2017 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft
Oct 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles will have an interesting 2017 NFL Draft thanks to several trades over the past year.
This has been a very interesting season so far for the Philadelphia Eagles. They started the offseason by trading several draft choices in order to move to the No. 2 pick and grab quarterback Carson Wentz. The original plan was to have him sit and learn this season, but that all changed when the Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings.
In the end, the Eagles made several moves but will head into the 2017 NFL draft with a pick in each of the first 4 rounds.
This will give Philadelphia the opportunity to build a better foundation around their young quarterback. It’s not out of the question that a large majority of the team’s early picks come on the offensive side of the ball.
The Eagles don’t exactly have high-end talent along the offensive line, at wide receiver or running back. They basically have a patchwork group at receiver and running back. There’s a huge difference between having intriguing options like Dorial Green-Beckham and Jordan Matthews and a true No. 1 receiver.
However, the biggest problem might be the offensive line and that’s the direction I went in the first round of this Philadelphia Eagles 2017 Mock Draft.
Oct 1, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) is congratulated by offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) after Notre Dame defeated the Syracuse Orange 50-33 at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
First Round- Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
At first glance the Philadelphia Eagles seem to have a solid offensive tackle duo. However, the issue is long-term stability. Jason Peters is on the backend of his career and Lane Johnson is in the beginning of his 2nd NFL suspension.
The first week of Johnson’s most recent suspension showed just how important it is to have a stable offensive line. Carson Wentz just didn’t have enough time in the pocket and was forced to hurry a lot of his throws.
Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey is one of what might be two 1st round worthy offensive tackles. This year’s tackle group is limited which will make someone with McGlinchey’s talent a highly coveted prospect.
He’d fit in Philadelphia as a more reliable option than Lane Johnson and the potential long-term replacement for Peters. The other option is to keep McGlinchey on the right side and shift Johnson to left tackle.
The other potential 1st round offensive tackle is Alabama’s Cam Robinson who would also be a solid option for the Eagles.
Either way, it’s important for the Eagles to put pieces in place to ensure Wentz reaches his full potential. The best way to do that is to build from the inside out and solidify the offensive line.
Oct 15, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs against Vanderbilt Commodores defensive end Jonathan Wynn (49) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Vanderbilt defeated Georgia 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Second Round- Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia
The Eagles need to find some stability at the running back position and that won’t happen with Ryan Mathews as their lead back. They’ll have a great opportunity to address this need during the 2017 NFL Draft where there are several high-end options.
One of the more steady performers is Georgia’s Nick Chubb who features a nice blend of power and vision. Chubb is the type of back capable of carrying the ball over 20 times a game. He does most of his damage between the tackles, but does flash the quicks to attack the edge.
Chubb runs with a low center of gravity that allows him to quickly change direction and pick up yards after contact. He does a great job locating the open hole and doesn’t hesitate to get up field.
This addition would give the Eagles a nice one-two punch with Chubb and Wendell Smallwood/Darren Sproles.
A reliable running game is something that will be extremely helpful for Carson Wentz. It will take pressure off the young quarterback by allowing him to hand the ball off and let Chubb work.
Philadelphia could be a little more aggressive addressing this need by targeting someone like LSU’s Leonard Fournette or Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey in the 1st round.
Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) celebrates following a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Third Round- Kendall Beckwith, LB, LSU
The Eagles are currently running Nigel Bradham, Jordan Hicks and Mychal Kendricks out there as their starting linebackers. This is a solid group that possesses a ton of speed and quickness. They are able to cover a ton of ground and work sideline to sideline.
However, the long-term future of the group is a little cloudy with Kendricks injury history and Bradham’s off-field problems. Hicks has also struggled with injuries that caused him to miss a huge part of his rookie season.
This is why it’s important for the Eagles to ensure they have enough depth at the position. LSU’s Kendell Beckwith is built like the Eagles current linebackers with tons of speed and overall athleticism.
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He’s the type of linebacker who makes plays all over the field and relies on his quickness to avoid blockers. Beckwith has experience working at both inside and outside linebacker which gives him versatility.
His athleticism gives him the ability to hold up in coverage against tight ends, running backs and some wide receivers. Beckwith also has experience on special teams which will help him make an impact even if he isn’t in the starting lineup.
An earlier round option would be Tennessee’s Jalen Reeves-Maybe who could come off the board as early as the 1st round.
Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU quarterback Danny Etling (16) throws a pass as Auburn Tigers lineman Montravius Adams (1) closes in during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Fourth Round- Montravius Adams, DT, Auburn
The Philadelphia Eagles defensive line has been a dominating force so far this season. They have a nice combination of speed and power that makes it difficult to keep everyone out of the backfield. However, the group could see some turnover during the offseason with Bennie Logan heading to free agency.
Philadelphia typically does a great job keeping their home-grown talent in place, but they contract they just gave Fletcher Cox could make it tough to keep Logan.
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His loss would hurt the team’s ability to stuff the run. Logan does a great job occupying space, working off blockers and making plays away from his frame.He’s the one the Eagles ask to do the dirty work while Cox gets more freedom to work into the backfield.
Auburn’s Montravius Adams is a big-bodied defender who would bring some of the same abilities as Logan. His strength is his ability to stuff the run and hold at the point of attack. He wouldn’t be an immediate replacement for Logan, but serve as someone capable of developing into that type of player.
This is an area where the Eagles could look to add more talent at the wide receiver position. Someone like Oklahoma’s DeDe Westbrook would be a solid option.
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