February 04, 2015
In 2014, the Eagles gave up the third most pass plays of 20+ yards in NFL history. They finished 32nd against the pass in 2013, and 31st in 2014. Naturally, the experts believe the Eagles will be looking for defensive back help in the first round of the NFL draft. Here's who they have earmarked for the Birds:
With Chip Kelly left in full control of the roster, he could rely on his familiarity with the Pac-12. Peters, who was kicked off the team at Washington, comes will all kinds of character red-flags but he's also the most talented corner in the draft.
#JimmyTake: No way. Apparently, this dude tried to strangle one of his coaches:
Senior Marcus Peters (6-0, 198) of Washington is regarded as one of the most talented cornerbacks but also an enormous character risk. He has had several physical altercations with assistant coaches and was kicked off the team Nov. 5.
"He tried to strangle a coach on the sidelines," one scout said. "Then they let him back on the team and he did it all over again. Try selling that to your head coach."
They're going to cut DeSean Jackson to have better locker room #culture and then draft this guy? No.
One of the more intriguing prospects in this draft class, Peters has top 10 talent, but after being dismissed from the Huskies program where will he land? Despite the red flags, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a team roll the dice in the first round because of his immense potential at an important position.
#JimmyTake: The CBS guys are doubling up on Peters to the Eagles, which again, ain't happening.
I wanted to mock CB Marcus Peters here. I also wanted to mock WR Dorial Green-Beckham here. However, it seems Chip Kelly takes a liking to a certain kind of personality, and who knows if those two meet that.
#JimmyTake: See? Josh gets the #Culture thing. As for Waynes, I'm a big fan. 6'1, long, and good cover skills. If he's sitting there at 20, which may be unlikely, go get him.
Whatever defensive back the Eagles have rated the highest when their pick comes along should be the choice. In this case it's Collins, a disciplined safety who makes few mistakes.
#JimmyNote: I couldn't possibly disagree more with just being locked in on one position and possibly reaching for whatever is left. That said, if Collins is still sitting there at 20, the Eagles should sprint to the podium with their card.
Warning: Do NOT click the above link if you have stuff to do today. You can play Eagles 'GM' (if one existed) and shop for the groceries yourself. Here's what I came up with:
Rd. 1 Kevin White, WR, West Virginia (6'3, 210): Stud. He won't be there when the Eagles are picking at 20, but I'll gladly take him. Big target with leaping ability who wins contested catches. Bye Riley.
Rd. 2 Cameron Erving, OL, Florida State (6'5, 308): He's listed as a center above, but ignore that. He was the Seminoles' left tackle who switched to center mid-season, and played well. Versatile, athletic offensive lineman for a team desperate for youth and depth.
Rd. 3 Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State (6'0, 216): 1823 rushing yards in 2014 to go along with 50 receptions. Possible Shady successor. (Not that I'm saying Shady is done in Philly).
Rd. 4 Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon (5'9, 195): The Eagles already have a talented 5'9 CB they don't use enough in Brandon Boykin. But when Boykin leaves in free agency after the 2015 season, the Eagles will have a more than capable slot CB to take over for him. 4th round value for IE-O would be incredible.
Rd. 4 Ladarius Gunter, CB, Miami (6'1, 200): Also took him in the fourth round of my mock draft from Monday.
Rd. 5 Taiwan Jones, ILB, Michigan State (6'3, 258): Great size in the middle. Sorely needed ILB depth, with some athletic upside.
Rd. 6 Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor (5'11, 210): Sooooo... After drafting Kevin White in the first round, the Eagles now have White, Jeremy Maclin, Jordan Matthews, Josh Huff, and they have to figure out something to do with Riley Cooper. But screw it. Goodley is far too good to pass up here. In my opinion, he's a faster, stronger version of Huff with better hands.
Rd. 7 Shaquille Riddick, Edge rusher, West Virginia (6'6, 242): Raw edge rusher with seven sacks in his only season at the Division I level in the seventh round? Yes, please.
Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @JimmyKempski
