Philadelphia Eagles: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in mid-April

I honestly considered taking an offensive tackle in the first round. However, after realizing that the Eagles survived with Halapoulivaati Vaitai at left tackle after Jason Peters went down last year, it seemed safe to assume there wasn’t an urgent need to add a potential starter.

Peters is set to return, and should start after tearing his ACL a season ago. Although age and injury are beginning to take a toll on the All-Pro left tackle, he’s still got enough in the tank to get the job done for now. And again, Vaitai is more than capable of stepping in as needed.

That’s why I went with a developmental talent in Brandon Parker here.

Despite many considering him an underrated tackle prospect, Parker is a project at this stage in his career. He needs to get stronger and refine some of his technique, but boasts enough size and athleticism to warrant mid-round consideration. As much work as he may need, his experience and success at left tackle make him a small-school talent worth taking seriously.

By drafting Parker, the Eagles get a developmental left tackle who can push for the starting gig once Peters hangs it up. It’s anyone’s guess when that’ll be, but the North Carolina A&T alum seems like a strong candidate as the heir on the blindside.