Mock Draft: Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have had a fairly eventful offseason without making any "splash" signings. They finally had to let go of Nick Foles who signed a mega deal with Jacksonville. They then brought back Desean Jackson after a five year hiatus in DC and Tampa Bay. They also brought back Vinny Curry, Brandon Graham and Ronald Darby who were all on the team last year. They now enter the draft with not dire needs but they do have a lot of guys getting older and some players on one year deals that could be gone come next year.

Rd.1 #25 overall Jawaan Taylor OT, Florida

This definitely isn't the sexy pick that I'm sure a lot of Eagles fans will want but I believe the Eagles should be delighted if Jawaan Taylor is there for them to pick. Jason Peters is getting older and only has a year left on his deal so Philadelphia has to start planning for life after Jason Peters at left tackle. Taylor is a throwback offensive lineman with a nasty streak in his play. He can not only overpower defensive lineman, but also has fast enough feet to kick out and get to pass rushers on the outside. With Carson Wentz's injury history the Eagles should make this pick to help insure he stays upright this season.

Rd.2 #53 overall Mack Wilson LB, Alabama

Jordan Hicks' departure hurts this already thin Eagles linebacker core but adding Mack Wilson should fill that need right away. Wilson is everything you look for in a linebacker in today's NFL. He's the perfect size, fast enough to pursue ball carriers and is adequate enough in coverage to drop him back on third down. Eagles would be thrilled with these first two picks.

Rd.2 #57 overall Justin Layne CB, Michigan State

The Eagles don't have to wait long to make their next pick and grab a top 3 cornerback in this year's draft. Everyone knows that injuries absolutely destroyed the eagles secondary last year. The fact they made it as far into the playoffs that they did with that secondary is commendable. Layne is a big cornerback that can also move very well. He needs to get a little tougher but he's a great fit for this Eagles defense.

Rd.4  #127 overall Justice Hill RB, Oklahoma State

There was a ton experts expecting the Eagles would be drafting Alabama RB Josh Jacobs in the 1st round until they made the trade for Jordan Howard. Howard still is only signed for 1 more year and Justice Hill could be the guy that could anchor this Philly backfield for years to come. With great ball carrier vision and agility Hill is tough to stop. Some teams however could dislike his lack of top-end speed and size but that doesn't seem to hurt guys like Phillip Lindsay and Alvin Kamara.

Rd.4 #138 overall Jaquan Johnson S, Miami

Malcolm Jenkins is on the wrong side of 30 and Rodney McCleod ended the season on IR last year. So I believe Johnson is a good choice hear late in the 4th round. He's a very consistent cover safety with the aggressiveness to come up to the line and make tackles. He also showed he can be a great leader, a trait he and Jenkins share.