Philadelphia Eagles 2012 NFL Draft Preview
By Zac Snyder
Preview provided by Bob Wankel. Head to Inside the Iggles for more on the Philadelphia Eagles.
What are the team needs for the Eagles heading into the draft?
In order—DT, S, OLB, OL Depth, QB, DE
Most people wouldn’t look at the Eagles’ defensive line and view it as a need, but I’d be shocked if that isn’t the spot they utilize their first-round pick. Michael Brockers and Fletcher Cox are the two players that I believe they truly covet. As for their needs, they really need help at safety and I’d like to see them address the strong side linebacker position and add a corner early in the draft to build depth. They’ll almost certainly need to bolster their offensive line depth and perhaps draft a quarterback that they can groom over the next couple of seasons.
Who are some prospects you’d like to see end up with the Eagles?
I’d love to see the Eagles end up with Fletcher Cox, but that’s looking less and less likely. Mark Barron and Luke Kuechly would be excellent additions, but again, both are unlikely to end up in Philadelphia. Ultimately, Brockers or cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick I think are the two most likely players to be drafted at 15. I also wouldn’t hate to see ILB Mychal Kendricks or CB Janoris Jenkins if those players fell to them in the second round.
What would represent a successful draft in your opinion?
The team is built to win now—they need to add a player that can contribute in 2012. This draft is deep at the defensive tackle position and it would in the Eagles’ best interest to add a guy that could immediately step in and contribute to defensive line coach Jim Washburn’s system. The team must also add some youthful competition to its secondary. And while I’d love to see a talented rookie start from the jump at outside linebacker, well, that’s probably wishful thinking. I’m not as adamant about the need to draft a young quarterback in the middle rounds.
Give us a bold prediction for your team.
The Eagles will not use all nine of their picks in the draft. I expect them to bundle picks and move up early in the second, or perhaps even jump back into the late first round.