NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock chimed in on what to expect from the Eagles in the upcoming draft after sending quarterback Donovan McNabb to the Washington Redskins for a second-round pick this year and a conditional draft pick in 2011.
Mayock noted that the Eagles value certain position more than others. Three of those positions are ones that Mayock declared are need positions this year.
"Corner and defensive end are two of the (Eagles') value positions on defense.They need those positions," Mayock said. "They just traded Sheldon Brown to the Browns. They picked up Marlin Jackson in free agency, but they anticipate moving him to free safety. I think you're going to see the Eagles targeting a corner. I think you're going to see them targeting a pass-rushing defensive end."
Mayock also knows that head coach Andy Reid has a soft spot for offensive linemen.
"Near and dear to Andy Reid's heart is that offensive line," Mayock said. "They've always prioritized offensive linemen."
If the board shakes out as expected and the Eagles stay put at No. 24, Mayock said the Eagles could target defensive end Everson Griffen from USC, cornerback Devin McCourty of Rutgers, cornerback Patrick Robinson of Florida State, cornerback Kareem Jackson of Alabama, center Maurkice Pouncey from Florida or guard Mike Iupati of Idaho.
Then again, what if there's someone the Eagles prohibitively favor? Eleven draft picks including five in the first 87 selections certainly will help.
"If they need to move up and take a player of significance, they have the firepower to do it," Mayock said.
With a new quarterback in Kevin Kolb, Mayock expects some change in the offensive philosophy, but not necessarily a change in playcalling.
"Here's my interpretation of Kevin Kolb. I think he's a smart kid with good instincts. I think he has a good, but not a great or an elite arm. He doesn't have Donovan's arm. I think they'll go back more towards that West Coast Offense that they got away from a little bit because Donovan's strength was driving the ball down the field vertically," Mayock said.
"I think what they're really going to try and do is what they did this year when they were successful - throw the ball a lot early, try to get ahead."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 11:20 a.m., April 7
