Mock Draft 1.0, Picks 11-20
1 through 10 is in the books, and it’s time to move on in the Draft, mock-style. The Eagles are already starting to work on their team, to free up money with the cap, and in this portion of the Draft, they’re scheduled to make a selection. Or, will they? Let’s look ahead and see.
11. Chicago– They need defense. They could also go for a quarterback. Let’s face it, Jay Cutler isn’t getting any younger. But, at this point, with John Fox as their head coach, they’re going to go defense. With the eleventh pick, the Chicago Bears select- Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame.
12. New Orleans– Again, another team that needs defense. Rob Ryan literally destroyed the team’s defense last year, which seems to be his signature move. And now, the team needs to rebuild their defense. Versatility is the key here. With the twelfth pick, New Orleans selects DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon.
13. Philadelphia– This is where it can get extremely interesting. The Eagles need a lot of personnel. They need offensive linemen. They also need a quarterback. One happens to be available here. Can the team talk the Rams into trading up here for a return on the second round pick given up in the Bradford deal? Probably not. The Lions, Falcons, Colts, and Bills all have their quarterbacks. Can the Jets move here? It’s going to take a lot. Taking a quarterback here means he’ll have to play next season. Taking an offensive lineman sets up the team to release Jason Peters after June 1, creating just over 9 million dollars in savings against the cap. With the 13th pick, the Eagles trade with the NY Jets for the 20th pick, and the Jet’s 3rd round selection. At number 13, the NY Jets select Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis.
14. Oakland– They were a bit of a surprise last year. They actually played better than a lot of people thought they would. Derek Carr seems to have the team heading in a brighter direction, and Jack Del Rio loves defense. With the 14th pick, Oakland selects Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson
15. Los Angeles– With their move back to LA, this is a spot where the team had better not blow it. They could certainly use a quarterback, and, since they didn’t trade up in this mock draft, the other signal callers can be had in later rounds. Their defense is pretty stout, and Todd Gurley looks like a beast. The Rams defense gets a little better here. With the 15th pick, Los Angeles selects Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama.
16. Detroit– If the rumors are true, and Calvin Johnson does retire, Detroit needs to find offensive weapons in an effort to replace him. While no one can truly replace Megatron, the Lions get someone that can help fill the void. With the 16th pick, Detroit selects Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State.
17. Atlanta– Dan Quinn fired up their defense, but couldn’t keep Matt Ryan upright long enough to help Julio Jones. The Falcons have to protect Matty Ice. With the 17th pick, Atlanta selects Taylor Decker, T, Ohio State.
18. Indianapolis– In a season of dysfunction that had the Colts alive until Week 17, everyone was surprised when the team extended head coach Chuck Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson. Andrew Luck missed a ton of time, because he was pounded. Again, they have to protect their investment. With the 18th pick, Indianapolis selects Jerald Hawkins, T, LSU.
19. Buffalo– The Pegula family has decreed that, if the team doesn’t make the playoffs next season, Rex Ryan is out. He’s coaching for his job, so take the most dynamic player on the board at this point. With the 19th pick, Buffalo selects Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State.
20. Philadelphia– Lynch was very tempting at 13, but, so was the chance to gain another pick in Round 3. Since all signs are pointing toward Doug Pederson retaining Sam Bradford, the team gets him and Demarco Murray some help. With the 20th pick, Philadelphia selects Jack Conklin, T, Michigan State.
Again, this is all speculation, and it will most certainly change after the Combine. But, it’s a way for all of us to keep football on our minds. Gosh, I miss football. Six months till everyone is back at training camp. I’m going to go nuts!!!
Fly, Eagles…….Fly!!!!!!
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