NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

Pick #13: Philadelphia Eagles – Vadal Alexander, G, LSU

Philadelphia needs a young QB to build around, badly, but with the top three off the board here it’s too early and too risky to think about taking any of the next tier of signal-callers.

The Eagles offensive line was bad the last two years, and it only got worse after the head-scratching Chip Kelly move to cut All Pro guard Evan Mathis last year. Guards usually don’t go this high, but for a team this badly in need it’s something they’ll have to consider, and Alexander might just have the kind of ceiling that makes it a prudent choice.

First of all, he’s a massive human being. He stands 6’5″ and weighs in at 335 pounds, after losing 30 his freshman year. He’s been a starter since he stepped on campus, and has experience at both tackle and guard. But he projects inside at the next level where he can use his brute strength and surprising mobility to flatten defenders.

His senior year alone he’s credited with over 100 knockdown blocks among his 700 snaps. For a guy his size he can get to the second level and also shows a nasty streak, always playing through the whistle. He won’t single-handedly fix the offensive woes in Philly, but new head coach Doug Pederson will welcome the big man with open arms.

Now, if only they can find a QB for Alexander to block for.

Next: On the clock: Oakland