A Way-Too-Early Eagles Draft Preview
by Trevor Newcomb
Even though the Eagles are still in contention to win the NFC East, it doesn’t appear as though the season is going to finish the way fans had hoped.
If Chip Kelly stays in Philadelphia, I do believe that he has what it takes to win, as I wrote in my last post. But his success is going to begin and end with the draft.
2016’s first-round pick may be a make-or-break decision for Chip, as the last two first-round picks haven’t contributed anything noteworthy to this point.
Assuming the Eagles pick in the top 15 isn’t too outlandish, we can slot them right in that area as we run through a few options that Chip and his staff will most likely be studying.
Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis
It was reported that Ed Marynowitz was at a few Memphis games throughout the season. Lynch is listed at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, so the redshirt junior has the size that, on paper, says that he can survive in the NFL. Lynch has drawn comparisons to Ben Roethlisberger due to his size and arm strength. Though being a pocket-passer first, Lynch has shown that he can pull the ball down and keep it, if necessary. What is more important is that Lynch is smart enough to know when to slide, reducing the amount of hits he takes. While Lynch has many positive reviews, the fact is that he is from a small program, where he hasn’t received much attention, so there may be some things that scouts haven’t been able to find out just yet. But Lynch could be the QB that Kelly needs to turn the Birds around.
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
There may not be many quarterbacks drafted with more experience than the Spartan QB. The senior returned, leading Michigan State to the upcoming Big Ten Championship Game. Cook’s experience in the Spartan offense makes him an expert in quick passes in the short-to-intermediate range — something Chip Kelly is looking for. Like Lynch, Cook has the ability to keep the ball and run if necessary, but isn’t as much of a threat to run as the Memphis QB. Cook has the tools to be a successful NFL QB and his tape should be enough proof to Kelly that he can succeed. His big-game resume won’t hurt him, either.
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Kelly hasn’t drafted an offensive lineman since taking Lane Johnson a few years ago. Conklin has been protecting Connor Cook for years, bringing a lot of experience to the table. Michigan State lists him at 6-foot-6, 325 pounds, so he should be able to stick at the tackle position, learning under Johnson and Jason Peters, who can’t seem to stay healthy this season. Conklin should develop into a reliable starter, with a chance of becoming a perennial Pro-Bowler.
DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
Chip would surprise no one with this selection, again bringing a former Duck into the Eagles program. While the Eagles defense has been a bright spot for most of the year, Cedric Thornton and Vinny Curry will both be free agents at the end of the season. I can’t see Curry coming back, as his pass-rushing skills will likely earn him a nice paycheck elsewhere, while Thornton may come back. Buckner’s 6-foot-7, 300-pound frame is something that will likely stick out to Kelly, as he greatly values a players’ size.
Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
The PA-product, once touted as a top-5 lock has seemingly fallen in draft boards, as his 2015 campaign hasn’t been as strong as scouts had imagined. If he falls to the Eagles, Kelly would be foolish to pass on him, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he did. Oakman’s off the field issues triggered his dismissal from Penn State’s program by Bill O’Brien. If Oakman can prove the he cleaned up his act and can fit in Chip’s “culture,” the pass-rusher the Eagles have been waiting for may have fallen in their lap.
Trevor is a news anchor/jack-of-all-trades for 1490 WBCB. Find him on twitter at @Trevor_Newcomb.