It’s draft time! We’ve had our experts tell you who will be drafted where, but now it’s time for you to throw on your GM cap and decide for yourself. Each day we will present an argument for each player and why the respective team should pick him. Then, it’s up to you. You make the pick. The next day, we will compile the results and you can see who is off the board. Disagree with all of the options? Be sure to write in your pick below in the comments section. OK, let’s get into it. The Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock.
It’s no secret that there’s a need for a wide receiver in Philly. While the Eagles gave contract extensions to Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper, they made the decision to release DeSean Jackson. Behind Maclin and Cooper, there is a bunch of unproven talent. Fortunately for Philly, the team returns the league’s best rushing attack led, by LeSean McCoy, and has added a stealthy weapon in Darren Sproles. Up front, they’re solid. The interior of the offensive line is a major strength, and head coach Chip Kelly is looking for second-year right tackle Lane Johnson to make some strides.
On defense, the Eagles struggled against the pass, allowing a league-high average of 289 yards a game through the air. General manager Howie Roseman lured Malcolm Jenkins to Philly and signed Nolan Carroll to a deal. While Cary Williams, Bradley Fletcher and Brandon Boykin are solid options, the best player on the board so happens to be a cornerback.
If Kelly is looking to beef up the Eagles' pass rush, they could add another outside linebacker. So what will the Eagles do with the No. 22 overall pick?
1. Houston Texans select South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney
2. St. Louis Rams select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins
3. Jacksonville Jaguars select Central Florida quarterback Blake Bortles
4. Cleveland Browns select Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel
5. Oakland Raiders select Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack
6. Atlanta Falcons select Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Texas A&M wide receiver Mike Evans
8. Minnesota Vikings select Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr
9. Buffalo Bills select Texas A&M offensive tackle Jake Matthews
10. Detroit Lions select UCLA outside linebacker Anthony Barr
11. Tennessee Titans select Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater
12. New York Giants select Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald
13. St. Louis Rams select Michigan offensive tackle Taylor Lewan
14. Chicago Bears select Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
15. Pittsburgh Steelers select Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert
16. Dallas Cowboys select Auburn defensive end Dee Ford
17. Baltimore Ravens select Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin
18. New York Jets select North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron
19. Miami Dolphins select Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks
20. Arizona Cardinals select Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio
21. Green Bay Packers select Alabama linebacker CJ Mosley
Louisville FS Calvin Pryor
Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard
The Eagles are deep at cornerback, but Dennard is free falling. He has the accolades to back up his success on the field, as he was a unanimous first-team All American and the Jim Thorpe Award winner.
LSU WR Odell Beckham
The winner of the Paul Hornung Award, which is annually given to the most versatile player in the nation, broke the school’s all-purpose yard record (2,315) last season. Kelly puts a premium on players who can fill multiple roles, and Beckam could be a major factor in the return game.
Ohio State OLB Ryan Shazier
While outside linebacker Trent Cole is a steady force, he turns 32 next season. Enter Shazier, who was a very productive player during his time in Columbus, including being a Butkus Award finalist in 2013 after leading the Big Ten in tackles and tackles for loss.
Missouri OLB Kony Ealy
The 6-foot-4, 273-pounder is an athletic freak. With a long frame, Ealy is able to track down the opposition with ease. The Eagles would be able to get creative with his skill set as he’s one of the most dynamic pass rushers in this year’s draft class.
