Eagles fans rejoice; Carson Wentz finally has some weapons. Howie Roseman pulled the trigger and signed both Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith to team-friendly deals that will not only improve the passing attack for the Eagles in 2017, but allows the team to have freedom with the future of the two players beyond this season.
While the Eagles made a splash in free agency once again, there are still holes that are needed to be filled. With the combine over and individual meetings underway, it is time to take a look at what the Eagles could do in this year’s draft, which is merely 39 days away.
Philadelphia Eagles Post-Combine Seven Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 14: CB Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Before the combine, I had the Eagles slated to take Sidney Jones at this spot. Unfortunately for both the Eagles and Jones, Jones suffered a torn Achilles tendon at his pro day. Regardless, I still believe the Eagles will address the defense with their first pick and select Marlon Humphrey out of Alabama. Humphrey ran a 4.41 at the combine and hits hard to go along with his speed. While I do not believe he has the same pure cover skills as Jones, Humphrey plays with plenty of aggression and can be groomed into a legitimate, number one option for the Eagles on the outside.
Round 2, Pick 44: RB Alvin Kamara, Tennesse
With their second pick in the draft, the Eagles address their need at running back and snag Alvin Kamara. Kamara is a tough runner who has NFL size and incredible burst out of the backfield, something the Eagles have missed dearly. While his 40 time wasn’t great at the combine (4.56), Kamara shows more game speed than anything else when watching his tape. Along with solid hands out of the backfield, Kamara can prove to be an every-down back for the Eagles with both Wendell Smallwood and Darren Sproles sparing some carries and third-down looks.
Round 3, Pick 76: G/T Dion Dawkins, Temple
The New Jersey product made the most of his opportunity playing with the Owls last season, and the Eagles will take notice and select the versatile lineman in the third round. Doug Pederson has shown to have a soft spot for lineman who can play in multiple spots, and that speaks greatly to Dawkins’ skill set. Dawkins is bulky enough to slide into the guard spot while also being long enough to play at tackle. The Eagles signed Chance Warmack and extended Stefen Wisniewski this offseason, but with Allen Barbre most likely gone after the 2017 season, Dawkins would make a ton of sense for the Birds at this spot.
Round 4, Pick 108: WR Dede Westbrook, Oklahoma
In my previous mock, I had Westbrook being taken with the second fourth-rounder for the Eagles but I think that it would be a safer play for the Eagles to use their earlier pick if he is available. Despite the Eagles signing two receivers who will most likely both be starting, it would be a smart move for the Birds to snag a young prospect who can stretch the field. With Jordan Matthews‘ contract being up after the 2017 season, it is a real possibility for the receiver to walk and see his value in free agency. In steps Westbrook, who can become a solid slot reciever with plenty of explosiveness for Wentz to play with.
Round 4, Pick 139 (Compensatory Pick from Cleveland Browns from Carson Wentz trade): CB Damontae Kazee, San Diego State
In 2015, Kazee was tied for second-most interceptions in the FBS with eight, and was also named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. The knock on Kazee is his size (5’10, 184) and the fact that he does not have the same speed down the field as the other elite prospects in this class. However, Kazee does not shy away form contact and can become a solid option for the Eagles in the nickel slot, allowing Malcolm Jenkins to stay back in his safety spot.
Round 5, Pick 155: DT Ryan Glasgow, Michigan
Glasgow is a gritty, nose-to-the-grindstone type of lineman who loves to get in on the action. With Bennie Logan departing for Kansas City, the Eagles are in need of some depth behind Fletcher Cox and Beau Allen. Jim Schwartz showed that he likes to keep a healthy rotation along the line to keep legs fresh and this suits Glasgow extremely well. Glasgow is not a three-down lineman and does not provide much in terms of pass rush, but he makes up for it with his large frame and willingness to bang in the box.
Round 6, Pick 194: S Lorenzo Jerome, Saint Francis (PA)
I think that Jerome has the potential to be the steal of this draft. The Eagles’ safety tandem of Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod have no threat of losing their starting jobs, but if one of them is to go down, there is not much depth behind them. Chris Maragos is a great special teams player, but offers little in the safety position. The same can be said about Jaylen Watkins and Terrence Brooks. Jerome can enter training camp with no pressure to start and can quite simply go out and ball. Without question, he has impeccable ball hawking skills with hands like a receiver. The main knock on Jerome is his speed (4.70 40 at the combine), but he has a great football mind that can make him a starter in this league.
Round 7, Pick 230: LB Ben Boulware, Clemson
I had Boulware at this spot for the Eagles in my first mock, and I see no reason to change it now. Boulware is a team-first, tough linebacker who can provide some depth for the Eagles in addition to contributing on special teams. With little to no risk on Boulware, it would make a ton of sense for Birds to take a flier on the National Champion.
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