Draft Week: Introducing the Most Popular Eagles Mock Picks
We are near the start of the 2019 NFL Draft, the event that caps off months of speculation, rumors, hot takes, projections and, of course, mock drafts. Mock drafts usually follow a formula, where the top 10 or so picks are basically a consensus, the middle of the pack starts to get messy and the later first round picks are anyone’s guess.
As for this year’s Eagles first-rounder, the draft media appears to have settled on a few prospects, which will be introduced in this exercise.
Fourteen mock drafts, across 3 different media outlets, led to 9 different prospects who are possibilities for the Eagles. They will be presented here in order from most to least repeated.
1. Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama (4 appearances)
Measurables: 5’9″, 209
Highlights
Josh Jacobs was widely mocked to the Eagles before the arrival of Jordan Howard from Chicago, but even after the trade this pairing still is very popular, surprisingly. He’s the most complete and well-rounded back in the class, with great vision, balance, elusiveness, the power to break through tackles and more than enough pop to break off the occasional home run. Jacobs is also a very accomplished receiver, capable of lining up outside and running several different route concepts.
Despite his size, he’s a willing blocker, who lowers his pads and rocks incoming blitzers at the point of attack. However, despite being the clear cut #1 RB in 2019, he no longer fills a need for the team, making his selection very unlikely at this point.
2. Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State (2)
Measurables: 5’11”, 208
Highlights
Aggression and physicality define Abram’s game, as his highlight reel shows. He made a living of destroying opposing wide receivers in space, while also flying around to disrupt running plays everywhere. Abram shows very good recognition on screens and wide receiver screens but is dangerously prone to double moves on the outside due to his aggressiveness. Ball skills are also an issue, with him only having two interceptions in college.
All things considered, he should be viewed as a realistic possibility and a very interesting one at that, as he looks like someone who would be incredible early on special teams and in nickel packages, with potential to develop into a quality starter down the line.
3. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma (2)
Measurables: 5’9″, 166
Highlights
“Hollywood” Brown is basically a younger version of returning Eagle DeSean Jackson. Their games are incredibly similar, with both relying on game-breaking speed and precise deep route-running to win against coverages. Brown’s quick-twitch is also very valuable on intermediate outs, where he can beat defenders with his elusiveness. He does have a very slight frame, which might be cause for concern with some people, but his play on tape does not show a fragile receiver at all. He plays big, attacks the catch point and is able to win one-on-one in a variety of ways.
Keep an eye on Marquise as the draft approaches, as he is a very intriguing fit with the Eagles, especially having Jackson as a mentor early in his career.
4. Nasir Adderley, S, Delaware (1)
Measurables: 6’0″, 206
Highlights
The Philadelphia native Adderley has great range and ball skills, which are reminiscent of his cornerback days. He might be best suited as a deep free safety, to best use his very good, if not elite, movement skills. Might also bring value in the return game should the team ask him to do so. As for the draft, Adderley might not even be available at #25 but if he is, pay close attention as he would greatly fit what the Eagles do on the backend.
5. DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia (1)
Measurables: 5’11”, 193
Highlights
Very tough and competitive corner who might have the highest floor of the class. Can play press without a hitch, but has also been asked to play zone and did alright at it. Baker does not give up many big plays down the field but also does not get many turnovers. In run support, he tends to get stuck on blocks more often than not. Overall, he’s a safe prospect, but one who might be a little redundant with all the CBs the Eagles currently have.
6. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson (1)
Measurables: 6’4″, 342
Highlights
Lawrence is a massive human being, standing out even among other huge men in the trenches. He’s an elite run defender, making great use of his size and strength combination to overpower offensive linemen at the point of attack. Since one-on-one blocks are easy for him to dismantle, he has handled more than his fair share of double teams, which free up linebackers and other rushers to attack.
The pass rush is an area with some level of concern with him, as he doesn’t generate exceptional amounts of inside push on the pocket. Lawrence could be available late in Round 1 due to that, and the Eagles do need more iDL depth. He could be a very intriguing space-eating option to put next to Fletcher Cox.
7. Erik McCoy, C/G, Texas A&M (1)
Measurables: 6’4″, 303
Highlights
McCoy is a powerful offensive lineman, with a strong frame and sturdy anchor when set on protection. He shows his smarts by recognizing disguise patterns in the rush and reacts well accordingly. Coming from the SEC, teams know that he has faced the hardest competition available at the college level and excelled against it, which only helps his draft stock. The probability of this selection hinges on All-Pro Jason Kelce’s wish to continue playing beyond 2019. If his career extends, then it makes little sense to draft his replacement this early. If the team has different information on Kelce’s mindset, however, McCoy could solidify the line post-Kelce and give the team possibly back-to-back All-Pros at the pivot.
8. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State (1)
Measurables: 6’4″, 301
Highlights
Simmons is easily a top-10 player in this class. He’s incredibly explosive off the ball, and very powerful and agile getting out of blocks, both in pass rush and in the run game. A guy this talented would never be available at #25 without issues, however, which Simmons has both in his recent ACL tear and in the 2016 arrest that kept him out of the NFL Scouting Combine. He has All-Pro potential, but it remains to be seen whether the Eagles will be interested in taking yet another redshirt player after the Sidney Jones experience.
9. Juan Thornhill, S, Virginia (1)
Measurables: 6’0″, 205
Highlights
Versatility is the name of the game with Thornhill, as he’s capable of playing multiple spots on defense. From cornerback (where he has previously played) to deep safety to nickel, he’s a Swiss Army knife on the defensive backfield. His best traits include ball skills and coverage ability. At #25, with his current draft stock, picking Thornhill might be a bit of a reach, but his selection is definitely a possibility.
Photo: Jae C. Hong/AP Photo
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