The Philadelphia Eagles have a number of positions on the field that need depth after a rough campaign last season and the team is likely to try and fill those holes in the upcoming NFL draft, including with players on the offensive line and on defense.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the first domino to fall when it comes to the draft and after making a trade for Alex Smith and signing receiver Dwayne Bowe and lineman Branden Albert, the team has some more clarity about what it would like to do with the pick. When the team was coming off a 2-14 campaign, many speculated that they would select a quarterback, but now that they have Alex Smith, it is not necessary.
The Chiefs traded for Smith because they felt the free agent and draft quarterback class was weak, but they are in luck since many other positions have great depth, including tight end, offensive line and cornerback. ESPN reported that the Chiefs are now considering taking Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner with the number one overall pick, which would open things up for the Eagles with the fourth pick.
The Chiefs have been projected to take offensive lineman Luke Joeckel but now that they have brought back Albert, Andy Reid may want to surprise everyone and take the player who he thinks is the best prospect, despite the fact that cornerback never go that high. If the team decided to do that, the Eagles would be in a very good position to get a highly-respected player.
If the Chiefs select Milliner, the Eagles could go after Luke Joeckel, who is considered to be the best lineman in the draft. The team has great need at the position after last season, as Michael Vick and Nick Foles were chased all over the place due to the porous offensive line. Joeckel would likely be an instant starter and he could help bring some size and speed to the line for running back LeSean McCoy, who also had a rough season after being stopped at line very often.
Chip Kelly and the Eagles could also take a risk themselves and draft Geno Smith, even though they brought back Michael Vick and brought in Dennis Dixon as well. The team would have a number of quarterbacks, but it would also set themselves up for the future.
Last season the Eagles had a rough year, including losing 11 of 12 games and eventually Vick was injured and Foles had to come in and start. The season resulted in the firing of longtime coach Andy Reid, who is now in a position to help his old team depending on who he selects.