The Philadelphia Eagles added to their offensive line by selecting Trevor Keegan in the 2024 NFL Draft. In order to learn even more about Philly’s new guard, I reached out to SB Nation’s Michigan blog: Maize N Brew. Wolverines writer Trevor Woods was kind enough to answer my questions.
1) Can you recap his college career?
Keegan came to Michigan as a four-star recruit and the No. 1 player in Illinois for the class of 2019. It wasn’t until 2021, Keegan’s third year at Michigan, that he really started to come into his own, making 11 starts and being part of a Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line. Keegan followed that up in 2022 with a season that earned him All-Big Ten honors, including first-team by the coaches. Keegan was once again part of Michigan’s Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line in 2022. Keegan would go on to start in all 15 games during Michigan’s undefeated national championship season in 2023. Not only did Keegan receive a ton of experience at Michigan including 37 starts, he became a key leader in Michigan’s locker room and was named a team captain in 2023.
2) What are his strengths?
Technically sound. Keeps a wide base. Leadership, football smarts, great communication, and relentlessness are a few traits that Keegan exhibits. His conditioning was top-notch, he was a well-rounded lineman, and was above-average in pass protection and run blocking. He is tenacious, he plays with an edge, and he’s the type of lineman who seems like a natural fit with the Eagles and someone who will gel well with the other linemen.
3) What are his weaknesses?
His overall quickness and footwork can improve. Can’t be expected to pull and be a lead blocker because of average speed for the position. Strength against NFL defensive lineman is up for debate, which is why he was a late-round selection.
4) Are you surprised where he was drafted? Higher or lower than expected? Just right?
It was just right in my opinion and I expected him to go late. Keegan’s going to be 24 by the time the season starts, and sometimes players get penalized for being a couple of years older than most players in the draft, even if they are versatile and have a lot of good tape.
5) How do you see his NFL career playing out?
It doesn’t matter where you’re drafted, it’s all about who drafts you, and the Eagles are a perfect landing spot. Philadelphia is as good as any team in the league at developing offensive linemen. Keegan took reps at both guard and center at the Senior Bowl and I’ll be interested to see what position he’ll ultimately play in the NFL. However, the fact that he’s now with the Eagles has me believing he could have a long NFL career and potentially be one of the steals in the late rounds of the 2024 draft.
6) Anything to know about him off the field?
As previously noted, Keegan was a captain for the team in 2023, but his leadership extended far beyond the gridiron. He and fellow Michigan lineman Zak Zinter both raised funds for the Chad Tough Defeat DIPG Foundation and Hav a Sole Sneaker Donations. Here’s the link: Let’s Go Zak (hailimpact.org)