In the world of mock drafts, it's never too early to look ahead. And for Philadelphia Eagles fans, one particular one has them continuing to replenish their trench unit with a significant first-round addition next season.
Ryan Wilson over at CBS Sports kicks off his mock draft with a trio of quarterbacks in Dante Moore, Arch Manning, and Jordan Maiava going 1-2-3, with Philadelphia going big at No. 21 with Indiana's Carter Smith.
"Smith is a high-level athlete at LT who shows natural talent for moving defenders in the run game and anchoring against power. While he needs to sharpen his technique against nuanced speed rushers, his physical tools provide a high floor for development."
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The 6-foot-5, 308-pound Powell, Ohio native would bring a mean streak with him to the city of brotherly love. He earned first-team All-Big Ten accolades for the reigning national champions this past campaign and has started at left tackle for the Hoosiers since his redshirt freshman season.
This past year, he posted a flawless 100% passing grade, allowing no sacks throughout the regular season and college football playoffs. Smith's outstanding showing resulted in a pair of additional individual honors, netting him the Rimington-Pace offensive lineman of the year award, while tabbing him as an Outland Trophy semi-finalist as well.
Smith's big-game pedigree is also second-to-none. He's been a pillar at left tackle since Head Coach Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers underwent their amazing transformation from Big Ten afterthought to National Champions and annual heavyweights. He's battle-tested, durable, and tough as nails.
Adding the Hoosier lineman, along with the towering Markel Bell, would solidify the bookends in Philadelphia for years to come. Smith could also potentially kick inside and excel at guard while All-Pro Jordan Mailata continues to punish defenders at left tackle.
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Once Mailata and fellow All-Pro Lane Johnson finally do ride off into the proverbial sunset, Smith and Bell could shine in due time.
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