Last year, I shocked the SBN world by managing to correctly predict the Eagles' selections of Nate Allen, Clay Harbor, Ricky Sapp and Charles Scott in Route 36's Mock Draft Challenge. This year, I figured I'd take another crack at getting insanely lucky by posting my own seven-round Eagles mock. Take a look at what could be eight future Eagles after the jump.
Round 1 (#23 overall): Gabe Carimi - OT, Wisconsin
Height: 6'7" Weight: 315
The popular choice at #23 among many NFL analysts, Carimi would be a fantastic fit along the Eagles offensive line. He plays with a nastiness that many have compared to Jon Runyan and has the massive size to back it up. The 2010 Big 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year winner projects to be a right tackle at the professional level, but there is a chance the Eagles could move him to right guard if needed. The Eagles have already noted that they'll focus on improving both lines this offseason, and the first step (after signing Jim Washburn and Howard Mudd) is picking Carimi.
Round 2 (#53 overall): Rashad Carmichael - CB, Virginia Tech
Height: 5'11" Weight: 186
Another player that the Eagles expressed interest in at the Senior Bowl was VT's own Rashad Carmichael. Carmichael has good size and fantastic speed, giving him the tools to be one of the better cover corners in the 2011 draft class. He led the Hokies with six interceptions his senior year and helped out on several special teams units, giving him added value in two phases of the game.
Round 3 (#85 overall): Jeremy Beal - DE/OLB, Oklahoma
Height: 6'2" Weight: 268
The 2010 Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year has his stock dropping rapidly after a poor Senior Bowl performance, so the Eagles might just be lucky enough to scoop him up in the third round. Beal has a great work ethic with good speed and leadership ability and could fit in as either a defensive end or a strongside linebacker in Juan Castillo's defense.
Round 4: Casey Matthews - LB, Oregon
Height: 6'1" Weight: 232
The younger brother of the deadly Clay Matthews, Casey could be a great fit to improve the Eagles' sub-par linebacker position. He projects as a middle linebacker in Juan Castillo's 4-3 system, and would provide great depth behind Jamar Chaney. During his senior year, Matthews led the Ducks with 79 tackles and showed great leadership, earning the team's Most Outstanding Player Award.
Round 4: Bilal Powell - RB, Louisville
Height: 5'10" Weight: 204
With Jerome Harrison's contract status up in the air, the Eagles will need to add depth behind LeSean McCoy at the running back position. Enter Bilal Powell, who the Eagles scouts were spotted meeting with at the Senior Bowl. Powell gives a good deal of power to the running game, with the ability to be an every-down back if needed. He can also be a receiving threat - a quality that is highly valued in Eagles running backs.
Round 5: Brandon Fusco - C, Slippery Rock
Height: 6'4" Weight: 302
The Eagles met with this small school local prospect during the Senior Bowl and could target him to provide depth along the offensive line. Fusco has an impressive resume, winning the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award and the Division II Rimington Award (nation's best center) his senior year. His D-II status will likely keep him from rising beyond round five, so he'll be a good target for the Eagles there.
Round 5: Charlie Gantt - TE, Michigan State
Height: 6'5" Weight: 248
The Eagles need a blocking tight end behind Brent Celek to use in goal line situations. Gantt has the size and the skills necessary to become a solid #2 on the depth chart. Just don't expect him to catch many passes.
Round 7: Justin Rogers - CB/KR, Richmond
Height: 5'10" Weight: 182
The senior out of Richmond could be a late-round steal for the Eagles. Rogers provides not only potential as a big-play cornerback, but as a long-term solution to the team's kick return woes. He currently ranks as the CAA's all-time leader in kick returning and led the league in punt return average (12.4) during his senior year.