It seems three days out of the NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have cut their draft board to just four people. Last week common boss Howie Roseman held court with the press for over one hour discussing the team's draft philosophy and strategy. When prompted about how many people stayed on the team's board, Roseman only replied, "Four." Bleacher Report has learned as has Walter Football that the four players remaining on the Eagles' radar are Oregon linebacker Dion Jordan, Central Michigan left tackle Eric Fisher, Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei and Texas A&M offensive tackle Luke Joeckel. It is far from a sensational revelation, considering that the Birds front office has spent extensive time with all four prospects, they're all generally considered to be top-five ability and all fill specific needs for the type of team Chip Kelly is trying to build. There's undoubtedly that the Eagles desperately would want to come from this draft introducing one of many elite offensive fights available, who would anchor the line for almost 10 years. Roseman gave a powerful hint on the route Philadelphia is likely to ingest the first round a week ago. "This really is a meat and potatoes draft,"Athe general manager stated. "It is not precisely the flashiest point, but it is exciting because NFL groups really are developed across the lines." Selecting Joeckel, Fisher or Oklahoma's Lane Johnson would gain the Eagles three-fold. First, the choice will be an insurance plan for 31-year old Jason Peters who is returning this year after suffering two ruptured Achilles tendons last offseason. Additionally, picking a tackle allows the Birds to eradicate the error of using a first-round option on Danny Watkins in 2011 while allowing expert Todd Herremans to go back inside from right tackle to right guard, reducing the load on him as he returns from a substantial knee injury suffered last time. Ultimately, Kelly's offense is centered on hole control, and one of this year's draft's elite tackles would definitely solidify that part of the offense for years to come. Nevertheless, bad line, while maybe this team's biggest need, is definately not its only concern after last season's frustrating 4-12 finish and 12-20 record on the past two months. On the defensive part of the ball, new defensive coordinator Bill Davis Jr expects on building a hybrid 3-4, 4-3 fighting security based around pace and playmakers. Must the trigger be pulled by Philadelphia on defense on Thursday evening, Lotulelei will be the best fit to fill a gap over the defensive line. The 6'3", 311-pound defensive tackle would begin straight away and be described as a wrecking ball for other bad lines to include. Free-agent signee Isaac Sopoaga isn't anticipated to be a three-down nose tackle with this group, although Lotulelei might step into that role immediately. Then there's the appeal of Jordan, the University of Oregon's dynamic playmaking outside linebacker. Jordan has already been drawing comparisons to Dallas' DeMarcus ware, before also playing a in the NFL. Having taught him in school, Kelly is clearly familiar with Jordan's capacity not only to get in the quarterback's face all evening, but his ability dropping in to coverage. Last year, Jordan documented 44 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a five bags, loss, three pushed fumbles and a cross deflected. Holding a top-five selection for the first time since 1999, the Eagles are in "can't miss" style, and it seems that leading office has narrowed its target to the four players that are as close to a positive thing as this draft can provide. MattALombardoAis also an on-air personality on 97.5 FM The Fanatic in Philadelphia. Join the discussion and follow Matt onATwitter. All rates obtained directly unless otherwise noted.
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