With the 2017 NFL Draft commencing this Thursday, April 27th, perhaps no team and fanbase is more excited than that of Philadelphia. For the first time in 56 years, the draft has returned to the City of Brotherly Love, giving Eagles fans more than just a draft pick to cheer for. The Birds will undoubtedly be well represented throughout this year’s festivities, leading many to assume that the famous booing of other teams and players will be heard throughout, and depending on who Philadelphia drafts in the first round, may be earlier than expected.
This year’s draft class is full of incredibly talented players from the top college football programs around the country. Depending on a team’s roster needs, they will more than likely have a plethora of talent to choose from. On the defensive side of the ball, you have defensive ends Myles Garrett and Solomon Thomas leading their respective class, both of whom had very impressive performances at the NFL Scouting Combine. Then there are cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley, both hailing from Ohio State University, who performed excellently throughout their seasons together, and forming Ohio State’s truly formidable secondary.
On the offensive side of the ball, much of this year’s attention has been drawn towards quarterback Deshaun Watson after he led Clemson University to just their second National Championship win in 35 years. Watson has performed phenomenally in his time with the Tigers, and has turned many NFL scouts’ heads in the process. Wide receivers Corey Davis from Western Michigan and Mike Williams, also from Clemson, have earned the number 1 and 2 spots respectively in their position, gaining the attention of many teams who will need an improved pass offense in the upcoming season.
With just a few of this year’s prospects mentioned, it’s difficult to say who the Eagles will take in the first round. Additions to the wide receiver position is a must, and has been for a few years. Since signing Torrey Smith and Alshon Jeffery to the team, many would argue that the problem is solved. While they can certainly make an impact and help out quarterback Carson Wentz on the offensive side of the ball, they are not necessarily long term solutions. Smith, 28, and Jeffery, 27, are still relatively young, but Philadelphia should look to gain a receiver that is able to grow alongside Wentz, who is now entering his sophomore year. With that said, should they still be available when the Eagles are on the board with their number 14 overall pick, the team’s best bet may be to take either Corey Davis or Mike Williams.
Both of these receivers have size to their advantage, are great route runners, they are fast, and they have the reliable hands that Philadelphia has missed for the past few years. It may seem like drafting another receiver would be redundant with the recent signings of Smith and Jeffery, but this would be considered a long term solution; something that the front office should seriously consider.
On the other hand, the Eagles’ secondary has been mediocre for a number of seasons, seeing some improvement this past season. Drafting a cornerback would be the team’s next best option. Both Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley have everything Philadelphia is looking for at the cornerback position. They’re tall, fast, and have the ability to stay with receivers throughout their routes. Taking a cornerback would be a safe choice for the Eagles. It’s a position that clearly needs improvement on the roster, though some has been made in recent years. Rookie corner Jalen Mills taken out of LSU in the 7th round of the 2016 draft has proven to be much more than what the team was expecting. His tenacity towards the ball is unteachable, and he has impressed veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins with his efforts. Adding another potentially ferocious cornerback could make Philadelphia’s secondary a truly intimidating squad.
Regardless of what position the Eagles organization chooses to take with the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft, it will more than likely be a smart decision. Coaches and fans alike have stressed the importance of taking a receiver, cornerback, or even running back (which would ideally be Dalvin Cook from Florida State) in the first round, though nothing is certain. What is certain however, is the extreme volume at which Eagles fans will reach when that unknown player’s name is called, whether it is good or bad.