With the All-star game circuit officially in the books, it is time to do another compilation of the latest mock drafts to see who the Philadelphia Eagles will be picking in the first round.
In the first roundup, we saw that many draft analysts/experts had the Eagles using their first-round selection on defense. As all we know, Philly can go in various directions when it comes to their draft pick.
They could use the pick to address either the offensive and defensive lines or finally get themselves a lead running back. Nevertheless, whatever they choose to do at No. 25, the player needs to be an immediate starter/playmaker.
Here is a roundup of the latest NFL mock drafts across the interwebs:
Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Pick explanation: “Thompson is one of the best safeties in this class and he would solidify an Eagles’ secondary that was replacement level in pass defense, according to Football Outsiders.”
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Pick explanation: “Haloti Ngata is due to hit the market this offseason, and will Timmy Jernigan be back in 2019? There could be an opening or two at DT, which would clear the way for Lawrence, who flashes the ability to manhandle opponents.”
Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
Pick explanation: “Dillard did well for himself at the Senior Bowl, an event that isn’t always kind to offensive linemen who get forced into constant one-on-one positions in practice. Dillard helped himself not only with his play but by weighing in at 310 pounds. That should erase any questions about his size as a pro. Bookends of Dillard and Lane Johnson would give the Eagles arguably the most athletic tandem of offensive tackles in the NFL.”
4. Kalyn Kahler, Sports Illustrated
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Pick explanation: “Lawrence is primarily an early-down run-stuffer, but he has a rare combination of size and athleticism and has flashed upside in the pass-rush. His gargantuan body type is really hard to find (6′ 4″, 350 lbs.) which makes him an intriguing pick for the Eagles, whose recent success has come in large part from investing heavily in offensive and defensive lines.”
5. Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network
Jeffery Simmons, iDL, Mississippi State
Pick explanation: “The Eagles had success their first time dipping their bucket into the Mississippi State iDL pool (Fletcher Cox). Why not go again? The Eagles’ defensive system under Jim Schwartz calls for chaos up front: the defensive line is designed to get into the backfield and make a mess of things.
Putting Simmons between Fletcher Cox and Derek Barnett/Michael Bennett/Brandon Graham (Graham is a free agent) would certainly free up everyone on the line to make a mess of opposing backfields.”
