Chris Steuber's first seven-round mock draft for the Eagles in 2015 is here. Despite the signings of Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond, Steuber believes the team will be looking to add more depth at the cornerback position, while also addressing the departures of DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin at wide receiver the last two offseasons.
*Denotes juniors
First round (20th overall): Quinten Rollins (5-11, 195), DB, Miami (OH)
It’s possible that the Eagles will try to trade up in the first round, especially if a player they covet unexpectedly slides. But if they decide to stay put and make their selection at No. 20, Rollins is a perfect fit in their secondary.
A four-year starter on the hardwood, Rollins played only one year of college football as a fifth-year senior. However, he proved to be a quick study and dominated the MAC as he earned Defensive Player of the Year. Rollins is still developing his overall game, but his natural ball skills, instincts, awareness and physical approach make him an intriguing prospect at the safety position. He lined up at cornerback for the RedHawks this past season and could play on the perimeter at the next level, although he should be viewed as the top free safety in this year’s draft.
Prospect reflection: Devin McCourty (Rutgers), 2010: First round (27th overall) by New England Patriots
Second round (52nd overall): *Nelson Agholor (6-0, 198), WR, Southern Cal
Agholor is an attractive option in the second round. He’s a solid all-around receiver who can play on the perimeter or in the slot, as well as impact a game on special teams. He fits well in the Eagles' offensive scheme with his smooth route-running, reliable hands, big-play ability and awareness and instincts in space. He has a lean build, but he’s deceptively physical and gives great effort in all aspects of the game.
Prospect reflection: Robert Woods (Southern Cal), 2013: Second round (41st overall) by Buffalo Bills
NFL
Third round (84th overall): Cedric Ogbuehi (6-5, 306), OT, Texas A&M
Adding a versatile offensive lineman in the first few rounds has to be a priority for the Eagles, and Ogbuehi can provide the flexibility they desire upfront. With the release of Todd Herremans, and the uncertainty surrounding Evan Mathis’ future in Philadelphia, the long, athletic Ogbuehi has the ability to develop into a quality tackle or guard at the next level. If not for a torn ACL during the Liberty Bowl, Ogbuehi would be long gone. Fortunately for the Eagles, they get a potential starter in the third round.
Prospect reflection: Will Beatty (Connecticut), 2009: Second round (60th overall) by New York Giants
Fourth round – from 49ers (113th overall): Ty Montgomery (6-0, 221), WR, Stanford
Even though the Eagles selected Agholor in the second round, adding depth and dynamic players at the wide receiver position is a must after losing DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin in consecutive years. Featuring a muscular, compact build, Montgomery is an exciting playmaker who has the ability to create a big play at any moment with the ball in his hands on offense or special teams. He’s more of a space player than a polished receiver, but he embraces the physical aspects of the position, where he excels as a blocker, and is a high-character individual who will fit right in with the Eagles' culture standards.
Prospect reflection: Josh Huff (Oregon), 2014: Third round (86th overall) by Philadelphia Eagles
Fifth round – from Rams (145th overall): Cody Fajardo (6-1, 223), QB, Nevada
Deciding to pass on the top quarterbacks early in the draft, the Eagles land a developmental signal caller in Fajardo, who ran a zone-read scheme at Nevada that featured translatable concepts to the Eagles' offense. He also possesses many of the qualities that Kelly wants in a quarterback: intelligence, decisiveness, accuracy, adequate arm strength, toughness, athleticism and leadership qualities. Perhaps, when Kelly studies Fajardo, he sees a lot of Ricky Santos, his former quarterback at New Hampshire who also produced during his collegiate career through the air and on the ground. It will be interesting to see how fast Fajardo develops under the tutelage of Kelly and his offensive staff.
Prospect reflection: Bruce Gradkowski (Toledo), 2006: Sixth round (194th overall) by Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fifth round (156th overall): Nick Marshall (6-1, 207), CB/ATH, Auburn
This is a total projection selection by the Eagles. Marshall, who is making the transition from quarterback to cornerback, has a long way to go at the position, but showcased his ability during the draft process. He has the physical traits coveted by the Eagles to play on the perimeter and an ascending skill set that should only get better with more coaching and reps. He has the desire to succeed and the talent to emerge as an eventual key contributor.
Prospect reflection: C.J. Gaddis (Clemson), 2007: Fifth round (159th overall) by Philadelphia Eagles
Sixth round (195th overall): Tony Washington (6-4, 247), OLB, Oregon
There are some pretty good prospects from Oregon this year, and one of them should hear their name called by the Eagles. Washington is a versatile, scheme-diverse defender who can play the inside or outside linebacker positions. 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 late-round steal.
Prospect reflection: K.J. Wright (Mississippi State), 2011: Fourth round (99th overall) by Seattle Seahawks
Seventh round (237th overall): *Ellis McCarthy (6-5, 338), NT, UCLA
Once a highly sought-after, five-star recruit out of high school, McCarthy failed to live up to the hype at UCLA because of weight issues and knee problems. The problems that he had in college are concerning and are the reasons why he’s available in the seventh round. But even though there are concerns, he still has a high ceiling and is a player that Kelly and Eagles defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro are very familiar with — they recruited him heavily in 2011 while they were at Oregon. If McCarthy’s knees check out medically, and he buys into the Eagles' sports science approach, there’s a good chance he could resemble the player he was supposed to be at UCLA.
Prospect reflection: Jerrell Powe (Mississippi), 2011: Sixth round (199th overall) by Kansas City Chiefs