NFL Draft: Eagles Replace 'Overvalued' C.J. Gardner-Johnson in 1st Round

The Philadelphia Eagles took some hits this offseason, but could easily replace the loss of safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson by selecting Alabama Crimson Tide's Brian Branch in the first round of the NFL Draft.

There's no denying the Philadelphia Eagles have suffered some losses this offseason. 

However, the Eagles have also made some solid additions and are a strong NFL Draft class away from fielding another competitive roster.

In a recent mock draft by Damian Parson of The Draft Network and Locked On NFL Draft, Philadelphia not only replaces former safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson but does so easily while possibly upgrading the position at the same time. 

"Chancey Gardner-Johnson reportedly overvalued himself along with his agent," Parson writes. "Brian Branch has the ability to fill that void left. Branch is a safety that can play in two-high safety coverages but specializes in playing in the nickel versus the run and pass. Leadership and high instincts go a long way, and Branch has them both."

Of course, that's with the No. 31 pick in the first round. 

Prior to that pick, the Eagles addressed their need for an improved pass rush by taking Georgia Bulldogs EDGE, Nolan Smith.

"The Eagles have to replace defensive line talent (lost in) free agency," Parson says. "The explosive, physical, and bendy defender would bring leadership and game-changing potential to this defensive front. Pairing back up with former teammates Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean, Smith has everything you want in a three-down edge defender."

There are worse fan bases to have fall in love with your team by drafting all their players than Georgia's. 

And the addition of Branch keeps the SEC flavor going.

To be honest, there may not be a better conference in college football to poach from than that one, and Georgia and Alabama have been at or near the top of it for a long time. 

With these two picks and some solid coaching, Philadelphia should be able to keep itself at or near the top of the NFC East Division as well. 

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Find David on Twitter @DHarrison82

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