Quarterback
Easton Stick|North Dakota State
Quarterback was the only position I did not scout and so I’m going to have to trust my PSN colleagues on this one. Stick is a mobile QB with good anticipation and accuracy. Most importantly, the kid knows how to win. The Eagles have never shied away from small school prospects and Carson Wentz is sure to sing his praises.
Running Back
Joshua Jacobs|Alabama
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The Eagles have bypassed the backfield early in the draft since they took LeSean McCoy in the second round in 2009. There’s a reason Jacobs has been touted as the back to break the mould. He can run, he can catch, he can block; there aren’t many offences he doesn’t match up with. However, for Doug Pederson’s offence to run at top gear, it really needs a back that can do it all.
Wide Receiver
DaMarkus Lodge|Ole Miss
The Eagles’ needs have changed a bit since acquiring DeSean Jackson from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Nevertheless, I still believe Lodge is the best fit for this offense. With fantastic up-field releases, effortless acceleration and great top-end speed, the Ole Miss product can still fill the downfield threat role if need be. He also has an untapped route tree which based on athletic ability could be an underrated facet of his game. Add that to the fact that he’s a more-than-willing blocker with surprising strength, Lodge could fill multiple roles in the Eagles’ offense.
Tight End
C.J. Conrad|Kentucky
Philadelphia needs a third tight end that can slide in as an inline blocker and shows some upside in the passing game. Conrad is exactly that. He’s more of a technical blocker than a physical one, but that should help his game transfer easily to the professional level. He’s got a good work ethic and was known as a leader at Kentucky, which will resonate with Pederson. On top of his blocking ability, he’s made some pretty spectacular catches to boot.
Offensive Guard
Michael Deiter|Wisconsin
Deiter is a fantastic fit for the complex running scheme the Eagles have been known for. He’s run every scheme in the book and has the athleticism that Philly covets at the position. His pass protection could use some work, but he was much better at guard than at tackle. Thus the move inside. Some teams may still view him as a tackle, but he could slide in perfectly at guard for the Birds.
Offensive Tackle
Tytus Howard|Alabama State
This is an easy one as he is the first offensive lineman to be visited by the Eagles. Still, I’d like to pat my own back for being on the Tytus Howard hype train early in the process. He’s raw and won’t be ready to start in 2019, but that shouldn’t matter after welcoming back Jason Peters. Howard’s promise is all about his tangible ability. As a converted tight end, he’s long, quick and nimble. It’s just a matter of how quickly he can master the pro game.
Defensive Tackle
Christian Wilkins|Clemson
A match made in heaven. Wilkins is an incredible athlete at the 3-tech and has a great pass rush toolset. He’s quick off the ball and has no quit, making plays in the backfield and along the sideline. He could stand to work on his run defending, but is by no means a liability. Plus, the Eagles love to use a rotation and can bring him out for a more stout option on third-and-short.
Defensive End
Chase Winovich|Michigan
This is a tough one because there are so many right answers, so instead, I’ll take the time to highlight one of my favorite prospects in the draft. Winovich plays with a contagious passion for the game and his motor never stops running. He showed just how fast he is at the combine, running a 4.59. He also ran the 2nd best 3-cone time for edge rushers and a record 20-yard shuttle (4.11 – wow). Plus, he’s doing all of this at 253 lbs, with room to grow. There’s a reason he’s getting a second look after a stellar combine.
Linebacker
Terrill Hanks|New Mexico State
Hanks is an overlooked converted safety with fantastic cover skills. He won’t be overlooked for long though and has already started climbing up draft boards. He’s only played the position for a year, switching over in his senior season. His athletic ability jumps off the screen, but his inexperience follows suit. The selection won’t come without risk. Although we’d all love to see the Eagles take a game-changing backer in the first or second, Hanks carries great value as an early third-day selection and fits Philadelphia’s draft trends.
Corner Back
Julian Love|Notre Dame
Another position with a ton of great options. The Eagles could take any of the top 30 CB prospects and have a reasonable argument as to how they improved. Love is a press-man corner with excellent ball skills. He’s also a solid tackler, which is a must for Jim Schwartz’ defense. His limitations show up when asked to play off-man, but he’s hyper-competitive and recovers well. He won’t be a great fit for all teams, but his physicality in press-man and a competitive edge when the ball is in the air would make him a favorite in Philly. He’s had great production with 4 interceptions and 34 pass breakups in the last two years.
Safety
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson|Florida
Some view him as the top safety in the draft and it’s not hard to see why. He can play single-high, nickel and in the box. He’s strong against the run and a very willing tackler. Gardner-Johnson’s speed and agility show up in man and zone coverage and was often asked to trail opposing slot receivers. He’s smart, has a great motor and will make plays all over the field. A great option to supplant either Malcolm Jenkins or Rodney McLeod, whichever need comes first.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
