Philadelphia Eagles: Post-Free Agency 7-Round Mock Draft

Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad offensive tackle Ali Marpet of Hobart (50) enters the field during player introductions before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart

The Eagles might be without both their starting offensive guards from this past season in 2015. That makes drafting Hobart’s Ali Marpet in the third round a no-brainer. Marpet’s stock has been on the rise ever since his impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. He followed that up with an even better performance at the combine, running the fastest forty-yard dash of any offensive linemen at 4.98 seconds. Marpet also posted a 7.33 second 3-cone drill time and 4.47 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle drill. Considering he is 6-4, 307 lbs. with 33 3/8″ arms, those times are very impressive.

Those drills all showed off Marpet’s athleticism which is something the Eagles look for along the offensive line. Former Eagles guard Todd Herremans was the only starter among Philadelphia’s 2014 offensive line that ran a forty-yard dash slower than 5.0 seconds. Marpet played left tackle at Hobart and must prove he is ready to make the jump to the speed and power he’ll face at the next level. Jumping from Division III to the NFL is a major leap, which is why many project Marpet as a guard in the NFL as well.

He has certainly drawn the Eagles’ interest as well. They spoke to him at the combine. Then at Marpet’s pro day, the Eagles ran the drills and they even went out for dinner with Marpet, according to Tony Pauline. So not only does Marpet appear to be a fit in fan’s eyes because of his build and athleticism, the team is also clearly interested in him as well.

Next: Round 4 (via SF): Blake Bell, TE, Oklahoma