/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46113820/usa-today-8298786.0.jpg)
Is Chip Kelly going to really make a run for Marcus Mariota? That's one of the big questions surrounding the Philadelphia Eagles as the 2015 NFL Draft approaches. With The Oregon quarterback off the board at number 6 to the Jets in our mock draft, the Eagles remain stuck at the 20th pick with numerous other holes on the roster to fill.
The receiving corps could use an upgrade, as Jeremy Maclin has departed for Kansas City. Philly also has holes on the offensive line to fill, especially if they find a trade partner for Evan Mathis. Then there's the defense, which has a number of big names but hasn't performed especially well in recent years. Will Philly's new additions at cornerback be enough to make them into a top-tier defense, or would they want to bolster that unit in the first round?
On the clock for Philly for the APC mock draft is our Kris Burke, and with the 20th pick, the Eagles select...
Jaelen Strong, wide receiver, Arizona State
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 217 pounds
Combine 40 time: 4.44 seconds
Here's Kris on his pick:
Jeremy Maclin? Gone. DeSean Jackson? Long gone.
As Chip Kelly continues to re-tool the Philadelphia Eagles' offense, one thing is clear: they need a new wide receiver, maybe even receivers plural. With new quarterback Sam Bradford, the Eagles will need to give him some targets to throw to and Jordan Matthews, Riley Cooper and Josh Huff aren't exactly the Green Bay Packers' top three receivers. The team also could go cornerback here, but with the offensive guru Kelly now in control of personnel the Eagles will likely take a wide receiver.
Enter Jaelen Strong. Bradford is the Eagles quarterback for now (Mark Sanchez isn't going to beat him out, folks), barring a blockbuster trade to move up and take Marcus Mariota, so Philadelphia will need a receiver than can fight for contest balls and be physical in gaining yards after the catch. Bradford won't be throwing any receivers open so they need someone who is more of a complete receiver than a total speed demon.
That's Strong in a nutshell. He isn't going to wow you with speed and a quick burst off the line, but he is a solid all-around receiver who isn't afraid to sink to the ground or climb up for a jump ball. He will be (pardon the pun) strong on shallow cross routes but will also struggle deep in man-to-man coverage. He's not the fastest player, but again he's physical enough that he could work in Kelly's offense.
Pick | Team | Player | Position | School |
1 | TB | Jameis Winston | QB | Florida State |
2 | TEN | Leonard Williams | DT | USC |
3 | JAX | Amari Cooper | WR | Alabama |
4 | OAK | Randy Gregory | OLB/DE | Nebraska |
5 | WAS | Dante Fowler, Jr. | OLB | Florida |
6 | NYJ | Marcus Mariota | QB | Oregon |
7 | CHI | Vic Beasley | OLB | Clemson |
8 | ATL | Brandon Scherff | OT | Iowa |
9 | NYG | Kevin White | WR | West Virginia |
10 | STL | La'el Collins | OT | LSU |
11 | MIN | DeVante Parker | WR | Louisville |
12 | CLE | Danny Shelton | DT | Washington |
13 | NO | Trae Waynes | CB | Michigan State |
14 | MIA | Marcus Peters | CB | Washington |
15 | SF | Malcom Brown | DT | Texas |
16 | HOU | Landon Collins | S | Alabama |
17 | SD | T.J. Clemmings | OL | Pittsburgh |
18 | KC | Andrus Peat | OT | Stanford |
19 | CLE (from BUF) | Ereck Flowers | OT | Miami (FL) |
20 | PHI | Jaelen Strong | WR | Arizona State |
21 | CIN |