Inside the Iggles
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NFL Mock Draft 2017: Eagles select cornerback in first round

By Ryan Quigley

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo (7) runs to score on a touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Syracuse Orange wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo (7) runs to score on a touchdown catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Amba Etta-Tawo, WR, Syracuse

Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith were great additions this offseason. However, neither of them are guaranteed to return in 2017. It would be a bit of a surprise if the Eagles didn’t select another wideout at some point in the draft.

One intriguing prospect is Syracuse’s Amba Etta-Tawo. After three years at Maryland, the 6’1″, 208-pound receiver transferred to Syracuse and had the best season of his collegiate career. With 1,482 yards in 2016, he broke Syracuse’s single-season record for receiving yards, which was previously held by Marvin Harrison. Etta-Tawo is raw, but he also has the potential to be an impact player with the right development.

Here’s a scouting report on Etta-Tawo, courtesy of NFL.com.

"STRENGTHS: Above average height, weight and speed. His routes got sharper and hands got stickier as the season progressed. Developed some explosiveness out of his stems and in his in-breaking routes. Has acceleration to create adequate separation on all levels. Flashes quick-release potential in his feet against press corners. Builds up to top speed and races past unsuspecting cornerbacks if they don’t open to run early. Finds the deep ball quickly and will body up to create late separation for the catch. Impressive down-gear from sprint to stop with comeback routes can shake tight man coverage. Plucks the throw way out in front of his body and has catch radius to snag throws outside his frame in all directions. Tucks throws away despite collisions at catch-point. WEAKNESSES: Only one year of college production. Tagged with nine drops to his 30 catches in his second and third seasons. Will telegraph his comeback routes a little. Still very raw with his route running and wasn’t asked to run much of the tree. High number of catches came via wide receiver screens and comebacks against off coverage. Numbers bolstered by system that can pull safeties out of the equation in his vertical routes. Had about a zillion drops at the Senior Bowl and looked out of his element. Struggled to shake press coverage during one-on-one drills."

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