By Paul Macrie, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 
After months of dissecting and hyping it, the NFL Draft has finally arrived, and more importantly it is in Philadelphia. Rightfully so, there has been significant buzz about the draft being held, locally. But the exhaustive amount of talk will come to an end, and now it is time for the Eagles to put their well-thought-out plan into action.
The Eagles' transactions during free agency does shed some light on their ultimate strategy heading into the draft. They addressed major needs at receiver by signing Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, added depth at offensive line and made several moves to address needs at defensive line and defensive back.
Free agency was only the starting point to the Eagles' rebuilding plan. After years of underwhelming draft results, this is a crucial moment in the franchise's history which remains without a Super Bowl trophy. The franchise quarterback almost certainly appears to be in place in Carson Wentz, but now it is time to properly build around him.
When looking at the current depth chart closely, there is no secret the team has plenty of room for improvement on both sides of the football. The last thing this team can do is narrowly focus on a few area of needs.
Though the defense needs a major talent infusion at defensive back, the front office shouldn't neglect the continued need for long-term solutions at receiver.
Yes, Jeffery and Smith are in the fold, but are on short-term prove-it deals, while Jordan Matthews is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2017 season. Nelson Agholor is entering the third year of his maximum five-year rookie deal, but time is running out for him to prove his worth. Dorial Green-Beckham, at this moment, is on the roster bubble heading into the summer.
Keeping that in mind, don't be surprised if the Eagles draft a receiver in the first round. Though it isn't the most likely outcome, if Corey Davis, Mike Williams and John Ross are available at 14th overall, or whenever the team ultimately picks if they trade up or down, there will be consideration for all three wideouts.
Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News reported earlier this week that the Eagles are very interested in Davis. Davis had some positive comments about Wentz and the team when asked about his recent team visit, and he retweeted a fan's comment on twitter about being an Eagle.
Of course, all of it is just pre-draft chatter that could mean next to nothing. Davis could be off the board by the time the Eagles pick. But it is worth mentioning that the Western Michigan product, regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects in this year's draft, would be ecstatic playing in Philadelphia.
Front office personnel Howie Roseman and Joe Douglas have stated on several occasions this offseason that they are using the best player available approach to each selection. The duo isn't the first to claim to use this approach. Frankly, it would be a mistake to reach for certain players just because there is a need at a position, but that player doesn't possess the upside of another player at a lesser needy position.
After analyzing receivers that are eligible for this draft, Davis has the most upside. Though he has average hands at best, a continuous issue with the current crop of Eagles receivers, he has above-average route running ability and is solid after the catch. Selecting Davis at No. 14 would be a superior move, but my top choice at the slot remains Alabama inside linebacker Reuben Foster.
Potential other targets at receiver include Chris Godwin of Penn State (2nd round grade), Dede Westbrook of Oklahoma (3rd round grade), K.D. Cannon of Baylor (4th or 5th round grade), Isaiah Ford of Virginia Tech (4th or 5th round grade) and Malachi Dupre of LSU (5th round grade).
If the Eagles can select at least one of these receivers in the middle rounds of the draft, they have the potential to be long-term top-two receiver solutions, something the team doesn't have right now.
The draft approach is a delicate balance between taking blue-chip instant impact players and keeping in mind of the long-term plan. The team can't make every pick with the 2017 product in mind. It is about 2018 and beyond as well.
Though the goal should be to come out of this three-day draft with multiple defensive backs, a linebacker, defensive end and running back, receiver remains a long-term need too. Addressing defense remains a priority, but the Eagles can't ignore long-term weapons for Wentz and the offense.
The depth chart remains a work in progress, and the draft is the best way to improve the middling roster.
