With the 54th pick of Pride of Detroit's 2011 NFL Mock Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select Miami (FL) offensive tackle Orlando Franklin. N4ry4 is serving as the Eagles' general manager, and his reasoning for the pick is below.
After having a hard time deciding between Gabe Carimi and Jimmy Smith in the first round, and ultimately taking the cornerback, at this point in the draft the Eagles still need an upgrade on the right side of their offensive line--hopefully a big mauler who can compete at right guard immediately and possibly push Winston Justice at right tackle in the future too. Not that I'm opposed to taking another position, but with all of the first-round talent gone, I think this pick represents the best player available who fits an immediate need.
The Eagles value big, versatile linemen who can contribute at multiple positions. Franklin is a strong 6'5", 316-pound fellow with long arms, big hands, decent agility and tons of experience. He is a very good run blocker and a four-year starter (with three starts his freshman year) for the Hurricanes who, while most of his experience was at guard, also played left tackle. He probably doesn't have the athleticism for LT in the pros, but at worst he settles in at guard and possibly offers Philly options at right tackle in the future too.
--
Check out the 2011 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker for a look at all of the picks.