With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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player. 54. . Cornerback. Colorado Buffaloes. Isaiah Oliver. 32

The Philadelphia Eagles aren’t expected to be able to re-sign cornerback Patrick Robinson. That could be a devastating loss for the defending Super Bowl champions, as Robinson was arguably the best slot corner in the NFL and Philadelphia’s top cornerback during the 2017 regular season.

Knowing that the 30-year-old will be a free agent in March, the Eagles turn to former Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Isaiah Oliver.

Oliver stands at 6’1″ and 190 pounds, which gives him intriguing size for the position. What makes him so compelling is that he has elite speed for a cornerback, as well, which matters far more on film than whatever transpires at the Scouting Combine.

For the Eagles, adding a player who has prototypical size and speed would mean adding the type of talent and prospect who can help make 2017 more of a sign of things to come.

Being big and fast helps, but what makes Oliver special is that he brings it all together with the instincts of a shutdown corner. It certainly doesn’t hurt that he has long arms and explosive makeup speed, but his football IQ has improved with every season he’s played.

The defending Super Bowl champions should be sustainably strong, but creating a dynasty requires acing picks like this at the end of the first round.

Must Read: Key strengths and weaknesses for Josh Rosen

The question is: How will the Scouting Combine change the way we look at the 2018 NFL Draft?

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