Mel Kiper Jr. Mocks High-Upside Offensive Lineman to Eagles at No. 23

The Philadelphia Eagles first-round options in the upcoming NFL Draft are not any clearer after the start of free agency last week.

While the smart money early this offseason was on the Eagles adding a offensive lineman, pass rusher or secondary help with their first-round pick, those options are likely still in play, even after adding a pair of corners, and an edge rusher.

Mel Kiper Shifts Focus to the Trenches

Many mock drafts view offensive line as the next big need this NFL Draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. agrees in his latest mock draft released Tuesday.

In his last mock draft, Kiper had the Eagles taking Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, but after bringing back Dallas Goedert, that pick has changed.

The veteran draft expert is mocking an offensive lineman to the Eagles at No. 23 with Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor.

Iheanachor had 31 starts at Arizona State, but he didn't play much football before that, picking up the sport late. He'll need time to reach his potential in the NFL. But what better way to develop than learning behind an elite right tackle in Lane Johnson? Iheanachor plays with quick feet -- he ran a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-6 and 321 pounds -- and great length. He could provide swing tackle depth in Year 1 before eventually taking over for Johnson on the right side in the future.

Fred Johnson held down that role last year, but is a free agent, so adding a player who could be a swing tackle, and a possible replacement for Lane Johnson makes a lot of sense.

Why Offensive Line Remains a Top Priority Post-Free Agency

The Eagles offensive line is a group in transition, with a new offensive line coach, and health questions with Landon Dickerson,  Cam Jurgens, and age with Johnson.

The NFL Draft is April 23rd-25th and can be heard on 97.3 ESPN.