Draft mockery 2: Eagles will take ... | Philadelphia Inquirer

A survey of online mock drafts a month ago was kind of a warm-up exercise.

NFL teams hadn't begun signing free agents, or testing talent at the annual combines.

So no way those predictions were worth more than getting the ball rolling.

Now the NFL draft is just a month away - it starts April 26 - which means ... well ... the picture is still murky.

After all, even on draft day itself, projecting picks is iffy.

Anybody have QB Kevin Kolb on their radar for the Eagles last year?

Still, students of the game want to know the names, if not play amateur GM.

So here's an updated roundup of projected picks for the Eagles at No. 19.

(And even one at No. 17, after a projected trade.)

Tip: Put cursor over source names to see clickable links.

FOUR NEW NAMES

These guys weren't mentioned for the Eagles in February's roundup.

Wide receiver James Hardy, Indiana. 6-7, 220 pounds. "Big possession-type receiver who should be very effective in the red zone," says about.com's James Adler (updated March 10). 'The 'no non-sense' pick that Eagles' season ticket holders have been hoping for," says prodraftguide.net (March 19).

Cornerback Mike Jenkins, South Florida. 5-10, 197 pounds. Even though Eagles signed Asante Samuel, "Lito Sheppard will probably be traded, which means they still need help at cornerback," says nfldraftcountdown.com (March 17). Many mocks, however, have him gone by No. 12.

Linebacker Dan Connor, Penn State. 6-3, 233 pounds. "Set the school record with 419 career tackles," notes CBS's sportsline.com, where Sports Xchange projected Connor (March 18).

Wide receiver Early Doucet, LSU. 6-0, 205 pounds. Third best wideout, after Limas Sweed and Malcolm Kelly, says djnflmockdraft.com (March 20). Doesn't show up on most first-round boards, however. In fact, he's projected as the Bird's second-round pick, at No. 49, by fantasyfootballjungle.com (March 25).

RETAINING, IF NOT GAINING SUPPORT

Many picks changed, but these names stayed the same.

Safety Kenny Phillips, Miami. 6-2, 210 pounds. Eagles "need to shop for Brian Dawkins' eventual replacement," says nfldraftblitz.com, which (updated March 23). "Best safety on the board," says Pat Kirwan of nfl.com (March 24), who projects the Eagles trading for Minnesota's No. 17 pick to get Phillips. "Phenomenal athlete," said nflreport.com (March 1). Also picked by Clark Judge at CBS's sportsline.com (March 13) and two of eight guys at USAToday.com (March 13).

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson, California. 5-9, 169 pounds. Since he also returns kicks, he's "instant offense on two levels," says Fox Sports (March 24). "Athletic playmaker," says thefootballexpert.com (March 23). "Home run ability," says sportsnutz.com. (March 17). Has "explosiveness," says footballsfuture.com (March 17). Note: Before the combine, he was listed as 5-11.

Wide receiver Limas Sweed, Texas. 6-5, 219 pounds. Best receiver in college football before a wrist injury, says CBS's sports.line.com, where Pete Prisco projected Sweed to the Eagles (March 13). Size and speed "must make Coach Andy Reid drool," says nfldraftdog.com (March 5).

Offensive tackle Jeff Otah, Pittsburgh. 6-6, 340 pounds. "Best blocker I've ever coached," Dave Wannstedt, who coached the Bears and Dolphins, is quoted as saying by insidetheeagles.com (March 25). "Much-needed injection of youth at one of the game's most vital positions," says Don Banks of SI.com (March 13).

Linebacker Keith Rivers, USC. 6-3. 220 pounds. "Big time hitter who plays sideline to sideline," says Matt Chase of fantasyfootballjungle.com (March 25). Also projected to the Birds by huddlegeeks.com (March 20).

Defensive end Calais Campbell, Miami. 6-8, 280 pounds. "Massive player, and he is quick and skilled at sacking the quarterback," says draftking.com (March 4).

Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma. 6-4, 217 pounds. "Assuming he's healthy, Kelly is a fluid athlete with outstanding size and arguably the strongest hands of any receiver in this class," says Todd McShay of Scouts, Inc., for ESPN.com. (March 13). Also projected to the Birds by Jim Corbett of USAToday.com (March 13).

NO LONGER ON THE RADAR

Five players mentioned in last month's Draft Mockery 1 no longer made anybody's list.

Three defensive ends,Vernon Gholston of Ohio State, Derrick Harvey of Florida and Philip Merling of Clemson, are likely to be gone before the Eagles pick.

Offensive tackle Chris Williams, Vanderbilt. 6-6, 320 pounds. Might still be available, according to some boards.

Wide receiver Mario Manningham, Michigan. 6-0, 178 pounds. His stock dropped.

WANT A TIGHT END?

Fred Davis of USC, considered the top prospect at the position, barely cracked the first round with only one of USA Today's eight draftniks.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.