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Eagles are still showing interest in drafting Joe Mixon

By Justin Grasso

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs the ball against Auburn Tigers linebacker Darrell Williams (49) in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) runs the ball against Auburn Tigers linebacker Darrell Williams (49) in the first quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a report that the Eagles took Joe Mixon off their draft board, the Eagles shot the rumor down and will still consider drafting him.

It’s been a long offseason for former Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon. After an off-field incident in 2014, Mixon has raised plenty of red flags around his name. He spent the 2014 season on the sidelines as he was suspended for the entire year. After holding a press conference to address the situation and apologize, Mixon and the Sooners were ready to move on.

Unfortunately for Mixon, the NFL was not as forgiving for Mixon’s off-field actions. He was banned from showcasing his talent in the NFL combine, although he was allowed to participate in Oklahoma’s pro day and was granted permission to meet with teams privately. Expecting questions to be non-football related, Mixon did not hesitate to decline any questions about his 2014 incident.

After some time passed by during the scouting process, Mixon was starting to climb in the draft ranks. Just as teams were starting to warm up to him, new reports came out about a similar incident in high school. After a couple hours after the report, Philadelphia sports anchor Howard Eskin reported that Mixon was officially off the Eagles draft board.

Since that report came out early on Wednesday morning, Rotoworld’s Josh Norris shot the rumors down. Norris claims that the Eagles are still one of five teams that will consider drafting Mixon in the second round. According to the report, Eagles owner Jeffery Lurie gave permission to general manager Howie Roseman to draft Mixon.

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Mixon getting drafted to the Eagles makes sense. The Eagles have been known for giving players with a troubled past a second chance. Former quarterback Mike Vick got his second chance with the Eagles in 2009 after spending two years in prison. Vick ended up being the team leader throughout the few seasons that he played in midnight green. Current Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham is another example of the team giving second chances. During the 2016 season, Bradham had two different incidents off the field. But the Eagles still kept Bradham on the roster.

Mixon needs to land on a team that will allow him to grow and mature into a professional. As the Eagles are known for giving second chances, they also have former safety Brian Dawkins in charge of player development. Dawkins could serve as a mentor to any troubled player that joins the team, Mixon especially.

As much as Mixon needs a team to help him develop, the Eagles need a player like Mixon in the backfield. This could be a good match for both parties. He is coming off of a 1,274-yard and 10-touchdown season. The Eagles are in the market for drafting a running back within the first few rounds. Mixon is clearly one of the most talented players in this year’s draft and as long as the Eagles are willing to take on the baggage that comes with him, there is a good shot that Mixon could be leading the backfield next season.

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