Philadelphia Eagles: Full 7-Round NFL Mock Draft Predictions

The beginning of the NFL offseason is prime time for speculation and predictions. I suppose it is time to join in.

Philadelphia Eagles fans are champing at the bit for the NFL draft to get here, and they all are screaming for the team to draft this player or that. If history proves anything, however, it is that the Eagles are not a team that aims to appease the demands of the fans.

Regardless, here is a preliminary look at how the Eagles will spend their 10 draft picks in the 2012 draft.

Round 1: Dont'a Hightower, ILB

If there was one thing the Philadelphia Eagles sorely lacked this past season, it was talent at the linebacker position. Drafting Dont'a Hightower will fix that.

Hightower brings violence and aggression to a position that has been entirely too timid the past few seasons. He is a sure tackler and thumper that isn't afraid to bust someone in their mouth.

The Eagles have been picked on in the middle of the field. It is about time they started striking fear into the hearts of opposing offenses.

Round 2, 1st Pick: Alshon Jeffery, WR

Alshon Jeffery's stock has dropped of late due to his pedestrian numbers last season, but there is no mistaking his talent. In fact, Jeffery's less-than-stellar stats were largely due to ineffective play at quarterback.

At 6'4", 229 pounds, Jeffery has the prototypical build of a No. 1 wide receiver while also maintaining above-average speed (he clocked a 4.56 in his most recent 40-yard dash). He would complement the undersized Jeremy Maclin perfectly, who would be able to stretch the field while Jeffery took control of the intermediate routes.

DeSean Jackson's future will play a large role in determining when or if the Eagles draft a wide receiver, but Jeffery would be a smart pick regardless of how that scenario turns out.

Round 2, 2nd Pick: Brandon Thompson, DT

With Trevor Laws likely gone and Mike Patterson a possible cap-casualty, the Eagles may have no choice but to spend an early draft pick on a defensive tackle.

Fortunately, Brandon Thompson not only fills a positional need, but he also has the talent worthy of being selected in the second round.

As a pass-rusher, Thompson showed promising explosion in his first few steps and quick hands capable of shedding blocks. Couple that with a powerful lower body capable of holding up against the run and you have the makings of an imposing presence in the middle of the defensive line.

Round 3: Antonio Allen, SS

While the Philadelphia Eagles may have already spent a second-round pick in last year's draft on a safety, it seems they still have not found an answer at the position.

Antonio Allen would be a step in the right direction. 

He may not necessarily come in and start right away, but Allen has the size, speed and athleticism needed to, at the very least, provide competition for Kurt Coleman and Jaiquawn Jarrett.

Round 4, 1st Pick: Josh Norman, CB

The fourth round of the draft is typically where teams begin looking for players that will provide quality depth rather than start. Josh Norman fits that description.

The highly-touted defensive backs of the Philadelphia Eagles were not as formidable this season as expected. With Asante Samuel likely headed elsewhere, it seems probable that the Eagles will address the cornerback position at least once in the draft.

Norman may not offer ideal size, but he has the speed and quickness necessary for staying with some of the quicker slot receivers in the NFL.

Round 4, 2nd Pick: Brandon Mosely, OT

Though the team finished the season with one of the better offensive lines in the league, the Eagles could always use more bodies at the position.

Brandon Mosely combines raw athleticism with ideal size to make an intriguing prospect.  Many draft analysts even envision the big man starting sometime in his pro career.

In any case, there is no such thing as too much depth along the offensive line.

Round 5: Trevor Guyton, DE

Trevor Guyton is the type of player the Eagles love drafting. He has deceptive quickness for his size and his motor never stops running.

What is intriguing about this California Golden Bear is that he plays on a team that has produced many early-round draft choices along the defensive line such as Tyson Alualu and Cameron Jordan.

It will be interesting to see how Guyton performs at the combine.

Round 6, 1st Pick: James-Michael Johnson, ILB

The Eagles would do well to draft multiple linebackers this year, as doing so would show that they understand where their greatest weakness is.

James-Michael Johnson offers any team a capable, two-down linebacker who has the ability to run downhill and stop the run. His versatility also is worth noting, as he played both outside and inside linebacker in college and was effective at both positions.

Round 6, 2nd Pick: Vick Ballard, RB

The middle of the sixth round is usually where teams begin drafting prospects with intriguing athleticism and raw talent that, with coaching, can become viable NFL players. 

At 220 pounds, Ballard would provide the Eagles with a big running back to replace Ronnie Brown, who is likely leaving this offseason. He would be a good thunder to LeSean McCoy's lightning, fighting for those tough yards up the middle of a defense.

Despite his weight, Ballard also offers surprising speed and quickness, allowing him to deceive defenders into missing tackles.

Round 6, 3rd Pick: T.Y. Hilton, WR

Another problem the Eagles need to solve is their woeful lack of production on kick and punt returns.

T.Y. Hilton could be an answer to that problem.

In his college career, Hilton had five touchdowns off of kick or punt returns. That type of production is worth noting for a team that has failed to generate much off of returns.