The NFL Combine is in less than two weeks, which means the Eagles are slowly getting closer to who they are going to target with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
In his latest mock, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Eagles selecting Clemson cornerback Trayvon Mullen.
Why Mullen?
"Injuries in the secondary really hurt the Eagles in 2018, as the defense couldn't match the play that led it a Super Bowl LII victory. And with Ronald Darby possibly leaving in free agency, cornerback is a spot to target here or with one of their two second-round picks. Mullen had an inconsistent 2018 season, but he has some excellent 2017 tape. And at 6-foot-2, 186 pounds, he's a big corner. He should test well in Indianapolis."
Mullen does have elite size for the position, and finished his career at Clemson with 93 tackles, four interceptions and 2.5 sacks.
Although Mullen is a strong prospect, the Eagles going after a cornerback with their first-round pick would be surprising considering the depth the team has at the position. With Jalen Mills, Avonte Maddox, Rasul Douglas, Sidney Jones and Cre'von LeBlanc, in addition to the possibility that Ronald Darby is back, the Eagles have plenty of young talent at cornerback. It is possible that the Eagles don't view any of those players as legitimate, No. 1 cornerbacks on the outside, and think Mullen could fill that hole. That could lead them to take a cornerback in the first round, as in a passing league, having a strong set of cornerbacks is a must to win in the NFL.
Still, with how deep the draft is at other positions of need for the Eagles -- especially defensive line -- it would be surprising if the team added another young cornerback.
Here is a scouting report on Mullen, via The Draft Network:
Trayvon Mullen projects well as a man-cover corner in the NFL. Mullen's footwork is a bit awkward and inconsistent at times, yet his flashes in press man/from trail position are enticing. Mullen will need to iron out his technical lapses to reach his ceiling, but his ceiling is notable in a man system. Mullen has great length, super physicality and when clean in his transitions he can be very sticky on the hip of receivers to turn and run. Year 3 projection is more favorable than year 1.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
