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Mayock: Eagles need defensive players

It’s no secret the Philadelphia Eagles need a wide receiver since they released DeSean Jackson.

Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin, USC’s Marqise Lee and Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks have been mentioned among others when the Eagles pick at No. 22 in the first round of next month’s NFL draft.

But according to NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock, the Eagles should consider moving in a different direction.

“Why is everybody so gung-ho on the Eagles taking a wideout (in the first round)?” Mayock told the Philadelphia Daily News. "From my perspective, they almost have to look at the best-rated defensive player on their board at [No. 22]. I think they [need to take] their highest-rated player between an edge rusher, a corner and a safety. And then, if the entire defensive board is wiped out by the time they're on the clock, then you look at the offensive side.”

Mayock believes the Eagles should target a cornerback with their first-round selection.

“There really are five corners at the top end,” Mayock said. “Everybody has different opinions on who the best ones are. The most talented corners are [Ohio State's Bradley] Roby and [Oklahoma State's Justin] Gilbert. But I don't think they're the best football players. I think [Michigan State's Darqueze] Dennard and [Virginia Tech's Kyle] Fuller are the two best football players. If any of those four are available and the Eagles are on the clock, I think they have to take a hard look at taking one of them right away.”