2014 NFL Mock Draft: Anthony Barr falls to the Eagles

SB Nation's Mocking the Draft released their latest 2014 NFL Mock Draft early on Monday morning. This mock features trades but only goes one round deep. The theme of this mock is to factor in some of the pre-draft rumors and make sense of them. Let's see who MTD has the Eagles taking this time around.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

This will be one of the most interesting teams to watch during the draft now that we've seen one year from Chip Kelly in the NFL. The Eagles just feel like they're worlds ahead of most teams. Of course, there's nothing especially paradigm-shifting about picking Barr here. Barr brings some much needed pass-rushing ability to the outside linebacker spot. He could also spend his first season as a role player while he hones the rest of his skill set.

Notebook: Barr and the importance of effort

Scouting report: An exceptional talent, but a risky pick

"The Eagles just feel like they're worlds ahead of most teams." Hard to mind how that sounds, huh?

Looking back now, I find the pre-draft perception of Barr to be funny. I remember a few SB Nation mocks early on in the draft process (January) where Barr was going to the Eagles at No. 22 and many thought there was no way that would happen. Now it seems like a fall is very possible. Yet some still think Barr won't make it too far out of the top 10. Right or wrong, Anthony Barr continues to be one of the most polarizing prospects from this draft class.

The case for Barr seems simple. While he's not the most polished product he has serious potential. If the Eagles feel they can coach him up, drafting him could be a worthwhile endeavor. Barr wouldn't be expected to play right away with Trent Cole and Connor Barwin still in the fold as the starting outside linebackers. Barr would have ample opportunity to play in a rotational role as he develops.

I still have a hard time seeing Barr fall to No. 22, but I don't doubt the Eagles would have interest.

Other thoughts:

• Players of interest the Eagles passed up on: Marqise Lee, Jason Verrett, Kyle Fuller, Brandin Cooks.

• Cooks falling to 29 is pretty interesting. I'm not so sure he even makes it to No. 22.

• Odell Beckham Jr. goes at number 8 to the 49ers (via trade up) in this mock. Some media outlets have suggested that ODB may truly be a top 10 pick.

• Around the NFC East: the Giants boost their offensive line with Zack Martin at 12, the Cowboys draft defensive tackle Aaron Donald at 16 (not good!), and the Washington Redskins select.... no one. Because they already traded their first round pick (No. 2) to the Rams.

How do you feel about this pick? Were there better options available?