NFL Draft 2013: A Roundup of Eagles Predictions

The draft is upon us. Day One of the draft, that is. The whole shebang ends in November, I think. Here, from assorted NFL swamis, predictions of whom the Eagles will pick at #4.

Bleacher Report: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: “The Eagles need to add young, explosive talent if they want to get back to the top of the NFC East. Jones has the speed and power to come off the edge as a pass-rusher or drop back in coverage to disrupt passes.”

ESPN: Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: “He can play defensive end or even nose tackle in 3-4 sets, and I think he can play on the line even when they use 4-3 looks. That’s why I figure he’d appeal to Chip Kelly, and since we’re all just guessing what Kelly will do anyway, why not? I think he’s a better fit for the Eagles than Sharrif Floyd, who was still on the board.” (Ed: Please pick this guy, for his name alone.)

Daily News/Inquirer: 4 beat guys from both papers all think the Birds will choose Eric Taylor, OT, Central Michigan. Posited Inky writer Jeff McLane: “The Eagles will take that the best available player on the board and that will be Central Michigan tackle Eric Fisher. That being said, I don’t think Fisher will be there on Thursday. If that is the case, the Eagles will do whatever it takes to trade down. If they can’t find a partner I think they’ll take Oklahoma T Lane Johnson.”

Fox Sports: Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon: “Four new defensive backs — Bradley Fletcher, Cary Williams, Patrick Chung and Kenny Phillips — should be in the starting lineup. With those additions, I don’t see the Eagles going with Dee Milliner, the cornerback out of Alabama. Dion Jordan, a fantastic athlete who played for Chip Kelly at Oregon, could be the guy here.”

Sporting News: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: We’re sticking with the stance that Chip Kelly isn’t really sold on any of his current Eagles quarterbacks, whether it’s Michael Vick, Nick Foles or old Oregon pupil Dennis Dixon. Kelly can go in many directions with his first Philly draft, but he should want to start with a hand-picked passing prospect.

For around-the-clock coverage as draft day progresses, head over to Birds 24/7.