2012 NFL Draft: A Look at Matt Miller's Top Pick for the Philadelphia Eagles

In his most recent mock draft, the legendary Matt Miller predicts that the Philadelphia Eagles will select Alabama linebacker Dont'a Hightower.

This mock draft was obviously published before the news broke that the Eagles traded a fourth-round pick to the Houston Texans for middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans.  

This trade, which also saw the two teams swap third-round picks, essentially fills the giant hole the Eagles had in the middle of their defense.

Which means that it is highly improbable that the team will use the 15th-overall pick on another inside linebacker.

Make no mistake, Hightower would bring great physicality and violence to the defense, but the acquisition of Ryans makes linebacker a secondary or tertiary need.

So if not a linebacker, then what position should the Eagles darft with their first-round pick?

Well, safety could be considered a top priority, but this isn't a great year to be drafting one with a high pick, as there are no surefire studs in this year's rookie class.  

Rather, the Eagles could use one of their second-day picks on a safety such as George Iloka, who would be a great value pick in the middle rounds.  At the very least, he could provide competition for Kurt Coleman and Jaiquawn Jarrett at strong safety.

There is the strong possibility that they use their first-rounder on a defensive tackle.  

It is a not-so-well kept secret that head coach Andy Reid loves his linemen, and there are quality options for the team to select if they opt for this route.  

Prospects such as Fletcher Cox and Devon Still make a lot of sense and will likely be available with the 15th pick, but they would join a crowded bunch.  

As it is, Mike Patterson, Cullen Jenkins and Antonio Dixon will already be competing for snaps.

Instead, it wouldn't be shocking for the team to spend their first pick on a wide receiver.  Yes, the team just resigned DeSean Jackson, but there is always room to improve your passing attack.  

Many people like mocking Kendall Wright to the Eagles, but with DeSean Jackson sticking around for awhile there is no longer a dire need for a speedster.  What there is a dire need for, however, is a legitimate red zone threat.  

Enter Notre Dame's Michael Floyd.  

At 6-3, 220 pounds, he provides a big-bodied receiver for quarterback Michael Vick inside the 20-yard line.  He also has the speed to stretch the field.  

Pairing him on the outside with Jackson and letting Jeremy Maclin man the middle of the field would provide quite the receiving trio.

A few days ago, drafting a player like Dont'a Hightower would have made a ton of sense for the Eagles.

But with DeMeco Ryans now wearing midnight green, it is time to start predicting the team to take a player at a position besides linebacker.