4/25: Eagles draft buzz

Every day, from now until the draft, I'll round up the latest Eagles buzz on MTC. Here is today's installment.

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With the draft only a day away, here's the latest mock roundup.

NFL Network's Mike Mayock only releases one mock, and he's got the Eagles taking South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Mayock will explain his picks on TV Wednesday night at 8.

Over on Eagletarian, Paul Domowitch has the Birds taking Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff.

Don Banks of SI.com has the Eagles taking Alabama safety Mark Barron:

Having just moved to the Philly area earlier this year, I'd love to nail this pick and impress the new neighbors. I think the Eagles lean toward Barron over Poe, but I'm pretty sure they'd be content with either. If it comes down to a choice between Brockers and Barron, that's where it gets sticky. But I believe I'd still have Andy Reid taking Barron in that scenario.

Michael Lombardi of NFL Network has the Birds taking Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones:

Might be the best pass rusher in the draft. They like West Virginia's Bruce Irvin, as well.

Charley Casserly of NFL Network gives the Birds LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers:

Will help their run defense and should be able to get pressure up the middle on passing downs.

Peter Schrager of FoxSports.com thinks it will be Brockers too:

Brockers is one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft class. Of the 32 teams in the league, roughly half of them have flown him in for private workouts. Teams want to see him in the flesh. After showing up at LSU three years ago as a 245-pound freshman, he's become a 320-pound physical beast. Though his Combine workout far outshined his play on the field at LSU, he had his moments in his redshirt sophomore season in 2011. Brockers is a fascinating prospect who could end up being the best defensive player in the draft. Though defensive line isn't their most pressing need, I can see Howie Roseman and Co. grabbing Brockers if he's still on the board.

Charles Davis of NFL.com thinks it'll be North Carolina defensive lineman Quinton Coples:

The dreaded "boom or bust" label has been applied. The youngster I saw dominate all week at the Senior Bowl (including the game) was the "boom" portion. Coples will be expected to perform right away.

Chad Reuter of NFL.com has the Birds selecting Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe:

Andy Reid doesn't mind taking a chance on a player's upside, and the extremely athletic, 346-pound Poe has as much potential as any player in this draft.

Chris Steuber has the Eagles taking Poe too.

Todd McShay of ESPN.com thinks Mississippi State's Fletcher Cox will last to the Eagles at No. 15.

Mel Kiper of ESPN.com has the Eagles trading up to No. 7 with the Jaguars and taking Cox:

In this scenario, the Eagles move up to get a defensive tackle they covet, and Jacksonville gets to move down because they can't maximize value for a top need here. Cox has a chance to become a Pro Bowl player regardless of where you line him up inside. The Eagles simply have to become stronger against the run, and up the middle in general, and Cox provides an impact.

In the ESPN.com bloggers' mock, Dan Graziano had the Eagles trading up to take Cox too:

Cox is a great fit for the Eagles. He can shore up the middle of the defensive line against the run, and he also helps the pass rush from an interior line spot. He's a more polished prospect than fellow first-round defensive tackle Dontari Poe, and the Eagles are in win-now mode.

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com thinks Cox will last to 15:

They have some concerns inside and this kid can step in and help fix them.

Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com has the Eagles taking Brockers:

It's no secret that Andy Reid prefers linemen in the first round, especially defensive linemen, making Michael Brockers a logical choice here. He is an intriguing prospect because he doesn't enter the NFL with a strong resume and is still very much an unpolished player. But the raw athletic ability matched with his large, long frame will be enticing for a defense who can mold the 21-year old into something special.

Clark Judge of CBSSports.com thinks it'll be Brockers too:

I'm torn between Brockers and Poe here, choosing Brockers because Poe too risky.

Will Brinson of NFL.com has Brockers as well:

Dontari Poe or Quinton Coples could work here, too, but Brockers is the best bet to become an immediate space eater in the middle of the line, with the added bonus that he's ripe with upside.

Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com thinks it'll be Alabama safety Mark Barron:

The signing of offensive tackle Demetress Bell from the Buffalo Bills put the Eagles back on course with their draft board and needs. They need a safety and Barron is the best in the class of 2012. I would think the Jets, Bengals, and Lions right below the Eagles are somewhat disappointed. Philadelphia may have to move up to get Barron with Dallas thinking about taking him.

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