Mock drafts: Who will the Eagles take?
The first mock draft roundup piece was getting a bit lengthy so I decided to start a new one now that we're officially in draft month.
From 4/4:
SI.com's Don Banks has the Eagles going with Florida offensive lineman (G/C) Mike Pouncey at No. 23:
I don't know how the Eagles would pass on Pouncey, the draft's top-rated interior offensive lineman. He could play guard or center in the pros, and would give new Philly O-line coach Howard Mudd (does anybody really retire for good any more?) a mainstay cog to build around. If the Eagles go for defense, Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith is the name getting all the play.
Coincidentally, SI.com's Peter King wrote about Pouncey in his Monday Morning Quarterback column:
I think for all of you who think Mike Pouncey is the second coming of his twin, Steelers Pro Bowl center Maurkice, think of this: Mike Pouncey, in his first year playing center last fall (following in his brother's footsteps) had about 100 mis-snaps to the quarterback in the shotgun. I don't mean fumbled snaps necessarily, or snaps over the quarterback's head in the shotgun. I just mean snaps that the quarterback had to reach for and were not on target. I've spoken with a scout who's very interested in Pouncey but sees him as a guard. "Too much inaccuracy on the snaps,'' he said. "That can be practiced, and it should be. But you can't draft him expecting him to play center at a high level early like his brother.''
Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com has the Birds going with Temple defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson:
The two-time All-MAC selection starred at Temple, where he played two years as a three-technique in a 4-3 and then one tremendous junior year as a five-technique in the 3-4. A local kid from Linden, N.J., he's a run stuffer inside with pass-rushing capabilities. Andy Reid loves building from the inside out, and in Wilkerson, he can add depth to a defensive line that was ravaged by injuries last season.
WalterFootball.com has the Eagles selecting Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi:
The Eagles' most glaring weakness is the offensive line. They surrendered 52 sacks this year, including six in that weird Tuesday night game against the Vikings.
Gabe Carimi, drawing comparisons to Jon Runyan, is perfect for Andy Reid's blocking scheme. He can take over for Winston Justice, who was benched in the playoff loss to Green Bay.
Rob Rang of CBSSports.com has the Eagles taking Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo, while Chad Reuter gives them Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.
Greg Cosell of NFL Films recently had high praise for Castonzo, Tweeting:
Castonzo 10 year starting LT. Not elite athletically but no flaws. Like Jake Long. Smith best athlete I've seen at OT in long time. A stud.
Charles Davis of NFL.com has the Eagles taking Smith:
A few scouts have told me they believe that this good-sized, fast corner might be the best of the draft. New defensive coordinator Juan Castillo needs the help.
Bucky Brooks goes with Smith also:
The presence of cornerback Asante Samuel prompted quarterbacks to attack the opposite side of the defense last season, and the Eagles lacked the personnel to combat the tactic. Smith would give the defense a rangy cover man with the skills to excel in one-on-one match ups.
Steve Wyche of NFL.com has them taking Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget:
Liuget is another player making gains on draft boards, and the Eagles need to fortify the defensive interior.
Pat Kirwan of NFL.com has the Birds taking Pouncey:
The Eagles have had issues all over the offensive line and could go with a tackle here. With Howard Mudd coaching the group, he will want a key figure inside and the Eagles need a healthy center. Pouncey is versatile and Mudd gets a guy who can play anywhere.
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has the Birds taking Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder:
New offensive line coach Howard Mudd is going to want more athletic tackles manning the starting jobs. Solder fits the bill and fills a need at 23.
From 3/26:
Rob Rang of CBSSports.com has the Eagles going with Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi. Chad Reuter of CBSSports.com pencils them in for Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.
John Crist of Scout.com/FoxSports.com has the Eagles taking Boston College offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo:
If the Eagles trade Kevin Kolb, then they have to be extra careful with Vick and make sure he's protected for his reincarnation as a pocket passer.
WalterFootball.com also has the Eagles taking Carimi:
The Eagles' most glaring weakness is the offensive line. They surrendered 52 sacks this year, including six in that weird Tuesday night game against the Vikings.
Gabe Carimi, drawing comparisons to Jon Runyan, is perfect for Andy Reid's blocking scheme. He can take over for Winston Justice, who was benched in the playoff loss to Green Bay.
Scott Wright of DraftCountdown.com has the Eagles taking Smith:
A polarizing prospect who there is a wide range of opinions on, some feel Smith is a Top 15 overall talent while others have stamped mid round grades on him.
When all is said and done Smith's tantalizing triangle numbers will likely lead to some team pulling the trigger in round one, but he is a boom or bust type of prospect
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