SUPERLATIVES: Vic Fangio ALL IN on Treydan Stukes as the Reed Blankenship replacement?

Locked On Eagles - Daily Podcast On The Philadelphia Eagles29mApril 21, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this Tuesday edition of the Locked On Eagles podcast, host Louis DiBiase wraps up the team's superlatives series ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on safety and edge rusher positions. With the Eagles holding four picks in the top 100, the discussion centers on whether they’ll prioritize defense despite their strong defensive core. The host argues that while offensive needs are pressing due to upcoming contract changes, the depth at safety and edge rusher in this draft class makes it likely the Eagles will select at least one defensive player early. He highlights Ohio State’s Caleb Downs as the highest floor safety, but believes Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren has the highest ceiling. For scheme fit, Arizona’s Trayden Stooks is seen as Vic Fangio’s ideal pick. On the edge, David Bailey is called the king of the hill, but Reuben Bain is the floor lock. Malachi Lawrence from UCF is deemed the highest ceiling edge rusher, with R. Mason Thomas from Oklahoma praised as the best scheme fit. The episode also touches on defensive tackle, with Zane Durant and Caleb Proctor emerging as top targets for a future pass-rushing specialist. The show concludes with a call to action for listeners to join the Everydayer Club and tune in for live draft coverage.

Key Takeaways
1

The Eagles are likely to draft at least one defensive player in the first three rounds despite strong existing depth.

2

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is considered the highest-ceiling safety, while Dylan Fienneman has the highest floor.

3

Vic Fangio’s ideal scheme fit at safety is Trayden Stooks, and at edge rusher, it’s R. Mason Thomas.

4

Malachi Lawrence from UCF is the top ceiling edge rusher, with potential to be a modern-day Josh Sweat.

5

For defensive tackle, Zane Durant and Caleb Proctor are the top targets for a future pass-rushing specialist.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Welcome & Club Announcement

Host Louis DiBiase welcomes listeners to the Locked On Eagles podcast and promotes the Everydayer Club, an ad-free subscription service with exclusive fan access.

1:56
3 min

Draft Preview & Defensive Outlook

DiBiase outlines the Eagles' draft strategy, emphasizing the need to balance the roster financially after major offensive changes and upcoming contract extensions.

5:01
5 min

Safety Superlatives: King of the Hill & Ceiling

If you told me one of these players that flashes an elite ceiling ends up meeting that potential, I do personally believe it's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

Highlight
10:01
5 min

Scheme Fit & Hidden Gems at Safety

DiBiase discusses Trayden Stooks as the ideal second- or third-round pick for the Eagles’ defensive scheme, and praises Kansas State’s V.J. Payne as a diamond in the rough.

15:01
5 min

Edge Rusher Superlatives: King & Floor

David Bailey is named the king of the hill for edge rushers, while Reuben Bain is the highest floor pick due to his consistent production and motor.

High-Impact Quotes
I think Malachi Lawrence would round out this edge group really well. If you add Lawrence to that rotation with Nolan Smith, Jay Lux Hunt and Arnold Ibikiti, I think you're cooking.
Louis DiBiase18:07
Viral: 88.0
If you told me one of these players that flashes an elite ceiling ends up meeting that potential, I do personally believe it's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
Louis DiBiase6:45
Viral: 85.0
I think Caleb Proctor could be a bust for sure. He has a really low floor. But when it comes to just highest ceiling, if you told me anybody in this class becomes an absolute star, I actually think it might be Caleb Proctor.
Louis DiBiase28:39
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Louis DiBiase
Topics Discussed
Vic Fangio's Defensive Scheme92%2026 NFL Draft Strategy90%Edge Rusher Position Evaluation88%Safety Position Evaluation85%Player Ceiling vs Floor80%Draft Day Two & Three Targets78%Defensive Tackle Needs75%Team Financial Planning70%
People & Brands

Philadelphia Eagles

other

25xPositive

Louis DiBiase

person

12xNeutral

Vic Fangio

person

10xPositive

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

person

8xPositive

Dylan Fienneman

person

7xPositive

Jordan Davis

person

7xPositive

Caleb Downs

person

6xPositive

Malachi Lawrence

person

6xPositive

Jalen Carter

person

6xPositive

Reuben Bain

person

5xMixed

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