2020 NFL mock draft: Philadelphia Eagles-only draft day-edition

I’m of the belief that the Philadelphia Eagles need to come away from this year’s draft to not one, but two offensive linemen, as going into 2020 with Matt Pryor, Nate Herbig, and Jordan Mailata as the team’s top reserves feels borderline irresponsible, but if they only end up with one, it may as well be Oregon’s Calvin Throckmorton.

Why? Because he has experience playing guard, center, and tackle, and could be reliably counted on to back up all five positions in-game.

Initially considered a mid-round pick after four successful seasons at Oregon, Throckmorton tumbled down draft boards after having an absolutely horrible showing at the 2020 NFL Combine.

No team is going to draft an offensive tackle who ran a 5.5 40 yard dash, even if he only allowed one sack over the last three years.

Fortunately, Throckmorton’s size, hands, and experience moving bodies in Oregon’s zone-blocking scheme should translate well inside, where pure athleticism is less important.

And hey, if Throckmorton never quite elevates his game and becomes a starting-caliber NFL guard and/or center that’s really okay. Teams need backups at every position, and finding a single player who can wear multiple hats on a moment’s notice is much more valuable than a player with higher upside who can never grasp the game well enough to see the field.

Even as a rookie, Throckmorton won’t look out-of-place on an NFL field – or on the sidelines – and could even see playing time when the Birds put an extra offensive lineman on the field in obvious passing downs.

Other options: Clemson‘s Tanner Muse, Baylor’s Bravvion Roy

Player comp: Halapoulivaati Vaitai