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NFL mock draft: Don’t mess with Texas

By Brad Weiss

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos offensive tackle Russell Okung (73) in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Russell Okung

Offensive Tackle, Fort Bend, Texas

In Year three of the Carson Wentz era in Philadelphia, the Eagles took another step forward, but they are going to get hurt by this draft. The San Francisco 49ers went and stole Jason Peters from them early in this one, leaving Wentz’s blindside open for business. To make up for that loss, the Eagles spend their No. 17 pick on an offensive tackle of their own, although he certainly is no Jason Peters.

Russell Okung was once considered one of the top left tackles in the game, but he has not really played up to his potential as of late. He spent the 2016 season with the Denver Broncos, and last season, was a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. A former Pro Bowl player with the Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks, Okung was once a No. 6 overall selection, so the Eagles are hoping he goes back to being that player.

Okung is still only 29 years old, and if he can find the magic that made him a top lineman back in Seattle, the Eagles will feel a bit more at ease about losing Peters. Protecting Carson Wentz has to be the top priority in the City of Brotherly Love, and the team has done a nice job bringing in weapons to help him with his growth. Okung will be the starting left tackle in 2018 for the Eagles, and he better play well, or else the Eagles fans will certainly let him hear it.

Philadelphia is built to win now, and they definitely made the right choice by selecting Wentz back in 2016. They nearly snuck into the playoffs as a Wildcard team in 2017, and with another year under his belt, Wentz becomes a Pro Bowl quarterback in 2018, leading the Birds back to the playoffs.

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