Philadelphia Eagles Draft | Benjamin Solak Top 100 Big Board
If the Philadelphia Eagles elect a pass-catching weapon for QB Carson Wentz in Round 1, they’ll have a tough choice to make: Corey Davis from Western Michigan, or Mike Williams from Clemson (pictured).
This list represents the most likely pool of players from which the Eagles must make their selection on Day 1. Best part? Everyone here, save for maybe Zach Cunningham from Vanderbilt, would fill an area of need for Philadelphia.
That’s right: the Eagles sorely lack an impact edge rusher opposite DE Brandon Graham. Tired of hearing about DT Fletcher Cox’s double teams and how many times Graham almost, just barely, but not quite got to the quarterback? After DEs Vinny Curry and Connor Barwin failed to pan out in Jim Schwartz’s scheme, a new face at the position could bring this defensive line the dominance it claimed–and we expected it–to have.
All things considered, other positions need more immediate help. But if the Eagles fall in love with a DE like Solomon Thomas from Standford or Carl Lawson from Auburn, they may not hesitate to pull the trigger.
A lot of fans, however, will clamor for an impact wide receiver at this spot–rightfully so, given the dearth of talent at the position and the skill available. Western Michigan’s Corey Davis, the 9th overall prospect from the previous slide, barely edges Mike Williams from Clemson, positioned here at 11th.
earlier this week: his ability to physically dominate corners
and catch balls away from his body would immediately give Carson Wentz a trustworthy, game-changing target.
While Corey Davis doesn’t impose his will as physically as Williams, his route running, agility, and body control round him out as a true WR1. I don’t like comparisons, but just to give you a framework: Mike Williams reminds some experts of Plaxico Burress; Corey Davis, of Terrell Owens. Pick your poison.
Three corners at 14, 15, and 16–I’m telling you, the spread of defensive backs in this class gives the Eagles room to really find their favorite and snag him. Gareon Conley from Ohio State and Sidney Jones from Washington play similar games, with incredible quickness, oily hips, and ball skills–but their smaller frames prevent them from outmuscling bigger WRs at the line of scrimmage, a valued trait in today’s NFL. Desmond King from Iowa is a real interesting prospect that I think could play either corner or safety. A team may value his versatility, but given the Eagles’ security at the safety position, and the two-way abilities of players like S Malcolm Jenkins and S Jaylen Watkins, I’d expect them to steer clear.
Some believe that Christian McCaffrey, RB from Stanford, projects as a slot WR at the next level. Honestly, McCaffrey’s a plain weapon–put him wherever you like, because he’ll beat whatever match-up you throw at him. Don’t let anyone tell you he’s just a role player. He runs with intelligence, explosion, and evasiveness. A good offensive mind can, and will, unlock his 3-down potential at the next level.