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
Could Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson be the Eagles' pick at No. 24? (AP photo / Matt Cilley)
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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Comments (52)
Secondary's the biggest priority - they need a safety in the worst way, they also need two cornerbacks (Asante's gone after 2010). Still need a SAQM LB (Do you trust Fokou or this guy from Cleveland?) and a LDE (No Carlos Dunlap, please)— dpcoz
the Eagles definitely have holes to fill. They can eliminate one hole by trading Vick.— kd45music- I take that back, he referred to Jamal Jackson as Jermaine Jackson. More than a few mistakes, missing words and grammatical errors. He did get the pick right though.— The Reddgie
- Here is a good mock site: http://www.eastcoastsportsnews.com/2010Draft.html— The Reddgie
- I like Jackson but noway Dunlap. Take Pouncey if there and then Nate allen. But pouncey will be gone so you have to go Weatherspoon, he can cover TE's and then we get Allen in the 2nd round.— fman727
Comment removed.
The team already addressed the DE and S postions with Tapp and Jackson. The injuries on the -line were the biggest problem so the will probably take an O-lineman in the first round. That's the smart move, not a "regression." If they get Lee or Bowman that would help the LB situation, too.- I would not move up in this draft; it is a very deep draft-especially on defense-deepest in years, and the Eagles have a lot of picks, and I would not waste any of them for a move-up that is not necessary. They can get quality players in this draft far down in the later rounds, but only if they don't waste their picks.— bust6711
- I think they should stay where they are at 24, unless they can get Berry at a reasonable price. At 24 there are a number of players they can get that are the same quality. There's the center, there's a LB, there's a CB and there's a S. One will drop to them. Stay put. This is not a draft to give away draft picks.— greenflyer
After trading away McNabb, Reid is not going to allow himself to look foolish and let KK fail. He will do all he can to help the Savior so to me that means Pouncey is a no brainer. Fix two OL positions with that pick and move on to the D. Use one pick, late second, early 3rd on a QB in case KK is a bust. I don't trust a lot of the crystal ball gazers that post here.— tpizza- I would prefer Pouncey, but he may be gone by 24. At least one of Iupati, Weatherspoon, Mays, or Wilson should be available. At 37 they can get S Allen or one of the cornerbacks (Washington, Jackson, Robinson).— JohnFC
- Pauncey 1st round and Mays as a WILL in second— LA Mike
- Interesting collection of draft thoughts and prognostications. I think we should take Pouncey 1st, bringing some resolution to the OL questions (he starts immediately at C, Cole starts at RG and when Jackson comes back healthy, you play whomever is healthiest and performing). I also agree with the statement that we have 11 picks, but not necessarily 11 open spots, so there will be movement up and down the draft. And, contrary to what I would do, look for that #37 to get dealt for a 2011 #1. I feel more confident about that than anything else.— The Reddgie
- This article makes me realize GOD!!!! we really have alot of holes— power808
- I'd DIE of joy if the Eagles took Berry. But they'd have to give up sooo much to get him, that I can't see them doing it. I don't ever remember them trading into the top 7. They trade up very frequently (Andrews, McDougal, Bunkley, Maclin), but not THAT far. That's why I can't predict it. Can someone please explain to me the love affair with Earl Thomas? He WON'T play S in the NFL, and he's NEVER played CB before. How does that justify a top 10 pick? Last I heard the Browns were floating the possibility of trading UP to get Bradford, not down. I'm already NOT a fan of this new draft format. 3 DAYS? It's such a genius move! They've got us all literally salivating for an event that no one used to care about.— montgomeryhopkins
- Eagles should trade up to Cleveland's spot since they want to trade down and take Berry. He is a sure thing and it will allow Mikel to play up closer to the line of scrimmage.— badinfluence
- I'm getting a headache....think I'll wait until the draft and see what they do. I'll then be enough of an expert to scrutinize and pontificate on every move that they make. I do hope that they package Vick with a mid round pick to move up to fill another need...then bring Garcia back and draft a Qback with a mid round pic.— bonnerlou
- I think they will go with Mays because folks are doubting his covering ability, but I wish they would (and I wish he turns out to be at least a decent cover guy). We need another big hitter at safety to keep alive the legacy of Wes Hopkins, Andre Waters (RIP), and B Dawk and inspire fear! I'd love to see Mays decapitate a Dallas WR (or Witten) coming over the middle.— RocketC
- Take pouncey but I don't think he will slide that far. Hobbs can play but not at Browns level. Grab a couple CB later. They need a player who can start on the offensive line in round 1 , Dont draft a QB grab a couple of free agents. If Kolb isnt good the season is lost anyway.— pking222
- chronkiller, I agree with you that this thing can unfold in dozens and dozens of different ways, and it will be entertaining, and frustrating, watching it over three days. I really think that there will be defensive playmakers availabe in rounds 2 and 3, and OL will go quick and often in round 1 like a few years ago, maybe 8 or 9 total in the round. That being said, take Pouncey even if it means moving up, solves a starting C spot and OG depth if Jamal comes back, and then BPA on defense with moves up for any player starting to slide in rd 2, 3, 4...— Bleue
- montgomeryhopkins - I agree with your thoughts, but wilson did run at the combine and clocked in at 4.52 or something. He did say he tweaked his hammie during the run. Don't forget about Devin McCourty from Rutgers either...good ball player.— EaglesBleedMoney
the best mock database is found at: http://www.hailredskins.com/MockDraft.htm they have a lot that are updated recently- I still think Mays is the best choice.— blueye7
- The Eagles could go so many different ways here, it is a complex calculus equation. I personally look at it this way. We have 11 picks, with not 11 empty roster spots, not to mention the undrafted free agents that will be brought in. I see the Eagles trading up for a lock in a player like Eric Berry or Earl Thomas. Jacksonville is looking to trade down from 10. There is good value at 10. We could get Earl Thomas at 10 and the pay wouldn't be out of this world. OR, a player that I personally love, Sergio Kindle would probably be available and steal him away from the Giants. I do think we should move up in this draft for a key blue chip prospect. We should wait to get a CB till round 2, with likes of Kareem Jackson or Chris Cook. I also want to see Hank Baskett sent packing and the Eagles bring in a big receiver to take his place like Dezmon Briscoe in the 4th or 5th rounds. Ben Tate at RB also. Mike Bell is a 1 year expensive bandaid. We also are going to get a project QB behind Kolb. I personally like Jevan Snead. This draft could go so many different directions, I just want it to be the 22nd already!— crohnkiller
- Murrayman - dead on! Wilson didn't run at Combine - he had a tweaked hammie. That's why the Eagles sent their DB coach to Boise (one of only 6 teams to do that)! He was clocked between 4.36 and 4.43, depending whose stopwatch you use. Averaging the times = 4.38! Eliminate the high and low outliers, 4.36! Median = 4.37. Then there's the agility drills - off the charts! He's the most athletic CB, and his technique is = to Haden's. That's why I think he's the #1 CB on Eagles board. Everyone else - Earl Thomas is projected as a CB in NFL - lack of strength/size for S. He's never played the position! So he's at best the 4th best CB. W'spoon had a TERRIBLE senior year. If there were good strong-side 4-3 backers, he'd be a 3rd rd selection. He's a reach. Mays can't cover, so he's no better than Mikell, only less experienced. WILSON/ALLEN/JONES!— montgomeryhopkins
- Nothing better to do then play make believe? LOL.— ralphfurley
- I think Mays makes more since, Marlin Jackson,two major ACL surgeries in two years ???, we need insurance. We saw last yr how easy teams exposed that position since Dawk left..— phillyfanyo
- They can't get a starting CB in Rd.2. There are 3 - Haden-Wilson-Jackson. Why move up so high for Haden? Wilson and Jackson are more athletic. They will nudge up to get Wilson. I PREDICT they grade Wilson #1 - clearly the most athletic, can press cover as well as the other 2, doesn't rely solely on bump-run technique. They value the opinions of ALL Sr Bowl D coaches - Wilson was CLEARLY the best CB. Many fans will be peeved when Rd.3 is over and the Eagles haven't drafted a LB - there is no quality SAM in this draft! Sean W'spoon is NOT the answer, he's merely the ONLY guy considered a POSSIBLE starter at SAM. Why draft a kid in Rd. 1 if he can't start right away, and may never play the position they need filled? IF they draft a LB Rd.1, it will be trade up for McClain-ILB-ALA. I can see them drafting Brandon Spikes-FLA in Rd.3-4 - he can play MIKE and maybe SAM. I don't see why everyone thinks Reid drafts o-line Rd.1. He did so TWICE - Tra Thomas and Sh. Andrews, and only ONCE (Andrews) for interior o-line. All other o-linemen were late round or undrafted FA. Rd.1-Kyle Wilson-CB; Rd.2-Nate Allen-S; Rd.2-Chad Jones-S. The wild card is Carlos Dunlap, whose DUI has him falling. So Rds. 3-4 will be Spikes/Dunlap, whichever is there. No projects or converts to new positions in Rds.1-2 (Mays-Thomas-PierrePaul-W'spoon). Rd.1's for STARTERS ONLY! WILSON/ALLEN/JONES! It's a prediction, and close to a wish list. 2002 Redux!— montgomeryhopkins
I suspect that Andy is hoping to trade No. 37 for another team's First Round next year. I think he will go O-line in first, trade the Redskins' pick, and then go for the defense. If they do not help to shore up the O-line this draft, God help Kevin Kolb - he'll need it.
The draftniks are predicting that the safeties, Berry and Thomas will both go in the top 10! Safety is a trendy pick right now, it used to be that no self respecting GM would pick one that high. The other guy Mays had a weak senior year, I think he's a reach at pick 24. Second round, okay but not pick 24.- In your face Z-Force, yeah. -not bob levy— remyy
- I'm kind of hoping that the Eagles confirm my suspicion that Kyle Wilson is a flat-out stud: A four-year stater for the Broncos, Wilson had 159 total tackles (125 solo), two sacks, one forced fumble, and 11 interceptions with two returned for touchdowns in 2009, and he returned three kicks for touchdowns in 2008. Wilson has been clocked in the 40-yard dash as low as 4.32, but he will most likely run somewhere in the 4.4's in the turf in Indy, but that will not hurt his draft stock, it will only increase it. When Wilson's name was called to test his strength on the bench-press, he amazed onlookers when he lifted the bar 25 times, and only Oklahoma State safety Lucien Antoine had more reps with 28 for all defensive backs who made an attempt.— Murrayman
- Earl Thomas is the pick or Witherspoon. Both good leaders and they NEED a defensive leader!! They are both probably gone but either one comes in as a starter! Only way to get a GOOD lineman for this year is to get into the top 15! Unless someone drops! This is not the time to reach. To many holes to fill.— riza1976
taklinjoe...the reason you would do it is that you have flushed out all of your aggressive DBs and Mays is an intimidator. You didn't need Michael Lewis if you had Dawkins and Brown. None of our DBs scare anyone. If this guy can get his timing down and become the kind of guy that not only separates you from the ball, but separates you from your head, ala Wes Hopkins/Ronnie Lott then you clear out the middle and your corners are more effective. A combo of Wilson and Mays would give the line more time to get to the QB, and a deep DE draft could yield a winner in the third round.- Pouncey or Jackson with the first pick, Nate Allen with the first 2nd round pick. There's alot of talent in the first 3 rounds of this draft.— beegal99
- ...and 3 quality back-ups just to finish the thought.— Z-Force
- Wow, not much of a consensus which just goes to show you how many needs the Eagles have. This year, more than ever, even our lower round draft picks have a chance to make the roster. If we trade up, we most likely lose a few of the lower round picks. With so many needs, I'd like to see the Eagles stay where they are and keep all 11 picks but that's easier said than done. If a player Reid likes is still there a few picks in front of ours, he'll jump. As boring as the draft can be, it's pretty exciting to think of how different the roster will be next week.— vafan
- 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
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
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.- 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.
- 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
- I think ur right-on 2j. eagles pounce on pouncey!— larryv
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- Dunlap might not even get drafted in the second round. His stock is really sliding.— Tech_Triumph
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
i still think the birds will try to move up and grab one of the top two safeties out there.— azguz- 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
- 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
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Sheil Kapadia is in his fifth season writing about the Eagles and the NFL for philly.com. His earliest
memories as a sports fan include several trips to Veterans Stadium with
his Dad. He's not a beat writer or an Insider, but is here to
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