As the clocks tick down to zero on the 2016 season, the attention of NFL teams are turned towards free-agency and the Draft. By now, we have all made up our mind on what the Eagles need to fix and how they should go about doing it.
Even with free-agency rapidly approaching, we decided to keep our eyes, on the 2017 Draft. Looking over team needs, and assuming the Eagles will address a few of them before the draft kicks off, the Birds could be left with a “best player available” mentality. If that is to be the case, how could the draft potentially shake out for the Eagles?
Round 1: Dalvin Cook, RB, FSU
By now, you have all read about Cook, and his amazing ability with the ball in his hands. This selection would not only add a true workhorse in the backfield, but would create a mismatch in the passing game, as Cook offers a some of the best hands in this years Draft. Imagining Cook, lining up behind QB Carson Wentz, makes for a great dynamic. Darren Sproles has stated his intentions to call it a career at the end of next season and the future of Ryan Mathews is anything but certain. Having a rookie who can be just as effective in the passing game as Sproles and as powerful in the run as Mathews, would go a long way in strengthening the Offense.
Round 2: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
If White went somewhere in the first round, you shouldn’t be surprised, White has the size, speed, and all-around talent to compete for a starting job right away. Luckily, in this Mock he falls to the Birds’ in the 2nd round. With the pick of White, the Eagles get a player who is not only the best player on the board, but also fills a dire need. Being able to play in both, zone and man coverage, his aggressive style of play makes him a perfect fit for a Jim Schwartz defense.
Round 3: Zay Jones, WR, ECU
Even with him falling to the 3rd round, Jones might have the best catch-radius of any receiver prospect this year. His perfect mix of strength, speed, and size make for a perfect fit for the Eagles offense. Jones has the skill set to come in on day one and compete for playing time and possibly one day, become a true, number 1 at the NFL level. Not only does he separate well, he runs great routes and has the hands to catch everything. Needless to say, He would fit right in, while filling possibly the biggest need for the Eagles and giving Wentz a true weapon to grow with in his career.
Round 4: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
The draft is saturated with NFL talent at the Corner position and this mock sees the Eagles land themselves another future playmaker In Moreau. With great size and speed, Moreau has all the intangibles to be a great player one day. A willing tackler and very physical with WR’s, you can see how he would fit the Schwartz system. Don’t be fooled by the round however. Landing with the Eagles in the fourth, he has the skill set to be a late first rounder and the only reason he falls, is the amount of talent in the draft. Something ,that works in the Eagles favor this year.
Round 5: Antonio Garcia, OT/OG, Troy
Doug Pederson loves when a player can do more than one thing.. and Garcia fits that mold completely. In Garcia your’e getting a player with a mean streak, whom can be a road-grader, or pass block on the outside. With the Eagles having to add depth as well as looking for a possible starter for the future, they get a steal in the 5th round and a player who could be around for a long time.
Round 5: Tawan Taylor, WR, WKU:
The Eagles need for a playmaker on offense stands on top of the list of needs and wants. Enter Taylor, whom is a big play waiting to happen, either through the air, on the ground, or on special teams. He is always a threat to score and would immediately at a new level of explosiveness to the Offense.
Round 6: Deatrich Wise, DE, Arkansas
A little raw in his play, Wise offers depth and a possible rotational piece for the Eagles DE corps. He is better against the run but has showed flashes of having what it takes to be a true pass-rusher. A four year contributor at the University of Arkansas, he has played amongst the best in college football, so the leap to the NFL may be easier for him then most.
Round 7: Rayshawn Jenkins, S, Miami
Jenkins is one of the bigger Safeties in this years Draft. At 6-2, 220 lbs, he has the frame to serve as a “Deone Bucannon” hybrid S/LB. He is a good tackler and is tough in coverage, being able to cover tight-ends, play in the box, and is a four-core special teams guy. He has the type of versatility NFL teams covet these days and in the seventh round, could be a steal for the Birds’, just as Jalen Mills was one year ago.
Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
