Kelvin Benjamin, Aaron Colvin, Jordan Tripp visiting Philadelphia Eagles
Kelvin Benjamin speaks to the media. Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles are in a position to grab some strong playmakers in the 2014 NFL Draft to supplement a roster that squeezed into the playoffs last season, and they could go in a number of directions in the first round. Cornerback help, a new edge rusher, or a playmaking receiver to replace DeSean Jackson are three potential guys they could add.
Per sources close to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, Kelvin Benjamin, Aaron Colvin, and Jordan Tripp are three notable draft prospects visiting the Philadelphia Eagles today. All three of them could fill needs for the Eagles, with Benjamin being the most highly-rated draft prospects.
Benjamin is best off as an early second-round pick, so it’s unlikely for him to be available in the second round of the draft for the Eagles. Some believe he’s worth a first-round pick, and his upside could get him selected in the 20s or at 32 by the Seattle Seahawks, who are excellent at working with raw, physical specimens. Benjamin is big and explosive, but he needs polish and drops too many passes. I don’t think WR is a pressing need for the Eagles and would prefer to see them focus on sleepers later on in the draft, but Benjamin is a big option worth considering, especially if he slips into their hands in the second.
Aaron Colvin is a personal favorite of mine, and he would have been a top prospect if he didn’t tear his ACL. I’d much rather have him than E.J. Biggers as far as ideal zone corner go, and Colvin could be a great fit for the Eagles. They have a need at CB, but they also don’t need to pay premium at the position after signing Nolan Carroll this offseason, Cary Williams and Bradley Fletcher last offseason, and getting a huge 2013 performance from slot corner Brandon Boykin. Colvin is fast, has good ball skills, and makes plenty of sense on day two for the Eagles.
Montana linebacker Jordan Tripp would likely be an ILB for the Eagles, and many people are falling in love with him as a mid-round sleeper. Several teams are working him out, so Tripp is a well-rounded small-school LB worth keeping a close eye on.