Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl
May 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson talks with quarterback Sam Bradford (7) during OTS
This Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Mock Draft adds a lot of new talent to the mix on both sides of the football.
The Philadelphia Eagles are still disappointed on how the season ended, but they should also feel great about the future. Carson Wentz had a terrific season for a rookie who wasn’t suppose to see much if any action this year.
Wentz showed poise, a strong throwing arm and the ability to make plays down the field. The future is extremely bright for Wentz and the Philadelphia Eagles franchise.
However, they need to use this offseason to bring in more talent around Wentz. The 2017 NFL Draft is deep at the wide receiver and running back position which are both positions of need. Philadelphia has a legitimate chance of coming out of this draft with two new starters at those positions.
The Eagles do have other needs which include help at the cornerback position. They arguably could stand to upgrade both starting cornerback spots. This draft has a ton of cornerback talent and the Eagles could find a potential super star in the 1st round.
Of course, the outcome of free agency and potential trades will have an impact on how the Eagles approach the 2017 NFL Draft.
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris (34) runs against Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
1st Round- Pick No. 14- Quincy Wilson, Cornerback, Florida
Quincy Wilson is the lesser known of the Florida cornerback prospects but could very well be the more talented. Wilson teamed with Jalen Tabor to give the Gators arguably the best cornerback duo in all of college football.
Now, both players will be competing against each other to one of the first cornerbacks to come off the board during the 2017 NFL Draft.
Wilson is a long and smooth athlete who can matchup with deferent type of receivers. His size allows him to work through contact and battle bigger bodied targets. He is an aggressive defender who doesn’t shy away from contact and will play physical.
For his size, Wilson can easily change direction and keep in-phase with this target. This skill gives him the potential to quickly develop into a lockdown cornerback.
The Philadelphia Eagles have a major need at the cornerback position. There’s a strong possibility that last year’s starters Nolan Carroll and Leodis McKelvin are both on other rosters. This would leave Ron Brooks, Jalen Mills and CJ Smith in the mix.
Wilson would represent and immediate upgrade over any of the players mentioned above. It’s obvious the Eagles need to attack the draft and find themselves a young stud cornerback.
Sep 30, 2016; Provo, UT, USA; Toledo Rockets running back Kareem Hunt (3) tries to find a way around the Brigham Young Cougars defense during the fourth quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Brigham Young won 55-53. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Round- Pick No. 42- Kareem Hunt, Running Back, Toledo
The 2017 NFL Draft has a ton of depth and talent at the running back position. Prospects like LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Florida State’s Dalvin Cook are getting most of the media attention. However, there are plenty of other running backs in this draft capable of making a splash.
Toledo’s Kareem Hunt is one of the many running backs flying under the radar. He’s a dynamic playmaker capable of impacting the game both as a running and pass catcher.
Hunt is a well-built athlete who has proven his effectiveness between the tackles and on the edge. He runs behind his pads which helps him move the pile and pick up yards after contact. Hunt also features the burst needed to break off long runs.
His ability as a pass catcher stands out and will make him an attractive prospect for many teams. The Eagles especially like to use the running back in the passing game and would know how to make the most of Hunt’s talent.
Philadelphia needs to add a more consistent and available running back option. Ryan Mathews is just hurt too often to be considered the team’s No. 1 running back. Hunt would give the Eagles someone they can feed the ball to and help take pressure off of Carson Wentz.
Sep 3, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) celebrates with fullback Sam Rogers (45) after scoring a touchdown against the Liberty Flames during the second quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
3rd Round- Pick No. 75- Isaiah Ford, Wide Receiver, Virginia Tech
Philadelphia has a lot of young talent at the wide receiver position but each of those players has had their share of problems. The biggest problem is with drops where everyone from Jordan Matthews, Nelson Agholor and Dorial Green-Beckham have had problems.
These drops are drive killers and something that makes life more difficult on a young quarterback like Carson Wentz. Quarterbacks need to be able to trust their receivers and know if they deliver a solid pass it will be caught.
If there is no trust between the quarterback and receiver it leads to mistakes. Too many drops could lead to Wentz avoiding one of his receivers and forcing the ball to another target.
Virginia Tech’s Isaiah Ford is a reliable player who flashes big-play ability. He has had a highly productive college career where he has hauled in deep passes, worked across the middle and was involved in the screen game.
The Eagles could also use this pick to add some depth along the offensive line where they have seen players like Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks and Jason Kelce miss time. Adding another cornerback to the mix is also something they must consider.
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is tackled by LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
4th Round- Kendell Beckwith, Linebacker, LSU
The linebacker position is another area where they Philadelphia Eagles need to add some depth. They have talented starters in Mychal Kendricks, Jordan Hicks and Nigel Bradham. The issue is that both Kendricks and Hicks have had some injury problems.
Bradham is also dealing with some off-field issues that make him a little unreliable. The depth behind the starters is non-existent with both Stephen Tulloch and Najee Goode heading to free agency.
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LSU’s Kendell Beckwith would fit the Eagles system thanks to his speed and explosiveness. His quickness is something he shares with the other linebackers on the Eagles roster. It also means that he can learn from the current players.
This is a spot where the Eagles could look to add some depth at the wide receiver position or even running back. Someone like California’s Chad Hansen would represent a big-bodied receiver capable of making plays downfield.
The Eagles could take a risk on a character problem like Oklahoma’s Joe Mixon. They would have to do their research and determine Mixon’s problems are behind him, but if they feel comfortable this would represent a major steal.
On the field, Mixon is a 1st round talent who can grind out the tough yards and break off long runs. He is truly a difference maker with the ball in his hands, but most teams will have a hard time looking past his checkered history.