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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen top first round

By Brad Weiss

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins on November 19, 2016, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. USC defeated UCLA 36-14. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 19: USC (14) Sam Darnold (QB) passes the ball during an NCAA football game between the USC Trojans and the UCLA Bruins on November 19, 2016, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. USC defeated UCLA 36-14. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers rushes against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 24, 2016 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX – NOVEMBER 24: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers rushes against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field on November 24, 2016 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Derrius Guice

Running Back, LSU

Prior to the 2016 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to get quarterback Carson Wentz from North Dakota State. Wentz proved during his rookie season that  he has the goods to lead the franchise, as he started all 16 games. In order to help him move forward in his development, the Eagles went out and added some wide receiver talent this offseason, which is only going to help him in the long run.

Players like Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith are definitely going to help in the passing game, and tight end Zach Ertz is one of the best in the NFC. In addition to Jeffery and Smith, the team also brought in running back LeGarrette Blount, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season. He will get his fair share of carries this season, but this team needs to look long-term at the position.

Drafting a running back in the first round is not very common, but this draft has two very good running backs in Saquon Barkley and Derrius Guice. While I expect Barkley to go very early, a player like Guice may be available to the Eagles in the middle of the first round. Guice is an incredibly talented runner from LSU, who actually led the SEC in rushing in 2016 despite serving as Leonard Fournette’s backup for most of the season.

The Eagles are starting to build something special, and they have to continue to stockpile talent. The NFC East is a very tough division, with all four teams being good enough to challenge for a playoff spot in 2017. A player like Guice could be the missing piece to an offensive puzzle that could be the best in the NFC East in 2018 if Wentz takes the next step forward.

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