Taylor Hart celebrates a play against the Kansas State Wildcats during the 2013 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oregon defeated Kansas State 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles Chip Kelly pulled another one of his guys from the Oregon Ducks by drafting 3-4 defensive end Taylor Hart with the first overall pick in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, but both the Josh Huff and Hart selections are about more than just the Oregon connection. No, both players represented huge value picks for the Eagles organization, as Huff was a solid addition in the third round who can fit Kelly’s scheme perfectly with his hands and blocking, and Hart never should have slipped into the fifth round. Hart mostly received third-round grades, so there was just about no way the Eagles were going to let him slide even further.
Though the Eagles didn’t need more help on their defensive line, Hart brings a good all-around game and will be a huge asset in run defense. I still think the Marcus Smith pick was a reach at 26 in the first round, but they could easily be vindicated with that pick if Smith makes good on the faith they have placed in him.
The Eagles have now added talent at their main positions of need, as they landed two talented wideouts in Jordan Matthews and Huff, two players on the front seven in Hart and Smith, and a defensive back who can play cornerback or safety in Florida Gators product Jaylen Watkins (their first pick today).