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ESPN draft gurus Mel Kiper and Todd McShay released the final edition of their 2015 NFL mock drafts on Thursday morning. Let's take one last look at who they have the Eagles taking in the first round at No. 22 overall. (In$ider required: Kiper mock | McShay mock)
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Mel Kiper FINALLY has the Eagles not taking Landon Collins. But he still has Philadelphia landing a defensive back: Byron Jones. Jones makes a lot of sense based on the large amount of pre-draft interest the team has shown in him.
"Byron Jones
COLLEGE: Connecticut
Class: Sr
HT: 6-0
WT: 199
POS: CB
Why they take him: Chip Kelly wants high-character talent, and the Eagles could draft Jones and use him at either safety or cornerback, both need areas.
Why they pass: The offensive line is a need area, and several players could be in play if that's the priority. And while a trade for Mariota seems close to impossible ... it's still the Eagles."
McShay has the Eagles drafting a wide receiver at No. 20: Breshard Perriman. One recent rumor indicates that NFL general managers have connected Perriman to Philadelphia. The Eagles hosted the UCF wide receiver on a pre-draft visit in early April.
"Breshad Perriman
COLLEGE: UCF
Class: Jr
HT: 6-2
WT: 212
POS: WR
Analysis: The Eagles are missing a deep threat in the passing game following Jeremy Maclin's free-agency departure, and Perriman is exactly that with his combination of size and rare straight-line speed. I do have some concern about his ball skills, as he dropped too many passes in college."
The reality is that the Eagles might not actually even be on the board at No. 20 if they trade up for Mariota. But if they stay at No. 20, these certainly seem like picks that would make sense. These picks would also be more popular than what Mike Mayock thinks the Eagles will do in the first round.
While you're here, here are some more mock drafts:
SB Nation - Byron Jones at No. 20
Rotoworld - Marcus Mariota at No. 2
JS Online - Damarious Randall at No. 20
What do you think of these picks? Were there better options available?