With the college football season ending tonight when Oregon and Ohio State meet in the national championship, we bring you 10 prospects Chip Kelly and his general manager to be should have their eye on.
*Denotes juniors
1. Quinten Rollins (6-0, 205), CB, Miami (OH)
Rollins is one of my favorite prospects in the draft, and given the state of the Eagles' cornerback situation with Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher, he would be a welcome addition. A four-year starter on the hardwood for Miami (Ohio), Rollins just completed his first year of college football as a fifth-year senior. Prior to this past season, he hadn’t played football since his senior year in high school. He’s still developing his overall game, but he proved to be a quick study, dominating the MAC and earning Defensive Player of the Year after amassing 72 tackles and seven interceptions. Rollins’ physical approach and natural ball skills make him an intriguing defender who could line up at cornerback or safety at the next level.
Draft projection: First round
Prospect reflection: Devin McCourty (Rutgers), 2010: First round (27th overall) by New England Patriots
2. *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 learning under the Eagles’ offensive staff — in an offense tailor-made for his skill set — Hundley has a chance to become a dynamic threat.
Draft projection: First round
Prospect reflection: Donovan McNabb (Syracuse), 1999: First round (second overall) by Eagles
3. Kevin White (6-3, 210), WR, West Virginia
The Eagles need to add a big-play perimeter weapon opposite Jeremy Maclin; that’s if Maclin re-signs as a free agent. If he doesn’t re-sign, the Eagles will be put in a huge predicament. Regardless of Maclin’s status, White should be one of the names at the top of the wish list. He brings a full array of skills with his size: speed, athleticism, route-running and catching radius. He doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s crafty in space, uses his body well and can rack up the YAC. He also gives effort as a blocker and plays with purpose. White has the potential to be a top receiver in the league.
NFL
Draft projection: First round
Prospect reflection: Brian Quick (Appalachian State), 2012: Second round (33rd overall) by St. Louis Rams
4. *P.J. Williams (6-0, 196), CB, Florida State
Williams is an aggressive corner who fits what the Eagles are looking for in their secondary. Possessing good length, speed and agility, as well as embracing the physical aspects of the game, Williams brings a lot of positives to the field. The biggest knock against Williams is that he plays overly aggressive at times and has a tendency to give up a big play. If he’s able to harness his aggression and stay disciplined with his assignments, he has the potential to be an impact playmaker.
Draft projection: First-second round
Prospect reflection: Patrick Robinson (Florida State), 2010: First round (32nd overall) by New Orleans Saints
5. *Jaelen Strong (6-3, 215), WR, Arizona State
A local kid from West Catholic High School, Strong is another big, playmaking receiver that would fit well with the Eagles. A matchup nightmare on the perimeter with his imposing frame and leaping ability, Strong has a large catching radius, strong hands, uses his size to his advantage and has a knack for the acrobatic. He’s quick off the line and can stretch the field but needs to improve his route-running. While there are areas in his game that need improvement, Strong has the talent to be a star in the NFL.
Draft projection: First-second round
Prospect reflection: Kenny Britt (Rutgers), 2009: First round (30th overall) by Tennessee Titans
6. *Jay Ajayi (6-0, 216), RB, Boise State
With questions surrounding the future of LeSean McCoy in Philadelphia, mostly because of his cap number, it’s possible that the Eagles could select a running back in the early rounds. Ajayi would be an intriguing pick. He’s a perfect fit for the Eagles' offense, as he’s accustomed to working out of the read-option and is an outstanding receiver out of the backfield. He’s a strong, north/south runner who possesses great patience, vision and explosiveness. He has the ability to be an elite runner at the next level.
Draft projection: Second round
Prospect reflection: Matt Forte (Tulane), 2008: Second round (44th overall) by Chicago Bears
7. Cameron Erving (6-6, 308), OL, Florida State
With a majority of the starting offensive line in its 30s, the Eagles could use a versatile, young lineman who can line up at multiple positions. 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.
Draft projection: Second round
Prospect reflection: Max Unger (Oregon), 2009: Second round (49th overall) by Seattle Seahawks
8. Eric Kendricks (6-0, 230), ILB, UCLA
The younger brother of Eagles starting linebacker Mychal Kendricks, Eric has many similar qualities of his older brother. He’s an active, explosive, instinctive, sideline-to-sideline defender, a consistent worker and a max-effort performer. He possesses great agility and is always around the ball making plays. With DeMeco Ryans’ future uncertain because of another Achilles injury, adding the younger Kendricks to work alongside his older brother is the type of culture move Kelly would embrace.
Draft projection: Second–third round
Prospect reflection: Mychal Kendricks (California), 2012: Second round (46th overall) by Eagles
9. Hau’oli Kikaha (6-3, 246), OLB, Washington
If it weren’t for two ACL tears to his left knee early on in his collegiate career, Kikaha (KEY-kah-HA) would be a first-round lock in this year’s draft. Firing off the edge with a nasty demeanor and displaying strong, violent hands, Kikaha has exploded to generate 32 sacks over the past two seasons. While his injury history could cause some teams to pause and factor heavily in where he’s ultimately selected, Kikaha would be the ideal complement to Connor Barwin and would provide the edge presence needed on defense.
Draft projection: Second-third round
Prospect reflection: Koa Misi (Utah), 2010: Second round (40th overall) by Miami Dolphins
10. Tony Washington (6-3, 250), OLB, Oregon
One of the most underrated defenders available in the draft is a player Kelly is very familiar with in Washington. A versatile defender who can play the inside or outside linebacker positions, Washington is scheme-diverse and features the all-around game that will make him attractive to many teams. He has a strong frame, the athleticism and strength to rush the passer, as well as the balance and agility to drop in coverage. Washington just needs to be more consistent. If he can develop his game and be more reliable week after week, he could be a mid-round steal.
Draft projection: Third-fourth round
Prospect reflection: K.J. Wright (Mississippi State), 2011: Fourth round (99th overall) by Seattle Seahawks