps the most athletic player for all four years in a Stanford uniform. Just look at those SPARQ numbers that had him as the highest-rated true edge defender at the combine.

3) What are his weaknesses?

Lack of overall strength at the point of contact. There were times that he bounced off a running back or lost a battle with his hands against a pass protector. They happened far too often for my liking.

4) Are you surprised where he was drafted? Higher or lower than expected? Just right?

I think it’s about right. What likely got him drafted was his incredible athletic ability and flashes on a highlight tape rather than his down-to-down inconsistency. He’s a great Day 3, late-round flier at this point that you hope sticks.

5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?

Practice squad player immediately, a great guy to have in the weight room and on the practice fields. I’d have to see a ton of improvement in his tackling in open space, strength at the point of contact and he’s going to have to have the right rotational role to stick with any roster.

6) Anything to know about him off the field?

Everything you hear about the kid is tremendous. He was an asset to the Stanford community, on the field sure, but mainly off the field. Winner of what felt like more than a dozen community service awards as well as the William V. Campbell Trophy. He’ll be the hardest worker in his position group for sure as well as a vital member of his community. Just a truly stand-up kind of guy.

BLG’s take: Toohill seems like a lock for the practice squad. Just looking at his frame, it’s clear he needs to bulk up and get stronger. Realistic best case scenario is he develops into a rotational backup defensive end. Honestly, this pick is a win if he can merely become a special teams demon in the mold of Bryan Braman.

Highlights:

Spider graph via Mockdraftable: