This is the third of a three-part series from Tuesday to Thursday examining several options for the Eagles at 20th overall (or via trade) in the NFL draft.
Part I previewed “wild cards” — prospects the Eagles would covet whom are either unlikely to be available at 20 unless they plummet, would require a trade-up or would be considered a reach at that spot.
Part II examined dark horse contenders — prospects who satisfy most or all of Chip Kelly’s prototypes but either aren’t the safest picks for the Eagles or likely to be around.
Part III centers on the likeliest prospects to be available to the Eagles — assuming they don’t trade up for you know who — at 20th whom fit all of Kelly’s criteria and make the most sense.
Jake Fisher, OG/OT, Oregon
Scouts are mixed on this guy but you could understand why Kelly would value Fisher (6-6, 306) as a first-rounder. The Oregon pedigree and familiarity with Kelly’s blocking schemes are the big ticket here. At Oregon, Fisher converted to offensive line from tight end. He’s a top-flight athlete who placed top-five among offensive lineman at the NFL Scouting Combine in 40-yard dash, vertical jump, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.
If you recall, Kelly used the No. 4 overall pick two years ago on Lane Johnson, who played quarterback, tight end and defensive end before finally carving his niche at tackle. Kelly wants athletes up front more than 340-pound maulers. Fisher could probably start right away at right or left guard and eventually move to right tackle when Johnson replaces Jason Peters at left tackle. There are several first-round-caliber offensive linemen in this year’s draft, which could push Fisher to 20 or lower, but Fisher probably won’t be around when the Eagles pick again at 52.
Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
There are several first-round caliber cornerbacks in this year’s draft but only a few satisfy Chip Kelly’s preferences for size, length, athleticism and character. I don’t see Kelly gambling on Marcus Peters, the best man-press corner, who was kicked off Washington’s team for clashing with coaches. I don’t see him taking LSU’s Jalen Collins, who has just 10 career college starts and reportedly flunked some drug tests. I could easily see him taking Johnson, considered one the safest corner prospects in the draft.
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Kelly would probably like a little more length but Johnson (6-0, 188) tested well in athleticism, placing top five among corners at the NFL Scouting Combine in vertical jump, three-cone drill, broad jump and 20-yard shuttle. He’s an A-plus guy, according to scouts, and excels in press coverage and off coverage. Sounds like the type of guy who’d start right away in the Eagles’ defensive backfield.
Byron Jones, CB/S, Connecticut
My hunch is the Eagles would prefer Jones to play corner but would keep their options open. They’ve showed a ton of interest in him during the pre-draft process. Chip Kelly went to his Pro Day (instead of Florida State’s), brought him to the NovaCare Complex for an official visit and worked him out again about one week before the draft.
By now, everyone has heard about Jones’ record-setting broad jump at the combine and his overall, off-the-charts athleticism. He played safety before moving to corner, so he has versatility. Teammates call him “Senator Jones,” so check marks for IQ and character are also there. He’s basically everything Kelly covets except that he didn’t play in a power conference and missed time with an injury his senior season.
Breshad Perriman, WR, Central Florida
I’m not fawning over Perriman, who didn’t appear on many radars before January, but the Eagles have shown plenty of interest him. He meets all of Kelly’s height/weight/speed checkmarks for the position at 6 foot 2, 212 pounds and with a 40 time of 4.24. He comes from NFL bloodlines, his father being Brett Perriman. He’s a little raw but Kelly’s wideout-friendly offense should ease his transition.
Projections for Perriman are all over the map. He’d be a solid pick at 20 and would fill Kelly’s need for a vertical threat in the passing game, which was once a strength before Kelly nixed DeSean Jackson and let Jeremy Maclin walk in free agency.
Nelson Agholor, WR, Southern California
Although he’s not overly lengthy, Agholor (6-0, 198) has “Chip Kelly guy” written all over. He can play outside and inside. He makes people miss. He has great hands, great quickness, just overall great playmaking skills. After a slow start, he really came on over his final six games, catching 55 passes for 818 yards and seven touchdowns. In USC’s bowl game, he caught seven passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.
Even though his speed isn’t considered elite, Agholor ran a 4.42 in the 40 at the combine, which is still pretty good. He tested well in other athletic categories and has above-average change of direction. He’s also a precise route runner. If Kelly is convinced that Agholor is more than just a slot receiver, he could easily peg the USC product to take’s Maclin spot.