Eagles Mock Draft Round-Up



Less than two weeks away. Here’s how some of the draftniks see it:

The guys over at Walter Football now have six rounds mocked. (This is what happens when you push the draft back a couple weeks).  They have the Eagles going with Virginia Tech corner Kyle Fuller in the first round.

I’ve had the Eagles picking a receiver here for the past five mock updates, but it’s time for a change. Philadelphia wants a big, fast receiver like Mike Evans, but it’ll cost too much to move up for him. Kelvin Benjamin is the next option, but he’s a bit of a reach here at No. 22. Thus, the Eagles might address another position and then go after someone like Martavis Bryant or Donte Moncrief on Day 2.

The best player available who fits a need is Kyle Fuller. The Eagles don’t have a No. 1 corner, and Fuller could develop into one. Fuller also fits what Chip Kelly looks for in his defensive players.

Bryant is their selection in the second.

Draftek.com says that it uses a computer model to simulate a complete seven-round draft. They have Odell Beckham Jr. as the pick at 22 and Virginia Tech outside linebacker James Gayle (6-4, 259) at 54.

The Eagles need to upgrade their pass rush, both for their average attack as well as their future depth. Cole surprised with his performance last year but he’s fighting a fight (age) that he can’t win. Barwin and Graham were average (6 sacks, 11 QB hits, 49 hurries, 7 broken passes, 59 tackles combined) with the latter reportedly being shopped in at least one trade. Gayle’s a solid choice but the Eagles may be hoping Georgia Tech’s Attaochu drops.

Ron Burke of CSN thinks the Eagles can snag safety Jimmie Ward in the third round.

If it’s a solid football player you want, then Ward fits that description, albeit in a smaller-than-ideal package for the safety position. He is a safety trapped in a cornerback’s body, yet his aggressive style of play rivals that of any player in this class. Ward does not shy away from contact; in fact he seeks it. He plays the game at full speed and is a determined tackler. He could contribute at both safety spots and would be an intriguing choice as a slot corner in certain packages. Ward had seven interceptions in 2013. He often was used to blitz off the edge. A fracture in his foot kept him for working fully at the combine, but he responded with an impressive pro day before scheduled surgery.

Pat Kirwan has the Eagles taking Beckham.

 Beckham is a very solid citizen and a polished receiver. If the Eagles decide to hold off on receiver and go defense there are a number of solid defenders left on the board. The Eagles reportedly tried to trade for Dion Jordan last year and that should indicate their desire for defensive help at pass rusher.

Will Brinson of CBS thinks the selection will be Oregon State receiver Brandin Cooks. 

 The speedy replacement Chip Kelly needs for DeSean Jackson. He’s not a 1:1 swap but he’s cheaper and won’t be a(n alleged) problem in the locker room.

Mel Kiper has Anthony Barr as the 22nd ranked prospect in this draft.

Has dropped some because the instincts don’t match the production, but hey, it’s a lot of production.