First Round (Pick 20)
Alabama safety Landon Collins’ name is showing up often at this spot (including my own March mock)But the closer we get to the draft the less likely Collins seems to be a scheme fit for a team that increasingly talks about ranking players team-specifically. If a defensive back is the pick, it could be all-world combine performer UConn’s Byron Jones, Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson, or LSU’s Jalen Collins, all cornerbacks, though Jones has experience at safety. At wide receiver, Central Florida’s Breshad Perriman, Arizona State’s Jaelen Strong, USC’s Nelson Agholor and Miami’s Philip Dorsett are the players the Eagles have met with who would merit consideration in the first.If Louisville’s Devante Parker starts to slide he could be a target here as well. The Eagles’ player visits could be interpretedto inferthatthey’ll be looking offensive line in the early rounds.While the list of players that visited is full of day two and day three projections at wide receiver, and defensive back, it’s slimmer in mid-to-late round offensive line talent. If that’s the case, another LSU Collins, offensive tackle La’el could be the first round pick.
Second Round (Pick 52)
This round should be dictated by what happens above.If the Eagles get a defensive back in the first, they can look receiver here, and vice versa.
If they still need to help the offensive line, Oregon tackle Jake Fisher might still be on the board and fits the athletic mold the Eagles have established up front.Penn State tackle Donovan Smith is an ascending player at the moment who the Eagles may have to take here if they want him. At receiver, Agholor may still be available, or Ohio State’s Devin Smith.One of the talented receivers will probably be falling, but if they’ll fit what the Eagles want is anyone’s guess. Defensively, more options at safety start to open up; the Eagles have paid a lot of attention to Utah’s Eric Rowe.
UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley is a wild card.If the Eagles like what they saw in Hundley and are looking for a qb, he could come into play in any of the first three rounds.
Third Round (Pick 84)
This could be a great spot to nab Georgia wide receiver Chris Conley.Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett is another receiver to look at. Donovan Smith could still be on the board here, as could Rowe or Arizona State safety Damarious Randall. Hobart guard Ali Marpet performed well at the combine and Senior Bowl, and this may be the spot to take him.His athleticism at the combine was right on par with Fisher’s.
Fourth Round (Pick 113)
Penn State safety Adrian Amos is a great scheme fit at a position of need for the Eagles.He has the cover skills they’re looking for at the position.In a thin safety class, he may be rising above this round. Fifth through Seventh (Picks 145, 156, 195, and 237)
At this point, it’s less about looking at where players are predicted to go and making sure you get guys you like.
Marshall corner Darryl Roberts could be a great find.Kansas State corner Randall Evans is another player the Eagles hosted with a late round grade.Utah tackle Jeremiah Poutasi and Oregon State edge rusher Obum Gwacham are other names to keep an eye on.And, for all the Oregon Duck fans out there, linebacker Tony Washington could go off the board in these rounds. A draft to be happy with:
Round 1, Pick 20 – Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
Round 2, Pick 52 – Jake Fisher, T, Oregon
Round 3, Pick 84 – Chris Conley, WR, Georgia
Round 4, Pick 113 – Adrian Amos, S, Penn State
Round 5, Pick 145 – Jeremiah Poutasi, T, Utah
Round 5, Pick 156 – Josh Shaw, CB, USC
Round 6, Pick 195 – Darryl Roberts, CB, Marshall
Round 7, Pick 237 – Obum Gwacham, OLB, Oregon State
Eagles seven-round NFL mock draft: Which need will the Birds fill first?
