After the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, it is now time to delve into the film rooms and analyze the rookie class of the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the next few weeks, I will aim to cover all nine draft picks along with some UDFAs. While many scouting reports may sound similar, I have made an effort to incorporate film clips as evidence to support the analysis. Towards the end of this piece, I will discuss each player’s fit within the Eagles’ roster. I have been able to access the All22 footage for several rookies, although I am unable to share those clips on Twitter to avoid being blocked. Let’s get started!
Previously in this series: Quinyon Mitchell / Cooper DeJean / Jalyx Hunt / Will Shipley / Ainias Smith / Jeremiah Trotter Jr. / Trevor Keegan / Johnny Wilson
RAS
The Eagles seem to have targeted some exceptional athletes this year, don’t they?!
Strengths
+ Demonstrates outstanding athleticism in open spaces. His movements are incredibly fluid, especially when advancing to the second level and in screen plays. Watch how effortlessly he executes in the 2nd clip below.
Although he’s slightly undersized (6’3″, 299 lbs), #NCState IOL Dylan McMahon is quick, physical, and possesses good processing speed. He plays with excellent leverage and can effectively get under the pads of defensive linemen.
However, his lack of length (31 1/4″ arms) and size could make him vulnerable to being overwhelmed by defensive linemen. pic.twitter.com/3HVLdRz78h
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 29, 2024
+ He passed Josh Norris’ offensive lineman athletic test, which holds significant value.
Out of the 6 offensive lineman prospects who clocked a 4.47 shuttle at the Combine, 5 were drafted this weekend.
These include Dominick Puni (49ers, 3rd round), Jarrett Kingston (49ers, 6th round), Tanor Bortolini (Colts, 4th round), Dylan McMahon (Eagles, 6th round), and Mason McCormick (Steelers, 4th round).
Teams, especially the 49ers, took notice! ️— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 28, 2024
To learn more about this data, watch this video –
+ Displays explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and quickness in short distances, enabling him to reach challenging reach blocks efficiently.
.@PackFootball OC Dylan McMahon, despite not gaining much attention on Twitter during the draft cycle, boasts a stellar career record. He has been a consistent four-year starter along the NC State offensive line, playing at right guard, left guard, and center positions throughout his college tenure.
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 11, 2024
+ Displays keen awareness of stunts and twists in pass protection.
+ Has significant experience, serving as a four-year starter at NC State. Demonstrates solid fundamentals and impressed at the Shrine Bowl.
The West roster showcases some excellent center options in the draft, including Dylan McMahon.
Here’s a glimpse of his solid anchor play that almost led to a potential INT-saving effort by the QB. pic.twitter.com/ja7RhFYKm1
— Blaine Grisak (@bgrisakTST) January 29, 2024
+ Demonstrates extreme versatility in college with 40% of snaps at right guard, 33% at center, and 26% at left guard.
Weaknesses
– Personally, I believe he lacks the strength, size, or arm length required to excel as a guard at the next level, despite his college experience in the position. He is likely better suited to play center exclusively in the NFL.
– Struggles to move defenders in the run game due to insufficient strength.
– May have difficulty holding up one-on-one against larger defensive tackles, especially in anchoring against them.
– Tends to get grabby when beaten at the snap, resulting in penalties. Was penalized 6 times last season.
Overall
In summary, McMahon is a highly athletic center who thrives in open spaces but saw his draft stock fall due to his undersized stature and lack of strength to overpower defensive tackles in the run game or provide sturdy pass protection against stronger opponents. Does this scouting report sound familiar to you?
The above excerpt was taken from NFL.com in 2011 and pertained to a 6th round center named Jason Kelce. Despite initial doubts, Kelce went on to have a successful career. Notably, Kelce was selected at pick No. 191 in the sixth round, while McMahon was picked at No. 190 in the same round, thirteen years later.
While the chances of McMahon replicating Kelce’s success are slim, it is remarkable how similar their scouting reports are. Kelce managed to enhance his explosiveness while gaining weight, although he did struggle with pass protection against bigger defensive tackles early on in his career. It is evident that the Eagles, under Jeff Stoutland, have a preference for a specific type of center, and McMahon fits that mold perfectly. I anticipate he will be relegated to center exclusively in the NFL, backing up Cam Jurgens. With further development in strength, McMahon has the potential to serve as a capable backup center and contribute to the team’s offensive schemes effectively.
McMahon’s skill set aligns well with the Eagles’ offensive scheme, particularly in executing creative runs that rely on the center’s success in space. Given his compatibility with the team’s system, I am eager to witness his performance in the preseason after benefiting from Stoutland’s tutelage.
Thank you for taking the time to read this! If you wish to hear more from me, following the conclusion of BGN Radio, Shane and I transitioned the podcast to a network, which you can find here. I named it after my favorite Eagles run play! Feel free to check it out and listen to my British accent. Your support through Patreon would be greatly appreciated as well. Thank you!
