NFL Mock Draft: Why Eagles 'Should' Address Defense With Both 1st-Round Picks

Helping quarterback Jalen Hurts get the Philadelphia Eagles back to the Super Bowl may mean addressing the defense in the first round of the NFL Draft not once - but twice.

NFL mock drafts tend to come in two versions with some predicting what the Philadelphia Eagles will do with their two first-round picks, and others telling us what that person would do if they were in charge. 

NFL.com is introducing a new method for approaching the draft prediction exercise by going in a third direction and recommending to the Eagles what they should do with them. 

And with their first pick at No. 10 overall, Philadelphia should take Georgia Bulldogs edge rusher Nolan Smith. 

"The bottom line is, you need to start replenishing some of the depth you lost during free agency," NFL.com writes. "And you have the luxury of doing that while also landing the best player available."

The site acknowledges that drafting Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson could be tempting, but says the team has done enough at that position this offseason already. 

Adding to the defense with their first pick, the Eagles could feasibly come back and address an offensive need with their second pick on Day 1. 

But with Robinson realistically being gone before we get to pick No. 30, Philadelphia should go defense again with tackle Mazi Smith from the Michigan Wolverines.

"I think you might be in a position right here to garner some more picks from a QB-needy team," NFL.com writes. "But if you stick with this pick, continue to replenish the defensive line. The buzz has been building on Smith in recent weeks. This would be a solid selection.

It's not what this mock drafter would do, per se, or even what NFL.com thinks the Eagles will actually do. 

But according to one advisor, this is exactly what Philadelphia should do, as it looks to keep its championship window open for as long as possible.

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Find David on Twitter @DHarrison82

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