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Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Mock Draft: December Update

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:46 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Jon Dove/FanSided via With the First Pick

Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) fumbles the ball as he is hit by Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland (26) and defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis (98) during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Washington Redskins won 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles have seen their playoff hopes crumble and now need to look to future with things like this Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Mock Draft.

This version of my latest Philadelphia Eagles 2017 NFL Mock Draft adds talent on both sides of the ball. The players added on offense are brought in because of their ability to make life easier on quarterback Carson Wentz.

Philadelphia started the season strong, but the team’s recent struggles have poured some cold water on the Wentz hype. However, he has shown plenty of promise with his recent struggles being more of a team issue than a lack of development on his part.

The Eagles need to spend this offseason adding more weapons on offense. Wentz needs receivers who can catch the football and make things easier for him. He also needs a reliable running back capable of staying healthy and making plays.

It would also help if the defense made improvements and kept the offense from chasing points. The defense needs help in the secondary and especially at the cornerback position.

Luckily, the 2017 NFL Draft is loaded with talented running backs and cornerbacks. The Eagles are in a good position to make significant upgrades at both positions of need.

Nov 19, 2016; Lawrence, KS, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D

1st Round: D’Onta Foreman, RB, Texas

As we get closer to the draft Texas’ D’Onta Foreman is going to become a hotter name. He’s a big-bodied running back who is extremely explosive. This is the type of running back capable of grinding out the tough yards and also breaking off big plays.

Foreman is exactly what the Philadelphia Eagles need to help take some pressure off of Carson Wentz. Right now, they don’t have a consistent presence in the backfield. Wentz needs someone capable of making plays and moving the chains.

Having someone like Foreman in the backfield will also open things up for the passing attack. Defenses will need to account for the running game and avoid dropping extra men in coverage. A strong running game also makes play action more effective.

The Eagles need to make life easier for their young quarterback. Upgrading the running game is one option and the other is adding more reliable options at receiver. They could look to add a receiver with their 1st round pick.

Western Michigan’s Corey Davis would be a great fit as someone with reliable hands and the ability to stretch the defense. However, they might be better off looking to free agency and bringing in a veteran presence at the position.

Oct 24, 2015; Corvallis, OR, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) tackles Oregon State Beavers quarterback Nick Mitchell (14) at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Round: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado

The Eagles secondary has been an issue for a majority of the season. Their issues are mainly at the cornerback spot where they lack both high-end talent and depth. This year’s draft offers a great opportunity to fix this problem.

Colorado’s Chidobe Awuzie is a versatile defender who has experience working out of the slot, playing safety and the outside cornerback spot. He’s a fluid athlete who keeps in-phase with his target and limits separation.

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Awuzie is an aggressive defender who doesn’t hesitate to support the run or attack the football. This toughness makes him a strong candidate to contribute on special teams. He does have experience working as a gunner on punt coverage.

His versatility is something all defensive coordinators love as it gives them the ability to get the best players on the field.

Philadelphia could target a cornerback in the 1st round and then use this pick to add help at running back. Iowa’s Akrum Wadley is a good 2nd round option and someone capable of providing a spark. Wadley reminds me a lot of Jamaal Charles based on his explosiveness and overall playmaking ability.

They could also look at NC State’s Matthew Dayes who’s in the day-2 mix.

Sep 17, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Mark Allen (8) is stopped by Temple Owls defensive linesmen Haason Reddick (7) during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O

3rd Round: Haason Reddick, LB, Temple

The Philadelphia Eagles need some depth at the linebacker position where they feature several players with history of injuries. They could target a local guy like Temple’s Haason Reddick who brings several different skill sets to the table.

Reddick has spent the majority of his college career at defensive end where he was mainly asked to rush the passer. He features the explosive burst, suddenness and non-stop motor needed to be an effective pass rusher at the next level.

However, he lacks the size to play defensive end and will need to make the transition to linebacker. Reddick shouldn’t have an issue transitioning to a more traditional linebacker role based on his athleticism.

He has experience dropping into coverage and shows the ability to read and react. His skills as a pass rusher are an added bonus and something every defensive coordinator covets. Versatility like Reddick’s is extremely valuable in the NFL.

The 3rd round is another spot where the Eagles could address their needs in the secondary. In fact, it’s possible they use multiple picks in the 2017 NFL Draft to improve this area of the roster. Tennessee’s Cam Sutton could be a solid option in the 3rd round.

Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Chad Hansen (6) on a touchdown run against the Stanford Cardinal during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

4th Round: Chad Hansen, WR, California

The Philadelphia Eagles need to spend some resources this offseason upgraded their receiving corps. They have plenty of talent at the position but the majority of those players are extremely unreliable. Carson Wentz’s production has been hindered by the receiver’s drops and inconsistent routes.

Philadelphia should look first at adding a veteran via free agency. There were rumors around the trading deadline that the Eagles like Alshon Jeffery. He’s a pending free agent and someone the Eagles could pursue in the offseason.

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However, they still need to make some decisions regarding the younger receivers on the roster. The likes of Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews and Dorial Green-Beckham have not inspired much confidence. It’s possible that one or more from this group are not on with the team next year.

California’s Chad Hansen is an intriguing receiver prospect who features tons of athleticism. He’s a long strider who’s capable of stretching the field. Hansen also has good size and bulk for the position. He’d be a solid option if the Eagles decide they’ve seen enough from some of the receivers currently on the roster.

This would be a good spot for the team to address the lack of depth along the offensive line. They could stand to add some talent at offensive tackle where Lane Johnson continues have off-field problems and Jason Peters is on the back end of his career.

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