4/17: Eagles draft buzz
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4/17: Eagles draft buzz
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Every day, from now until the draft, I'll round up the latest Eagles buzz on MTC before noon. Here is today's installment.
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When we did our mock draft last week, I chose Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick for the Eagles with the 15th pick.
Since I've explained several times why I think cornerback could be a possibility, there's no need to go over the reasoning again.
But there's probably another name I should have mentioned with Kirkpatrick: South Carolina's Stephon Gilmore.
NFL Network's Mike Mayock has Gilmore (6-0, 190, 4.4 40-time) as his second-best corner prospect, behind only LSU's Morris Claiborne. ESPN's Mel Kiper has Gilmore ahead of Kirkpatrick too. And SI.com's Peter King says Gilmore's stock is rising, adding that he could go anywhere from 7 (the Jaguars) to 27 in the first round.
In addition to size, speed and cover skills, Gilmore was used as a returner at times during his three seasons with the Gamecocks. It seems like he could get taken before the Eagles pick at No. 15, but still another name to keep in mind.
MOCK ROUNDUP
Here's a roundup of the latest mock drafts.
SI.com's Peter King, who had the Eagles taking Danny Watkins last year, has them going with North Carolina defensive lineman Quinton Coples this year:
One coach used these words to me about Coples: "Gifted. Sporadic." We're getting to the part of the draft—mid first round—where beauty's in the eye of the beholder, and teams reach for pass rushers who often don't pan out. Philly D-line coach Jim Washburn is as demanding as they come, and Coples will have a chance to make the Eagles more formidable up front.
Steve Wyche of NFL.com has Fletcher Cox lasting to the Eagles' pick:
Cox is flying up draft boards. Adding him to the DT rotation could give Philly a relentless interior front.
Greg Bedard of The Boston Globe has the Eagles taking Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe:
There are a lot of questions about how hard Poe plays. Line coach Jim Washburn worked wonders with Albert Haynesworth, so this should be easier.
Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com has the Birds going with LSU's Michael Brockers:
It's no secret that Andy Reid prefers linemen in the first round, especially defensive linemen, making Michael Brockers a logical choice here. He is an intriguing prospect because he doesn't enter the NFL with a strong resume and is still very much an unpolished player. But the raw athletic ability matched with his large, long frame will be enticing for a defense who can mold the 21-year old into something special.
Rob Rang of CBSSports.com thinks the Eagles might still take Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly:
No, I didn't forget that the Eagles traded for quality middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. Perhaps the better question might be if you forgot how poorly Philadelphia's entire linebacking corps fared last season. In proving his athleticism at the Combine (and his jaw-dropping consistency throughout his entire career), Kuechly is earning top 15 grades from some clubs as an outside linebacker, as well as for the inside position. The addition of Ryans and Kuechly would turn what was the Eagles' worst unit into one of the team's greatest strengths.
Chris Steuber of ChrisSteuber.com has the Eagles taking Cox at 15.
DRAFT VISITS AND WORKOUTS
Colorado offensive lineman Ryan Miller has a visit scheduled with the Eagles, according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com.
Miller (6-7, 321) started a school record 47 games for Colorado, seeing time at both guard and tackle. Last year, playing right guard, he earned third-team AP All-American honors. Miller is expected to be a third-day pick.
Meanwhile, the Eagles will host (or have hosted) Oklahoma State offensive tackle Levy Adcock, according to Pro Football Talk's tracker. Adcock (6-6, 320) was named first-team All-Big 12 last year after transferring from junior college. He is expected to be a late-round pick or undrafted free agent. Also, it's worth mentioning that Adcock has a mullet that would Kenny Powers jealous (photo here!).
AND FINALLY...
I've updated my table of draft visits and workouts.
In case you missed it yesterday, SI.com's Peter King says the Eagles are not interested in trading anywhere from picks 3 to 8 in the first round.
And last night, I rounded up a bunch of Tweets on this year's offensive prospects from Greg Cosell of NFL Films.
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hey, i have a mullet n women love my hair— rockyman63- The Tonner doesn't need a mullet. Genny Cream Ale and smooth lines, is all the Tonner needs.
- I still promote the following scenario: Kuechly falls to 15, Eagles take him, then use both second rounds to trade up into first round to take DT (preferably Devon Still). Both guys become day one starters on defense and instant contributors. Asante gets traded for fourth round pick, Eagles then draft for depth.— beegal99
- I also like Kuechly at #15 for the Eagles, the best player approach not to mention he would amke LB corps signifcantly stronger and be a back-up MLB if anything goes wrong with Ryans.
Otherwise, I like a run stopper Dtackle, and there are 2 or 3 real blue chip players likely one of them to be available at 15.
The only thing that can go wrong is that Andy tries to be too cute, and does a weird and non-sensical move of giving away 3 picks for 1 player— Lerze777 - I like your thought beegal99, unfortunately, I don't see Kuechley dropping to 15.— Bobphxville
- Cox, the dude will do!— tpizza
Comment removed.- Mark my words, the Eagles will not draft Kuechly or any other LB in the first round. It makes no sense to do so. They will take Poe because that also makes no sense. They can't make two nonsensical picks in the same draft.— amg
- I guess none of the "experts" think that the Iggles will take S Mark Barron even though that's their biggest area of need (aside from LB).— diamondd40
- Andy locked up the middle and appeased the masses with a formidable force there, if it works he’s a mastermind, if not he has been the goat so long it doesn’t matter.... it's Philly he's numb by now, deal with it. This allows him to pick the way he desires with less scrutiny, this is his make or break year so he will go with his gut and trust his instincts, like it or not, we will have to deal with it.— DBrooks48
- The birds will draf the tall QB from arizona state first round. THye never do things that make sense— Owatagoofiam
- if carolina passes on cox who between them n us would take him?is buffalo running a 4-3 this week?— Sean s.
- There's no way they can draft a CB in the first round. Why would they take a guy #15 and have him sit for the next two years - or at best play nickel (which we don't know he can even do). Take Michael Floyd please!! If not, i'd like Barron but there's no way that's happening.— guyguy4
- kuechley cox, or barron. if none are available trade down latwer in the round. the eagles need depth and if they can pick up 2 late first round picks it will be very helpful— HDemetriou
- Kuechly— mattbagley
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