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2017 NFL mock draft: Who will the Philadelphia Eagles pick?

By Howard Balzer, NFLDraftScout.com
The Eagles are projected to take Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey with their first pick. File photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI
The Eagles are projected to take Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey with their first pick. File photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo

The Philadelphia Eagles have eight picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 14 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

The Eagles' 2016 season was derailed when tackle Lane Johnson missed 10 games because of a league suspension. His return should make the line stronger in its goal to help the continued development of quarterback Carson Wentz.

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Added to the receiver corps are Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, which should make Wentz even better. The key will be developing a consistent ground game with Ryan Mathews not expected back. Wendell Smallwood showed promise as a rookie, but the Eagles should add more.

There have been some offseason losses on the defensive side, but adding tackle Timmy Jernigan and end Chris Long should help, along with the signing of cornerback Patrick Robinson.

Here is a look at the Eagles' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

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EAGLES FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

TOTAL PICKS 9 8 7 6 8

STARTERS 3 3 1 2 1

BACKUPS 0 0 4 0 6

OTHER TEAMS 2 2 2 2 1

OUT OF LEAGUE 4 3 0 2 0

TOP 3 NEEDS IN 2017 DRAFT

1. Cornerback: Last year's starters - Leodis McKelvin and Nolan Carroll - both are gone. The Eagles signed free agent Patrick Robinson in late March, but need to rebuild the position.

2. Running back: Ryan Mathews isn't expected back and 34-year-old Darren Sproles is a specialty player who will likely retire after the season. The Eagles need a versatile back who can run inside and outside and also line up as a receiver.

3. Wide receiver: The Eagles signed Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith in free agency. But Jeffery signed just a one-year deal and Smith is coming off two disappointing seasons with the 49ers.

MOCK DRAFT

Below is list of all eight of the Eagles' picks, with players suggested by NFLDraftScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler.

Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

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{b: EAGLES 2017 Draft (Eight picks)}

Rd./overall pick: Player selected (*indicates compensatory pick)

1/14: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford (5-11, 202, 4.48)

2/43: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida (6-1, 199, 4.62)

3/74: Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan 6-2, 214, 4.45)

4/119: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State (6-7, 298, 2.89)

4/*139: Joe Mathis, DE, Washington (6-2, 266, 4.75)

5/155: Josh Harvey-Clemons, SS, Louisville (6-4, 217, 4.75)

6/194: Nate Hairston, CB, Temple (6-0, 196, 4.52)

7/230: Jon Toth, OL, Kentucky (6-5, 307, 5.51)

Now it's your turn. Check NFLDraftScout.com for a list of the top 1,000 prospects in this draft.

Frank Cooney and TSX NFL team insiders contributed to this analysis.

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