With the 2017 NFL Combine, over and free agency upon us, I decided to dive back in to another Mock Draft. The Eagles have been linked to multiple players over the weekend, both pending free agents and draft hopefuls.
The Eagles have quite a few holes that need to be addressed, some more documented than the others. So with that said, we scoured through 500-plus prospects that could help both right away and for the future of this young team.
Round 1: John Ross, WR, Washington University:
No player may have helped his stock and made himself more money than Ross at the combine. Showing off his incredible speed with his 4.22 forty time, combined with his strength in the bench and great hands, Ross may prove to be a top ten pick. The Eagles have been linked to Brandin Cooks of the New Orleans Saints since before he was drafted there. This year hasn’t been any different, as reports have come out that the Birds’ are looking to trade for the star wide-out. Assuming the Eagles, don’t get their man again, Ross could serve as a great consolation prize, as he is faster, taller, and could have a higher ceiling than Cooks. No question, the addition of Ross could serve as a huge boost to the Eagles offense and fill one of the biggest holes on the roster with a prototypical deep-threat mould.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04qabU6DsZI
Round 2: Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
There is no question, the Birds’ need for a shut down corner may stand at the top of the “to-do” list. Enter White, the 5’11, 182 LB corner, who has been a solid player in his time at LSU A strong presence in both man and zone coverage, White could serve as a number 1 corner in the NFL. He isn’t the biggest prospect, but he has no problem sticking his nose in on the run. He is a tough player with a bit of a nasty side, something that Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz, covets in his guys. White has the ability to come in day one and become the guy that Eagles fans have been waiting for.
Round 3: Tanoh Kpassagnon DE (Villanova)
Tanoh has seen a meteoric rise in his stock over the past month, and rightfully so. The Defensive End is built more like a “Greek Statue”than a Lineman and has the skill set to be a starter in the NFL. With the perfect combination of size (6’7, 290LB) and speed, coming off the edge, Kpassagnon has quietly become one of the top pass rushers in this years Draft. The small school stigma was put to rest, when he landed in Mobile, AL, for this years Senior Bowl. He went on to dominate the week with a bevy of pass rush moves that would make Reggie White proud. The Eagles need for another pass rusher, should be somewhere at the top of the needs list, and he could serve as the answer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kb5-F0V47CI
Round 4: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado
The Eagles need to dip both feet into this years cornerback pool. Awuzie is a victim of circumstances this draft season, as the pool of prospects this year is more like an ocean of talent. He is one of the better prospects on the back end, with a great comboination of speed and agility. He is strongest at man-to-man coverage, but is capable of playing in zone and thriving. He is not shy in the run game and is sneaky athletic as he has played all of the defensive back positions for Colorado. He has great top end speed to cover faster WR’s and would easily become a strong option for the Birds’ defense..eventually becoming a legitimate starter in the NFL.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvGE3h1LomE
Round 4: Isaac Asiata, G/T, Utah:
At 6’3, 325 LB’s, Asiata, is a big human being, with tons of athletic ability and the potential to be a stud at the next level. He has the thick build and pure strength that line Coach Jeff Stoutland, covets in his o-line prospects. The Eagles proved to be on the right track after drafting Isaac Seumalo and Halapoulivaati Vaitai, now they need to continue this trend, by bringing in someone like Asiata. With all the moving pieces the Eagles face this offseason, Asiata would serve as great depth, and an eventual starter along that Philly line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEKoXDrfKqo
Round 5: Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida
This years Draft could prove to be historical in terms of RB depth. Said to be able to find a starter in the later rounds, the Eagles, strike gold when they pull the trigger on Mack. He’s Gifted with both the vision and agility to make the tacklers miss and to create space in the secondary. With at least 1,000 yards in his last three years, Mack has the speed to pull away from defender and the leg strength to run between the tackles. Mack would almost certainly become a part of the backfield rotation and give Carson Wentz another weapon to build with.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cc_NTdOb8s
Round 6: Jehu Chesson, WR, Michigan
Much like the corner position, the Eagles should think long and hard at double-dipping, in this years receiver prospects. Jehu has been a reliable piece for Coach Harbaugh, and with great size and good hands, could be a steal for the Birds’ this late. He has the strength to go across the middle and enough speed to separate in his routes. He would compete from day one with the Eagles core of receivers and possibly be a slide piece moving forward.
Round 7: Nyeem Wartman-White, ILB/OLB, Penn State:
Wartman-White is an enigma. In one game he will be tackling any and everything that moves..and in another game, he will look lost at times. Despite the ups and downs, he has the potential to be a difference maker. His athletic gifts are evident on film and his raw ability could prove to be one of a true star. The Eagles need at Linebacker isn’t as dire as elsewhere, but they need to add talent everywhere, so adding Nyeem could end up being a great idea this late on.
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
