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With the 2014 NFL Draft "only" around 111 days away, ESPN Draft Expert Mel Kiper Jr. recently released his first mock draft of the year. Perhaps to your surprise, he doesn't have the Eagles selecting a defensive player. Instead, he has the Eagles taking a wideout at pick No. 22: Florida State University wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin.
Kiper's pick (In$ider required):
Analysis: I'd consider this more of a "best player available" pick than an outright need, but Benjamin would fill a distinctive role for the Eagles. Riley Cooper has decent size, but doesn't create separation with speed (and is a free agent), and DeSean Jackson is exceptionally quick still, but lacks a physical presence. Benjamin combines some of both, with a huge frame for a wide receiver at near 6-5 and a lean 230-plus pounds. He possesses not just speed, but a lot of change-of-direction burst. He can simply overwhelm defenders and make plays, and would be a nice weapon for Chip Kelly.
Depending on what happens with impending free agent Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper, the Eagles might need to add another pass catcher. It's very possible either Maclin or Cooper or both return. Still, adding another big weapon to Chip Kelly's offense doesn't seem like a bad idea.
