Mock roundup: Who will the Eagles take?
Here's a roundup of mock drafts around the country. Most think the Eagles will select a defensive back, defensive end or interior lineman. What do you think?
Mock roundup: Who will the Eagles take?
Sheil Kapadia, Philly.com
Before we get started, a few housekeeping notes:
Be sure to check out our special NFL draft section for all your draft needs. Lots of good stuff in there.
Also, I've updated the list of reported Eagles draft visits and workouts.
And finally, don't forget about our special draft event at McFadden's on Tuesday night. Stop by - if nothing else, it's a great chance to heckle me.
Now, it's mock draft time.
Here's a roundup of many of the more prominent ones out there, although if I included them all, I'd be writing for days.
If there's a specific site that you think does an exceptional job with these, let me know and I can add them here or in a future post.
Enjoy:
SI.com's Don Banks has the Eagles going with Alabama cornerback Kareem Jackson:
The trade of Sheldon Brown to Cleveland signals that the Eagles will be shopping for a cornerback either at No. 24, or No. 37 (the second-rounder they got from Washington in the Donovan McNabb trade). Jackson is climbing as the draft approaches and USC safety Taylor Mays is tumbling. The Eagles need help at both positions, but it seems more likely they go cornerback in the first round and look for a safety such as USF's Nate Allen early in the second.
ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. also has the Eagles taking Jackson:
There are still some injury question marks around Ellis Hobbs, and with the addition of the 37th pick in the McNabb trade, the Eagles can strengthen their CB group and then add a safety value such as Nate Allen or Major Wright in Round 2 and really upgrade the secondary. Jackson is fluid and displays exceptional anticipation.
ESPN.com's Todd McShay has the Eagles going with Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson:
OLB Sean Weatherspoon and S Taylor Mays are possibilities here but Wilson is our highest-rated remaining player and his skills as a press cover corner would fit well on an Eagles defense that recently traded away Sheldon Brown.
Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com has the Eagles taking USC safety Taylor Mays:
A year removed from Brian Dawkins’ departure, safety is still a major need in Philly. In Taylor Mays, the Eagles will get a three-time All-American and a playmaker that can contribute right away. Recently signed Marlin Jackson could end up being the opening day starter, but coming off of two major ACL surgeries in two years — is hardly a sure bet.
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has the Eagles going with Jason Pierre-Paul, defensive end from South Florida:
Although Pierre-Paul is a little raw, he may have more upside than any other prospect in the draft and is a good value at this point.
Chris Steuber of Scout.com has the Eagles drafting Rutgers CB Devin McCourty:
The Eagles need help on defense, especially on the D-Line and in the secondary. There are a few players to consider, but the pick will come down to Kyle Wilson or Devin McCourty. Either one would fit, but McCourty gives the Eagles the physical CB that can replace Sheldon Brown, and he fits their aggressive defensive structure best.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com gives the Eagles Maurkice Pouncey, a guard/center 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.
CBSSports.com has mock drafts from four different writers. Two have the Eagles picking up Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson. One has them going with Mays. And the fourth says it'll be Idaho guard Mike Iupati.
Charles Davis of NFL.com has the Eagles picking up Florida defensive end Carlos Dunlap:
The Eagles need a pass rusher opposite Trent Cole. They are counting on revving up this talented youngster's motor on a full-time basis.
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Mays seems the least likely to me. Sure, everyone would love to have him in run support, but the Eagles (and more and more teams) want safeties that can cover almost as well as corners. That's why they try guys like Mikell, Harris, and Demps. All of those guys have decent speed and good quickness. Mays has great speed, but hasn't proven he can use it to stay with people. Why dump Michael Lewis and then draft Taylor Mays?— tacklinjoe- A cornerback, safety, or linebacker could make an immediate impact. That said there could be some steals at DE or OL who while they may not be a starter right away will offer real value. While I dont think the Eagles value LB enough to take one in the first round, smart money says with Reid that he will go with a lineman.— psufan
i still think the birds will try to move up and grab one of the top two safeties out there.— azguz- Here's what I want in the draft: one impact player, two good eventual starters, and three dependable backups and special teams players. Am I being too greedy? That's six good picks out of the 10 they will probably make. Don't care about position.— dragoon6
- The hard part about what the Eagles have done this offseason is that there are major needs at a number of positions: CB, S, C and they need depth at DE, LB and OL. The track record for past drafts is up and down, but Philly needs to nail at least 3 picks with starter-type players to consider this offseason makeover a success and give this team a chance to compete in '11. Not going to lie...it makes me nervous...— nyphillyguy
- I think Pouncey makes the most sense, then CB with the next pick. Need to solidfy the O line before we go on a run of defense based picks.— ekingy2j
- They love to draft lineman early and Iuputu could slide, if they get him they'll go CB with 37 hoping that wilson, jackson, or Mccourty one of the three are still there at this point. If that happens and they can get s chad Jones from LSU at 55 they'd be set! They never draft LB early but we know that the birds draft value, so it'll be the best players on the board at our need positions.— jc2178
- Dunlap might not even get drafted in the second round. His stock is really sliding.— Tech_Triumph
I think the Eagles will pick up an offensive lineman in round 1. Unless a guy like Haden slips down, then they may trade up and grab him like they did Maclin last year. This draft is deep on defense, so they can get a quality corner and safety in round 2.— ej610- I think ur right-on 2j. eagles pounce on pouncey!— larryv
- Pouncey makes sense as center & guard as back-up Cole, starters Jackson & Andrews are sure to have issues in 2010. Also, Eagles could fill holes well with veterans Mawae and Sharper while drafting rawer players in 2010. 40 y/o Mawae probably plays better than back-up center: Cole.— Smashmouth
- ekingy2j I agree with Pouncey, if he is still available at 24. Otherwise I like Wilson, Weatherspoon or Iupati at that spot in that order. A trade up for Haden or Thomas would be great but only if its a few spots and they only have to give up a 4th rounder. Problem is most teams in front of the eagles would probably want those two for themselves (Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Houston) - everybody needs secondary help.
I think they should be able to get Pouncey at 24. Then they will def. get a defensive back with the 37th pick and likely to load up on LB's and DE's in the latter rounds. I wouldn't be surprised to see them pick up a 5/6th round QB if they feel the value is there.
Knowing Andy, probably a lineman. He went nuts the last 2 years on offense skill players, so he'll probably regress back to OLine. I'd love to see D skill players, but good luck on that. Worst case, we draft Tebow first. Best case, several of the above suggestions involving safety, CB, and DE. A LB wouldn't hurt, either.— verve- Pauncey, then in order next 4 picks best available DB, DB, LB and QB or OL. If they don't move up, should get at least two starters in first 87 picks and 3— Z-Force
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