Philadelphia Eagles: Final Mock Draft Roundup
Finally the 2015 NFL Draft is here, just hours away. Now it’s time to take a last look at who the experts have the Philadelphia Eagles and head coach Chip Kelly drafting with the 20th overall pick. Although there are talks going on between the Tennessee Titans and the Eagles regarding the 2nd overall pick in the draft, all but one of the following mock drafts have the Eagles using their 20th overall pick and not trading up.
The Eagles have been linked to quite a few prospects throughout the pre-draft process. They have had quite a few wide receivers and defensive backs visit the NovaCare Complex so could that be the direction they go in the first round? Or could they shock everyone and go with a player that nobody was expecting them to have interest in? Don’t forget about a possible trade up for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, that can never be ruled out now that Kelly is calling the shots.
All that being said, let’s get into these final mock drafts and who the experts have the Eagles selecting in the first round!
"20) Byron Jones, Cornerback, ConnecticutWhy they take him: Chip Kelly wants high-character talent, and the Eagles could draft Jones and use him at either safety or cornerback, both need areas.Why they pass: The offensive line is a need area, and several players could be in play if that’s the priority. And while a trade for Mariota seems close to impossible … it’s still the Eagles."
"20) Breshad Perriman, Wide Receiver, UCFAnalysis: The Eagles are missing a deep threat in the passing game following Jeremy Maclin‘s free-agency departure, and Perriman is exactly that with his combination of size and rare straight-line speed. I do have some concern about his ball skills, as he dropped too many passes in college."
Mike Mayock of NFL.com:
"20) Damarious Randall, Safety, Arizona StateRandall is probably the fastest-rising prospect in this draft class. He has coverage skills and great range on the back end. This kid is today’s NFL safety; he has great range but you give up some physicality."
"20) Breshad Perriman, Wide Receiver, UCFPerriman is one of the most polarizing players in the draft."
"20) Damarious Randall, Safety, Arizona StateIn the past, the Eagles and Chip Kelly have drafted from the list of players that visited Philly before the draft. That list this year included Jaelen Strong, Byron Jones, Eric Rowe, Agholor and Randall. The Eagles say they won’t take any character risks."
Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com:
"20) Byron Jones, Cornerback, ConnecticutConnecting the pro day dots, Chip Kelly has paid close attention to big, athletic defensive back prospects this spring. Eric Rowe is in the conversation, but Jones is the better fit and should surprise no one if he’s drafted this high."
"20) Donovan Smith, Offensive Linemen, Penn StateSurprise? Smith checks all the boxes the Eagles (apparently) look for: Senior Bowler, athletic and visited the team’s facility. I don’t love Smith’s game, but teams who do likely think he can play guard and tackle. They must be able to unpack the traits he offers."
"2) Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, OregonI think Chip Kelly finds a way to get this done. The Browns want Sam Bradford, the Titans need numerous roster reinforcements, and the Eagles have both picks and young players they’re willing to move. Philadelphia also has the pieces in place to field a big-time running game, easing Mariota’s transition."
Well then, might as well end with a bang. Silva has the Eagles getting a blockbuster deal done for Mariota but it’s still an unlikely scenario. All of the other picks make sense and fit what the team looks for and are all players the Eagles have brought in for pre-draft visits.
While nobody truly knows what to expect at 8 PM EST tonight, it’s going to be one hell of an event and especially exciting to see what the Philadelphia Eagles and head coach Chip Kelly have in store. Who will hoist a midnight green jersey tonight? We will find out soon enough!
Next: Chip Kelly and Marcus Mariota: Substantiating the Reports
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