2012 NFL Draft: What the Philadelphia Eagles Should Do with Their First Pick

The Philadelphia Eagles had an ugly season in 2011, but on the bright side, they have a nice selection of picks in the 2012 NFL draft. They hold the 15th overall pick, two picks in the second round and three in the sixth round. In total, they’ll get to pick nine players.

The Eagles have a talented roster with good players at almost every position. The safety position looks like the soft spot of the team, with Jaiquawn Jarrett dwelling in mediocrity and Nate Allen trying to find consistency.

Moreover, Demetress Bell will be protecting Michael Vick’s left side, after Jason Peters ruptured his Achilles tendon. No matter how capable Bell is, he has to prove that he can replace Peters in an equal manner and work in harmony with the rest of the offensive line.

DeMeco Ryans arrived in Philadelphia to solve the “linebacker” problem. The middle spot behind the defensive line will be manned by Ryans—still, the Eagles have to bring one more linebacker. Right now, only Ryan, Jamar Chaney and Brian Rolle are reliable options.

Out of these three positions, only a linebacker would make sense as a first-round pick. The Eagles need a safety more than anything else, but they need him to be experienced too. Allen will be on his third pro year and Jarrett on his second; a rookie does not offer much.

Additionally, only Mark Barron looks like someone that can be an instant upgrade and he’s probably heading to Dallas.

Drafting a left tackle while Bell and Peters are on the roster? It looks more like a wasted pick than an investment. I’d like to see Philadelphia adding an offensive tackle, but not earlier than the third round.

If the Eagles decide to pick a linebacker, that will probably be Luke Kuechly, Dont’a Hightower or Courtney Upshaw. However, I’m not sure if Upshaw’s pass-rushing ability is much needed in Philly.

In my eyes, Kuechly is overrated. He is a solid tackler, but I ain’t sure if he can make a difference in the NFL. He appears to lack the aggressiveness and the instincts required to fill the gaps and make plays before the opponent gains five or six yards.

Hightower, on the other hand, looks like the best fit for the Eagles. He plays in the middle (where Ryans is projected to start), but has been used as the strong-side linebacker too. Ryans’ presence, though, is a sign that the Eagles won’t draft a linebacker in the first round.

If not a safety, an offensive tackle or a linebacker, then what?

Word has been that the Eagles want a defensive tackle and more specifically, Fletcher Cox. They already have Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, Derek Landri and Antonio Dixon, and Cox will make their defensive line one of the most fearsome in the league.

However, there is a strong possibility that Cox might be picked before the Eagles get to draft their first player. If the Eagles don’t get a shot at him, then they could choose Michael Brockers.

There are two more players that could be great additions for Philly. Their names are Michael Floyd and Nick Perry.

The fact that the Eagles are stacked at wide receiver and they already have a strong pass rush shouldn’t discourage them from adding one of them. In fact, I believe they need Floyd or Perry more than a defensive tackle.

This year’s draft class has a lot of skillful defensive tackles, so the Eagles can add one in the second round. Only Cox and Brockers are worth to be picked in the top 15. Ultimately, if they are not available, then the Eagles should aim to draft Floyd, Perry or at least Hightower.