2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Philadelphia Eagles Fans Need to Know

Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles have an unbelievably crucial offseason ahead of them, and the 2015 NFL draft will be of utmost importance after whiffing on Marcus Smith last year in the first round.

Per Mark Eckel of NJ Advance Media, there has been a rumor circulating that Kelly wants to move up to grab Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, but that's so far off that it isn't worth discussing for a couple of months.

Instead, let's take a look at some lesser-known prospects who could be great options for Philadelphia in the first couple of rounds.

Here are five prospects that every Eagles fan needs to know.

PJ Williams, CB, Florida State

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Let's start off with arguably the biggest need for the Eagles. It was painfully obvious to anyone watching that Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams played major roles in Philly's late-season collapse, and neither of them should be starting at the NFL level.

This is an interesting cornerback class, with no truly elite guys who are guaranteed top picks. Florida State's P.J. Williams would be an ideal pick if he rises up to become a first-round lock, although there's a chance he's around in the second as well.

He's an excellent all-around athlete with good size (6'0", 196 lbs), and he has the quickness to become a legitimate No. 1 corner down the road.

Nate Orchard, OLB, Utah

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This may be a little bit out of the box here, but Nate Orchard is a prospect who will rise quickly over the next few months when people get to go back and look at his tape.

He stood out as one of the best pass-rushers in the country in 2014, and the Eagles certainly aren't set over the long term at outside linebacker.

Orchard has a relentless motor and long framem which helps him beat offensive tackles and wreak havoc in the backfield. This would be an excellent Day 2 selection for the Birds.

Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

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Sammie Coates is an absolute freak of nature, and his weigh-in at the Senior Bowl only solidified that.

It's rare you get someone with the size, strength and speed that Coates possesses, and although he is a little inconsistent with his hands right now, that can be taught in time.

For now, the Eagles still have to re-sign Jeremy Maclin, and even if they do, there is still a need to pick up more firepower for Chip Kelly's high-octane attack.

Coates would get plenty of time to develop if Maclin re-signs, but he is also fully capable of stepping into a major role if Maclin skips town.

Landon Collins, S, Alabama

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The secondary is obviously going to be a major focal point for the Eagles this draft (and offseason in general), and Landon Collins should be their absolute main target at 20th overall.

Collins is by far the best safety in this class, and he would likely step in and become the Eagles' best secondary player immediately in 2015.

He's extremely instinctive and has good ball skills, but he can also step up and stuff the run when he needs to as well. The sky is the limit for Collins; Philly only has to hope that he falls all the way to No. 20.

Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA

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Recognize that last name? Yes, Eric is the brother of current Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks, and the two could become a power combination in the middle of the field for the next decade if the Birds are smart enough to draft him.

Kendricks may not be a major name in the draft yet, but he's definitely going to be a second-round pick at the very lowest, and he could easily sneak into the first with a good combine.

DeMeco Ryans only has one year left on his contract and is coming off of a torn Achilles, so Philly needs to be searching for an inside linebacker to replace him soon.

Other than the obvious family connection, Kendricks is an ideal fit: He's a stout run defender who tackles extremely well and would complement Mychal perfectly.