The Sports Xchange

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles’ first-round pick, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, was born in Nigeria and moved to America with his family when he was five.

“My parents raised us to be very humble and to understand that everything in life you have to earn,” said Agholor, who was a team captain for the Trojans’ last season. “My dad rode his bike to work on a consistent basis until he finally got a car. My mom worked in a nursing hom and did things that people would find uncomfortable. I think I understand the way life workds. I don’t feel like I’m entitled to anything. This is a blessing to be in this position and (for) the Eagles organization to think enough of me to have me here. Kind of work like a peasant. That’s the mindset.”

The Eagles did try to move up in the first round, but the price wasn’t right for the clubs on the other end of the line.

However, coach Chip Kelly denied offering any veterans — including quarterback Sam Bradford — as bait to bring in a pick that would help him reunite with Marcus Mariota, the Oregon quarterback selected No. 2 overall by the Tennessee Titans.

The Eagles ended up with just six draft picks, their fewest since 2003, when they also had six.

They started the draft with eight, but traded two fifth-round picks to move up five spots in the second round and select cornerback Eric Rowe.

Three of the Eagles’ six picks were cornerbacks, which was a position of need going into the offseason, even after signing cornerback Byron Maxwell in free agency.

The Eagles gave up a league-worst 72 pass plays of 20 yards or more last season and allowed 30 touchdown passes, the fourth most in the NFL.

A closer look at the Eagles’ picks:

1/20 – Nelson Agholor, WR, 6-0, 198, USC

Agholor caught 104 passes for the Trojans last year, the third most in the school’s history. He can line up inside or outside and has sub-4.4 speed and excellent hands. He also was one of the country’s better punt returners.

2/47 – CB Eric Rowe, CB, 6-1, 205, Utah

The Eagles like big corners that excel in press man coverage and Rowe fits the bill. He also has extensive experience at safety. Thirty-six of his 45 career starts at Utah were at safety. The Eagles likely will start him out at corner, where he’ll compete for the starting job opposite Byron Maxwell.

3/84 – LB Jordan Hicks, ILB, 6-1, 236, Texas

Hicks is two years removed from a ruptured Achilles, but showed no signs of the injury last season. He’s a smart, instinctive three-down player who is joining a crowded field at inside linebacker. He’ll likely spend his rookie season earning his keep on special teams. But with DeMeco Ryans turning 31 in July and Mychal Kendricks on the last year of his contract, he could contend for a starting job in 2016.

6/191 – JaCorey Shepherd, CB, 5-11, 199, Kansas

Shepherd converted from wide receiver to corner after his freshman season. He also returned kickoffs for the Jayhawks. He has excellent ball skills. Too soon to guess on his roster chances.

6/196 – Randall Evans, CB, 6-0, 198, Kansas St.

Evans is a former walk-on with good size and speed. He ran a 4.44 at his Pro Day. Has played nickel as well as outside and also has the skills to convert to safety.

7/237 – Brian Mihalik, DE, 6-9, 295, Boston College

Mihalik has intriguing size and length and will be given a shot at making the team as a five-technique d-end. But it’s probably a longshot. He was consistently blocked by much-smaller Florida State TE Nick O’Leary when BC played the Seminoles.