2017 NFL Mock Draft: Eagles take a defensive lineman in the second round

The 2016 NFL Draft is over. You know what that means? Yep, it's time for a 2017 NFL Mock Draft! We just can't help ourselves. Let's take a look ahead to next year.

As you're well aware, the Eagles do not have a first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Philadelphia traded that pick to the Browns in order to get Carson Wentz. That's a tough pill to swallow, but giving up the pick will be worth it if Wentz can prove he's a franchise quarterback. It remains to be seen how often Wentz will play as a rookie, though. It seems like the plan is to sit him. If that's the case, the Eagles might be entering the 2017 NFL Draft without having a first round pick and without seeing how Wentz performs on the field.

The Eagles still do have a second round pick next year, unlike this year. Thankfully Dan Kadar included a second round pick target for Philadelphia in his 2017 NFL Mock Draft.

Malik McDowell, DE/DT, Michigan State

Both Fletcher Cox and Bennie Logan are impending free agents, and McDowell is the type of player who ease their departure, if it happens. He could develop into a top 10 pick with another good season with the Spartans

The 19-year-old McDowell measures in at 6-6, 280 pounds. He's a versatile defensive lineman who has been fairly productive for the Spartans. He's recorded 54 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, one defensive touchdown, and two forced fumbles in 23 games played.

The Eagles' defensive line is currently set but it could be a need in the future. The Eagles seem intent on keeping Cox so it only feels like a matter of time until he signs a big extension. Logan's situation is a bit trickier. He's good and the team loves him. That's not the issue. The problem is he's going to be a free agent. Will the Eagles want to pay Logan after also spending a lot of money on Cox, Vinny Curry, Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, etc.? And if they do pay Logan, they might need to cut or trade one of those other guys. Therefore the Birds could look to replenish the trenches in the draft.

So there you have it. A 2017 mock draft that we just took way too seriously.

Oh, here's who the Browns are picking with the Eagles' selection, by the way.

9. Cleveland Browns (via Philadelphia): Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Fournette is a powerhouse running back who throws defenders around with ease. He’s built for the AFC North.