Players the Eagles Need to Target on Day 3
By Jesse Shuter
The first two days of the draft pretty much went as expected for the Philadelphia Eagles. In the first round they grabbed the quarterback everyone knew they wanted in the most anti-climactic pick in recent memory. Then in the third they selected their interior offensive lineman that they desperately needed.
As for how they are doing, I’d say after the situations with offensive Laremy Tunsil and linebacker Myles Jack their pick looks a lot better. Then for their third rounder, I know that ESPN’s draft analyst Todd McShay approves after I had the opportunity to exchange words with him after the pick. Considering how the Eagles have done in the draft recently I’d say getting a thumbs up from any draft expert is a nice change of pace.
Now on day three the Eagles do not have a fourth round pick but they do have two fifths, a six and two sevenths. There are a few players that the Eagles should target and could possibly trade up for.
I am not listing any running backs, because while that is a need, I have faith in the Eagles current stable and with their other needs and the class of runners coming our next year it makes more sense to address other areas.
1) Andrew Billings, NT Baylor
Once considered a first round pick, Billings still sits out there and would be a steal at this point for the Eagles. Billings could be used as a rotational piece this season and then take over at nose tackle if the Eagles are unable to re-sign Bennie Logan when his contract expires.
Another guy to keep and eye on is Notre Dame’s DT Sheldon Day another awesome talent who has unexpectedly fallen.
2) Joshua Perry, ILB/OLB Ohio State
One of my favorite players in the draft, Perry could have easily went in round two but need and value has him still available here. With a serious need for depth at linebacker for the Eagles, it could make sense for the Eagles to move up and grab him if he is still available in the mid-late fourth round as a versatile backup and eventual starter.
3) K.J. Dillon, S West Virginia
Dillon is a supreme talent and at times looked better than his West Virginia safety counterpart, Karl Joseph who went in the first round to Oakland. Injuries have Dillon falling and while safety is not a need, he could be a great fit for the Eagles especially in sub-packages when Malcolm Jenkins is playing slot corner so the Eagles do not have to use Ed Reynolds.
4) Chris Moore, WR Cincinnati
Chris Moore was expected to go round two and is a very talented wide receiver, but his school’s play may have dropped him here. The Eagles do not really need a wide receiver after signing Reuben Randle, by Moore is a great talent and would be hard to pass on should he fall to round five.
5) Tavon Young, CB Temple
More of a sleeper who should be available in the late fifth round. Tavon Young is a quality talent and could end up being a starting cornerback. Tavon Young also comes from the Eagles back yard which is always a bonus and would be immediate depth.
Other Players to Keep an Eye On:
- Rashard Higgins, WR Colorado
- Jeremy Cash, S Duke
- Joe Schobert, LB Wisconsin
- Nick Kwiatkowski, LB West Virginia
- Kentrell Brothers, LB Missouri
- Christian Westerman, G Arizona State
Next: Philadelphia Eagles Select Isaac Seumalo In Third Round