Final mock roundup: Who will the Eagles pick?
Will Texas safety Earl Thomas be available when the Eagles pick at No. 24? Are the Birds looking to move up in the first round? Here's a roundup of the latest mock drafts.
Before we get to our final roundup of mock drafts, a few things to mention.
First of all, check out our NFL draft section for complete draft coverage from the Inquirer, Daiy News and Philly.com, plus scouting reports, photo galleries of the top prospects and more.
We've also got a video page basically dedicated to the draft and previewing what the Eagles might do - lots of good stuff there.
Tonight, I'll be hosting a live chat, starting at 7:30 p.m., and the guys over at Eagletarian and Birds' Eye View will provide updates. Same goes for Friday and Saturday - we'll have both a live chat with me during the draft and blogs throughout the day and night.
Now on to the roundup of mocks:
Paul Domowitch over at Eagletarian released his earlier Wednesday afternoon, with the Birds taking Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson at No. 24.
Les Bowen gives the Birds Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson.
Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News has the Eagles ending up with Rutgers cornerback Devin McCourty:
Not only is McCourty an elite cover cornerback, he may be the best special teams player in this draft. He blocked seven kicks and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in his career. He replaces Sheldon Brown.
Peter King of SI.com has the Birds trading up to No. 12 (Miami Dolphins) and selecting Georgia Tech defensive end and Coatesville native Derrick Morgan:
Eagles lost out on two free-agent gems -- Julius Peppers and Aaron Kampman -- and need a defensive end.
Pat Kirwan of NFL.com has the Eagles ending up with Florida offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey:
The Eagles have 11 picks in this draft and can afford to take the best player available, or use some picks to move up the draft board. Andy Reid has never hesitated to take linemen in the first round, and Pouncey gives him a guard-center type who could be blocking for Kevin Kolb for his whole career.
Mel Kiper of ESPN.com has the Eagles taking Wilson, the Boise State CB:
Wilson is a technician at the cornerback position, and should be a great help for Andy Reid in the defensive backfield, which we know is an area of need. There's a thought that Philly could pull the trigger on (or even trade up for) a safety, but Wilson is an exceptionl value here. Another very safe pick.
Scouts, Inc. has the Birds going with Texas safety Earl Thomas at No. 24:
Again, we like the Eagles to go after Thomas and use some of their many picks to get him. It might happen much higher than No. 24, but in essence they would be using this pick combined with others to bring him into the fold.
Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com has the Eagles taking Rutgers offensive tackle Anthony Davis:
We know Andy Reid. He likes big people. This kid can be dominant, but he has some character issues.
Clark Judge of CBSSports.com agrees with Prisco:
Maybe he goes higher than this. If so, Iupati is a possibility ... provided Raiders let him pass.
Charley Casserly of CBSSports.com gives the Eagles Thomas, the safety from Texas:
They helped themselves at a number of positions in the offseason, but safety was not one of them. With their extra picks, Philly could be aggressive and move up in Round 1.
Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com has the Eagles taking offensive lineman Mike Iupati out of Idaho:
The interior of the offensive line was downright embarrassed by the Cowboys in Week 17 and the wild-card round of the playoffs and remains a major sore spot. Iupati would be an immediate upgrade at guard and could eventually learn to play the tackle spot. Iupati fills a need and is a great value pick at 24.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has the Eagles taking Pouncey, the interior lineman from Florida:
Jamaal Jackson's ACL injury creates a huge hole in the middle of the Eagles' line. Pouncey gives the team an immediate starter at center with the versatility to move to guard when Jackson returns to health.
Charles Davis of NFL.com gives the Eagles Thomas.
WalterFootball.com has the Eagles taking Thomas also at No. 24.
And the same goes for Scott Wright of draftcountdown.com.
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