Regardless of what the Philadelphia Eagles decide about Milton Williams’ future, we have enjoyed discussing him these past four NFL seasons. Now, we agree with most. The writing is on the wall. He’s probably headed elsewhere, but our memories of him are all good, especially his strip-sack of Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl.
He also recovered the fumble…
If you knew nothing about him, you’d assume Milt was an All-SEC nod or someone who dominated the Big Ten or something. Nope! He played his college ball at Louisiana Tech for the Bulldogs and ended his run at the collegiate level by earning a First-Team All-Conference USA nod.
We’ll be honest. We hadn’t watched one snap of Lousiana Tech football until the Eagles made him the 73rd selection, during Round 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft. That’s when something a wise old draft savant told us. ‘Scout the player. Don’t scout the helmet’.
10 under-the-radar defensive linemen the Eagles need on their draft board
If this is it and the Eagles are moving on from Milton Williams, he leaves having started 19 of his 67 in-game appearances. He has added 132 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 29 additional QB hits, two forced fumbles, and six pass breakups to his resume.
Those numbers include what he has done during nine postseason games.
Josh Sweat is, in all likelihood, gone. Brandon Graham is expected to retire (but, he hasn’t yet). Bryce Huff has been a disappointment.
Philly will have options during the 2025 NFL Draft if they want to add to their defensive front. Here are some of the under-the-radar guys who’ll be hanging around during the mid-rounds, right about the area where Philly found Mr. Williams.
1. Jordan Phillips, Maryland Terrapins
Jordan Phillips is a six-foot-three, 320-pound interior presence. Place this guy next to Jordan Davis in obvious running situations and no one will ever gain a yard on Philly by running behind their guard and center again.
2. Elijah Roberts, SMU Mustangs
An exciting edge rusher from Southern Methodist University, Elijah Roberts is, in no way, a one-trick pony, having lined up in several alignments for the Mustangs. A Second Team All-AAC nod in 2023, he notched 72 tackles and 17.5 sacks during the 2023 and 2024 NCAA football seasons.
3. C.J. West, Indiana Hoosiers
Well, we reconfirmed what most of us thought. No one gives a hoot about an undefeated record if you beat up on Charlotte, Western Illinois, FIU, and Michigan during a down season.
Still, regardless of how it ended for the Hoosiers, you can’t blame C.J. West. This six-foot-one, 316-pounder plugged gaps all season and contributed to the pass rush by adding two sacks. Keep an eye on him.
4. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, DE, Virginia Tech
Here’s a 2024 First-Team All-ACC nod who also earned the Dudley Award, one that is given annually to Virginia’s best college football player. He stacked 16 sacks and three forced fumbles during the 2024 college football season.
5. Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina Tar Heels
An edge rusher who balances power and finesse with equal proficiency more often than not, Kaimon Rucker will be of benefit to any NFL team that drafts him. He earned Second-Team All-ACC honors in 2023.
6. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville Cardinals
Some complain about Ashton Gillotte’s length, and that’s something coaching won’t fix for the 2024 Second-Team All-ACC nod. Thankfully, they can build upon the power and mastery of leverage that already exists in his repertoire.
7. Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State, Broncos
Some say Ahmed Hassanein lacks elite athletic traits. If that’s true, he disguises that well. A two-time First-Team All-Mountain West standout (2023, 2024), his efforts helped his Boise State Broncos to a College Football Playoff appearance even though they didn’t claim the ultimate prize they wanted.
8. Tonka Hemingway, South Carolina Gamecocks
Another defensive tackle, Tonka Hemingway is light of frame by NFL standards. His four sacks and stellar play helped fuel one of the more memorable seasons in Columbia, South Carolina that the Gamecock faithful has seen in a while.
Dare we say he reminds us of Milton Williams? They’re the same height though Milt is about six pounds heavier.
9. Fadil Diggs, Syracuse Orange
Respectfully, Fadil Diggs confuses us. Some have given him late-second and early-third-round grades. Others say he could land anywhere in the latter portions of the fourth round.
Here’s what we can verify. Everyone thinks he will be drafted. We’ll work more on where as the weeks roll on. The tape is impressive. He notched 7.5 sacks last season and is a nice blend of size, power, and speed.
10. Tyler Batty, BYU Cougars
Living on the East Coast, it was hard to stay up and watch BYU football sometimes. Thank Heaven for that move to the Big 12.
Tyler Batty was worth the effort if you took in any of the Cougars games. Last season, he earned First-Team honors in the conference while piling up 59 tackles and a sack. He isn’t much of a pass rusher, but we wonder if adding him to a line with more takent will lead to more pressures.