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Eagles draft comparisons: Is Nelson Agholor the next Jeremy Maclin? – Metro US
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Eagles draft comparisons: Is Nelson Agholor the next Jeremy Maclin?

Eagles draft comparisons: Is Nelson Agholor the next Jeremy Maclin?
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Now that the Birds’ 2015 draft class is here, here’s a look at some former Eagles’ draftees who came into the league with similar skill-sets, measurables, and expectations.

This is by no means a road map to a player’s career, but it is fun to envision the heights a rookie might achieve – and stay mindful not to expect too much too fast.

Round 1 (Pick 20)

Nelson Agholor, WR, USC, (6-foot, 198 pounds)

Eagles Comparison: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri, (6-foot-1, 198 poundsRound 1,Pick 19in 2009.)

This one has been bandied about everywhere since draft night.They do have incredibly similar body types — right down to their 9 and a 1/4 inch hand size. Both even had added value leaving college as returners.

It’s not a perfect comparison.Agholor is more polished as a route runner, while Maclin was a more explosive player.

Round 2 (Pick 47)

Eric Rowe, CB, Utah, (6-foot-1, 205 pounds)

Eagles Comparison: Sean Considine, S, Iowa, (6-foot-1, 212 poundsRound 4 Pick 102in 2005)

Rowe played safety for the first three years of his college career, and it’s a former Eagles’ safety he compares well to.

Rowe timed a 4.45 to Considine’s 4.46 in the 40 yard dash, a 3.97 to Considine’s 3.93 20 yard shuttle, and recorded a 39-inch vertical leap compared to Considine’s 37-inch.

Fans will hope we see a bit more of Rowe than we did of Considine, who started 15 games for the Eagles before making way for Quintin Mikell.

Round 3 (Pick 84)

Jordan Hicks, ILB, Texas, (6-foot-1, 236 pounds)

Eagles Comparison: Demeco Ryans, OLB, Alabama, (6-foot-1, 236 pounds,Round 2,Pick 33in 2006)

The Eagles didn’t draft Ryans, but the comparison is still there.Hicks isn’t quite the prospect Ryans was, but he has similar strengths: a love for football and game preparation, and weaknesses: the need for strength to take on blockers.

The measurables are identical: Hicks’ 4.68 forty to Ryans’ 4.65, 4.15 shuttle to Ryans’ 4.18, and 38-inch vertical to Ryans’ 39-inch.

Hicks has an injury history, something Ryans’ has had to work through in the pros. It’s a lot to ask to become the player Ryans is, but Hicks couldn’t ask for a better mentor.

Round 6 (Pick 191)

JaCorey Shepherd, CB, Kansas, (5-foot-11, 199 pounds)

Eagles Comparison: Victor “Macho” Harris, CB, Virginia Tech, (5-foot-11, 187 pounds,Round 5 Pick 157in 2009)

Both spent playing time at wide receiver in college, and it paid off as they were lauded for their ball skills. Both also had questions about their speed.

A hamstring kept Shepherd from doing most drills at his pro day.He did turn in a 4.65 forty, right on par with Harris’ 4.68 in the 2009 combine.

Round 6 (Pick 196)

Randall Evans, CB, Kansas State, (6-foot-0, 190 pounds)

Eagles Comparison: Jack Ikegwuonu, CB, Wisconsin, (6-foot-1, 202 poundsRound 4 Pick 131in 2008)

Both players are aggressive corners unafraid to be physical against the run.Evans had 64 tackles in 2014 while playing the slot.

A two-time first team All-Big Ten selection, Ikegwuonu wound up falling to the fourth round because of injury. He only played one game for the Eagles.

Round 7 (Pick 237)

Brian Mihalik, DE, Boston College, (6-foot-9, 295 pounds)

Eagles Comparison: Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon, (6-foot-6, 281 poundsRound 5 (Pick 141) in 2014)

The first thing you notice here is their size. Mihalik’s pro day suggests he’s a little more athletic than Hart, while Hart was more productive in school. These two will be competing to get on the field and contribute this season.