2013 NFL Mock Draft: Philadelphia Eagles Select...

The Philadelphia Eagles are in a bit of a transition period right now. After swapping Andy Reid for Chip Kelly, they are not only switching offensive philosophies, but defensive philosophies as well in moving from their traditional 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. They have covered a good amount of needs in free agency that they would have had otherwise, with Isaac Sopoaga in at NT and Connor Barwin at OLB. They also beefed up their secondary with the additions of Patrick Chung and Kenny Phillips at S as well as Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher at CB. As far as their offense goes, they already have the personnel needed for Chip Kelly's up-tempo spread that he ran at Oregon, so the transition there could be smoother. Lets break down the needs they have left on the team.

Quarterback

They have been stocking up on QBs with the additions of Dennis Dixon, Trent Edwards, and G.J. Kinne, but at least 2 out of those 3 QBs will not be on the opening day roster. Then there is Michael Vick and Nick Foles. Vick has been up and down as the starter for the Eagles, but he has some left and may see some revitalized play in Kelly's offense. Nick Foles meanwhile has been the subject of many trade rumors over the past few weeks and could be traded before or during the draft. That leaves a bit of uncertainty for the future of that position. Drafting someone like Geno Smith at #4 is entirely plausible for the Eagles, especially given the high amount of public interest the team has had in him.

Offensive Line

The Eagles' offensive line in 2012 was dismal, but that was due to the amount of injuries they had to their starters rather than the quality of play. Starting LT Jason Peters missed 16 games, C Jason Kelce missed 14 games, RG Danny Watkins missed 5 games, and RT Todd Herremans missed 8 games. It is hard to protect a QB like Michael Vick with almost your entire starting OL missing that many games. That being said, some of these guys have become injury risks. Peters has only played a full 16 game season once in his 9-year career and Herremans has missed at least 5 games in a season 3 times in his 8-year career. OT is a future need for this team, but it isn't an immediate need, even if it would move Herremans to his more natural OG position. Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher or Lane Johnson would be a luxury at this point in my honest opinion.

Defensive Line

As I said above, the Eagles have covered their NT need with the signing of Isaac Sopoanga. Fletcher Cox also has the ability to play DE in a 3-4 system. The issue here is the other DE spot. I don't believe that Trent Cole is going to be with the Eagles for much longer because he doesn't fit anywhere in a 3-4 defense. He doesn't play coverage, so that rules him out as a linebacker, while at the same time, he is a finesse pass rusher, so I don't believe he is a fit as a 3-4 DE. Star Lotulelei would be a theoretical choice to fill that spot here if he were available.

Cornerback

Cornerback is an area where the Eagles have seen the most change. Nnamdi Asomugha was released and eventually signed by the 49ers, while Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was picked up by the Denver Broncos as an unrestricted free agent after his contract ran out. The Eagles then picked up Cary Williams from the Ravens, who had a noteworthy campaign in 2012 after Lardarius Webb went down, which led to an eventual Super Bowl championship. They also acquired Bradley Fletcher, who has only started 8 games over the past 2 seasons with the St. Louis Rams. Williams is able to be a starter in the NFL, but I am not so sure about Fletcher, or anyone else on the Eagles for that matter.

With the 4th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama.

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

	Team	Player	Pos	School	BTSC rep
1		Star Lotulelei	DT	Utah	[Link to pick]
2		Dion Jordan	DE/OLB	Oregon	[Link to pick]
3		Sharrif Floyd	DT	Florida	[Link to pick]
4		Dee Milliner	CB	Alabama	diehardsteelerfan625
5					asmith87
6					AMKrup
7					Steel34D
8					dnclark
9					PCISteeler
10					gentile3
11					slatts17
12					Michael Uhlhorn
13					TheCommish
14					StoneColdSteel
15					Thoroughbred of Sin
16					Hines4theHall
17					[reserved]
18					Lamarr56
19					BlackandGold
20					ddoubleday
21					garmancm
22	via				Hines4theHall
23					Pittsblitz56
24					steel3dd92
25	via				Pittsblitz56
26					barnerburner
27					c63tho
28					Ram_india
29					TrifeReality
30					MDR21
31					afbassi
32					Mr MaLoR