2017 NFL Draft: Philadelphia Eagles 7-round mock
The Philadelphia Eagles must retool and rebuild if they hope to remain competitive in the NFC East. Here’s a full seven-round mock draft that helps them.
Firing Chip Kelly was a necessary move for the Philadelphia Eagles for them to grow. The 2016 season, despite a less than impressive 7-9 record after a 3-0 start, saw a lot of growth for them. Carson Wentz was thrown into the fire and should come out stronger because of it. Their defense looked dominant at times.
A strong 2017 NFL Draft is required for the Eagles to continue to grow. They’ve already given Wentz an excellent weapon by signing Alshon Jeffery. While he hasn’t had a 1,000-yard season in two years, if he can stay healthy, he should be a top receiver in the NFL. Re-signing Stefen Wisniewski helps protect Wentz. But their offense still needs more pieces to work. And the Eagles need to replace numerous starters on defense.
Philadelphia will have the 14th, 43rd, 74th, 119th, 139th, 155th, 194th, and 230th overall picks. Here’s a seven-round mock draft which solves their needs.
Derek Barnett
Defensive End, Tennessee
The Eagles need to add a defensive lineman. Granted, they need to find two starting cornerbacks too. But if the top defensive backs are likely off the board, why not address the need for a defensive end by drafting Derek Barnett?
This draft is full of defensive backs, so drafting a lineman in the first round doesn’t mean they won’t be able to find two starting corners. Barnett reminds a lot of people of an Eagles legend from Tennessee. – Reggie White. That’s an unfair comparison because very few, if any, players can live up to his legacy. But it’s hard to watch Barnett and not see a little bit of the Minister of Defense in his game.
Barnett did very well going against SEC offensive lines. He is more than just a pass rusher, as he disrupts plays in the backfield. One way to survive going with two rookie corners is to upgrade the defensive line. Barnett makes a lot of sense for the Eagles.