The Eagles’ 2026 Local Pro Day: Scouting Penn State Talent
The Philadelphia Eagles are utilizing their 2026 local pro day to evaluate top-tier prospects from colleges within a 50-mile radius. On Wednesday, April 15, the team hosted a targeted event at the Jefferson Health Training Complex, featuring three standout players from Penn State: running back Nick Singleton, offensive tackle Drew Shelton, and center Nick Dawkins.
Local pro days provide teams a streamlined way to assess athletic traits and fit before the NFL Draft. For the Eagles, this event highlights a continuing interest in the Penn State pipeline, a connection already solidified by the presence of star running back Saquon Barkley.
The Penn State Trio: Who’s Visiting the Jefferson Health Training Complex?
The three attendees bring different profiles to the table, ranging from record-breaking offensive production to raw athletic potential on the offensive line.
Nick Singleton: A Record-Breaking Back
Nick Singleton enters the professional conversation with a storied collegiate career, having rushed for a school-record 45 touchdowns at Penn State. While the Eagles aren’t currently facing an immediate vacancy in their backfield, Singleton has expressed a strong desire to stay in the region and play alongside Saquon Barkley.
Drew Shelton: Athleticism at Tackle
Projected as a Day 3 selection, Drew Shelton is an athletic left tackle who started two full seasons at Penn State. His background in basketball contributes to his natural fluidity as a move blocker and his ability to handle edge rushers with efficient pass slides. While Shelton excels in outside zone schemes due to his athleticism, scouting reports indicate he needs to improve his play strength to better sustain blocks and hold a firm anchor against powerhouse pass rushers.
Nick Dawkins: Anchoring the Line
Nick Dawkins, a redshirt senior+, provides the Eagles an opportunity to evaluate interior line depth. Dawkins established himself as a first-time starting center in 2024, anchoring one of the most highly-regarded offensive lines in the country.
Strategic Fit: Assessing the Eagles’ Current Roster
The Eagles’ interest in these prospects must be weighed against their current depth chart. The team’s backfield is already crowded, featuring 2024 Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, and the recently-signed Dameon Pierce.
Though, the interest in Drew Shelton suggests a different priority: swing tackle depth. Adding a versatile, athletic tackle like Shelton could provide the Eagles with necessary insurance and flexibility on the offensive line.
Key Takeaways
- Event Location: Jefferson Health Training Complex.
- Penn State Attendees: Nick Singleton (RB), Drew Shelton (OT), and Nick Dawkins (C).
- Singleton’s Pedigree: Holds the Penn State school record with 45 career rushing touchdowns.
- Shelton’s Profile: An athletic left tackle likely to be a Day 3 pick; strong fit for outside zone schemes.
- Dawkins’ Experience: A redshirt senior+ who served as a starting center in 2024.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Eagles’ decision to host these local standouts demonstrates a commitment to thorough scouting. Whether these players eventually join the roster in Philadelphia remains to be seen, but the local pro day ensures the team has a first-hand look at the best talent in their own backyard.