Philadelphia Eagles 7-Round Mock Draft Projections

Dec 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals safety Calvin Pryor (25) waves his arms to the crowd in the fourth quarter as theCardinals beat the Miami Hurricanes 36-9 to win the Russell Athletic Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1, No. 22

Calvin Pryor, Safety, Louisville

This has become perhaps the most popular first round pick for the Eagles this year and not without good cause.  The Eagles, despite having safeties Earl Wolff and Keelan Johnson, re-signing safety Nate Allen, and signing former New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins, need a quality safety who can come in and immediately start.  Pryor is a tough safety known for being a hard hitter and having good coverage ability.  Many people think he could be picked up prior to the Eagles’ pick at No. 22, but if he’s available, drafting him would be a no-brainer.

Alternatives: Dee Ford, DE, Auburn or Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota