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Dan Kadar of SB Nation's Mocking the Draft released his latest 2014 NFL Mock Draft and the Eagles pick is cornerback Justin Gilbert. Here's what Kadar had to say about the Eagles first round pick at 22 overall:
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
It can be argued that Philadelphia's cornerbacks struggled so much in 2013 because they were on the field so often. A better argument is that Philadelphia's outside cornerbacks just aren't very good. Brandon Boykin is a budding star in the slot, but he needs to stay there. To keep him inside, the Eagles should take whomever they view as the best cornerback in the first round. Gilbert gets the nod over TCU's Jason Verrett because of his size.
Gilbert, a senior at Oklahoma State, measures at 6-0, 201 lbs. He also has the ability to return kicks. Gilbert owns the OSU record and is tied for the Big 12 record with five career kickoff returns for touchdowns. Gilbert was ranked 33rd overall on BGN's latest big board.
The Eagles could very well draft a corner if they feel he's the best player available. I don't expect that player to start in 2014. Bradley Fletcher and Cary Williams, who are both under contract, will likely be back as the Eagles starting cornerbacks next season. Drafting Gilbert would give the Eagles more of a long-term option at cornerback.
What do you think of the pick?
