Mock Draft Roundup: Post-Combine Edition
Paxton Lynch. (USA Today Sports)
As you’d expect, many draft analysts updated their mock selections after the NFL Combine. Here’s the latest on who the Eagles may take in the first round with the No. 13 pick.
Rob Rang of CBS Sports thinks the Eagles will draft Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch.
Executive vice president Howie Roseman said last week that the Eagles would like to keep incumbent starter Sam Bradford and there have been reports that new head coach Doug Pederson is high on free agent Chase Daniel, who he coached in Kansas City the past three seasons. Should the Eagles address the position with a veteran, help along the line of scrimmage could be the top priority. Until that occurs, however, it is easy to imagine Pederson falling for Lynch’s exciting upside.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller also believes Lynch will be the guy.
The hype on Lynch has cooled a little, but he’s still in play as a mid-first-round pick. With a big frame (6’6 ⅝”, 244 lbs) and a strong right arm to match above-level athleticism and escapability, Lynch is a natural fit in Pederson’s offense.
Given his quick-strike accuracy, and the fact his biggest struggles came against pressure on longer dropbacks, working in an offense that lets him move in the pocket and attack on underneath routes is ideal for his development.
Lynch isn’t a Week 1-type starter, and he’s not on par with 2015 first-rounders Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota, but he’s a value in the middle of the first round.
ESPN’s Todd McShay ($) anticipates the Eagles selecting Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin.
This would be an ideal situation for Conklin. Based on the tape I’ve watched, he has the skill set of a right tackle. But his athletic testing at the combine — 5.0-second 40-yard dash, 7.63 three-cone and 4.57 short shuttle — and his long arms (35 inches) suggest he could potentially be a left tackle someday. If he went to Philly, Conklin wouldn’t be pressured to protect the QB’s blind side from day one, given that the Eagles just signed Lane Johnson to an extension.
The MMQB’s Robert Mays concurs with the Conklin pick.
Jason Peters’ age (34) and concerns about his ability to stay healthy mean considering a tackle here isn’t crazy. Conklin moved around well at the combine, and even if he sits in 2016, he and Lane Johnson would give Doug Pederson’s offense a pair of young, athletic tackles.
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks makes it three for Conklin.
Jason Peters’ age and injury history could prompt the Eagles to spend a top pick on a young offensive tackle with the footwork and lateral quickness to snuff out pass rushers on the edges.
Eric Galko of the Sporting News projects the Eagles will take a different offensive tackle: Indiana’s Jason Spriggs.
With offensive line being their biggest need and No. 13 being too high to draft a guard, the Eagles must find an athletic tackle who’s shown kick side ability on the interior. That way he can play guard as they determine how much longer Jason Peters can man the left side. Spriggs is a four-year starter at left tackle, but he’s an impressive athlete in the mold of Lane Johnson. Bookending the quarterback with those two is an exciting proposition.
NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah sees Philadelphia picking Baylor receiver Corey Coleman.
The Eagles need more explosiveness at the WR spot and Coleman is a big-play machine.
Nate Davis of USA Today Sports projects the Eagles drafting Alabama defensive tackle Jarran Reed.
He could form a nice inside tandem with Fletcher Cox for a team reverting to a four-man defensive front under new coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus says Philadelphia will select Houston cornerback William Jackson III.
The first-round hype will continue for Jackson, who was a PFF favorite well before he ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at 6-feet tall at the combine. His size and movement skills project him as a future No. 1 corner, even though there may be some growing pains along the way. In a division with Dez Bryant and Odell Beckham, a 6-foot corner with speed and the No. 3 coverage grade in college football last season makes for a good fit.