Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Version 2.0
Nov 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
This Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Mock Draft shows the type of talent the team could add in the offseason.
The players added in this version of my Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Mock Draft could be the pushes the team to the next level. Philadelphia is still fighting for a playoff berth this season, but it’s looking more like next year is their year.
This is a team that was looking at a possible rebuild after they traded up to grab Carson Wentz. However, his rapid development has the Eagles thinking playoffs and Super Bowl.
The key to the team’s future success will be adding the right pieces around their young quarterback. Philadelphia’s current depth chart has holes at both wide receiver and running back. The inconsistency at those positions has made things more difficult for Wentz.
This year’s draft features a strong running back group and several intriguing options at wide receiver. The catch is that Philadelphia doesn’t have any control on where they pick in the 1st round. They own the Minnesota Vikings 1st round pick thanks to the Sam Bradford trade.
Minnesota has hand an up and down season, but are still in the thick of the playoff hunt. It’s likely that the Eagles are looking at having a pick in the middle of the 1st round.
Nov 12, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D
1st Round- D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
The Philadelphia Eagles have a 1st round pick thanks to the trade that sent Sam Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings.
Philadelphia needs to surround Carson Wentz with more explosive weapons. This includes giving him a running back capable of carrying the load. Philadelphia’s current stable of running backs are average at best.
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Texas’ D’Onta Foreman has burst on the scene this year and has become one of the better running back prospects in the country. He features a thick build and top-end speed. This allows him to both work between the tackles and break off long runs.
Foreman would take a lot of pressure off Wentz and help him from feeling he needs to carry the offense. He’d also literally help keep pressure off Wentz with his willingness and skills as a pass blocker. This is a tough player who doesn’t hesitate to take on blitzers in the hole.
Philadelphia has needs at the wide receiver position, but at this point in the draft they are better served adding a dynamic running back. However, if someone like Western Michigan’s Corey Davis is still on the board when the Eagles pick he’d make a ton of sense.
Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with teammates after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Round- Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Michigan Jourdan Lewis is an undersized cornerback prospect who stands out because of his ball skills. Lewis has a knack for pulling down interceptions or generating pass breakups. It’s this ability to create turnovers that help NFL teams overlook his smaller stature.
Lewis also plays with a ton of balance and change of direction ability. He’s a fluid athlete who does a good job remaining in-phase with the receiver. His ability to limit separation makes it hard for the receiver to consistently get open.
The Eagles need help at the cornerback position where they don’t have any long-term answers. They have a collection of solid contributors but no one that really stands out. Lewis has the upside to develop into a shutdown cornerback.
He reminds me a lot of Jason Verrett with his smaller build and ability to stay in-phase.
The 2nd round might be a great place for the Eagles to address their need at the receiver position. They need to find someone who can catch the football. Philadelphia’s offense has been hurt by drops from Nelson Agholor and Jordan Matthews.
Oklahoma’s DeDe Westbrook is someone they could target and count on to catch the football.
Apr 16, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Malachi Dupre (15) runs with the football during the Spring Game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
3rd Round- Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU
Targeting someone like Malachi Dupre would be an upside pick. Dupre features the size, speed and leaping ability to be a big-time playmaker. The issue is his production has been highly inconsistent since entering college.
A lot of the inconsistency can be blamed on the poor quarterback play at LSU and lack of an offensive identity. Over the past few years, LSU has leaned on running back Leonard Fournette to carry the offense.
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This limited the opportunities for pass catchers like Dupre. However, Dupre has value based on the type of potential he has flashed. He could quickly develop into a difference maker with the right coaching and opportunities.
Philadelphia could very well address their need at wide receiver through the draft. However, they might be better off hitting the free agent market. Their roster is full of young receivers with potential. Adding another young player to the mix wouldn’t provide immediate help.
Carson Wentz needs a veteran presence and someone he can count on to be in the right position. It would also help if that new addition had consistent hands and didn’t add to the drop issues facing the Eagles receiving corps.
Oct 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Adam Bisnowaty (69) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Marshall Thundering Herd safety C.J. Reavis (1) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 43-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
4th Round- Adam Bisnowaty, OL, Pittsburgh
Offensive line depth is extremely important for an NFL roster. The Eagles are no stranger to this concept as they’ve seen seasons fall apart with the loss of a few offensive linemen. Currently, they are dealing with a suspension of Lane Johnson which has hurt the offensive’s consistency.
Johnson’s suspension history and the age of Jason Peters are two great reasons for the Eagles to target someone like Pittsburgh’s Adam Bisnowaty. He has experience playing both tackle positions and could even bump inside to guard if needed.
Bisnowaty is a nasty player who fights for inside hand placement and looks to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. He’s a real asset in the running game which would go along good with the 1st pick in this mock draft.
The concern is his ability to hold up in pass protection against speed rushers. Pittsburgh is a run-heavy offense which hasn’t given Bisnowaty tons of experience protecting for longer stretches.
Another option in this round would be adding depth at the linebacker position. Current starters Mychal Kendricks and Jordan Hicks have injury concerns while Nigel Bradham has some off-field issues. Someone like LSU’s Kendall Beckwith would make sense.