PHL Anon
Today marks the beginning of the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine. It is one of my favorite times of the year because I’m a huge draft junkie. I love when we can start looking towards the future structuring of our favorite team.
There are a million sites out there that post Mock Drafts, so rather than having you search all over the web, we have compiled the picks from many of the sites for you. Here’s what the experts say:
Mel Kiper from ESPN.com
Jack Conklin, OT Michigan State
Philadelphia has a need at tackle, and Conklin has been a consistent performer over the past three seasons and will be ready to contribute as a rookie. Adding him could help secure the Eagles’ immediate future at tackle with Lane Johnson signed for the long term.
Todd McShay from ESPN.com
Jack Conklin, OT Michigan State
At 6’6″ and 325 lbs., Conklin shows good mobility for his size, along with very consistent awareness, technique and effort. He plays with power and is a finisher in the run game. He’s balanced enough to protect a quarterback’s blind side. Even after signing Lane Johnson to an extension, the Eagles need to plan for the future at tackle with Jason Peters now 34.
Bucky Brooks from NFL.com
Jack Conklin, OT Michigan State
Jason Peters’ age and injury history could prompt the Eagles to spend a top pick on a young offensive tackle with the footwork and lateral quickness to snuff out pass rushers on the edges.
Daniel Jeremiah from NFL.com
Vernon Butler, DT Louisiana Tech
The buzz on Butler is building following an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl.
Lance Zierlein from NFL.com
Carson Wentz, QB North Dakota State
The Eagles are moving on from #TeamChip, but they still need to find a franchise player to lead them to greatness. Wentz wouldn’t be ready right away, but his potential is worth the investment for the Eagles.
Charles Davis from NFL.com
Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State
A left tackle in college, if selected, he would be ticketed to start at right tackle.
Chris Roling from BleacherReport.com
Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State
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As you can see there is no real consensus on who the Eagles will pick. The count is as follows:
Jack Conklin, OT Michigan State: 3
Taylor Decker, OT Ohio State: 2
Carson Wentz, QB ND State: 1
Vernon Butler, DT Louisiana Tech: 1
I honestly don’t agree all that much with these picks. At this point, I see the Eagles directing a lot of their attention to the quarterback position, and maybe even the wide receiver position. There are no clear cut guard prospects that are first-round worthy, and with the massive size of both of the offensive tackle prospects being slotted to us, we don’t really know if either could bump inside and be successful. Here’s my pick:
Paxton Lynch, QB Memphis
The Eagles have an obvious need for a young franchise quarterback, and do we really, deep down, see Bradford being the guy that rides us to a Super Bowl Championship? Lynch has a lot of the tools that coaches and general managers look for in future NFL starters: size, arm strength, mobility and the ability to create when the initial play breaks down. He will need to work on his inconsistent decision-making and accuracy, but it’s not like the Eagles would be asking him to start on Day 1, either. He will more than likely be sitting behind a one-to-two-year stop-gap quarterback like Chase Daniel, while the bevy of quarterback teachers on the coaching staff get to mold, teach, and polish every aspect of Lynch.
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Who do you want to see the Eagles go after in the draft?
dradt hackenberg
I think taking Lynch is a big mistake. Eagles can’t risk a first round bust, and he has all the traits of that. He is not an accurate thrower.
Conklin is an end of first round, top of 2nd grade. Yes he can probably play all positions, but it’s a bit high for him. Not having a 2nd rounder really hurts us right now. Big time.
I’m not sure who the pick will be, but we need not pretend next year is the year for the Eagles.
Personally, if I was going to take a risk it would be Jaylon Smith. He’s arguably the best player in the draft. When Hicks was healthy the D was great. Our LBs really aren’t good. I’d be willing to take that risk.
But in truth, best player available is what I would go with. Our needs are many.