ESPN has seen fit to have both of their draft gurus hit us with fresh new mock drafts today. We went over Mel Kiper's latest mock earlier today and now turn our attention to Todd McShay. On the top pick, the two agree. They have Cam Newton going #1 to the Panthers.
Actually, their full top five is identical. Where's the famous McShay vs Kiper disagreement? As for the Eagles pick, they at least have a slight disagreement. Kiper has them taking Wisconsin OT Gabe Carimi. McShay agrees with the position but has a different player, Derek Sherrod from Mississippi St.
I struggled with this pick more than any other in the first round, having a hard time finding a player who fit Philadelphia's needs and was worthy of the pick. In the end, guard and tackle are priorities and Sherrod has the versatility to contribute at both positions. He's not explosive or dominant and is a bit of a reach here but Sherrod consistently gets into position and rarely makes mistakes, and recent off-field issues for current OT Jason Peters could increase the urgency to address the offensive line. The Eagles could also consider the top available cornerbacks here but all come with questions.
I agree with McShay.... he did struggle with this pick. This is a pretty awful explanation and pick from McShay. Let's first take a minute to laugh hysterically at his suggestion that Jason Peters' noise pollution incident changes the Eagles draft plans in any way... Then how about his assertion that Sherrod is "not explosive or dominant and is a bit of a reach here." He really is a reach. Sherrod should be a second round type player. With Miami CB Brandon Harris and Colorado CB Jimmy Smith all still on the board, reaching for an offensive lineman in a draft pretty deep in the position would be terrible.
McShay then has the Eagles reaching for Illinois LB Martez Wilson in the second round and making an ok pick of Buffalo corner Josh Thomas in the third.
Ouch...