Philadelphia Eagles First Round Analysis: Mariota Possible?
By Joe Wedra
In this Philadelphia Eagles mock draft roundup, we take a look at some of the experts around the draft world and their thoughts on the potential NFL Draft selections in the first round. Is Marcus Mariota possible? Does the massive need at secondary trump all?
Find expert opinion with notes on each selection below.
Brian Baldinger, NFL.com
The pick: Marcus Mariota (at #20)
The explanation: “Whether it’s here at pick No. 20 or through a trade, Mariota gets reunited with Chip Kelly and the Eagles keep on Ducking.”
The reaction: Obviously, nobody is going to rule out Chip Kelly doing the impossible. He can’t hide the fact that he wants his former Oregon QB. The question remains the same: how much is he willing to dish out to take the risk?
Don Banks, SI.com
The pick: Landon Collins (at #20)
The explanation: “The Eagles have a crying need for a talent upgrade at safety and just happen to find the draft’s best prospect at that position waiting for them. There won’t be a Marcus Smith-like swing and miss in Philly’s first-round work this year.”
The reaction: If Collins is available here, one would have to imagine that this is the pick — barring a major Mariota slide. Philly has to shore up the secondary, and making this selection can do just that.
Walter Football
The pick: Jaelen Strong
The explanation: “Jeremy Maclin surprised everyone by signing with the Chiefs (i.e. sabotaging his career). The Eagles will probably take a receiver in the first three rounds, and Chip Kelly is very familiar with this Pac-12 receiver. I went back and forth between Jaelen Strong and Nelson Agholor … I went with Strong because I have him higher on my board, but I could definitely see this pick being Agholor.”
The reaction: Not sure I can see this one happening. More pressing needs will be on the minds of the Eagles brass once this pick rolls around. Even if they do go WR, Strong isn’t the likely pick. Should Amari Cooper suffer a slide, the potential move would have to at-least enter discussions. Otherwise, receiver will go on the back-burner on Day One.
Dane Brugler, CBS Sports
The pick: Byron Jones
The explanation: “Connecting the pro day dots, Chip Kelly has paid close attention to big, athletic defensive back prospects this spring. Eric Rowe is in the conversation, but Jones is the better fit and should surprise no one if he’s drafted this high.”
The reaction: Another puzzling projection here. I assume you can’t rule out the possibility, but Jones at 20 is way too rich for my liking. The Eagles’ need at corner is pressing; Jones going this high would send shockwaves through the back-end of the first round.