NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Philadelphia Eagles: Best option with the 20th pick?

By Dan Salem

facebooktwitterreddit

The Philadelphia Eagles have grabbed headlines, loading up on quarterbacks as other players walk. So where does that leave the Eagles with the 20th pick in the first round? Do they ignore defense or try to make a splash? Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL TD Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream and debate the NFL and sports.

TODD: 

With the 20th pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select…?

At this point, no one is quite sure what Chip Kelly is doing or what he will do next. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially from an entertainment standpoint. Of course, it makes predicting the Eagles’ draft a bit harder than normal. Chip could do anything.

Despite that freedom, Philadelphia as a team has some more specific needs to address this draft. With the loss of Jeremy Maclin in free agency, it needs some wide receiver help (unless Coach Kelly decides to forgo the position in favor of an all-running-back formation).

The team also needs a safety to start alongside Malcolm Jenkins. Philly gave up far too many big plays in the passing game last season. It also struggled to create big plays in the running game even with Shady McCoy because of a decimated offensive line. Adding depth there on the first day of the draft could be wise as well.

So when the pick comes up at 20, who do the Eagles take if these are the choices?

A) Landon Collins
B) Jaelen Strong
C) Cameron Erving

Collins seems to be a popular pick among mocks, which makes sense because he is universally regarded as the top safety in this draft and should go mid-to-late first round. He isn’t the coverage safety though that some other prospects are. Collins instead is a heavy hitter who is more of a hybrid linebacker.

Strong is a powerful receiving threat and could be impactful on this team. However, with the sheer number of prospects at the position, is it wise to spend the 20th pick on someone who may only be slightly better than a guy available in round two or three?

With Erving, Philadelphia would get a former tackle who slid over to center this past season in college and excelled. It remains to be seen if teams think of him only as a center moving forward or will take that versatility and use it to their advantage.

No pick at 20 is a slam dunk, so where does Kelly turn to further his wondrous offseason?

Dec 14, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back

Chris Polk

(32) celebrates his touchdown in front of Dallas Cowboys cornerback

Orlando Scandrick

(32) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

DAN:

Chip Kelly seems to be building a unique offensive formula, as far as the NFL is concerned. The addition of quarterback Tim Tebow to the roster adds a further wrinkle that the Eagles are well equipped to utilize.

Yet no matter how Philadelphia’s offense looks week one, it will need a strong offensive line to succeed. It will also need to stop opponents from putting up points on big passing plays.

I’m ruling out a wide receiver with the 20th pick for the reasons I noted and because of the depth in the draft. The Eagles can succeed without stars at receiver. Since there are great second and third round finds at the position, it would be unwise to draft one late in the first.

More from Philadelphia Eagles

Although Collins is a nice fit in Philadelphia’s secondary, I don’t believe Philadelphia will go defense in round one. It feels second fiddle on this team. Defense is an integral part of the whole, but has a significantly lower priority than ensuring a dynamic offense.

The only way to ensure a dynamic offense is with a reliable offensive line. One that can run block and pass protect. One that will keep its quarterback upright, and in the case of a Chip Kelly offense, give him time to check down through his receiver options and choose to run the ball.

Cameron Erving is the pick at twenty. He is listed as a center, but can easily slot it at tackle for the Eagles. Considering the versatility that Chip Kelly demands of all his players, I don’t see this mattering in the least. It’s actually a plus in Erving’s favor, as I imagine Kelly targeting versatile players ahead of those more one-dimensional.

If Kelly truly desires his quarterback to move in the pocket as much as possible, his team will need unique offensive lineman. Grabbing a rookie is ideal, as the player has no NFL experience and can be molded to fit your system. Its easier to teach something new than force someone to un-learn what they know. Rookies know nothing.

Next: Oh no, its Tebow on the Eagles

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Philadelphia Eagles