Each week between now and the draft, our draft pundits Ron Burke, Chris Steuber, Jared Sherman and Geoff Mosher will provide their latest Eagles mock. They will make selections for each of the Eagles' six picks and update their selections every week.
Ron Burke gave us his first mock draft on Monday (see story). Today, Chris Steuber gives us his first set of picks:
Round 1, pick 22: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State (5-10/189)
The Eagles' decision to release DeSean Jackson hit Philadelphia harder than the snowy weather this winter. Getting rid of such an explosive piece in one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses could be a disaster if they don’t find a big-play replacement.
Cooks fits their need, and his ability to attract double teams, stretch the field and take a short pass the distance for six will mirror what Jackson showcased in Chip Kelly’s offense last season. Also, Cooks’ hardworking, team-first attitude will go over well with the entire Eagles organization and earn the respect of his coaches and veteran teammates.
Prospect Reflection: Steve Smith (Utah), 2001, 3rd round (74th overall) by Carolina Panthers
Round 2, pick 54: Carl Bradford, OLB, Arizona State (6-1/250)
The Eagles need another pass rusher who can get after the quarterback and make an impact off the edge.
Bradford doesn’t have the long frame Kelly and Billy Davis desire, but he was extremely productive (21½ sacks and 40½ tackles for a loss as a two-year starter) in a conference that Kelly is very familiar with, and plays the game with tremendous intensity and passion. He would provide a much needed punch opposite Connor Barwin.
Prospect Reflection: Brooks Reed (Arizona), 2011, 2nd round (42nd overall) by Houston Texans
Round 3, pick 86: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB, Nebraska (6-3/218)
Adding depth, size and versatility to the secondary is a huge need for the Eagles, and Jean-Baptiste, who possesses a unique blend of size and athleticism, could develop into a potential lock-down corner.
He also offers some flexibility with his size, instincts, range and ball skills to line up at safety, which he played when he was in high school.
Prospect Reflection: Aqib Talib (Kansas), 2008, 2nd round (20th overall) by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 4, pick 122: Daniel McCullers, DT, Tennessee (6-7, 352)
Although 2013 third-round pick Bennie Logan had a promising rookie season, the Eagles could use more size at nose tackle.
McCullers is an intriguing and imposing prospect who has a lot of upside. However, he’s nowhere near a finished product and will need to be coached up, but at 6-foot-7, 352 pounds, the size and talent is there for future success, and he could contribute in a situational role this season.
Prospect Reflection: Terrence Cody (Alabama), 2010, 2nd round (57th overall) by Baltimore Ravens
Round 5, pick 162: Kenny Ladler, FS, Vanderbilt (6-0/207)
The signing of Malcolm Jenkins provides the Eagles with a lot of options in the secondary and gives them the flexibility to move personnel around and create confusion for the opposition. But adding more depth at safety is necessary, and Ladler, who is an athletic, smart, instinctive and aggressive defender, has the ability to play free or strong safety in the NFL. He’s a sleeper in this year’s draft.
Prospect Reflection: Tanard Jackson (Syracuse), 2007, 4th round (106th overall) by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 7, pick 237: Matt Patchan, OT, Boston College (6-6/302)
At this point in the draft, the Eagles will likely pick the best player available on their board, and Patchan, who is one of the most athletic linemen in the draft, would be a great fit.
The reason why Patchan could fall this late in the draft is his extensive injury history. If the former Florida recruit can stay healthy, he has a chance to become a quality lineman at the next level.
Prospect Reflection: Lydon Murtha (Nebraska), 2009, 7th round (228th overall) by Miami Dolphins
Chris Steuber has covered the NFL and NFL draft for multiple media outlets since 1999. He also served as Director of Player Personnel for the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League from 2010-12.