Although they made the playoffs in 2013, the Philadelphia Eagles will have a tough road to the 2014 NFL playoffs. Outside of the Dallas Cowboys, both the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins have improved in the offseason. After releasing DeSean Jackson, the Eagles will have to bring in a new player to make up for his talent. Here are Philadelphia's top-five targets in the 2014 NFL Draft.
5. Jason Verrett, Cornerback, TCU
If Jason Verrett was a few inches taller, he would most likely be a top-15 pick. Verrett is 5'9" and he is an intriguing skillset for a cornerback. Verrett has drawn comparisons to Tyrann Mathieu because of their similar measurables, but there is reason to believe Verrett could make the same impact Mathieu made in his rookie season.
4. Cody Latimer, Wide Receiver, Indiana
In the past few weeks, there hasn't been a player that has been more talked about than Cody Latimer. At 6'3", 215 pounds, Latimer looks the part. He is one of the most athletic receivers in the draft and he is also one of the best route-runners in the draft. Latimer could fill the hole Jackson left in free agency.
3. Darqueze Dennard, Cornerback, Michigan State
Since the college football season, Darquze Dennard has been viewed as the best man cornerback in the league. Justin Gilbert is the best in zone coverage, but Dennard takes the cake in man coverage with his ability to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. The Eagles need another cornerback, and Dennard could easily be a target.
2. Kyle Fuller, Cornerback, Virginia Tech
While Latimore has been the most talked-about player on offense over the past few months, Kyle Fuller has been the most talked-about defensive player. While he may not be more polished than Dennard, Fuller plays with toughness, athleticism, and length. Fuller would be a great fit in Philadelphia's defense.
1. Calvin Pryor, Free Safety, Louisville
Calvin Pryor is one of the toughest defensive players in this year's draft. Pryor plays with a type of swagger that radiates to the rest of his defense. Louisville had one of the best defenses in all of college football in 2013, and Pryor was a big reason for that. If the Eagles draft Pryor, they will bring in a good defensive player who would improve the Eagles defense as soon as his first start.