Eagles Wake-Up Call: Draft Predictions (Part 2)

In the first installment, we gave our take on what ultimately will happen with Marcus Mariota. Today, we look at who the Eagles might go after if they don’t move up for the Oregon QB.

If the Eagles stay at 20, who are the three most likely targets?

Tim:

Byron Jones, CB, UConn – Asked if this current regime follows the best player available philosophy, Ed Marynowitz said the mantra has been amended to “best player available for us.” The Eagles are looking for a specific type of player that meets their standards when it comes to things like measurables, scheme fit and character. Jones (6-1, 199) has the size they are looking for at the outside corner (and safety) position and tested through the roof at the combine. He has the skill set and versatility they seek, and was a leader and team captain for the Huskies. The Eagles have been all over him during the pre-draft process. Seems like a safe bet that he’s on the short list.

Arik Armstead, DL, Oregon – Most draft projections take into account a team’s positional needs, which might explain why Armstead hasn’t been linked  to the Eagles much. But if we look at it from a BPA (or in the Eagles’ case, BPAFU) perspective, Armstead starts to make a little more sense. He’s got the size (6-7, 292), he’s scheme compatible, he went to Oregon…what’s there for Kelly not to love? There’s a decent chance that he’s already off the board by the time the Eagles pick. If he’s there, I’d imagine he will be under consideration.

Eric Rowe, S/CB, Utah – Rowe (6-1, 205) played safety for three years before moving to corner. The Eagles like the idea of having versatile defensive backs that can cross-train at multiple positions. Rowe fits the bill. The Spring, Texas native is athletically gifted and has a physicality to his game. If he becomes the target, perhaps the Eagles can move back a few slots and still get their guy.

Sheil:

Byron Jones, CB, UConn – We’re on the same page here, T-Mac. Freak athlete, productive player and high character. Plus he fills a position of need (full breakdown here). My guess is teams will have the first-round cornerbacks graded differently depending on scheme, their emphasis on character, etc. But I’d bet that the Eagles have Jones ranked as high on their board as any other team. It’s possible he goes before 20, but if he makes it that far, Jones makes a lot of sense.

Jake Fisher, OL, Oregon – I think there will be a couple intriguing offensive line options to choose from if the Eagles stay at No. 20. But knowing what I know about Chip Kelly, I have to lean on the Oregon product. Fisher (6-6, 306) has experience playing both guard and tackle. He’s an unbelievable athlete who could step in for Todd Herremans right away at guard and eventually slide over to right tackle (full breakdown here). I’ve seen some suggest Fisher might be a reach at No. 20, but I don’t think that Kelly cares about that. He knows what his former player can do and very well could snag him here.

Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF – The way I see it, the Eagles would be best served to wait on a WR until the second or third round. But Kelly might feel differently, especially if Perriman (6-2, 212) lasts to No. 20. He possesses an excellent size/speed combination and has excellent body control on downfield catches (full breakdown here). Perriman was the only WR in the country to catch 50 balls and average over 20.0 YPR last season. USC’s Nelson Agholor could also be an option, but in the end, I think Perriman has more upside.

WHAT YOU MISSED

Catch up on all of Tuesday’s draft buzz.

The Eagles almost traded for Dion Jordan before he violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy, per a report.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Jimmy Kempski makes the case for the Eagles trading for Mariota.

This may seem like the obvious by now, but according to many reliable sources I’ve spoken with over the last few months, the Eagles are going to try to trade up to draft Marcus Mariota. The only way in which those sources differ is on how far they’ll go to get him. If their “try” is robust, maybe a deal gets done. If their “try” is weak, then obviously it takes two (or three) to tango, and the Eagles will simply go into the season with Sam Bradford as their QB. But every indication I’ve been given is that they are going to try.

Chip Kelly has said that Mariota is the most talented player he ever coached in college. He compared Mariota to Peyton Manning, and reportedly said that he is going to win multiple Super Bowls in the NFL. He’s a seemingly perfect fit both for the Eagles’ offense and for Chip Kelly from almost every angle imaginable.

It just fits.

Chris Steuber of CSN Philly has the Eagles selecting Perriman at No. 20 in his lastest mock draft.

There are a few directions the Eagles could go in with this selection, but the early run on wide receivers make the route much clearer. Perriman’s size, speed and game-breaking ability translate well to what Chip Kelly wants from a receiver in his offense.

COMING UP

One more day until the draft.