As the 2017 NFL Draft approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles have one priority, adding a difference maker in round 1. Although the WR and CB positions have been the subject of conversation in the city of brotherly love, the Eagles currently have multiple needs. One could take any spot on the field (Aside from QB and Safety), and have a real argument, as to why the Eagles need to add there. Currently, the Eagles sit at either 14/15, in this coming Draft, and are in prime real-estate to land a day-one stud.
As luck would have it, the two biggest and most argued needs for the Birds’ happen to be a deep position. So they can afford to take the best player available when their name is on the clock. The question is, who is that player going to be? Here are a list of potential stars that could still be on the board when the Eagles are ready to pick.
Dalvin Cook (RB) Florida State:
The 5’11, 215 pound, play-maker is electric and could easily be considered the best skill position player in this years draft. The 2-time All-American has the perfect combination of speed, vision and underrated strength that make him a real threat anytime he touches the ball. His thick base and strong core make it possible for him to run between the tackles, while his break away speed separates him from defenders in a blink, both on the ground and in the passing game. In his career, he has 4,454 rushing yards on 687 attempts and 46 touchdowns. Add his 79 receptions for 935 yards and 2 touchdowns and you can see why Cook makes for the perfect weapon, to add to the Eagles offense.
Mike Williams (WR) Clemson:
Probably one of the most talked about prospects amongst Eagles fans, Williams stands at 6’4, 225 pounds. Williams is a potential problem for any opposing defense in the future. With the size to be a true red-zone threat and the speed to takeover from anywhere on the field, Williams should be considered a top-5 pick. Although, the girth of talent in this years Draft makes it a real possibility for him to land within striking distance for Philadelphia. Williams had a career 177 receptions for 2,727 yards, 21 touchdowns and an average of 15.4 yards a catch, despite missing all of the 2015 season (Neck Injury). He has great hands, is a great route-runner and wins his contested passes more often than not. With the question marks surrounding the Eagles receiver position, Williams would be a giant step forward.
Rueben Foster (LB) Alabama:
With the athleticism to play sideline-to-sideline and great coverage ability, Foster is a true 3-down linebacker. Although his strength comes in the run-game, where he is a hammer on any one with a ball. The All-American was tabbed as a leader, by head coach Nick Saban and his teammates. At 6’1, 245 pounds, Foster has the size to be a strong MLB in the Eagles defense, which would give Jordan Hicks the opportunity to use his skill set on the outside, where he is best suited to play. Foster is a four core special teams player, to go along with his 211 career tackles and 23 sacks. Needless to say, if he is sitting there when the Eagles pick, they need to give him a long hard look.
Leonard Fournette (RB) LSU:
The New Orleans native stands at 6’1, 235 pounds and uses every bit of his thick frame correctly. He has the strength to dominate between the tackles, and give opposing front sevens headaches. He also has the natural speed to get to the outside, and pull away for long gains. He’s extremely dangerous at the second level, and great balance to defenders off of him. Although his physical style of play has lead to injury in the past, the prospect of Fournette standing next to Wentz is one of intrigue. In his career he has 616 attempts for 3,830 yard and 40 touchdowns on the ground, while amassing 41 receptions and 526 yards through the air..proving he could be a true 3-down back.
Jalen Tabor (CB) Florida:
“Teez” has been a true shut down corner throughout his college journey. With 104 tackles, 11 sacks, 8 interceptions and 3 touchdowns, in his career, Tabor has proven to be a difference maker for the future. A willing tackler in the run and great in both man and zone coverage, he is a prospect the Eagles could get a lot out of from day one. At 6’0, 200 pounds, he possesses both the size and talent that has NFL scouts raving about this young man. He looks like a number 1 corner, something the Eagles could use to help their dominant front seven.
Corey Davis (WR) Western Michigan:
The argument up to now has been, should the Eagles draft a CB or WR in round 1. Well, if the Eagles decide on the latter, Corey Davis should be at the top of their list. Arguably the best route runner in the entire Draft, Davis can play both inside and out effectively. He is a big body Receiver (6’3, 215 pounds) and has the pure speed to separate in coverage. In 49 games he has 325 receptions, 5,205 Yards and 51 Touchdowns, averaging 16 yards a catch. Davis has the potential to become a number one receiver and has the strong hands, catch radius, and high point ability to dominate on any level. With Franchise QB Carson Wentz going into his second year, the Eagles would be right by surrounding him with great talent and Davis does more than fit the bill.
Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
