The first round of the 2017 NFL Draft has passed and the Birds’ selection of DE Derek Barnett, will be studied forward and back. Although the choice of the former SEC star did not fill an immediate need at the top of the teams list, it adds a prospect that could be a true fixture in Philly for years to come.
With that in mind, if you are on the fence of this choice, there is great news for you. There are still 6 more rounds of picks that the Eagles could use to fill the needs of the team. With this, we decided to focus on the Friday night picks, and mock two payers in the second and third rounds, that could interest Howie Roseman, and Joe Douglas.
2nd Round- CB Chidobe Awuzie, Colorado University:
It isn’t a secret the Eagles are in need of some young talented corners to develop for their defense. Awuzie would not only fill the need of the team, but would give them a legit option on the outside. He has good size at 6’0, 206 lbs , and has the skill set, to be a true number 1 corner. Awuzie has the versatility to serve as a Nickel, as well as the ability to play all four cores of special teams.
A more than a willing tackler in the run game, Awuzie backs this up with impressive tape in both man and zone coverage.
Any lingering disappointment that the birds’ didn’t reach for a corner in the first would all but evaporate, after watching the tape on this young prospect. He would come in on day one and compete for a starting role. Awuzie has the aggressive nature, and nasty streak that Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz covets in his defensive backfield. He is a fit in the defensive scheme and is clean off the field which is always a good thing for a young locker room.
Other Choice here: RB Dalvin Cook, Florida State University
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvGE3h1LomE
3rd Round- CB Jalen Tabor, University of Florida:
Yes, you read that correctly, I mocked two Corners, back-to-back, but it wasn’t a mistake. This team is in dire need of talent inserted into that defense, so them double dipping here makes complete sense. Luckily, a talent like Tabor could really be there, when they are on the clock. At the end of the 2016 season, Tabor was considered the best corner in the entire draft. After a slow timed 40 at the combine, followed by another strike out in his pro-day, Tabor has slowly but surely watched his stock plummet from a top ten selection, into the loving arms the birds here.
At 6’0, 200 LB’s , Tabor has good size that he uses well, and great hips to turn and run. Capable of playing both man and zone coverage, he has a real nose for the ball and always seems to play with great angles to keep him ahead of the offense. He reads plays well, diagnoses quickly and gets to the point of delivering a blow at the point of contact.
They say your first impression is usually the right one, and in the case of Jalen Tabor, it couldn’t be more true. If he is there when the birds are on the clock, they should be sprinting to the podium as Tabor, could one day be a star in the NFL. Slow forty time or not, the game tape doesn’t lie, he is the real deal.
Other choice here: CB Rasul Douglas, West Virginia
Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
