2019 NFL Draft: Eagles plan to finally protect Carson Wentz, draft lineman
By Phil Poling
The Philadelphia Eagles made one of the best picks in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, scooping up Washington State’s Andre Dillard with the 22nd overall pick.
Andre Dillard is the perfect fit for the Philadelphia Eagles. As a four-year starter at left tackle in college, Dillard could become the Day 1 starter for the Eagles at the position. Of course, Jason Peters has held down that spot for the past decade, but the franchise is looking toward the future with Dillard.
Carson Wentz hasn’t been able to stay healthy since being drafted, and with Nick Foles leaving for greener pastures, it’s imperative Wentz stays on the field; Dillard will aid in that. A franchise quarterback doesn’t do a team any good if he’s not healthy enough to stay on the field.
At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Dillard possesses elite size for a left tackle. He’ll translate seamlessly into the Eagles system, as the Cougars ran a pass-happy attack, but improvements in the run game are a must if he’s to really succeed. Being able to protect Wentz’s blind side, though, was one of the Eagles’ biggest needs this offseason; they found that in Dillard.
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The Eagles, much like the San Francisco 49ers, absolutely knocked their first round pick out of the park. There were better players on the board, sure, but Dillard filled a need and was the best player at his position. He’s not a sexy pick that’s going to sell jerseys or excite many casual fans, but Dillard could be a staple at left tackle for the Eagles for the next decade. This pick deserves an A+.