The Philadelphia Eagles are already evaluating potential replacements for retired All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson, and one of college football's fastest-rising offensive line prospects will be under the microscope Saturday.
According to NBC Sports Philadelphia NFL draft analyst Ryan Fowler, Philadelphia will have representatives in attendance for No. 9 BYU's matchup against No. 3 Utah, with offensive tackle Zereoue Williams among the primary prospects drawing attention.
Williams, a 6-foot-8, 305-pound offensive tackle, has emerged as a potential first-round selection in the 2027 NFL draft. Fowler reports that some NFL teams have given him early first-round grades, with Williams potentially challenging LSU's Jordan Seaton for the first offensive tackle selection next
April.
The scouting trip comes as Philadelphia attempts to establish its long-term future along an offensive line that has undergone significant changes this season.
Who is Utah offensive tackle Zereoue Williams?
Williams is a fifth-year offensive lineman from Phoenix who has developed into one of Utah's most intriguing NFL prospects after spending much of his college career in a reserve role.
The former Mountain Pointe High School standout started Utah's first eight games at left tackle this season, emerging as a dependable pass protector for one of college football's top teams.
According to Utah's official player biography, Williams entered Week 9 with a 90.9 offensive grade from Pro Football Network, ranking fifth among FBS left tackles.
His development has been particularly impressive considering he played just 156 offensive snaps during the 2025 season, including 101 run-blocking opportunities.
Williams combines exceptional length with movement skills developed during his basketball background. He earned second-team all-state honors in basketball as a high school senior before establishing himself as a college offensive lineman.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler has also highlighted Williams among the offensive line prospects attracting attention ahead of the 2027 draft.
Why Zereoue Williams makes sense for Eagles
Philadelphia's interest in offensive tackle prospects is understandable following Johnson's retirement, which created a significant opening on the right side of the offensive line.
The Eagles have turned to rookie Markel Bell at right tackle, while Jordan Mailata remains one of the NFL's better blindside protectors.
However, Philadelphia must continue evaluating potential long-term solutions at one of football's most important positions.
Williams has primarily played left tackle at Utah, but his 6-foot-8 frame, athletic ability and pass-protection potential make him an intriguing developmental option. NFL teams will need to determine whether he can transition to right tackle or if his best long-term fit remains on the left side.
The Eagles have struggled with pass protection throughout their 2-6 start, allowing 23 sacks through eight games while averaging just 265.3 total yards per contest.
Adding another premium offensive tackle prospect would provide depth, competition and a potential long-term starter for an offense undergoing significant changes.
Eagles evaluating potential first-round talent
Williams' rise has placed him in the conversation with Seaton and other offensive tackles projected to receive early consideration in the 2027 draft.
His performance against BYU provides another opportunity for scouts to evaluate his pass protection, footwork, recovery ability and effectiveness against high-level competition.
Utah enters Saturday's rivalry matchup undefeated at 8-0, while BYU is 7-1. Both teams are ranked inside the top 10 of the College Football Playoff rankings, giving NFL evaluators an opportunity to study prospects in one of the weekend's biggest college football games.
Philadelphia's presence doesn't necessarily mean Williams will become a primary draft target, but the scouting trip underscores the importance of rebuilding depth and identifying future starters along the offensive line.
With Johnson retired and the Eagles facing uncertainty at several positions, Williams could become a name worth monitoring as the organization begins preparing for the 2027 NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles send scouts to Utah-BYU matchup to evaluate top offensive tackle
