Philadelphia Eagles 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Nov 8, 2013; East Hartford, CT, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive end Marcus Smith (91) sacks Connecticut Huskies quarterback Tim Boyle (14) in the second half at Rentschler Field. Louisville defeated UConn 31-10. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Smith, OLB, Louisville
6’3″, 251 LBs.
The Player
Smith is a very athletic, very versatile linebacker who is relentless in rushing the passer. He can create pressure from all over the field and is a very smart prospect. He needs to be a little more physical in the run game and improve his overall strength, but he is a moveable chess piece for the Eagles.
The Pick
The Eagles were in serious need of a pass rusher and at their pick, which they traded back for, I would have much preferred a Jeremiah Attoachu, Demarcus Lawrence or even a cornerback like Bradley Roby. However, they did attack a need and we have to assume that this was best player available.
The Fit
Smith will likely sit behind Trent Cole and Connor Barwin on the depth chart but could see himself in heavy rotation very early do to his versatility and his ability in coverage. Then, after a year, it is likely Trent Cole will be cut to save money and Marcus Smith presumably will take the starting role.
Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
6’3″, 217 lbs.
The Player
Matthews is a very smart route runner who does a great job of working zones all over the field. He has great size and very strong hands that he just needs to concentrate on using a little bit more. He is very athletic for his size and is very good at picking up yards after the catch. Once he can learn to use his body more consistently at the catch point, I think he could be the best wide receiver in this class.
The Pick
Matthews was my top rated receiver in this class and was selected in the second round. That is great value.
The Fit
With Riley Cooper and Jeremy Maclin, Matthews steps right in as the number three receiver. He will likely get heavy snaps in the slot where he can use his size and speed to work the middle of the field and create mismatches. I expect a very productive season under Chip Kelly.
Sep 28, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Jordan Matthews (87) catches a touchdown pass against Alabama-Birmingham Blazers cornerback Jimmy Jean (7) during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Commodores beat the Blazers 52-24. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Josh Huff, WR, Oregon
5’11”, 211 lbs.
The Player
Huff is a bit raw but he has tremendous physical tools. He is incredibly strong as an open field runner, has very good speed and has very good ball skills. He may have some issues with route running early on, but he is explosive with the ball in his hands.
The Pick
I really love Huff’s skill set and think this was very good value for someone as talented as he.
The Fit
Huff won’t see a lot of Snaps early on offense due to Maclin, Cooper, Matthews, Ertz, McCoy and Sproles all receiving attention, but I think Huff has a starting spot long term in the slot and can contribute early as a kick and punt returner.
Jaylen Watkins, CB, Florida
5’11”, 194 lbs.
The Player
Watkins is a very athletic, rangy player who has very good closing speed. I have issues with his instincts and physicality in coverage though, but the tools are there.
The Pick
I thought this was a very big reach with much better players available like Pierre Desir and Bashaud Breeland.
The Fit
Watkins is likely going to compete for free safety rather than corner. He has the ideal speed and burst to be a good safety and doesn’t have the size Kelly likes on the outside of his defense. I don’t know if Watkins gets the starting job, but he certainly has upside there.
Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon
6’6″, 281 lbs.
The Player
Hart is a tremendously gifted player. He has incredible size and strength with impressive burst. His main issues come in his technique. His stance is awful and negates his power on a regular basis, he needs to learn to use his hands better and his motor is pretty bad. However, when he is on, he is one of the most disruptive players in this class. Really scary potential.
The Pick
Hart is a great talent and gets paired with his former defensive line coach. I am a big fan of this pick.
The Fit
Hart could challenge a day one starting job across from Fletcher Cox at 5 Tech. Cedric Thorton has been pretty good, but he is more of a run stopper while Hart can generate a significant pass rush from the 5 Tech position. At the very least, Hart works his way into the formation and sees time on passing downs.
Oct. 18, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive tackle Taylor Hart (66) pursues Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Taylor Kelly (10) at Sun Devil Stadium. Oregon defeated Arizona State 43-21.Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ed Reynolds, S, Stanford
6’1″, 207 lbs.
The Player
Reynolds is a very smart player who compensate for his lack of speed with very good instincts. He has good size and can play the ball well. He is an average athlete though and is not very consistent coming up against the run. Also, he tends to outsmart himself in coverage. If he can take better angles in the run and be smarter against the pass, he does have some potential.
The Pick
I liked this pick. Reynolds has a lot of good tools both on and off the field that could be helpful to the team.
The Fit
Reynolds is ideally a free safety so he can generate some competition against Watkins and Malcom Jenkins but will likely see his starting time on special teams.
Beau Allen, DT, Wisconsin
6’2″, 333 lbs.
The Player
Athletically limited, Allen possess great size, strength and motor. He clogs up running plays and can take on blocks to free up other players.
The Pick
Beau is very good at he does and this is a good pick that fits a need.
The Fit
The Eagles need to get deeper and bigger up front and Allen adds that. He is a guy who can contribute day one as a nose tackle and rotate with a smaller Bennie Logan.