Dave’s Seven Round Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft

Jan 4, 2014; Birmingham, AL, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Jordan Matthews (87) carries the ball for a touchdown during the 2014 Compass Bowl against the Houston Cougars at Legion Field. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Round Two, 54th Overall

The Pick: Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt WR

I don’t believe I’m shocking anyone when we see a wide receiver drafted earlier than later. It’s not what I’d consider it a primary need at this point (not to the degree of 2000-2007 at least), but if you’re going to address it there’s no better time than the second round of a loaded class.

Jordan Matthews is, in my opinion, a top five receiver in this year’s class, and better than USC’s Marqise Lee (whom many have mocked to the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round.) He possesses great size at 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, has a knack for running good routes (important), and likely wins Chip Kelly and company over by being a willing blocker. He’s not the big play threat like Brandin Cooks, but he’s exactly the type of consistent player that the Eagles have harped on liking since Kelly arrived.

Given that the Eagles like to substitute wide receivers depending on packages, it’s difficult to give a solid answer on his initial 2014 ceiling. It’s clear that at worst, he’s still technically “starting” if you count three wideouts as such. He’d be competing with Arrelious Benn and Brad Smith for the third WR job, but whether he would majority of time in the slot or outside remains to be determined.