2016 NFL Mock Draft: Eagles Get Some Help Upfront

While it’s a bit sad to think about, it doesn’t look like the Philadelphia Eagles are going to do much this season. Although they’re still alive at 3-4 due to the awful state of the NFC East, things are still looking rough. So that means it’s time to take an early look at the 2016 NFL Draft.

It’s clear that the Eagles have their fair share of holes on their current roster. The quarterbacks can’t throw, the receivers can’t catch and the offensive linemen can’t block most of the time either. They also have a few important players on the defensive side of the ball that will enter free agency such as safety Walter Thurmond, cornerback Nolan Carroll and defensive end Cedric Thornton.

That being said, here’s who the Eagles selected with the 13th overall pick in FanSided’s latest weekly mock draft, courtesy of Jonathan Bass.

"OT RONNIE STANLEY 6’6 318 lbs, Notre DameLaremy Tunsil went well before Ronnie Stanley, and that is perfectly fine and good for the Philadelphia Eagles’ top brass. The two players were 1A and 1B on many teams’ draft boards for tackles and Stanley enters the league with less baggage than the aforementioned Tunsil.The Eagles desperately (an understatement) need help on the offensive line. Demarco Murray has been bottled up for the better part of the season, and Sam Bradford is always one hit away from going down for the entire year. What was supposed to be a prolific offense has been stuck in the mud, and much of that has to do with teams getting an easy push on the Eagles line.Stanley could have easily entered the NFL Draft after his junior year – one in which he allowed only one sack – yet he decided to return and push for a championship. He has helped anchor a line that’s seen nothing but upheaval behind it in the quarterback position. Everett Golson, Malik Zaire, DeShone Kizer – whoever lines up under center has been well protected by Stanley.Stanley is a lean offensive tackle, who possesses the athletic ability to get out ahead of his backs and block downfield. He’s 6’5″ and has great balance. Beyond that, his handwork for swallowing defenders is already NFL-caliber."

My Take: Considering the current state of the Eagles’ offensive line, I would be absolutely ecstatic with this pick. I’d also be surprised if Stanley lasted until the 13th overall pick as well. He has the potential and ability to be a franchise cornerstone at left tackle and would fit perfectly in Kelly’s uptempo scheme.

While it’s sad to see Jason Peters start to decline on the field and battle injuries, that was inevitable considering he’s 33-years old. By drafting Stanley, the Eagles would have their two book-ends on their offensive line set for years to come with Stanley holding down the left side and Lane Johnson staying at right tackle. Yet the team would still be smart to continue to address the offensive line throughout the later rounds of the draft as well considering their lack of depth upfront.

Be sure to check back here next week as we’ll take another look at FanSided’s weekly mock draft for the 2016 NFL Draft and breakdown whoever they have the Philadelphia Eagles selecting!

Next: Ryan Mathews Deserves to Start Ahead of DeMarco Murray

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