With the draft just 10 days away, we are providing you with comprehensive coverage of players that the Eagles could target in the draft.
In case you missed it, below are links to the prospects we profiled as potential targets for the Eagles in the first round.
Before getting to the links, we have a couple of additional prospects worth considering in the first round, which here highlighted in our seven round mock draft last week:
Nelson Agholor, WR, USC: Agholor reminds me a lot of the recently departed Jeremy Maclin. They are the same height (6’0), ran almost identical 40s (4.42 v. 4.45), are known for being precise route runners, and not known for having elite speed/separation skills. Agholor also checks off a lot of other “Chipisms”: he is a smart, high character guy with versatility, as he is known to be a great punt returner. He has also drawn comparisons to future Hall of Famer Reggie Wayne by numerous media outlets, which isn't too bad if you ask me.
Byron Jones, DB, Connecticut: A breakout Combine performance in February was enough to draw Chip Kelly, Ed Marynowitz, Billy Davis, & Tom Donahue away from Florida State’s talent-riddled Pro Day: instead opting to visit Jones in the friendly confines of Storrs, Connecticut. Jones (6’0”, 197 lbs) has the size & secondary utility—having played both cornerback & safety for the Huskies—the Eagles covet. Combine this with the raw athleticism and you’ve got a guy that adds to an overhauled back end of the defense.
Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State – If he stays pat at 20, Chip Kelly may be disappointed that a number of his secondary targets may go off the board early unless he wants to reach for possible problem child Marcus Peters. Instead, with the need for a wide receiver after chickening out at the bargaining table with incumbent Jeremy Maclin, Chip will go with Philly native Strong. At 6-3, 215, he's the right size and would provide a different kind of red zone presence than Jordan Matthews did last year in the slot. If Trae Wayne's drops to 20, he is a definite possibility. Sorry Mariota truthers, it's not happening.
Here are some more prospects for you to consider.
Patrick Causey broke down why Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes was one of the best prospects in this class for the Eagles, and why he might be worth trading up to get.
Nebraska OLB/DE Randy Gregory is another intriguing talent that could be available at 20, but only because of off-field concerns. Is this the Eagles best opportunity to get a dominant pass rusher on the cheap? We break it down here further.
Michael Coggin broke down Breshad Perriman, who sent the scouting world abuzz when he reportedly ran a 4.25 40 at his pro day, and has drawn comparisons to Josh Gordon.
Pretty much everyone and their mother have mocked Alabama safety Landon Collins to the Eagles this offseason given his consensus ranking as the top safety in this class and the Eagles gaping hole at the safety position opposite of Malcolm Jenkins. But Patrick Causey questions whether he is a scheme fit for the Eagles defense given his limitations in coverage.
While Missouri outside linebacker Shane Ray is short on size, he is an explosive athlete. Michael Coggin breaks down why he could make sense for the Eagles in the first round.
Keep checking back here for more content as the draft approaches.
