The NFL and the AFC West are filled with top-flight passing offenses, but the Rams showed that an elite pass rush can somewhat neutralize the newest craze around the league.
Philadelphia re-signed Derek Barnett and added Haason Reddick via free agency, but could Howie Roseman’s biggest move be a trade-up scenario that lands former Oregon All-American defensive end, Kayvon Thibodeaux?
Thibodeaux is viewed as one of the most talented players in the 2022 NFL Draft. A 6-foot-5 edge rusher with charisma and outstanding athleticism, but he reportedly could slip in the draft due to concerns about his motor.
Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline wrote that there is a belief from scouts and evaluators at the NFL Combine that Thibodeaux “doesn’t play with the same fire as some other top prospects.” The issues with his motor are seemingly backed up by people affiliated with the Ducks’ football program, who said that the talented pass rusher “gave up on plays too easily.”
After suffering an ankle injury in Oregon’s season opener, Thibodeaux logged 49 total tackles, 7 sacks and 1 pass defended in 10 games during the 2021 season.
Once considered a player worthy of the number one pick, Thibodeaux could now fall according to ESPN, with players like Alabama’s Evan Neal, Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, and Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton flying up draft boards across the NFL.
Looking at the draft order, if the Seahawks (No. 9) and Jets (No. 10) don’t select Thibodeaux, he could slide further, as Washington, Minnesota, Houston, and Baltimore are not expected to select pass-rushers at picks Nos. 11-14. A lot can change once the draft starts and panic sets in, but one month out it’s not unrealistic to think Thibodeaux could be on the board for the Eagles at No. 15.
Thibodeaux’s 19 total tackles over his Oregon career now have some questioning his production as well.
If the former All-American starts to fall, it could provide a unique opportunity to further improve the Philadelphia pass rush.
The Eagles will have Brandon Graham in 2022 along with Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams, but a top-flight, talented rookie could take Jonathan Gannon’s defense to the next level.
Thibodeaux would instantly enter the Eagles’ top-four edge rotation and he’d still complement Haason Reddick who can rush from three different positions.
