My final thoughts about tomorrow's NFL draft and what the Eagles will-or should- do..
To me, the Eagles should take a difference-maker in the first round with pick 14. Yes, they sorely need corner backs. But this draft is supposedly deep in good defensive backs. 2-3 quality DBs should be had in Rounds 2 and 3, possibly even later. Unless there is a corner back who is head and shoulders above the rest at selection 14, I think the Birds need more weapons for Carson Wentz.
So, what weapons? Even though the team signed wide receivers Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery in the off-season bot are on one-year contracts and could walk after the 2017 season. So, a young WR would be a consideration. Clemson's Mike Williams is big and rangy and could be the next Calvin )Megatron) Johnson. Corey Davis comes form a small school, but he broke the all-time NCAA record for receiving yards. Washington's John Ross set the new record at the Indy combine with lightning fast 4.22. Another receiver to keep an eye on in the later rounds is Cooper Kupp, a wide-our who worked-out with Wentz a few months ago.
The Eagles need a running back. Darrin Sproles is still productive but isn't getting younger. Wendell Smallwood is coming off an injury and remains unproven.Carolina at no. 8 has expressed interest in McCaffery. Dalvin Cook form Florida State is another speedy, explosive weapon, but he comes with personal baggage. So does Alabama's Joe Mixon, who might be the overall best back in the draft, but his character is shaky.
Tight End is also in play, as Brent Celek is aging, Trey Burton is on a one-year deal, and Todd Ertz has yet to have a breakout , all-Pro campaign. O.J. Howard looks like a beast and a game-changer. Should the birds pick Howard even though tight end is not an immediate need?
Other positions to be considered are middle linebacker and defensive end. Reuban Foster is an animal at linebacker and would fit perfectly in the Eagles defense. Jordan Hicks could move to outside linebacker if Foster comes on board. Derrick Barnett would fill a pass-rushing need at defensive end. It's highly doubtful that Philadelphia would take a quarterback, safety, defensive tackle or offensive lineman at 14.
In my opinion, if McCaffery is there when the Eagles pick, he should be the choice. If not, then look for Mike Williams. If not, look for Howard. Ross is a possibility. Speed kills, and if Ross can avoid injuries which clouds his future, he could be a DeSean Jackson-like steal.
Overall, the Eagles should take a versatile weapon in the first round, go with needed corners in the next two rounds, then fill out their draft with a running back or receiver, while adding a pass rusher, O-lineman and linebacker later on day three.
Unless the Eagles make a trade, they should pick somewhere around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night. The Delaware Valley will be closely watching.
Also, don't forget the possibility of the Eagles making a draft-day trade, possible involving Mycheal Kendricks or Jason Kelcie. Mid-range draft picks- either this year or in the future- would be the reward, as well as freeing up valuable cap space.
Will the Eagles trade up or down? I don't think so. They have the Minnesota Vikings to thank for getting a no. 1 pick back for Sam Bradford, after the Birds traded away their first pick this year to select Wentz. No matter who they pick, the Eagles will get a good player. Trading down, perhaps to 25 and switching picks with Houston, would net the Birds extra picks later on. Trading up would cost the team more picks which they could use to rebuild. They did that last year to get Wentz. I think the Eagles hold onto their picks this time.
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