2014 NFL Mock Draft Eagles Play It “Safe”

Oct 19, 2013; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive back Justin Gilbert (4) runs back an intercepted pass against Texas Christian Horned Frogs wide receiver Cam White (88) during the first half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

22. Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Gilbert
Cornerback, Oklahoma State

The Eagles are a great team, and they desperately need secondary help. I think that this is who the Eagles should take here. At this point the best wide receivers still on the board are Penn State reciever Allen Robinson and Vanderbilt receiver Jordan Matthews. I would love for the Eagles to get either of these men, however it is very likely that they could fall to the second round, and assuming this is the case they can trade up in the second round to get one.

The Eagles in my opinion haver a bigger issue at safety than at cornerback. I have them taking Gilbert because he is the best secondary player on the board and because there are better safety options via free agency like Browns safety TJ Ward or Bills safety Jairus Byrd. If I were the Eagles GM I would draft Gilbert, sign TJ Ward, and then trade my second and fifth round pick to get Jordan Matthews. Matthews is  very underrated because he lacks breakaway speed, but he has incredible hands and playmaking ability.

23. Kansas City Chiefs
Brandin Cooks
Wide Receiver, Oregon State

The Chiefs need a wide receiver here, there are many good options here, but I think are going to go with cooks because he is so fast and explosive over the middle of the field and runs great routes. The Chiefs are satisfied with Dwayne Bowe on the outside and would rather  have a smaller speedy receiver similar to and also an upgrade over wide receiver Donnie Avery to throw to over the middle.

24. Cincinnati Bengals
Darqueze Dennard
Cornerback, Michigan State

The Bengals have a phenomenal defense, but they were a little weak in the secondary last year after the injury to cornerback Leon Hall. Dennard is the best corner out there at this point and the Bengals would be lucky to land him.

25. San Diego Chargers
Louchiez Purifoy
Cornerback, Florida

The Chargers need an upgrade at cornerback and Purifoy is a great answer to their problem. He offers great talent at corner, and he would also improve their team with his ability to be a kick returner.

26. Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis)
Stephen Tuitt
Defensive End, Notre Dame

This pick is mostly a value pick because Tuitt is probably the best player still on the board. The Browns have a very solid defense, but they could use some pass rush help. They could also take a cornerback here to go opposite star cornerback Joe Haden.

27. New Orleans Saints
Antonio Richardson
Offensive Tackle, Tennessee

The Saints could use a wide receiver, some secondary help and possibly a tight end if they let Jimmy Graham go (which they won’t). Richardson makes the most sense because he is a skilled tackle and he can help fill the hole left by the departure of lineman Jermon Bushrod.