Philadelphia Eagles 7-Round Mock Draft: Trade for Mariota?

Boston College Eagles WR Shakim Phillips (11) makes a catch against Penn State Nittany Lions S Adrian Amos (4) during the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

ADRIAN AMOS – Penn State
Third Round, Pick no.84

I can’t think of a way the Eagles trade up for Mariota and manage to keep their second-rounder. They might not even keep this one, but I like to think they find a way to do it. That said, their next selection is Adrian Amos, the safety from Penn State.

With the Eagles’ ideal model for safeties in mind, I was looking at safety prospects from the draft a month ago. it took me a while to get to Amos but he was the one that looked the most like an Eagles safety.

Amos checks all boxes on the Eagles’ checklist for safeties. He has the length and speed they like. He is agile, has coverage skills and he is not afraid of contact. Amos must work on his recognition skills and improve his tackling, especially if he is to play center field safety, but that does not mean he is too bad in those areas.

Τhis is how Amos compares to the rest of free safeties (graph from Mockdraftable.com):

While not impressive, he has the tools required to play next to Malcolm Jenkins. Like Jenkins, Amos has played cornerback too and he is familiar with man coverage concepts. This allows him to line up as a nickel back, even thought that’s not his strength. That versatility, however, as well as his athleticism is what Chip Kelly and defensive coordinator Billy Davis covet the most.

At this point of the draft, Amos might be a bit of a reach in terms of pick value, but the Eagles can’t afford to wait much longer, as they need a starter at safety and not many prospects fit their mold.

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