Philadelphia Eagles Draft: Post-Combine Seven Round Mock

Round 1: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

With their newly-minted #14 pick, the Philadelphia Eagles select the better Buckeye cornerback.

You heard me right.

Don’t get me wrong: Marshon Lattimore, Conley’s running mate at THE Ohio State University, impressed in Indy. A 4.36 40, 11″ broad jump, and 38.5″ vertical will turn heads every day of the week. But so will an injured hamstring.

While Lattimore quickly went to Twitter to announce that it was his hip flexor that caused him to miss the remainder of the Combine, the point remains. Lattimore dealt with hamstring issues during his very limited time at Ohio State (only played in 16 games) and the injury flared up again in Indy.

But regardless of the injury history/experience surrounding Lattimore, he’s a physically gifted and talented prospect. A virtual lock to go Top-15.

But I still think Conley plays a better game. He has to be one of the most technically proficient corners we’ve seen come out in the past 3-4 years. And while he isn’t the elite athlete Lattimore is, numbers like 4.44 40, 37″ vertical, 6.68 3-cone, and 4.18 short shuttle won’t hinder his ability to cover anyone. He also measured to an ideal size, standing at 6’0 with 33″ arms. Check, check, check–that’s all the boxes, man.

If you turn to Conley’s tape, you see an experience player who understands the nuances of the game. He excelled in press-man and in zone, showing NFL-caliber diagnostics and instincts. I’d like him to develop a stronger run game presence, but besides that, I see a shutdown corner and franchise player.