Mock draft season is deep into version 2.0 for most of the draft analysis, and it will continue to be for the next two-plus months. Sick of them yet? Too bad! Here's a mock draft roundup, with analysis.
Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis (5 mockers)
Even if the Eagles decide to bring back Sam Bradford for one year on a franchise tag, new head coach (and former NFL quarterback) Doug Pederson might want to bring in a young passer such as Lynch to groom.
With the Eagles beginning a new era this offseason and, assuming they move on from Sam Bradford, need a fresh face at quarterback. Lynch is very young in quarterback years, but he checks several boxes to develop into a quality NFL starter.
How much longer can they expect to get by without drafting and developing their own passer? Sam Bradford isn't the long-term answer.
The Eagles really haven't had a good solution at starting quarterback since Donovan McNabb. Philadelphia took McNabb in Andy Reid's first year in Philadelphia in 1999. New Philadelphia head coach Doug Pederson, a Reid understudy, could follow the same blueprint by taking a quarterback in his first year. Lynch and Carson Wentz of North Dakota State can be debated, but Lynch has a much longer résumé to rely upon.
This is a position likely to change in free agency—with Sam Bradford a free agent and new head coach Doug Pederson needing to lay out his philosophy at the position—but don’t rule out a draft pick at quarterback in Round 1. Especially if Paxton Lynch is on the board.
Lynch is a big-armed, tall (6’7”) quarterback with impressive mobility. That ability to rifle the ball while on the move, and even run some read-option, has to be appealing to Pederson coming from the Andy Reid offense and working with Alex Smith. Lynch’s potential is also big, and like Blake Bortles in the 2014 draft, he could be a good quarterback in a few short years.
Jimmy says: I've made it clear that I don't think Sam Bradford is any kind of long-term answer at quarterback for the Eagles, and would be fine with any of the top three quarterbacks to draft and groom.
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State (2 mockers)
"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."
The lukewarm response of new head coach Doug Pederson to free agent Sam Bradford, the likely release of high-priced backup Mark Sanchez and talk that the team has kicked around bringing Nick Foles back speaks volumes. This team needs a young quarterback to develop, and Wentz has good potential, size, athleticism, arm talent and poise. But can this big fish in a small pond handle Philly? It's a legit question. Few at this position can.
Jimmy says: Yes please, although I'd be surprised if Wentz makes it to 13.
Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
"The buzz on Butler is building following an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl."
Jimmy says: Jeremiah doesn't love doing mock drafts, so I don't think we're getting the most thoughtful pick here. Butler is a really good player, but this feels as if he liked a player and come hell or high water he was going to shoehorn him in. The Eagles have an enormous list of need areas, and the defensive line isn't one of them. You can certainly make an argument for a defensive line talent unexpectedly falling that you simply can't pass up, but that's not Butler.
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.
Jimmy says: If I'm going to make a modest reach at 13, it's going to be for a quarterback. This is a strong offensive line draft, and the dropoff from Conklin to a player the Eagles can get in the third round isn't all that drastic.
Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Honestly, it’s tough to get a read on the receiver class right now. Do teams wait on the position because of the depth, or do a bunch of prospects fly off the board early because of the talent? For now, lean the former. Treadwell remains the top option—a physically dominant receiver with plus blocking traits.
Jimmy says: I feel like this would be a popular pick with the fan base, however, (A) I don't believe the Eagles should invest in yet another wideout this early without giving their young receivers a legitimate chance to develop, and (B) I think that Corey Coleman of Baylor might actually be a better fit.
Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
I’ve been on a few local Philadelphia programs in recent weeks. One question I received was “outside of guard, what position is the biggest need.” It was difficult to answer. To me, that shows how much the Eagles need to upgrade the position, arguably at both guard spots. Garnett can be a powerful blocker and will draw the “good teammate” label.
Jimmy says: I love you Josh, but come on man.
A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama
The Eagles have reportedly prioritized re-signing current defensive end Vinny Curry, whose burst and agility are a terrific fit in new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's scheme. Complementing Curry with the blue-collar run-stuffing Robinson would go a long way toward rebuilding the Eagles' defense.
Jimmy says: Uh, Rob? They re-signed Curry two weeks ago.
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