/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32426773/20140221_mje_ss1_1067.0.jpg)
ESPN ran a special SportsCenter segment on Thursday night that featured a live mock draft featuring draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay. Both analysts already released separate mock drafts earlier this week, but this live edition featured analysts alternating picks in the first round.
When the Eagles were on the board at No. 22, Kiper made a decision that will likely surprise Eagles fans by selecting wide receiver Jordan Matthews of Vanderbilt. Matthews is actually Kiper's 47th overall rated prospect and 9th best wide receiver. and Rather unsurprisingly, Kiper cited the Eagles' loss of DeSean Jackson as the reason why the Eagles should take Matthews. This is hardly the first time Matthews has been mocked to the Eagles... but it's probably one of the first times he's been mocked to them in the first round. Here's what BGN has previously written on Matthews:
Matthews offers a nice combination of size (6-3, 212 lbs) and production. He's the SEC all-time leader in receiving- yards with 3759. Eagles head coach Chip Kelly attending Vanderbilt's pro day in person and was photographed talking with Matthews. Take a look at that grin! Here's a link to the Matthews spider graph.
Adam Caplan, who also works for ESPN and is plugged in to the Eagles, didn't like the pick.
Jordan Matthews I don't think goes anywhere near #22. Good player, high character, but doesn't get much separation.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) May 2, 2014
Gotta think if the mock goes this way (Cooks, Evans, and Beckham gone), Marqise Lee would go at #22.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) May 2, 2014
Needless to say, Eagles fans were not happy with the pick either. Especially with outside linebacker Anthony Barr still on the board. Take a look for yourselves.
@BrandonGowton was Ramses Barden busy?
— tha funk (@tha_funk) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton does mel kiper still work there? he promised to quit after clausen didnt work out. what a friggin awful pick at 22.
— Not Famous Jason (@JasonAAV) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton No way Eagles pass on Barr if he's still on board.
— Corey Paradise (@CParadise845) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton they get paid so much money and make terrible picks like that... how many times does howie have to say we're going with bpa
— Vince (@vro325) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton in first round? no way
— Songbird Rescue Cat (@makarov__) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton Jordan Matthews is a 4th round pick.
— Time's Yours (@times_yours) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton Meh.
— Blake Arnold (@Barnold1993) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton what is he smoking?
— Nick Atkins (@nsa817s) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton kiper probaly has a golf game with matthews agent this weekend. also matthews family dinner,
— Earl Thomas stan (@KeeepSwinging) May 2, 2014
@BrandonGowton yuck
— Tyler 1.0 (@ProtoTyler) May 2, 2014
Nope, try again Mel. RT @BrandonGowton: Kiper has the Eagles taking Jordan Matthews at No. 22 in this live ESPN mock draft.
— Dave Batmangels (@Southern_Philly) May 2, 2014