5 Potential Players, Not Named Marcus Mariota, The Eagles Might Draft In Round One
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Chip Kelly called it "silly season," and it is.
With the 2015 NFL Draft less than three weeks away, the speculation, predictions, and mock drafts are rapidly circulating all over the interwebs. The Eagles own pick No. 20 in round one, and while we have discussed the possibility of Kelly moving up to acquire his former Oregon QB Marcus Mariota ad nauseam, that theory is becoming less likely every day.
Here are five potential players, not named Marcus Mariota, the Eagles might draft in round one.
5. Randy Gregory, OLB, Nebraska
In the latest mock draft for PFT.com, the Eagles select Gregory, a 6-foot, 5-inch 235-pound outside linebacker from Nebraska. Gregory has the physical tools to be a beast in the NFL, as he ran a 4.64-40 yard dash at the combine. While Gregory fits the mold of a 3-4 outside linebacker with tremendous upside, do the Eagles want to gamble on another athletic 3-4 OLB---a la Marcus Smith---again?
4. Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon
Oregon, there's your buzz word.
Armstead is a 6-foot, 7-inch 292-pound defensive tackle and much better against the run, than as a pass-rusher. While the Eagles are pretty solid on the defensive line, Armstead is an enticing talent at an important position.
3. Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Strong is a 6-foot, 2-inch 217-pound wideout who is born and raised in Philly, a graduate of West Catholic, and the son of former Drexel hoops star John Rankin. Strong ran a 4.4 40-yard dash which isn't tremendously fast for a receiver, but he's a superb route runner, an elite leaper, and a solid pass catcher.
The Eagles certainly need to upgrade their receiving corps.
2. Landon Collins, SS, Alabama
NFL.com's latest mock draft has the Eagles taking Collins, a six-foot 228-pound strong safety. While Collins lacks speed, he's an excellent physical tackler with a knack for the ball.
Safety is probably the Eagles' biggest need heading into the draft.
1. Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut
CBSSports.com have the Eagles selecting Jones in their latest mock draft.
Jones, six-foot, one-inch 199-pounds, is exactly the kind of player Kelly loves. Intelligent, reliable, a former captain and leader, Jones inspires his teammates. Not only does Jones have the ball skills and intangibles to be a successful NFL cornerback, he has the athleticism. Jones recorded a 44.5 inch vertical jump, a 147.0 inch broad jump, and a 60-yard shuttle of 10.98 seconds at the combine. All three were top workout performances among cornerbacks.
