Philadelphia Eagles Day 1 2014 NFL Draft Primer

After months of hype, speculation and anticipation, the time is finally upon us. The Philadelphia Eagles will soon begin to pull the curtain back on Year 2 of head coach Chip Kelly’s grand rebuilding plan.

Will the 2014 NFL draft continue laying the groundwork for an eventual Super Bowl championship? Only time will tell, but there is no more important event to that process than draft weekend.

The Eagles have glaring needs at close to every position on the roster, yet only six selections to address them all. How Kelly and the front office juggle their lack of resources with their ambitious goal of finally bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia will be one of the stories to monitor this weekend.

So too will be how and when the team addressed some key departures at the wide receiver position. There are no shortage of names believed to be in consideration, including one the front office might have to trade up for.

Of course, if they just stay put with the No. 22 pick on Thursday, there’s a chance some excellent prospects will fall in the Eagles’ lap. We’ll look at some of top targets who could be for the Birds, in a manner of speaking, in Round 1.

All that and so much more in this superloaded NFL draft primer. Enjoy.

Departures and Additions

Michael Perez/Associated Press

The Eagles shocked the NFL community with the outright release of three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson in April. The 27-year-old was coming off of a career year in which he finished second in franchise history with 1,332 yards receiving. Now, the overriding feeling is the organization dug its own hole with regard to how it handled Jackson.

With Jason Avant also handed his walking papers this offseason, expect Philadelphia to target one or more wideouts on draft weekend.

Then again, the Birds did send a fifth-round pick with the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Darren Sproles. The 31-year-old may be a running back by trade, but he actually sees more action as a receiver out of the backfield and quite often in the slot—that could perhaps help offset the loss of Jackson somewhat.

The other major transaction this offseason was on defense, where safety Malcolm Jenkins was signed to a three-year contract one hour into free agency. Jenkins wasn’t the flashy addition many fans were hoping for, but the exiled New Orleans Saint does reinforce the back end of a secondary that was easily the thinnest area on the roster just prior to his arrival.

The Eagles did little else of note in free agency, although it wasn’t for a lack of space under the salary cap. EaglesCap.com estimates Philly is more than $21 million under the ceiling heading into the draft.

Although it’s not as if the team didn’t spend. Actually, the front office awarded over $100 million in long-term contract extensions to its own people—left tackle Jason Peters, center Jason Kelce and wide receiver Riley Cooper—$42 million of which was guaranteed.

The message couldn’t have been clearer. The Eagles are intent on building through the draft, and rolling any leftover money into future years to re-sign their own.

Departures

Colt Anderson, S/ST

Jason Avant, WR

Kurt Coleman, S

Clifton Geathers, DE

DeSean Jackson, WR

Michael Vick, QB

Additions

Bryan Braman, OLB/ST

Nolan Carroll, CB

Malcolm Jenkins, S

Chris Maragos, S/ST

Mark Sanchez, QB

Darren Sproles, RB

Team Needs

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

The Eagles don’t necessarily have holes, per se. In fact, there aren’t many positions on the roster where a rookie would be expected to compete for a starting job, let alone win one.

That being said, the front office will be searching for eventual replacements in numerous areas. Twelve players—six offense, six defense—who are expected to be major contributors in 2014 are either in their 30s, will turn 30 before the Super Bowl or are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next year. In addition to turning over the roster, there are depth issues at several positions.

Here’s a breakdown of Philadelphia’s many team needs heading into the draft.

Outside Linebacker

Philadelphia’s defense was ranked 20th with 37 sacks last season, only six more than last place. Furthermore, Trent Cole turns 32 this year, and his salary-cap figure is set to balloon to in excess of $11 million in ’15. The Eagles could use a situational pass-rusher right now, but they are in dire need of one who can take up the mantle of full-time starter at outside linebacker by next season.

Cornerback

Cary Williams will be 30, and his cap figure jumps to $8 million in ‘15—expensive for a middling cornerback, not to mention the final year of his contract. On the opposite side, Bradley Fletcher is currently scheduled to become a free agent next offseason. Even if nickel back Brandon Boykin moves outside, that still leaves one starting job potentially vacant, while creating another hole in the slot.

The Eagles have to be wary of the future here.

Wide Receiver

This is not quite as pressing a need as it’s been made out to be since the release of DeSean Jackson. A healthy Jeremy Maclin can step into the No. 1 wide receiver role, while the addition of Sproles and emergence of second-year tight end Zach Ertz will also help to supplant Jackson’s production.

That being said, Maclin is set to test free agency again next year and is coming off of a torn ACL to boot. Riley Cooper is an adequate No. 2 receiver at best, while there’s little in the way of help behind them. Another wideout is a must in this year’s draft above all else—in case of injury, regression or eventual departure of a starter.

Safety

The Eagles solidified one safety spot through the addition of Jenkins in free agency. The other is still up for grabs, with Nate Allen agreeing to a one-year contract to battle 2013 fifth-round pick Earl Wolff for the opening. Neither Allen nor Wolff is a reliable option, though, and even Jenkins only signed a three-year deal. More competition couldn’t hurt.

Offensive Line

All five of last season’s starters are set to return. All five are signed through at least ’16. However, three are on the wrong side of 30, including both guards. Evan Mathis will be 33, and although he’s coming off of an All-Pro campaign, decline can be sudden. Todd Herremans turns 32, and his best days already appear to be behind him. At minimum, a developmental interior lineman would be a welcome addition.

Defensive Line

Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan and a Cedric Thornton/Vinny Curry platoon actually wound up forming a surprisingly formidable front in ’13. There’s nobody behind them, though, plus questions are abound. Logan has just the one season under his belt. Thornton is an extremely one-dimensional run defender. Curry may not fit the Eagles scheme. The unit needs bodies.

Interior Linebacker

DeMeco Ryans turns 30 this summer and arguably is miscast as an every-down linebacker for a 3-4 defense at this stage of his career. He also earns $6.9 million per year on a contract that’s up after ’15. Somebody to replace Ryans in obvious passing situations would be a start, but ultimately it might be time to embark on a search for his eventual replacement.

Kicker

Not necessarily a draft need, as most NFL kickers never hear their names called at Radio City Music Hall. The Eagles must provide Alex Henery with competition from somewhere, though, as his below-average leg strength has become problematic, whether on field goal attempts or kickoffs. The right free agent could probably unseat him.

*All contract details via Spotrac.

Top Targets

Just to clarify, this is strictly an educated guess as to whom the Eagles will target in Round 1. The list is based on a combination of factors: players who might be available at No. 22 or close enough to trade up for; players the Eagles are known to have demonstrated interest in through various predraft workouts, pro days, predraft visits, etc.; players that fit our understanding of the club’s needs.

In a draft as deep and unpredictable as this, it’s certainly plausible the Eagles could wind up with a player that’s not on this list.

1. Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

If Barr lasts to No. 22 or falls within striking distance for a trade, it’s a no-brainer.

Pass-rusher is Philly’s biggest need, and Barr racked up 23.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles in just two seasons at outside linebacker for UCLA. He fits the Eagles scheme, and there is a steep drop-off in talent at the position behind him. Barr must hone his technique and instinct for the next level, but he’ll have a season to learn behind Cole before taking over for the two-time Pro Bowler.

2. C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

While it may not fill one of the Eagles’ most immediate needs, should Mosley happen to slide this far, there’s a good chance he’ll be the safest, most complete player available. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year could sit for a year and learn from Ryans—a fellow Alabama product and two-time Pro Bowler—then be ready to take over as the heart of Philadelphia’s defense in ’15.

3. Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

Another player who could tumble for no other reason than the sheer number of quality prospects at the top of the draft, Dennard was the 2013 Jim Thorpe Award winner for best defensive back in the nation. He may not be the first or even second cornerback off the board, which could result in him being available at No. 22.

Dennard possesses above-average build, athleticism and physicality for the position along with the pedigree push for a starting job from day one.

4. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

This is not a particularly deep draft for safeties, which means there’s a chance if the Eagles don’t land one in the first round, they might not get one at all. So if a consensus All-American such as Clinton-Dix makes it to No. 22, the Birds have to consider him.

Production-wise, Clinton-Dix is a tad underwhelming with just two career interceptions and six pass deflections, but he possesses both the athleticism to cover and size to assist in run support.

5. Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

Fuller doesn’t boast the fancy accolades like a lot of the athletes at the top of the draft, but the kid just looks like a football player.

He certainly isn’t afraid to play physical, as evidence by his 2011 campaign. Fuller played a hybrid slot/linebacker role as a sophomore, racking up 14.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two interceptions and nine pass breakups. On the outside, he’s an instinctive cornerback who excels in zone coverage—which Philly utilizes plenty of.

6. Marqise Lee, WR, USC

Given the number of receivers with first-round talent available in this draft, it’s difficult to pinpoint the select handful the Eagles might target in Round 1. The Pac-12 is as good a place as any to start though, as Chip Kelly would be most familiar with his former competition.

The 2012 Biletnikoff Award winner for best receiver in the nation, Lee racked up 248 receptions, 3,655 yards and 29 touchdowns in three seasons at USC. He’s not especially big or fast, but he sure is productive.

7. Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana

Once thought to be a mid-to-late-round pick, Latimer has had a rocket strapped to his back ever since his pro day, where the Indiana product reportedly ran a sub-4.4 in the 40-yard dash. He has ideal size to play on the outside in the NFL and led all receivers at the scouting combine with 23 reps in the bench press. No. 22 might seem high for Latimer, as he’s seemingly risen from nowhere, but I believe he belongs in the conversation.

8. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU

We’ll go deeper into a rumor the Eagles are interested in trading up for Beckham in another slide. It’s out there, so we’ll run with it for now. Besides, it’s not like Philadelphia couldn’t use a receiver with 4.4 speed who averaged nearly 20 yards per reception in a pro-style offense.

9. Ryan Shazier, ILB, Ohio State

Shazier is listed as an outside linebacker, but in Philadelphia’s 3-4, he projects to the interior. He was incredibly disruptive the past two seasons at Ohio State, racking up 40.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks and seven forced fumbles but, at 6’1” and 237 pounds, is probably too light to rush off the edge. An amazing athlete with solid coverage skills (1 INT, 16 PBUs in ’12-13), it would seem he can wreak havoc anywhere on the field.

10. Deone Bucannon, S, Washington State

No. 22 might be a tad early, but Bucannon could become the target if Philadelphia fields a nice offer to trade down.

The first-team All-American was among the top three performers at his position in most drills at the combine, including the 40-yard dash, bench press and three-cone. Bucannon backed up his workouts on the field, finishing his collegiate career with 15 interceptions and seven forced fumbles. One could make the case he’s the best safety in this draft.

*All scouting combine results via NFL.com.

What Are the Experts Saying?

Unfortunately, as of this writing, some of the “experts” do not have their final mock drafts online. We’ll go with what we have.

Mel Kiper, ESPN (subscription required): Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State

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In the same way that Rex Ryan can probably take 11 guys off the street and figure out a way to have a league-average defense, you get the sense Chip Kelly could do the same on offense. While DeSean Jackson wasn't a player the Eagles' brass wanted around, defenses will be in better position to slow down Kelly's attack unless the Eagles can add another tool in the passing game. Benjamin is a bit of a project on the technical side, but he's a matchup nightmare from a physical standpoint and gives the Eagles something they really don't have at wide receiver.

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Opinions vary on Benjamin. On one hand, big wide receivers dominate the NFL leaderboards in receiving yards and touchdowns year in, year out—and at 6’5”, 240 pounds, they don’t come much bigger than Benjamin.

Then again, Benjamin isn’t particularly fast or agile, and as Kiper mentions, he’s a project in many respects. He wasn’t overly productive at Florida State, either, with 54 receptions for 1,011 last season as a sophomore—although 15 touchdowns is impressive.

He’s an intriguing prospect to say the least. No. 22 overall seems high to me, yet Benjamin does have the potential become an unstoppable force at the next level.

Todd McShay, ESPN (subscription): Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

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Wide receiver and cornerback are two other possibilities here, but Pryor also would fill a need at strong safety next to free-agent pickup Malcolm Jenkins, and he's a good value at this point in the draft. Pryor is an intimidating presence in the middle of the field with his willingness to deliver the big hit, and he also is capable of holding up in deep-half zone and deep-third coverage. He's a tone-setter.

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I really like Calvin Pryor a lot. The problem is he doesn’t fit Philadelphia’s defensive scheme.

The Eagles deploy their safeties in man-to-man coverage with some frequency, an area Pryor is largely untested. The fact that he doesn’t have great foot speed makes me question how effective he would come to be in that role.

Ideally, teams would take the best player available and scheme to their strengths. I’m just not sure the Eagles would view Pryor as the best option at No. 22 if he has limitations as an inside-the-box safety.

Mike Mayock, NFL.com: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

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If the Eagles want to be a Super Bowl team, they have to get better on the backend. Clinton-Dix can play free safety and strong safety, and improves defensive coordinator Billy Davis' secondary.

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If available—a big "if"—Clinton-Dix simply makes more sense for Philadelphia than Pryor. The Alabama product doesn’t bring the same physical presence to the table, but unlike Pryor, at least he has the versatility to play in the box or cover a slot receivers and tight ends.

You do have to wonder about Clinton-Dix’s plummeting stock. Earlier in the process, it was widely believed there was no way he would make it to the Eagles. However, it’s happened increasingly in recent mocks—including Daniel Jeremiah’s mock for NFL.com—for whatever those are worth.

Rob Rang, CBSSports.com: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

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Chip Kelly's offense is built around speedy playmakers who can defeat opponents one on one. After releasing Desean Jackson, Kelly and general manager Howie Roseman are expected to make finding a similarly gifted athlete a priority in the draft. Half of the Eagles' 2013 picks came from the Pac-12. Kelly may once again rely on his experience in the conference to target another former rival in Cooks, the reigning Biletnikoff winner.

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Yes, but Kelly and Roseman also claimed releasing Jackson was a football decision. We all know that’s not 100 percent true, but if we were to presume even part of that statement was grounded in reality, why would they draft a Jackson clone?

To say Cooks and Jackson are the same player is to oversimplify the matter, yet the similarities are undeniable. They share almost identical frames and 40 times, so how much different can they really be? I won’t go so far as to say the Eagles absolutely would not draft Cooks, but I can’t dismiss the evidence to the contrary either.

Rang is just one of many projecting Cooks to Philly. CBSSports.com colleagues Pete Prisco and Pat Kirwan are doing the same, as are Charley Casserly of NFL.com and Don Banks of Sports Illustrated.

Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn

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The Eagles picked up linebacker Connor Barwin in free agency last year, but they're rolling with Trent Cole and Brandon Graham opposite him. Neither player truly fits what the Eagles seem to want on defense, and an upgrade at outside linebacker is needed.

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A bit of curious analysis here, in my humble opinion. Neither Cole nor Graham truly fits what the Eagles seem to want on defense because they’re converted defensive ends playing outside linebacker—though I think Cole handled that just fine. Ford would have to make the same adjustment from playing with his hand in the dirt at Auburn to standing up.

It’s easier to ask an incoming rookie to make the switch than an established veteran. Still, I feel there are better fits for the Eagles defense a little later on, such as Jeremiah Attaochu from Georgia Tech or Marcus Smith out of Louisville.

Latest Rumors, Reports and Analysis

As usual, the Eagles are playing things very close to the vest. Rumors with even in a modicum of legitimacy are few and far between, and there’s almost no doubt the little they do allow to leak amount to smokescreens. Let’s see if we can’t entertain at least one good yarn though.

Trading Up…For a Receiver?

The Eagles have made it no secret they will always consider trading up for the right player, when the price is right. According to Peter King for The MMQB, the organization has acquired its target.

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Keep hearing they want in on the prime receiver action, and the receiver they want could be LSU’s Odell Beckham, who can play outside, inside in the slot and as a returner. But the Eagles would have to trade up, and GM Howie Roseman is doing his due diligence, talking to at least two teams in the mid-round neighborhood, when Beckham would likely go. But the cost could be too rich for the Eagles’ blood. They may have to settle for Marqise Lee, who would be some consolation prize.

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There is absolutely no reason to doubt Roseman has been making calls, getting a read from various suitors on what it would take to move up a few spots should a player they covet get within range. That’s normal for this time of year.

What I have trouble believing is receiver would be the target.

Unless Texas A&M’s Mike Evans is dropping out of the top 10, I can’t see the value. There are going to be boatloads of wideouts available at No. 22—not to mention Round 2. Is Beckham such a far superior prospect to Lee, Latimer, Cooks, Benjamin or a number of others we haven’t mentioned that he’s worth mortgaging more of the future for?

My guess is the Eagles’ real target would be somebody like Barr, and Roseman is using the common knowledge that his team is in the market for a receiver as a smokescreen. Moving up for all but the elite prospects at that position simply doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.

7-Round Philadelphia Eagles Mock Draft

Sticking with my “final” mock draft from Tuesday (for now) so as not to be accused of false advertising. Check out the full version for more in-depth reasoning behind each selection.

Round 1, Pick No. 22: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

I can’t shake the feeling that somebody unexpected will be available at No. 22. If he makes it past the Tennessee Titans at No. 11, it could be Barr. As we’ve established, a pass-rusher is Philadelphia’s biggest need, and Barr fits. I can envision the Eagles moving up a few spots once he gets within striking distance.

Round 2, Pick No. 54: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

The Eagles claim the release of Jackson was a “football decision.” Various reports documented attitude problems and off-field concerns. Matthews accounts for both. He provides a bigger, stronger target for quarterback Nick Foles without sacrificing much speed, in addition to being an upstanding citizen, hard worker and leader in the locker room, according to scouting reports.

Round 3, Pick No. 86: Christian Jones, ILB, Florida State

When I made this selection, I was unaware of the breaking news that Jones failed his drug test at the scouting combine. Depending on what he tested positive for, it may not matter. Jones has a unique blend of size and athleticism compared to this year’s class of interior linebackers. He could replace Ryans in obvious passing situations immediately and perhaps permanently down the road.

Round 4, Pick No. 122: Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon

No NFL team could possess a better understanding of Hart’s strengths and weaknesses than the Eagles. Chip Kelly and defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro have firsthand experience working with Hart at the University of Oregon, so they know what exactly what they’re getting. The Eagles need defensive line depth and can feel confident this pick won’t miss.

[TRADE] Round 5, Pick No. 158: John Urschel, OG, Penn State

The Eagles stand to gain an extra selection if they decide to trade Graham, as they did to the Dallas Cowboys in this particular scenario. Urschel, who earned his master’s degree in mathematics while at Penn State, gets a chance to learn from Professors Mathis and Herremans next.

Round 5, Pick No. 162: Dontae Johnson, CB, North Carolina State

The reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks proved quality defensive backs can be found in the later rounds. At 6’2”, Johnson has tremendous length in a versatile package. With the ability to play outside the numbers or in the slot, at safety and on special teams, Johnson should be able to contribute…somewhere.

Round 7, Pick No. 237: Marcel Jensen, TE, Fresno State

Tight end generally isn’t considered a need, but maybe it should be. Even if Ertz is headed for a breakout season, Brent Celek turns 30 before the Super Bowl, while James Casey hasn’t lived up to the free-agent contract he signed last offseason. Jensen is a bit of a project, but so is anybody at this point in the draft.