NFL Mock Draft 2014: Mel Kiper and Todd McShay Split on the Eagles Pick

ESPN draft gurus Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay both released Version 5.0 of their 2014 NFL mock drafts on Tuesday. With only a little more than a week to go until the real draft, let's take a look at who they have the Eagles taking. (ESPN In$ider required: Kiper Mock | McShay Mock)

Let's start off with Kiper first. He has the Eagles taking a familiar name:

Kelvin Benjamin
Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
COLLEGE: Florida State
Class: Soph
HT: 6-5
WT: 240
POS: WR

Analysis: In the same way that Rex Ryan can probably take 11 guys off the street and figure out a way to have a league-average defense, you get the sense Chip Kelly could do the same on offense. While DeSean Jackson wasn't a player the Eagles' brass wanted around, defenses will be in better position to slow down Kelly's attack unless the Eagles can add another tool in the passing game. Benjamin is a bit of a project on the technical side, but he's a matchup nightmare from a physical standpoint and gives the Eagles something they really don't have at wide receiver.

Marqise Lee (23), Anthony Barr (25), and Kyle Fuller (26) were still on the board at this pick.

I know a lot of people seem to be thinking the Eagles will take a big wide receiver, but I just don't see the particular allure to Benjamin other than his impressive size. I'm not sure he's really the best player available with this pick. On the other hand, the Eagles have been showing a decent amount of pre-draft interest in him. Benjamin met with the Eagles for an official pre-draft visit.

Now a look at McShay's pick. To no surprise, he doesn't see eye-to-eye with Kiper.

Justin Gilbert
Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)
COLLEGE: Oklahoma State
Class: Sr
HT: 6-0
WT: 202
POS: CB

Analysis: I also considered Anthony Barr and Marqise Lee here, as both would fill need positions and are coming off of very productive careers in the Pac-12 (so there's more of a familiarity there for Chip Kelly). But Gilbert is a good value at this spot who also fills a need. He is not very physical but has an excellent combination of size and speed to go with very good ball skills and playmaking ability. Gilbert might be able to help out in the return game as well.

McShay also has the Eagles passing over both WR Marqise Lee (23) OLB Anthony Barr (25) in favor of Gilbert.

The Eagles certainly need a future answer at cornerback, but I'm not sure if Gilbert is their preference. I see the Eagles taking a liking to Virginia Tech CB Kyle Fuller instead.

Here's a look at how both mock drafters have drafted for the Eagles over the course of the 2014 pre-draft period.  Only once has Kiper not mocked a receiver to the Eagles. McShay, on the other hand, has only mocked a receiver to the Eagles twice. Otherwise it's always been a cornerback.

What do you think of these picks?