December 14, 2016
Rick Bowmer/AP
Washington CB Sidney Jones is the early popular pick for the Eagles in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Between now and the start of the 2017 NFL Draft on April 27, 2017, if you're an avid reader of the Eagles or the NFL in general, you're going to see about a thousand mock drafts. This year, it will be even worse than normal for Eagles fans, as the Eagles' 2016 season has been realistically cooked for weeks, and there almost certainly won't be a head coaching search to distract from mock draft fatigue this year.
The first wave of national mock drafts are out, so what the hell, let's take a look at what the draftniks are saying since the Eagles' season is over. (We'll begin our mock drafts once we're sure the Vikings won't make the playoffs).
Tabor has terrific ball skills, with four interceptions, five pass breakups and a defensive TD in 11 games this season -- and that comes on the heels of a 2015 season in which he had four interceptions and 14 pass breakups. Tabor's natural anticipation skills would fill a big need for the Eagles.
#JimmyNote: We identified Tabor as a possible Eagles target back in September.
While rookie quarterback Carson Wentz earned most of the hype, a big reason for Philadelphia's early success this season was a vastly improved defense. Both, however, have struggled in the Eagles' current four-game losing streak. Adams possesses the range, agility and play-making ability to warrant comparison to former LSU (and current Cardinals) star Tyrann Mathieu and is bigger at 6-feet and 211 pounds.
#JimmyNote: If there's one position I'm almost certain the Eagles won't take in the first round other than quarterback, it's safety, seeing as the Eagles have bigtime money committed to Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod. Of course, there's always the "best player available" argument, but if Adams is that good, he'll already be gone, seeing as bad safety play in the NFL has become an epidemic. In other words, this pick makes no sense.
Last week’s loss to the Packers was a painful reminder how much improvement the Eagles need at corner. This year’s draft has a ton of starting-caliber talent at the position, and Jones has been one of the biggest contributors for one of the nation’s top defensive units.
#JimmyNote: I'm a huge Sidney Jones fan. We profiled him back in back in October.
#JimmyNote 2: Luke actually took the enormous undertaking of a seven-round mock draft. Here are the rest of his Eagles picks:
Luke gypped the Eagles out of one of their eight picks.
Coming into the season, the Eagles’ roster looked solid in most areas other than cornerback and wide receiver and that’s exactly how things have played out. They need help at outside and King is a good fit after three straight years grading among the best cornerbacks in the country. He’s outstanding when playing zone as he can read route concepts and make plays on the ball and he’s a good fit for Philadelphia’s defensive scheme that plays a healthy variety of coverages. Over the last three seasons, opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of just 49.8 when targeting King and he’s been one of the top-graded run defenders among cornerbacks, missing just 10 tackles on 192 attempts.
#JimmyNote: Yep, we profiled King back in September.
I had a difficult time deciding between Mike Williams and Jalen Tabor. Both are excellent prospects who would fill colossal needs for the Eagles. Ultimately, I decided on Williams because there are plenty of decent cornerback options in the second round. Williams, who has drawn comparisons to Andre Johnson, would be the No. 1 receiver Carson Wentz desperately needs.
#JimmyNote: He'll be gone by the time the Eagles pick.
The Eagles need help at receiver and offensive line, but if they want to keep pace with the NFC East’s rising passing offenses, they’ll need cornerback reinforcements. Jones has the length (6-1) and turn and run ability to thrive in Jim Schwartz’s system.
#JimmyNote: Our first repeat.
Jones is in this group of really good corners that includes Humphrey, the Florida duo of Quincy Wilson and Teez Tabor, and Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley.
#JimmyNote: Aaaaand one last vote for Jones.
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