After swapping defensive ends in a trade with Seattle and letting Jason Babin sign with the Titans, it appears the Eagles remain very interested in at least a pair of prospects.
According to Scout.com's Chris Steuber and Ed Thompson, the Eagles are among teams interested in Kansas State defensive end Jeffrey Fitzgerald and TCU defensive end/outside linebacker Jerry Hughes.
The 2010 NFL Draft is said to be loaded with talented pass rushers, so teams could find good value in a mid-round selection like Fitzgerald, who could add depth to a line that has lost Babin, Chris Clemons (traded to Seattle in deal for Darryl Tapp) and Darren Howard (released). Fitzgerald will reportedly visit the Bears and Eagles leading up to the draft.
At Kansas State's Pro Day earlier this month, Fitzgerald showcased his skills for NFL scouts in attendance, running a 4.83 in the 40, generating a 35-inch vertical and benching 225 pounds 21 times.
Writes Steuber: "Playing just one year at Kansas State after transferring from Virginia - where he was a two-year starter - after the 2007 season, the 6-foot-4, 270-pound Fitzgerald had a strong senior campaign for the Wildcats and recorded 40 tackles, 10 for a loss and seven sacks. Fitzgerald participated in the East-West Shrine Game this offseason, but was one of the notable snubs from the Scouting Combine last month."
Fitzgerald is currently the 25th-rated defensive end listed on Scout.com's 2010 NFL Draft Rankings.
As for Hughes, an NFL source has told Scout.com that Hughes completed his first private workout with the Falcons. In the upcoming weeks Hughes has visits or workouts scheduled with the Eagles, Colts, Titans and Rams.
Writes Thompson: "A two-time Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Hughes won the Lott Trophy as the nation's top defensive player and the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end in 2009. He's logged 26.5 sacks, 36 tackles for a loss and forced eight fumbles over the past two seasons."
At 6-2, 255, Hughes may project to an outside linebacker at the next level. He is currently the third-rated outside linebacker listed on Scout.com's 2010 NFL Draft Rankings.
-- Posted by Bob Kent, 10 a.m., March 23
