In his latest 2012 NFL Mock Draft, Mel Kiper has the Philadelphia Eagles selecting Michael Brockers, a defensive tackle from LSU.
No team was softer up the middle than Philly in 2011, and in Brockers the Eagles get a big, active player who can both take up blocks and penetrate. He weighed in at 322 pounds at the NFL combine, heavier than I've ever had him listed, but I don't see him as a prototype 3-4 nose tackle. My guess is he'll play a little lighter once he gets into camp, and the Eagles will benefit, particularly against the run. This is like a baseball team -- they need to build out the middle of the field on defense. If Kuechly is here, that makes sense as well.
Brockers had a disappointing showing at the NFL Combine, but still projects as a first rounder due to his stellar 2011 season at LSU. The 6-foot-5, 322-pounder had 54 tackles, 10 for loss, two sacks and an interception. He was also particularly dominant during a regular season meeting with Alabama.
The Eagles have a need at linebacker and have often been projected to draft Luke Kuechly. But Kuechly tested well at the NFL Combine and could be off the board by the time Philadelphia chooses.
For more updates on the Eagles, check out Bleeding Green Nation and for more updates on the upcoming draft, head to Mocking the Draft.