With their sixth-round pick (214th overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Washington DT Elijah Qualls.
Qualls projects as a run-stuffing defensive tackle, which makes sense for an Eagles' defensive front that has penetrating interior line starters in Fletcher Cox and Timmy Jernigan. With Beau Allen having torn his pectoral mucle, the Eagles can use some added depth in the trenches.
Qualls' numbers at Washington:
Year | Tackles | TFL | Sacks | FF |
2014 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
2015 | 26 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 0 |
2016 | 38 | 5 | 3 | 0 |
Here's Qualls' scouting report on NFL.com:
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.
Qualls measured in at 6'1, 313. He has abnormally short arms, at 30 5/8 inches, which undoubtedly hurt his draft stock, however, he represents good value in the sixth round.
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