The Eagles' defense may improve in 2016, but it still has holes.
The most notable of which are at corner and linebacker.
This week, we give you six defensive players to watch Saturday that could be targets for the Eagles in the 2017 NFL draft.
Jarrad Davis, Florida, senior, LB, (6-2/238)
Davis was all over the field in Florida's 24-7 win against UMass last weekend. The senior racked up nine total tackles, half a sack and a pass defended. It's a tough week for college football matchups. Florida will take on Kentucky, so the level of competition won't be great for Davis, but you can still watch him fly around the field.
Florida vs. Kentucky, 3:30 p.m.
Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State, junior, LB, (6-2/243)
McMillan didn't get to play a ton in Ohio State's 77-10 blowout of Bowling Green. It might be the same story this week against Tulsa. Hopefully, he'll have the chance to show his aggressiveness and closing speed, which led to him racking up 119 tackles last season.
No. 4 Ohio State vs. Tulsa, 3:30 p.m.
Reuben Foster, Alabama, senior, LB, (6-1/236)
Foster is a bit of a throwback. He's a true MIKE linebacker: A thumper in the run game who's excellent at diagnosing plays. A matchup against Western Kentucky may not show it, but Foster could be the best fit for the Eagles. He could patrol the middle, allowing Jordan Hicks to be more of a playmaker on the weak side. He does benefit from playing behind arguably the best defensive line in college football.
No. 1 Alabama vs. Western Kentucky, 3:30 p.m.
Jalen Tabor, Florida, junior, CB (6-0/201)
Tabor's former teammate Vernon Hargreaves was the 11th overall pick in 2016, and Tabor may be even better than Hargreaves, which is lofty praise. He showed his ball skills last season, picking off four passes as a sophomore. The matchup against Kentucky may not offer much excitement, but you may get a good look at Tabor's ability as a playmaker in the secondary.
Florida vs. Kentucky, 3:30 p.m.
Adoree' Jackson, USC, junior, CB, (5-11/185)
Jackson has already been credited for 17 passes defended in his first two seasons at USC. He's also played some receiver (37 catches, 552 yards, five touchdowns) and has excelled as a punt and kick returner. He already has four career return touchdowns. It wasn't a great week for any of the Trojans in a 52-6 loss to the Crimson Tide, but USC should come out on fire against Utah State.
USC vs. Utah State, 2:00 p.m.
Desmond King, Iowa, senior, CB, (5-11/203)
As a junior, King led the Big Ten and was second in all of college football with eight picks in 2015. He was also credited with 13 passes defended. Like Jackson, King has had success as a returner. The Hawkeyes should have no issue taking care of Iowa State this weekend.
No. 16 Iowa vs. Iowa State, 7:30 p.m.
