Now that the free-agency frenzy has passed, here's a list of 10 prospects Chris Steuber believes the Eagles should target in the 2015 NFL draft.
*Denotes juniors
1. *Amari Cooper (6-1, 211), WR, Alabama
The departure of Jeremy Maclin leaves the Eagles without a capable No. 1 wide receiver and a big-play threat. Cooper is the most complete offensive player in the draft and would bring a polished, yet exciting element to the passing game. It won’t be easy to land Cooper, as he will be a top-10 pick, but he’s likely to be a prospect on the Eagles' short list to trade up for and select.
Draft projection: First round
Prospect reflection: Sammy Watkins (Clemson), 2014: First round (fourth overall) by Buffalo Bills
2. Brandon Scherff (6-5, 319), OL, Iowa
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Eagles targeted an offensive lineman in the first round. The release of Todd Herremans and the trade rumors surrounding Evan Mathis suggest the Eagles want to get younger and add versatility up front. Scherff is a strong, physical lineman who has a nasty demeanor and is deceptively athletic. He would give the Eagles flexibility, as he can line up at tackle or guard. However, he’s another prospect the Eagles would have to trade up for, as he’s expected to be a top-15 selection.
Draft projection: First round
Prospect reflection: Riley Reiff (Iowa), 2012: First round (23rd overall) by Detroit Lions
3. Quinten Rollins (5-11, 195), CB, Miami (OH)
A four-year starter on the hardwood for Miami (Ohio), Rollins played only one year of college football as a fifth-year senior. He’s still developing his overall game, but he proved to be a quick study, as he dominated the MAC and earned Defensive Player of the Year. Rollins’ physical approach and natural ball skills make him an intriguing prospect. He has the ability to play cornerback or safety at the next level, which will be attractive to the Eagles, who value versatility in their secondary.
NFL
Draft projection: First round
Prospect reflection: Devin McCourty (Rutgers), 2010: First round (27th overall) by New England Patriots
4. *Brett Hundley (6-3, 226), QB, UCLA
Once recruited by Chip Kelly while at Oregon, Hundley possesses the physical traits and decisiveness that translate well to the Eagles' offense. However, he’s not a finished product as a passer and will need to become more than just a one-read-and-run decision-maker in the pocket. He’s not ready to start from Day 1, but with the current state of the Eagles' quarterback situation with Mark Sanchez and Sam Bradford, Hundley will be in a favorable situation to learn and develop his overall game. In time, Hundley has a chance to become just as dynamic and productive as Marcus Mariota is projected to be.
Draft projection: First/second round
Prospect reflection: Donovan McNabb (Syracuse), 1999: First round (second overall) by Eagles
5. Cameron Erving (6-5, 313), OL, Florida State
Blessed with a unique combination of size, strength and agility, Erving, who moved from tackle to center this past year, has the ability to play all five positions on the offensive line and dominate. He translates best to tackle, but he has the skill set to perform at a high level wherever he’s needed. It’s hard to find the experience and versatility that Erving offers and those qualities will appeal to the Eagles on draft day.
Draft projection: First/second round
Prospect reflection: Max Unger (Oregon), 2009: Second round (49th overall) by Seattle Seahawks
6. *Dorial Green-Beckham (6-5, 237), WR, Oklahoma
Green-Beckham isn’t an ideal fit with Kelly’s culture standards after getting into trouble at Missouri, which led to his transfer to Oklahoma. However, he’s an incredibly explosive athlete who has the size, playmaking ability and overall talent that could have put him in contention for the No. 1 overall pick, if he didn’t get into trouble. If the Eagles feel confident that his troubles are behind him, Green-Beckham is worth the risk and could ultimately be a top receiver in the NFL.
Draft projection: First/second round
Prospect reflection: A.J. Green (Georgia), 2011: First round (fourth overall) by Cincinnati Bengals
7. Jake Fisher (6-6, 306), OT, Oregon
Well, there has to be at least one Duck on this list, right? All kidding aside, if the Eagles want to find an eventual replacement for Jason Peters, who turned 33 in January, Fisher possesses the athleticism and technique needed to succeed. He still has room to grow physically and needs to be more disciplined with his hand placement, but there’s a lot of upside and versatility in his game that will undoubtedly entice Kelly to select him.
Draft projection: Second round
Prospect reflection: Anthony Castonzo (Boston College), 2011: First round (22nd overall) by Indianapolis Colts
8. *Nelson Agholor (6-0, 198), WR, Southern Cal
If the Eagles don’t select a wide receiver in the first round, Agholor is an attractive option in the second round. He’s a solid all-around receiver who can play on the perimeter or in the slot, as well as impact a game on special teams. He fits well in the Eagles' offensive scheme with his smooth route-running, reliable hands, big-play ability and awareness and instincts in space. He has a lean build, but he’s deceptively physical and gives great effort in all aspects of the game.
Draft projection: Second round
Prospect reflection: Robert Woods (Southern Cal), 2013: Second round (41st overall) by Buffalo Bills
9. Hau'oli Kikaha (6-2, 253), OLB, Washington
The Eagles drafted Marcus Smith in the first round last year, re-signed Brandon Graham and extended Connor Barwin this offseason, but could still look to add some punch off the edge. Kikaha (KEY-kah-HA) plays with a nasty demeanor and displays strong, violent hands. While his injury history will scare off some teams, he’s been productive during his collegiate career, as he’s generated 32 sacks over the past two seasons. He brings the kind of aggressiveness that Billy Davis wants from his players on defense.
Draft projection: Second/third round
Prospect reflection: Koa Misi (Utah), 2010: Second round (40th overall) by Miami Dolphins
10. Josh Shaw (6-0, 201), CB, Southern Cal
Shaw made headlines for all of the wrong reasons prior to the 2014 season and was disciplined for his actions. But, when he’s on the field, Shaw can line up at multiple positions and be a positive presence. The preseason incident has diminished his stock a bit, but he has good size, athleticism, strength and speed. The Eagles covet players who offer them flexibility, and if they decide to address other needs in the first two rounds, Shaw would be a great choice and a welcome addition on defense.
Draft projection: Third round
Prospect reflection: Chris Culliver (South Carolina), 2011: Third round (80th overall) by San Francisco 49ers