My Editor (Liam Jenkins) will probably kill me for this, but lets get to the point! Here are some players that could really interest the Eagles this weekend.
Round 1: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State:
To this point, Lattimore, has been considered the best Corner in the Draft (After Sidney Jones). So the chances of him being there at 14 are a bit slim..or are they? When you look at the needs of organizations ahead of Philly, you begin to see how it could happen. Add to it the fact that this is still a QB league and there have been a few prospects who have seen heir stock sky rocket..and all of a sudden, the chances of him landing in Philadelphia rise significantly..filling their biggest hole in the process.
Round 2. Kevin King, CB- University of Washington:
The Eagles will double or potentially even triple up on there defensive backfield. There have been reports that King could be taken in the first round, but there have also been reports that he could still be on the board in the third..depending on which analyst you ask. Either way, if he is there..you take him as he is an extremely talented Corner. The 6’3, 200 lbs, prospect has the ability to play on an island and would give newly drafted Lattimore, an amazing running mate for years to come. He is a willing tackler as well in the run game and adds true value in special teams. With these first two picks, the Birds’ could be looking at two “Number 1” corners.
Round 3. Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma University:
There is no doubt that Mixon could be taken earlier than this. His combination of size, speed, strength and an amazing skill set, make him a difference maker. Despite his talent, off the field issues have been well documented and have reportedly forced teams to take him off of their board. We will have to wait and see where he goes and how early it happens, but there is no doubt that if he is there at the end of the third, Howie should take a long look at it.
Round 4. Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina:
After a great career at East Carolina was topped off by an amazing week at this years senior bowl, Jones found himself flying up draft boards. Even with all the accolades, Jones’ stock has taken a bit of a hit (I’m not really sure why), but it doesn’t mean he isn’t a star in the making. The Eagles made an excellent decision in signing WR’s Alshon Jefferey and Torrey Smith, but they still need to look to the future. If Jones is here, they should sprint to turn his card in, as they could be getting a true play maker.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qwU24kNKQ8
Round 4: Trey Hendrickson, DE, Florida Atlantic University:
The Eagles are in need of talent across the board, so when they look at their board and Hendrickson is still available, they will likely all cheer. With the type of motor that can only be described as Trent Cole esque’ and the skill set to go along, the Birds’ could be looking at another day one contributor. He carries his 6’4, 270 lbs, frame, well and is a lot more athletic than most edge rushers in this years Draft. The addition of Hendricks would serve the defense well and could end up being a huge pick for a team in need of difference makers and reliability along the defensive line.
Round 5. Eddie Jackson, S/CB, Alabama University:
If you would have said Eddie Jackson would be on the board this late a year ago, I would have laughed at you. At the beginning of the 2016 season, Jackson was highly regarded as the best Safety for Alabama, but an injury saw his season end early. Despite, the set back he is still considered a potential star in the NFL, so if he is there this late, you get him. Reports on when he will be ready to play have been all over the place, so this could be a pick the Eagles would have to wait on. But with Jaylen Watkins having an uncertain long-term future, when Jackson is healthy he will be worth the wait.
Round 6. Steven Taylor, LB, Houston:
Even if there weren’t rumors about Mychal Kendricks possibly being traded and Nigel Bradham wasn’t awaiting a court date that could see him suspended, the Eagles would be right in taking a player like Taylor. He is a true 3-down LB with good speed and is tough against the run. The one thing that sticks out about Taylor, is that he is considered highly coachable. The addition of his presence could be a giant step towards a top defense, as it isn’t his skill set, but the depth of the draft that has him pushed down this far.
Round 7. Chad Wheeler, OT, USC:
At 6’7, 320 LBS’, Wheeler is a big prospect with even bigger potential to be a stud in the NFL. Despite their depth on the line, the Eagles need to consider bringing in another talented tackle that could potentially be a strong starter one day. Wheeler never really became the player he was expected to be at USC, but with Coach Jeff Stoutland teaching him, the sky’s the limit. If the coaching staff can get the best out of him, they could end up finsing the biggest steal of the draft.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXr1zXSE_8Q
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
