As we continue the inaugural SB Nation Arizona NFL mock draft, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to make their selection with the 23rd pick in the draft. They could look to bolster a porous defense or try and find help for protecting Michael Vick. Bringing you the Eagles' pick is Cory Williams.
Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
Philadelphia is looking to upgrade at several positions, mainly focused on defense. Everyone knows that the Eagles are all set offensively in the skill positions, and now must focus on shutting down the other team's top talent. That's where Aldon Smith, DE out of Missouri, will come into play. Smith is going to supply much-needed pressure on quality NFC quarterbacks such as Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Smith put in a very strong combine effort, even though he is fairly raw (and young, to top it off -- Smith was only a redshirt sophomore when he left Mizzou). Expect Aldon Smith to develop quickly and become a force for years to come in Philadelphia.
Next up in the draft are the New Orleans Saints.
Check out the mock draft on the Arizona Cardinals team blog Revenge of the Birds to see who both the community and the writers are projecting.
2011 SBN AZ Mock Draft recap:
1- Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn (Jess Root)
2- Denver Broncos: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M (Cory Williams)
3- Buffalo Bills: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri (Scott Howard)
4- Cincinnati Bengals: AJ Green, WR, Georgia (JR)
5- Arizona Cardinals: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU (CW)
6- Cleveland Browns: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson (SH)
7- San Francisco 49ers: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (JR)
8- Tennessee Titans: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn (CW)
9- Dallas Cowboys: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama (SH)
10- Washington Redskins: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama (JR)
11- Houston Texans: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska (CW)
12- Minnesota Vikings: Tyron Smith, OT, USC (SH)
13- Detroit Lions: Cameron Jordan, DE, California (JR)
14- St. Louis Rams: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue (CW)
15- Miami Dolphins: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama (SH)
16- Jacksonville Jaguars: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado (JR)
17- New England Patriots: J.J. Watts, DE, Wisconsin (CW)
18- San Diego Chargers: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado (JR)
19- New York Giants: Mike Pouncey, C, Florida (JR)
20- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College (CW)
21- Kansas City Chiefs: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor (SH)
22- Indianapolis Colts: Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois (JR)
23- Philadelphia Eagles: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri (CW)