The Philadelphia Eagles traded up three spots to select Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox with the No. 12 pick in the NFL draft.

Cox should upgrade a run defense that allowed 142.3 yards per game last season. Cox was considered to be a top 10 pick by most draft experts, and some thought the Eagles would have to move up further to get him.

Cox, listed at 6-foot-4, 298 pounds, is a speedy, versatile lineman who can play inside or outside. He was named to the All-SEC first team after he collected 56 tackles and five sacks last season.

Read more draft news in Friday's Sun Herald.