Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Value Picks for the Eagles in the 2012 NFL Draft

With 10 picks at their disposal in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have a better opportunity than most to draft players who will make significant contributions as early as next season.

Many fans think that a team's success in the draft starts and ends with their first-round selections.  This is an unfortunate misconception.  While it is true that a first-round bust can impede a team's progress, a team can more than make up for it by drafting quality players in rounds two through seven.

Head coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Eagles' front office have a chance to prove this theory this year.  Along with their original picks in rounds one through six, the Eagles also have additional picks in the second, fourth, and sixth rounds.  

An increase in the quantity of picks a team has directly increases the chances of that team finding quality players.  This means the Eagles have as good a chance as any to find value in the middle rounds.

Perhaps by drafting some of the players on this list.

Mychal Kendricks, Linebacker

After an impressive showing at the 2012 NFL Combine, linebacker Mychal Kendricks has vaulted himself into the second or third round on many draft boards.  That may not be high enough.

Kendricks was thoroughly impressive as a two-year starter at Cal, having totaled 172 tackles, 11.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries, and two interceptions in 2010 and 2011.  His numbers were so good last year that he was awarded the title of Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Year.  

Given his physical talents and high level of production, Kendricks could easily come in and start at linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles.  He saw time at both outside and inside linebacker positions during his college career, making him versatile enough to play almost anywhere in the Eagles' 4-3 defensive scheme.

Best of all, he can likely be had for the low, low price of just a second-rounder.  With other, more highly thought of linebackers going ahead of him, Kendricks could fall to the Eagles in the middle of the second round.

George Iloka, Safety

Safety may not necessarily be the strong point of this year's draft class, but that doesn't mean there aren't prospects out there with starting-caliber potential.

Enter Boise State's George Iloka.  During his tenure with the Broncos, Iloka spent a few years riding the pine and maturing as a football player.  That patience and learning paid off, as he finally earned a starting role in 2010 and 2011

And he did not disappoint.  In 13 games as a starter last season, Iloka totaled 63 tackles, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and two interceptions.  He was also nominated as a senior captain, proving his value as a leader.

He has solid closing speed for chasing down defenders and covering tight ends, but his abilities as a run-stuffer are what make him an intriguing choice at the bottom of the second round.  His 6-4, 225 pound frame makes him an intimidating presence in the secondary, and he has the strength to deliver punishing blows when needed.

Granted, Iloka predominately played free safety—a position currently held by Nate Allen—but Iloka has the versatility to make the switch to strong safety, where he would likely be seen as an improvement over Kurt Coleman.

Tommy Streeter, Wide Receiver

Having only started one year at Miami, many people may be quick to put the "one-year wonder" label on wide receiver Tommy Streeter.  That is not advisable.  

Streeter played in 12 games last year for the Hurricanes and earned seven starts.  With that playing time, he notched 811 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns on 46 catches.  Not quite eye-popping, but impressive nevertheless.

What is most appealing about Streeter is his large frame.  His 6' 5" 219 pound build makes him an ideal red zone threat—something the Eagles desperately need.  He also ran a solid 4.40 in the 40-yard dash at this year's Combine.  

Add it all up, and Streeter has the potential to be a second or third-round prospect with the upside to be an intriguing threat in the end zone.

Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle

Defensive tackles like LSU's Michael Brockers and Memphis' Dontari Poe have been getting much of the hype lately, but Clemson's Brandon Thompson also deserves some recognition.

While at Clemson, Thompson proved to be an immovable force capable of generating pressure and stopping the run.  Perhaps most impressive, however, is that he performed well academically as well.  He is a smart, athletic prospect with the brains to analyze a play and the athleticism to break it up.

At 314 pounds, Thompson is a big presence in the middle of the defensive line and is capable of filling up running lanes.  He is excellent against the run, which puts less pressure on the linebackers and allows edge-rushers to do what they do best and simply focus on getting after the quarterback.

Simply put, he is ideally suited for the Eagles' wide-9 scheme.  And as a likely second-day prospect, he would be well worth a draft pick.

Josh Norman, Cornerback

Coming from the little-known Coastal Carolina, Josh Norman is not someone many people have heard of.  Fortunately, popularity does not equate to success out on the gridiron. 

He started seven games his freshman year after walking onto the team at the beginning of the year, and after that it was all smooth sailing the rest of the way.  His sophomore season saw him post eight interceptions, good enough for tops in the Big South.  After that, teams became less and less likely to throw his way.

As for the skeptics who think that Norman's high level of play was simply a matter of weaker competition, it would be wise if they went back and watched his film from this year's East-West Shrine game.  While there, Norman displayed quick feet and fluid motion, routinely showing up opposing wide receivers from bigger schools.  

He also has ideal size for the cornerback position.  His 6' 195 pound frame grants him the ability to cover bigger receivers.

Norman likely won't be drafted until late in the third round at the earliest.  At that price, he is well worth taking a chance on, as he could develop into a solid slot corner and eventually move to the outside.