Eagles Draft Buzz Thread: 4/13


Glenn Andrews / USA TODAY Sports

Glenn Andrews / USA TODAY Sports

Between now and the draft, we’ll have daily threads with the latest mocks, buzz and relevant links. Check back throughout the day for updates.

4:42 p.m.: Non-draft note: The Eagles announced that Cedric Thornton signed his one-year tender, which is reportedly worth right around $2.5 million.

2:58 p.m.: Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com has the Eagles taking UConn CB Byron Jones:

Jones was the breakaway star of the Combine, setting a record 12-foot-3 inch standing broad jump, but he’s not just a raw athlete. He can play. He missed a few games last season with a shoulder injury, but is healthy now. Chip Kelly loves his athletes.

11:24 a.m.: Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has Nebraska edge defender Randy Gregory falling all the way to the Eagles at No. 20 in his mock draft.

9:34 a.m.: Mark Eckel of NJ.com reports that a potential Sam Bradford trade with the Browns could be complicated by the fact that Bradford wouldn’t consider signing an extension with Cleveland:

Not because Cleveland doesn’t still want the former No. 1 overall pick, but because he doesn’t want the Browns.

“Bradford’s agent (Tom Condon) has told Cleveland he won’t even listen on a contract extension,” the person said. “He won’t even listen, period. And I don’t think Cleveland will make a deal without the extension.”

8:40 a.m.: Non-draft, but Ben Volin of the Boston Globe is hearing that the Steelers, not the Eagles, are the most likely option to play in New England on Thursday night in Week 1.

8:37 a.m.: Both these guys make sense for the Eagles.

8:30 a.m.: David Climer of the Tennessean does not think the Titans are taking Marcus Mariota at No. 2.

The other quarterback options are just that: options. And the Titans aren’t inclined to exercise those options. For all their posturing, which includes hanging out at Mariota’s pro day and bringing Winston to the facility this week, I’m just not buying that the Titans will draft a quarterback at No. 2.

8:25 a.m.: Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com has the Eagles going with UConn CB Byron Jones.

Connecting the pro day dots, Chip Kelly has paid close attention to big, athletic defensive back prospects this spring. Eric Rowe is in the conversation, but Jones is the better fit and should surprise no one if he’s drafted this high.

Brugler has Mariota falling to the Jets at No. 6. 8:20 a.m.: Rob Rang of CBSSports.com also has the Eagles going with  Jones.

Chip Kelly has continued to travel across the country to watch cornerbacks even after his Eagles signed free agent Byron Maxwell to a massive deal. Jones’ stock continues to rise after terrific workouts at the Combine and his Pro Day.

Rang has Mariota going to the Jets at No. 6. 8:16 a.m.: Josh Norris of Rotoworld mocks Oregon offensive lineman Jake Fisher to the Eagles at No. 20.

Moving beyond the Oregon connection, Fisher fits the Eagles’ profile for offensive linemen – athletic. Fisher has experience at guard and both tackle spots. Visit reports are still coming in, but as Jimmy Kempski previously noted, 6 of the 7 Eagles picks last year visited Philadelphia prior to the draft. And the 7th, Josh Huff, played under Chip Kelly at Oregon. Something to watch. Fisher is also a senior, which has been an Eagles’ trend.

Norris has the Cleveland Browns trading up to No. 3 to take Mariota. 8:05 a.m.: He doesn’t have the size the Eagles covet, but probably worth keeping an eye on nonetheless.