Ron Burke's first seven-round mock draft for the Eagles in 2015 is here. Burke believes the team will be looking to add depth at the outside linebacker and cornerback positions, while also addressing the departure of Jeremy Maclin in the middle of the draft.
First round (20th overall): Owamagbe Odighizuwa, OLB/DE, UCLA, 6-3/267
The Eagles reaped no benefits from the Marcus Smith pick in 2014, so they go to the well again to make up for that setback as well as the departure of longtime standout Trent Cole.
Odigihizuwa (Oh-DIGGY-zoo-wuh) has jaw-dropping ability and moves extremely well for a man his size. At UCLA, he played in both 3-4 and 4-3 sets. Last season he recorded 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.
While I’m not certain he fits as well as some other prospects as a coverage linebacker, I am finding a place for him on my defense because Odighizuwa looks to be a high-impact performer, the type of player that will complement those around him. He plays with smarts and discipline, goes hard on every snap and has the potential to be a disruptive force, especially in the run game.
It’s important to note Odighizuwa does carry a medical history. He has had two surgeries on his hip, and missed the 2013 season because of the problem. That is a concern, but he did come back to have a strong final season.
Odighizuwa needs to develop more effective pass-rush skills but he is versatile enough to play defensive end or tackle in the event he does not adapt to coverage responsibilities at linebacker.
Second round (52nd overall): Quentin Rollins, CB, Miami (OH), 5-11/195
Rollins is an amazing story as a four-year starter at guard for the RedHawks basketball team before switching to football and excelling in his lone season on the gridiron. All he did in his first season of football since high school was log 72 tackles and lead the MAC with seven interceptions. This guy is a smooth athlete, fast learner and shows impressive instincts in coverage. One attribute of his I really like is that Rollins is a textbook wrap-up tackler.
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Yes, he has some footwork and technique issues to clean up, but given his time away from the sport, that is to be expected. Rollins would benefit from being in an Eagles’ secondary that does not have to have him come in and start as a rookie.
Third round (84th overalll): Chris Conley, WR, Georgia, 6-2/213
This looks like another deep draft for receivers. While the Eagles could grab one earlier, I like the value Conley offers here in the third round. Conley is a smooth runner and excellent athlete who finds open zones in the defense. In college, he did a pretty good job with double-moves to get open downfield. I really like Conley’s skill at turning short gains into yards after the catch.
At Georgia he was able to get open deep as well and made tough catches look not-so-difficult. If Conley plays to his size and handles the more physical corners he will face in the NFL, he will play early and would fit in nicely alongside Jordan Matthews to give the Eagles two big, young receivers with playmaking ability.
Fourth round (113th overall): Daryl Williams, OL, Oklahoma, 6-5/327
First of all, I love his size. Secondly, I see Williams as a player that could offer versatility on the offensive line. I watched him play right tackle in 2014 and he was solid. The Eagles have Lane Johnson at the position, presumably for years to come. That’s fine because I believe Williams could move inside to guard and mash people. There he would not have to contend with the type of speed that sometimes gave him problems in college.
Fourth round (114th overall): Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State, 6-2/213
*Trade up to the fourth round by sending both fifth round picks (Nos. 145 and 156) to Miami*
With this trade up, the Eagles create back-to-back picks. Chip Kelly acquires a developmental QB for the second time in his three years.
Mechanically, Grayson is hot and cold, but he shows the ability to get the ball out quickly and spread it around. I think asking him to sling it around the yard would fit right into his skill set as he grows into the pro game.
He did not have the best line protection at Colorado State, which caused underperformance at times, but Grayson can run, which makes him a viable consideration to operate the read-option. Given time to learn behind the Eagles’ veteran quarterbacks, he may prove to be more than reliable to lead the offense in the near future.
Sixth round (195th overall): Rob Crisp, OT, N.C. State, 6-7/301
Crisp successfully petitioned the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility after he lost most of the 2013 season because of a concussion. He also broke his tailbone in college. Crisp does not carry enough weight to man the tackle spot right now, but he seems to have a sound understanding of the technique involved in playing the demanding position. I view him as a developmental player at left tackle.
Seventh round (237th overall), Dean Marlowe, FS, James Madison, 6-1/203
Marlowe was a four-year starter for the Dukes, who compete at the FBS level. He had a knack for being around the football and making plays. He lacks high-end speed and needs to refine his overall game, but Marlowe has a feel for reading quarterbacks.