2012 NFL Draft: Fletcher Cox Is Perfect Fit for Philadelphia Eagles

If the problem is defensive lineman, the solution is Fletcher Cox.

The Philadelphia Eagles have the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft. Everyone knows that head coach Andy Reid loves drafting defensive linemen, and Cox is the best defensive line prospect in the draft.

The Mississippi State defensive tackle is the best pick for the Eagles because they need to add depth to their D-line. If they're going to continue running the wide-nine formation, it is essential for them constantly add key rotational players to the roster. Current DT starters Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson are both solid players, but Cox's strength, versatility and athleticism will undoubtedly contribute to the team.

Cox was very productive in college. He was named to the All-SEC first team after he collected 56 tackles and five sacks last season for MSU. At 6'4" and 298 pounds, Cox has quite a bit of size to him. He will add some force in the middle of the defensive line.

Although Cox was one of the five Bulldogs suspended for the 2011 season opener for breaking team rules, he came back to the team with vengeance and a desire to win.

Cox is still learning to use his power to his advantage. He's very good at pushing opponents deep into the pocket with his leg drive and upper-body strength, which is one of his best assets. He is surprisingly light on his feet, but still an effective drag-down tackler.

Cox has exceptional speed, and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.79 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this year. He needs to be able to rush the passer. That requires strength and agility, as well as speed and quickness. Cox has all of those qualities. He is a perfect fit for defensive line coach Jim Washburn's system.

The Eagles did not resign veteran defensive tackle Trevor Laws for the 2012-13 season. Since Jenkins and Patterson are starting to get older—aged 31 and 28, respectively—it is important for the team to get younger at the position. Jenkins is also prone to injury, so it is important to have players who can step in and play his position at a high level.

Cox is arguably a Top-10 draft pick, but will probably be slept on because teams overlook his position. That's good news for Reid, a D-Line enthusiast.

The Eagles could also trade up with their two second-round picks to get their hands on Dontari Poe or Michael Brockers, two of the other top defensive tackles in this year's class. However, I think scoring Cox at No. 15 is still an excellent deal.

While some argue that the Eagles need a quarterback or linebacker, it is more likely that Reid will draft a defensive tackle. He has the coaching ability to work with current quarterbacks Mike Kafka and Trent Edwards to develop them into a reliable backup for Michael Vick.

Meanwhile, the linebacker position is definitely a weakness in Philadelphia. Reid even recently admitted that he "goofed" by overestimating his young linebackers last season. However, while the Eagles are still lacking at the position, it is more likely that Reid will stick to what he knows and draft a defensive lineman.