Philadelphia Eagles Combine Preview: Top Sleepers to Watch

The NFL Scouting Combine is just around the corner, set to begin February 22. Who will the Philadelphia Eagles target in the combine? 

Many draft stocks are made and broken in the combine. Dontari Poe's draft stock shot way up, and Manti Te'o's stock plummeted. That may seem unfair, but in the NFL, drafting is all about potential, and athleticism means a higher ceiling.

With that in mind, here are three players the Eagles will likely have their eyes on, due to their current team needs.

1. Justin Ellis, NT (Louisiana Tech)

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Bennie Logan has played well when named the starter at nose tackle, but he is still not an every-down player. It could be worth a high draft pick to secure a premier player at the position.

Justin Ellis is a player who is raw but has a tremendous amount of potential. Weighing 342 pounds, Ellis also has a great deal of agility for his size. A strong combine performance, notably the 40-yard dash, would possibly make him worthy of as high as a second-round pick.

2. Loucheiz Purifoy, CB (Florida)

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Loucheiz Purifoy is another player who is raw but has an incredible amount of potential. His footwork and technique is not quite there, but he is a phenomenal athlete.

If he can show it at the combine, as well as show improvement in his technique at positional drills, Purifoy would make for an intriguing prospect. Especially considering that he is a good-sized player, standing at 6'0" and 190 pounds.

3. Caraun Reid, DT (Princeton)

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Caraun Reid comes from a smaller program, but the Ivy Leaguer impressed at the Senior Bowl with a dominant performance. Reid has a quick first step and a very powerful bull rush.

And if he can showcase his athleticism more at the combine, Reid could shoot up draft boards. According to CBS Sports, Reid is projected to run a 4.88 40-yard dash time. An athlete like him is rare and could be greatly useful as a defensive end in the team's 3-4 system.