"Who?"
That was the reaction from many across Philadelphia, both amongst fans and media, when the Eagles selected Marcus Smith with the 26th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Some inside the NovaCare Complex might have asked that same question as well.
Smith's pick was shocking and not one many, if anyone, saw coming. That is hard to do considering how many mock drafts are written, and how many hypotheticals are discussed, prior to each draft. Pulling a name out that hasn't been discussed at length is rare.
As we learned in 2014, however, the Eagles are capable of doing it.
So if they do it on Thursday night with the second of their two 1st-round picks, who could be the surprise selection?
Here are three potential surprise picks for the Eagles:
Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson: The Eagles are definitely interested in adding a cornerback in the draft after missing out on Patrick Surtain last year. Ideally they would move up for Cincinnati's Sauce Gardner or LSU's Derek Stingley, but if they miss out on both, they could try again at No. 18 to find a cornerback. If they do Booth is likely on the short list. Booth is an outside cornerback that lined up on both sides for Clemson, switching sides as needed to stick with the team's No. 1 cornerback. He has some experience in the slot, giving him position versatility, but is projected to be an outside cornerback. Booth has good speed to stay with quicker receivers down the field and has plenty of experience in press-man coverage. Booth might not have the high ceiling that Gardner and Stingley do, but he would be ready to start for the Eagles right away opposite Darius Slay.
Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida: Elam will be just 20-years old on draft night and won't turn 21 until the end of his rookie season. That will definitely catch the Eagles' attention, especially since he already has 30 games of experience in the SEC under his belt. Elam has good speed, running a 4.39 40, but he isn't viewed as having elite closing speed. He does do a good job making plays on the ball when given the chance, picking off 5 passes during his time at Florida. Add in that Howie Roseman is a big fan of Florida players with the fact that Elam is rising up draft boards and he could be a target for the Eagles if they trade back in the first round.
Drake Jackson, DE, USC: The Eagles want a cornerback, but their top priority in the draft is the same priority they had in free agency — find an edge rusher. Jackson isn't going to be drafted at the top with the elite pass rushing prospects, but he does check off a few key boxes. He has a prototypical body type for a defensive end, standing 6-foot-4 with long arms and a quick first step off the line of scrimmage. Jackson rushed both as a stand-up rusher and with his hand in the ground. He finished with 12.5 sacks and 25.0 tackles for a loss in 27 games, impressive production for a player that moved around quite a bit in USC's defense. He also picked off two passes, and could stand up and play some linebacker if needed. if the Eagles view him as a pass rusher he could be their pick if they move back from No. 18.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com
