As we push through the month of April, NFL free agency has become less and less active as anticipation and preparation for the draft picks up. One team that has had one of the most interesting off seasons thus far is the Philadelphia Eagles.
While the firing of long time coach Andy Reid and the hiring of Chip Kelly is the headline change, many player changes have also occurred, for instance the loss of former All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and the addition of former Texans linebacker Conner Barwin. What the Eagles decide to do at the QB position has also been a hot topic of debate the NFL, and whether Michael Vick will be the starter there next season. With all these things in mind, who will the Eagles be looking to add with the 4th overall pick in the fast approaching NFL draft?
Several early mock drafts had QB Geno Smith pegged to the Eagles at the 4th spot. Geno is the top rated quarterback this year and many think he fits exactly what Chip Kelly is looking for, with his athletic ability. With that being said, Michael Vick also seems to fit that mold, so this pick has been less popular of late as it seems Kelly may be happy with the QB position.
Losing defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins to the division rival New York Giants also puts a need at that position. Sharrif Floyd out of Florida and Star Lotulelei out of Utah are the top two prospects at this position and both are considered worthy of a top 5 pick. The plan for the Eagles to make the switch to a 3-4 defense makes Lotulelei the better fit, as he is seen as an ideal nose tackle in the NFL.
As we mentioned before, the Eagles did lose Nnamdi Asomugha to free agency as well as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, also making cornerback a need. This would make Alabama CB Dee Milliner the perfect pick at the 4th spot. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper says Milliner is “easily the top corner in this class,” so if cornerback is where the Eagles decide to go, Milliner will be the pick.
A final popular and possible pick is the addition of a pass rusher. If this is the path they decide to take, Dion Jordan will almost for sure be the pick. A difference maker for Chip Kelly last year at Oregon, Chip may decide he wants Jordan as a difference maker for the Eagles next season. The Eagles are also making a change to a 3-4 defense, making Jordan an ideal fit for the outside linebacker pass rushing role.
In the 2nd round the Eagles own the 3rd selection (35th overall) so one of these positions that isn’t addressed in the first will most likely be addressed in the 2nd. Offensive tackle is an additional need and a position that could be addressed 4th overall but more likely in a later round. In Mel Kiper’s two round mock, he has the Eagles selecting OT Menelik Watson with the 35th overall selection.
The Eagles certainly have many options with the upcoming draft and have more flexibility than most teams who have picked 4th overall in the past. This flexibility will hopefully allow the Eagles to draft the best available player, and find an instant difference maker for the upcoming season.
