Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Philadelphia Eagles' Top 3 Picks

As we inch closer and closer to the 2015 NFL draft, speculation mounts as to how the Philadelphia Eagles will approach the early rounds. Honestly, they should stick to the best-player-available strategy for the most part—although there are some exceptions.

There is a lot of talent at the top of this draft, and given the fact that the Eagles have multiple needs, there are a lot of options out there who would earn our praise. However, there are also some landmines out there, prospects who simply don’t fit or could be considered unnecessary luxuries for a team with so many issues.

Up ahead, we go through the first three rounds of the draft and choose the best- and worst-case scenarios with each pick, and then we explain why. Keep in mind, worst case doesn’t necessarily mean the player isn’t talented; he simply might not be the ideal choice for Philadelphia at this time.

As for the best case, those are all interchangeable if you ask me. This slideshow focuses on safer, “can’t-miss” selections, but honestly, you could go in a number of different directions with any of them.

Best Case, Round 1: Trade Down

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The 20th overall selection is just late enough that there won’t necessarily be a slam dunk available. There are plenty of names I would be fine with if called, but I could also see trading back a handful of spots if it means adding an extra mid-round pick (or picks) later.

Unfortunately, despite head coach Chip Kelly’s dramatic offseason overhaul, the Eagles have a lot of needs left to fill. Cornerback and safety are the most immediate, followed closely by wide receiver and offensive line. Outside linebacker depth is a huge question mark as well, and, at the very least, it would be wise to add a developmental quarterback.

Theoretically, the Eagles have enough selections to address each and every one of these issues, but that assumes they all pan out, which is unlikely. The more selections, the better the odds are of finding contributors.

If there is a prospect at No. 20 that’s simply too good to pass up, the Eagles should nab him. If the talent at that point is relatively equal to what it would be five to 10 picks later, on the other hand, Philadelphia should strongly consider selling.

Worst Case, Round 1: Landon Collins, S, Alabama

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Safety is arguably the biggest need on Philadelphia’s roster. It’s certainly the biggest hole in the lineup. 2013 fifth-round pick Earl Wolff is the current front-runner to start alongside Malcolm Jenkins, which is a little scary.

That being said, Landon Collins is not a fit for the Eagles, no matter how many mock drafts have him going there with the 20th overall selection. Collins is a big safety who excels in run support. The Eagles aren’t looking for that. They typically deploy their safeties in man or single-high coverage, which is not Collins’ specialty.

I say this would be the worst-case scenario with Philly’s first-round pick, but it’s incredibly unlikely to come to fruition. The team has shown no interest in the Alabama product in the form of workouts or unofficial visits during the pre-draft process.

However, if you see Collins’ name mocked to the Eagles between now and draft day, just know it’s a bad idea. The defense may need a safety in the worst way, but it also needs somebody who can handle extensive duties in pass coverage. That may never be Collins, who possesses great size but is not the most fluid athlete.

Best Case, Round 2: Nelson Agholor, WR, USC

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As a disclaimer, Nelson Agholor probably won’t be available when the Eagles are on the clock in the second round. The USC wideout’s stock has been rising to the point where he could possibly jump into Day 1.

Personally, I am not a fan of Agholor in Round 1, but if the Birds could somehow get their hands on him in the second round, it might be the safest move they make all draft. Scouting reports indicate he’s a fierce competitor and an excellent route-runner with the potential to be a starting slot receiver as a rookie.

We know Chip Kelly loves the kid. Not only did Yahoo Sports' Rand Getlin report an official visit with Agholor at the team facility, but the head coach also traveled to Tampa, Florida, for a private workout.

Agholor recorded 104 receptions for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior in 2014. He also returned two punts for touchdowns, so he could eventually replace Darren Sproles in that role.

The downside to Agholor is he doesn’t possess elite size or speed, and therefore he isn’t necessarily going to become an elite receiver. While his ceiling may be lower than some of the other players in this draft, he has the ability to be an instant success in the right role. Seeing how so many wideouts have thrived in Philly, I’d venture he could do well there.

Worst Case, Round 2: Benardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi State

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This is not to diminish Benardrick McKinney, who could be an excellent interior linebacker at the next level. However, if the Eagles go this route in Round 2, I have to believe that means they’ve traded Mychal Kendricks, who already is an excellent interior linebacker in the NFL.

It’s impossible to judge a trade without knowing the return, so maybe dealing Kendricks will turn out to be perfectly justifiable. Then again, it’s unclear why the Eagles would want to do that. Kendricks has rare playmaking ability. He’s one of only three linebackers in the league with at least 8.0 sacks, three interceptions and five forced fumbles over the past two seasons.

It’s unclear if the Eagles are attempting to move Kendricks, but it doesn’t look good. They added Kiko Alonso and extended DeMeco Ryans' contract. They bolstered depth at the position, signing Brad Jones, and they will get Najee Goode back from injured reserve. If the Eagles drafted McKinney as well, what could they possibly do with all these interior linebackers?

And the Eagles are interested in McKinney, as Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net reported they had the Mississippi State product in for an official pre-draft visit. Time will tell, but it still feels like Kendricks could be the odd man out.

Best Case, Round 3: Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart

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This is not the sexiest choice, although it is potentially the smartest. Philadelphia could use a little help along the offensive line, particularly along the interior, and Ali Marpet might’ve been a first-round pick if he hadn’t played his college ball at Division III Hobart.

The Eagles released right guard Todd Herremans during the offseason, and his anticipated replacement is journeyman Allen Barbre, who will turn 31 this year. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com also reports the club is attempting to trade All-Pro left guard Evan Mathis, potentially opening another hole in the middle of the unit.

Marpet possesses tremendous athleticism and has the potential to step in and start at guard right away. However, teams might be scared away by the fact that Marpet dominated lesser competition, making for a more difficult projection to the next level.

Then again, in the third round, Marpet could be a steal. Even if he takes a year or two to develop, it would be worth the wait. In the 2014 draft, the run on offensive guards started in the third round, and the Eagles missed out. If Marpet is still available, there’s no reason to wait.

Worst Case, Round 3: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA

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The Eagles will probably scoop up a quarterback eventually, somebody who can compete with Matt Barkley for the third-string job and has the potential to develop into more. Yet given all their other needs, the third round is simply too early to do that.

A lot of people like Brett Hundley for the Eagles, and some, like Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com, have even projected the UCLA signal-caller to the Birds in the first round. Most prospects rankings, such as those for ESPN or CBSSports.com, view Hundley as more of a Day 2 or even a Day 3 selection.

Hundley may have all the tools to succeed in the NFL, from a big arm to outstanding mobility, but what are the expectations for a passer taken this late? Obviously, it indicates he’s a project who may never pan out. Given all their other needs, the Eagles should focus on trying to add a player they are confident can become a contributor.

Not only that, but Philadelphia made a significant investment in Sam Bradford when the team traded Nick Foles and draft compensation to the St. Louis Rams. That doesn’t guarantee Bradford will do well or even still be here a year from now, but why make that deal only to turn around and begin preparing for life without him?

True, there are plenty of people who have no faith in Bradford. Others may simply see Hundley as a steal in the third round. I just don’t think the Eagles should try to force it at the quarterback position, especially when there are so many other areas to address.