MOBILE, Ala. -- Speaking to reporters at the Senior Bowl, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson was asked what positional groups he thinks are strong in this year's draft. Pederson eschewed a snarky retort and was actually forthcoming with an answer.
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"Offensive line is an area that is strong in this draft," said Pederson. "I think the quarterback position has some talent there. The secondary usually has the guys that you're looking for to fill in at certain spots or holes. I think there's some talent there."
Soooooo, basically, that marries up nicely with the Eagles' biggest needs then. That's convenient.
Over the last three years, the media and Eagles fan base developed a sense of what types of players the team valued under Chip Kelly. But with a new coaching staff in place, we'll all be starting over from square one in deciphering what will be prioritized.
One of the positional groups that Pederson noted above, offensive line, will almost certainly be addressed by the Eagles at some point during the draft. Pederson was asked what he values in his linemen.
"You love offensive linemen that are versatile," explained Pederson. "You love to have tackles that can play left or right. You love to have guards that can also play center. The more you can have that flexibility with your guys up front, the more combinations and rotations you can have, because not everyone is going to stay healthy for 16 games and you have to mix and match that. Guys that are athletic who can get out on the perimeter and run, aggressive up front, have a little, as they say, 'piss and vinegar' in their neck are guys that you look for. I think we have a good nucleus of that."
Pederson also talked a little about arguably the best prospect at the Senior Bowl, quarterback Carson Wentz of North Dakota State.
"He's got great size, good mobility, strong kid, good arm," said Pederson. "It'll be interesting to actually sit down and talk with him, see where he's at mentally, but by the eye, he's a talented kid who can play in this league."
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