Temple Owl defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson is reportedly rising on draft boards throughout the NFL and it’s easy to see why. He was very impressive at the NFL Combine to the point that he has caught the attention of the Philadelphia Eagles.
He could jump on the subway if he wants to on April 15th because he’ll be heading to the Eagles Nova Care Complex on that day to spend some time with Andy Reid and his staff. According to Aaron Wilson of NationalFootballPost.com, Wilkerson and the Eagles will be getting together in exactly two weeks.
The young athletic defensive lineman has some impressive measurables. He’s 6’4″ weighs 315 pounds but moves like a much smaller man. I loved the way he gets off the ball on the snap and gets penetration into the offensive backfield.
He ran a 4.96 in the forty yard dash at the NFL Combine while weighing 315 pounds, which is quite impressive. I thought he showed tremendous agility at the combine.
He has the size and arm length to play defensive end in a 3-4 defense. A 3-4 defense has to have great size because they’re asked to 
two-gap 360 pound offensive tackles. His athletic ability and size could make him a dominating 4-3 defensive tackle. I’ve seen him rush the passer very effectively from the 3-4 defensive end position.
Wilkerson had 70 tackles this past season. Thirteen of those stops were for losses which means he’s getting into the backfield. He also recorded 10 sacks which is nothing to sneeze when you get them from the tackle position.
The Eagles can only bring 30 players. It says something that they made Wilkerson one of them because he doesn’t play one of the positions that they clearly have needs at. I think he looks so good to them that they would be tempted to grab him if he’s still on the board at 23.
I agree with them. I think this young man has the chance to be a dominant player at the defensive tackle position which is rare. If he could get to the passer from the tackle position on the NFL level, it would make the Eagles defensive line one of the best in the NFL.
He’s expected to be picked somewhere in the second half of the first round, but he might go higher if he continues to impress.
According to Wilson, he has already paid a visit to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. He visits coming up to Seattle and Tennessee.
If Carimi/Pouncey are off the board at #23, I see the EAgles selecting WIlkerson who would form a dynamic duo in the middle of the Eagle Defense with A Dixon// Both big,strong, and can get penetration which is a hallmark of DL Coach Washburn’s scheme.. I think Bunkley can flourish under Washburn but think DT M Patterson is the odd man out and ends up getting traded to the Carolina Panthers or Seattle Seahawks on Draft Weekend
for 4th Round pick or part of a package to move up in the Draft..
Wilkerson’s the real deal and I expect him to have a long and productive career in the NFL (barring injury) and would be a solid pick
Actaully, Mr Cobb you’re wrong–I believe any team can bring in as many local players as they want and it doesn’t count against their allotment–and I believe they can bring in 60 players, not 30.
Paulman…you know we cant do trades so why even mention it? There isnt a snowflakes chance in hell that there will be a new CBA by draft. Trust me I would do anything to have one in place, but it aint gonna happen. This season is truly in limbo right now.
To bobbyuk,
G-Man is correct 30 players is the limit regardless if they are local or from anywhere in the Country for private team workouts..
Wilkerson is perfect for new DL coach “Wash” scheme… he is a beast and will only get better. I would take him at #23 over Carimi or Pouncey. We can get the same value in round 2 or with Clint Boling, Joe Barksdale or Jame Brewer.
Add Wilkerson to Dixon and you have 2 monsters in the middle.
I dont care who we get just as long he’s a BOWLING BALL……. Thats all we need……. We have too much speed but not enough size……. I remember 220lbs. Brian Dawkins being the guy to sacrifice his body to blow a hole up just to prevent a major run form happening because of our undersized front line being dominated at the line of scrimmage……. We need Size……..
The D tackle from Temple is a beast. Hope they can draft him.