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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Final Predictions For First Round

By Dan Parzych

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Ohio State CB Gareon Conley

The Philadelphia Eagles were considered one of the top winners of free agency thanks to landing arguably the top receiver available in Alshon Jeffery, but this team still has a few holes to fill before they can be seen as serious contenders. Early signs point to the investment in Carson Wentz around this time last year will pay off big time for the Eagles, and unless someone like Mike Williams or Christian McCaffrey happens to slip to No. 14, defense will most likely be the focus in the first round.

To say Philadelphia desperately needs help at the cornerback position would be a huge understatement, and the good news is there are plenty expected to be selected in the first round on Thursday. Landing Marshon Lattimore seems unrealistic unless they pull off a shocking trade to move up in the first round, but don’t be surprised to see the Eagles consider his teammate, Gareon Conley, instead.

The former Ohio State standout has been praised for his ability to defend opponents in man coverage, but now it’s up to Conley to prove he’s capable of doing so at the NFL level. Luckily for Conley, he seems to be the type of cornerback that improves with experience, and hopefully that trend continues in the NFL.

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