2017 Eagles only NFL Mock Draft
Round One: Quincy Wilson, CB – If the Eagles want any chance of competing in the next few years, they need a talented cornerback, plain and simple. Enter Quincy Wilson. Wilson is a rare combination of size (6’1” – 213 pounds), instinct, and toughness that can be the Eagles answer to guys like Dez Byrant and OBJ. His technique, footwork, and hip flexibility all make him a fantastic man coverage corner. As long as the Eagles continue to utilize a wide-9 scheme with below average corners, teams are going to take advantage of the soft coverage with quick throws. Wilson’s cover ability can help prevent that, and will allow the Eagles D to go from merely good, to great.
Round Two: D’Onta Foreman, RB – With the defense out of the way, the Eagles can now focus of finding talent to grow with Wentz, and there are few better options then Foreman. His combination of size, speed, patience, vision, balance, and toughness make Foreman a rare prospect that the Eagles can’t pass up on. He’s great in short yardage and goal line situations, and has a fantastic first-cut. Behind the underrated, physical offensive line the Eagles have, Foreman has a good chance of being a great running back for a long time.
Round Three: DeDe Westbrook, WR – Westbrook is one of my favorite receivers in this year’s draft. This may scare of a few people, but Westbrook is a very similar player to Josh Huff, just much more complete. First off, the dude is just fast. He can create big time plays simply because he can outrun defenders. Add in polished footwork, solid route running, and physicality, and a lot of people might wonder why he’s dropping to the third round. Past injuries, off the field concerns, and age will all cause Westbrook to drop in the draft, but he’s a great fit for the Eagles and will provide Carson Wentz with another playmaker.
Round Four: Tyler Orlosky, C – Whether the Eagles move on from Jason Kelce remains to be seen, but drafting Orlosky here gives the Eagles some wiggle room. Orlosky is actually very similar to Kelce, but with a few key differences. Both players are slightly undersized for a center (although Orlosky has the build to get to a more ideal weight), play with intelligence, and are solid from a technique standpoint. The biggest difference between the two are that Orlosky does a great job of minimizing penalties and mistakes. Kelce is better at pulling and on the run, but Orlosky will provide the Eagles a tough, physical center they can develop.
Round Four: Steven Taylor, LB – Steven Taylor is the sort of versatile linebacker the Eagles could use. He can drop into coverage, rush the passer, and help stop the run. While versatility is something NFL teams covet, the reason he falls so far is the lack of elite burst and athleticism. You can count me among those few people who think Mychal Kendricks will suit up in midnight green again, which gives the Eagles plenty of time to develop Taylor into the best player he can be.
Note: At this point, mock drafts become more about filling need then truly being accurate. I’ll give you guys some names that make sense, but because I haven’t been able to study these guys much, there won’t be much analysis.
Round Five: Fabian Moreau, CB – From what I’m seeing, Moreau is flying up draft boards, and could end up going as high as the third round. But for now, the 4th or 5th round feels like a good place for him. Moreau plays the position with intelligence and patience, but still has a lot of refining to do before he can truly compete for a starting spot.
Round Six: Ejuan Price, EDGE – A little small for an edge rusher, Price can still bring a lot of power and solid technique to the D-line. He’s put up great numbers in the Pittsburg system, but size and injury concern will cause him to fall.
Round Seven: Mitch Leidner, QB – It’s my personal belief that competition makes players better. In reality, Leidner is nothing more than a career 3rd string QB or camp body, but seeing as the Eagles need both when it comes to QB, he’s the pick here.
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