Fourth in a series examining the Eagles' top 5 off-season needs and how today's Senior Bowl participants may fit into their plans. (Check out wide receivers, linebackers and safeties).
Defensive tackles
With Cullen Jenkins already 31, Mike Patterson facing off-season surgery to treat an AVM, and both Derek Landri and Trevor Laws unrestricted free agents, the Eagles need to get deeper and younger at the position. And if they indeed want to address this need in the draft, the class of 2012 is fairly deep.
The 2012 Senior Bowl boasts some talented DTs, but with Penn State's Devon Still injured and out for the game, only one I deem worthy of the 15th overall pick.
Quinton Coples, North Carolina: Yes, Coples often played DE for UNC, but he has the size (6-5 34281) and strength to play inside in certain situations in the NFL. Especially in Jim Washburn's scheme. As a DE Coples isn't an elite pass rusher, but put him inside, and you have a dangerous player.
The second round should give the Eagles some chances to improve the interior line.
Brandon Thompson, Clemson: Should be gone by No. 46, but there's a chance he slips. Not a great athlete, but he uses quickness and strong hands to give O-linemen fits.
Alameda Ta'amu, Washington: A tough guy to read. One minute he's dominating the line of scrimmage, the next he's completely invisible. The size (6-2341) and power is there. Just needs consistency.
Mike Martin, Michigan: In the mold of Trevor Laws, Martin is an ex-wrestler who uses exceptional quickness and strength to ward off offensive linemen. According to reports had a great week of practice.
NFL
Kendall Reyes, Connecticut: Reyes gets off he ball quickly and initiates contact first. Might need to bulk up a bit (6-3 78300) and get stronger to get off blocks quicker, but has shown flashes of being a good penetrator.
After the upper tier, the DT talent drops off significantly.
Billy Winn, Boise State (fourth round)
Tydreke Powell, North Carolina (seventh round)
Jared Sherman has been providing CSNPhilly.com with draft analysis since 2000. E-mail him at feedback@firedforwinning.com and follow him on Twitter @Phillyjared.