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SB Nation's Mocking the Draft recently released their latest 2014 NFL Mock Draft and this one has a bit of a twist. This mock draft goes two rounds deep and features a number of trade scenarios. This mock doesn't have the Eagles involved in any of the trades but it does have them taking defensive players with their first two picks.
The Eagles' first pick at is No. 22 overall. Here's the Eagles selection:
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Anthony Barr, Linebacker, UCLA
Anthony Barr isn't as good of a prospect as his stats may indicate. He lacks any sort of polish as a pass rusher. When he gets to the quarterback, it's usually because of his first-step quickness. He also struggles to make tackles in space. However, his length and speed are intriguing enough for him to land in the first round. Eagles coach Chip Kelly worked with a player like Barr at Oregon, when he coached Dion Jordan. Maybe he could make something out of Barr.
This isn't the first time MTD has mocked Barr to the Eagles at 22. The Dion Jordan comparison is interesting because both have intriguing size. Jordan is 6-6, 248 lbs, and Barr is 6-4, 248 lbs. As it is well known, Kelly likes prefers players with size. Barr, an outside linebacker, fills a position of need for the Eagles. The concern with this pick is: will Barr actually last to 22? Several top media outlets have Barr ranked highly: ESPN currently has him as the No. 6 player on their big board. Others aren't as high on Barr. Former Eagles Director of Pro Personnel and current ESPN personality Louis Riddick seems to imply Barr's hype doesn't match the film.
The Eagles' second round pick also featured a player on the defensive side of the ball.
54. Philadelphia Eagles - Andre Hal, Cornerback, Vanderbilt
The Eagles need to shore up the secondary this offseason. Help is needed at both safety and cornerback. Andre Hal presents the best value at either position. He's a long, physical corner who is aggressive once the ball is in the air.
Hal is a 6-0, 186 lb senior. Cornerback is also a position of need for the Eagles. Hal's description certainly fits what the Eagles like in their outside cornerbacks. Like Barr, there seem to be varied opinions on Hal. CBS ranks him as their 27th best CB prospect, and 221 overall. SB Nation's Texans site Battle Red Blog, thinks highly of Hal.
Not many people have paid much attention to the criminally underrated corner from Vandy, but they will soon enough. I believe Andre Hal and Darqueze Dennard are 1A and 1B as far as cornerbacks go in this class, and both of them are easily worth a top 10 pick.
What do you think of these picks?
