Between now and the draft, our draft pundits Ron Burke, Chris Steuber, Jared Sherman and Geoff Mosher will provide their latest Eagles mock drafts. They will make selections for each of the Eagles' six picks, and when they update their selections, their new mocks will be posted.
Round 1, Pick 22: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech (6-0/190)
The Eagles make a make a concerted effort to strengthen their secondary for the foreseeable future, and they begin by adding this team captain from Virginia Tech. Fuller may not be ready to step in and start right away, but he possesses the leadership, confidence and toughness to develop into a solid NFL contributor. He is an instinctive player that tries to outthink the receiver, which leads to playmaking opportunities. Does a good job of sticking with receivers while keeping his eyes on the quarterback. He can play zone and man coverage with effectiveness. Fuller does not shy away from contact and he has the size and leaping ability to play bigger receivers.
(Mock 2.0 pick: CB Jason Verrett, TCU)
Round 2, Pick 54: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt (6-3/212)
Matthews carried a heavy load in the Vanderbilt offense en route to becoming the SEC’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. Because he was used so heavily, being in a pro offense that demands much of him won’t be a shock to his system. Matthews clocked a 4.46 40-yard dash, but his speed does not jump off the screen. His knack for using his size to create space is one of his better attributes. Even with his glowing resume, Matthews appears to be a player on the upswing and would fit in comfortably as a big-bodied option in an offense that spreads around the ball. Matthews is a cousin of Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice.
(Mock 2.0 pick: Matthews)
Round 3, Pick 86: Jimmie Ward, S, Northern Illinois (5-11/193)
If it’s a solid football player you want, then Ward fits that description, albeit in a smaller-than-ideal package for the safety position. He is a safety trapped in a cornerback’s body, yet his aggressive style of play rivals that of any player in this class. Ward does not shy away from contact; in fact he seeks it. He plays the game at full speed and is a determined tackler. He could contribute at both safety spots and would be an intriguing choice as a slot corner in certain packages. Ward had seven interceptions in 2013. He often was used to blitz off the edge. A fracture in his foot kept him for working fully at the combine, but he responded with an impressive pro day before scheduled surgery.
(Mock 2.0 pick: DT Daniel McCullers, Tennessee)
NFL
Round 4, Pick 122: Christian Kirksey, LB, Iowa (6-2/233)
This is a case of trying to fit a player that’s better suited in a 4-3 defense into a 3-4 defense. Ideally, Kirksey is a 4-3 OLB, however, I am intrigued by his abilities enough to take a shot at having him add weight to play inside. He still could be used in packages that take advantage of his athleticism by allowing him to rush the quarterback. Overall, Kirksey is a sound football player with the movement skills needed to play forward and drop in coverage. At worst, he should be a capable special teams contributor.
(Mock 2.0 pick: FS Terrence Brooks, Florida State)
Round 5, Pick 162: Andrew Jackson, ILB, Western Kentucky (6-1/254)
Built like a fireplug, Jackson is a thumper that in time could man one of the starting inside linebacker positions in the Eagles' 3-4 defense. He does a pretty good job of locating the football and chasing it. Plays a physical game. He was a three-year starter for the Hilltoppers.
(Mock 2.0 pick: Jackson)
Round 7, Pick 237: Shaq Evans, WR, UCLA (6-1/213)
Transferred to UCLA from Notre Dame. Evans is a smooth runner for a receiving corps that needs an infusion of viable weapons. More of a possession receiver than a home run hitter. Evans can make the tough catch, much like the departed Jason Avant, and he has experience as a punt returner.
(Mock 2.0 pick: Evans)