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2018 NFL Draft: Round 1 mock after flurry of NFL trade deadline deals

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell annonces DeForest Buckner of Oregon as the #7 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell annonces DeForest Buckner of Oregon as the #7 overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
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Martinas Rankin. 32. player. 54. . Offensive Tackle. Mississippi State

There are a number of different directions the Eagles could go on draft day, but it’s not likely running back will be one of them. Even with LeGarrette Blount turning out tough yards, picking up former Dolphins tailback Jay Ajayi makes the ground game all the more potent.

Philly seemingly solved its problems at wide receiver by picking up Alshon Jeffery last offseason, and fellow wideout Nelson Agholor is finally living up to his first-round NFL Draft status.

Cornerback could be a target, but the bigger issue might be youth and depth along the offensive line.

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All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters’ season-ending knee injury raises some serious long-term concerns. At 35 years old, his recovery from both an MCL and ACL tear is going to be tough, likely pointing towards the Eagles using their first pick to fill the void.

Mississippi State’s Martinas Rankin is the best-ranked tackle left in the draft. At 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, he might be better off starting his pro career on the right side of the line, eventually moving over to the left after improving his footwork. He does have some versatility, though, which makes him a unique tool for head coach Doug Pederson.

Next: Week 8 college football quarterback stock report

As always, stay tuned to Niner Noise for ongoing coverage and analysis leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft.