Loss to Giants would bring a higher first-round pick
PHILADELPHIA » The Eagles likely will have the 10th, 11th or 13th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft, based on a probability chart at PlayoffStatus.com.
If they upset the favored Giants Sunday at MetLife Stadium, and their six- and seven-win neighbors cooperate, they could drift back to 17.
If the Eagles lose Sunday and get a lot of help from their loser friends, they could go all the way up to the sixth pick, unlikely as that is.
At any rate a guy who could be around in picks 10 through 13 is Taylor Decker, the 6-7, 315-pound offensive tackle at Ohio State.
With Jason Peters’ future in doubt, the Eagles need to rebuild the offensive line. Decker is the plug-and-play guy who could do it as he’s started 41 straight start games for the Buckeyes.
Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss could be the first overall pick in the draft. There’s a chance offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (6-6, 315) of Notre Dame slides out of the top three or four picks. If he does, and the Eagles get lucky, it’s a no-brainer.
Stanley and Decker will be on display Friday. Stanley takes on defensive tackle Joey Bosa of Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl (1 p.m., ESPN).
The Eagles have nine total draft picks; no secondrounder due to the Sam Bradford trade but extra third, fifth and seventh round choices via trades.
The door is open for the Eagles to bring some players off the bench for the season finale Sunday the Giants.
Sitting out the Thursday practice were cornerback Byron Maxwell (shoulder), defensive tackle Bennie Logan (calf) and wide receiver-special teams gunner Seyi Ajirotutu (ankle).
Defensive back Jaylen Watkins (shin) was limited.
Offensive lineman Dennis Kelly (ankle) and kicker Caleb Sturgis (right hamstring) were full participants.
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Be sure to give Joe Banner a hand for his preseason prediction with respect to the Eagles.
The former president of the Eagles was a wee bit off the mark, laddies, on a gratuitous preseason tweet. To wit: Joe Banner @JoeBanner13 Predictions: SB champs EAGLES !!! Chicago disaster (real shot at 1st draft pk) Khalil Mack proves should’ve been #1 pick. Saints win division
And a happy new year you, Joe-Ba.
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The Eagles have won 12 of their last 15 games against the Giants.
The Eagles have won seven of their last eight games against the Giants on the road, including four of five at MetLife Stadium.
However, in games with a lame-duck head coach at MetLife, the Eagles are 0-1. Andy Reid’s 2012 team served the Giants a 42-7 victory.