We’re just over 24 hours way from the 2020 NFL Draft, so it’s time to put the cherry on our Mock Draft cake. We’ve posted countless mocks over the last few months, but we decided to bring our entire Eagles team together for one big super-mock, giving each writer a random pick! Here’s how it went:
Round Pick 21: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU (Morgan Burkett)
The pick at 21 is Justin Jefferson. It’s not flashy, but it’s the right pick. In this mock, we were allowed to trade picks, which negated the option to move up and target another receiver like CeeDee Lamb or Henry Ruggs. As it stands, the Eagles may even have to move up to lock in Jefferson. Many have Jefferson boxed in as a slot only receiver, but there’s a lot to like about his versatile skill set. The Eagles offence is so far from traditional that a flexible athlete like Justin will succeed all over the formation. His sure hands will be a welcome addition to a unit that has struggled to catch the football. Fans and coaches alike will love his willingness as a blocker and compete with the football in the air. Future WR1 secured.12:57
Round 2 pick 53: Matt Hennessy, C, Temple (Bryan Cameron)
Matt Hennessy may have grown up as a Giants fan but he’ll have to get use to playing them twice a year as the Eagles use the 53rd overall pick to steal away the young center. Hennessy fits what the Eagles want in a heir to Kelce. He’s athletic and can really reach his full potential in an offense like the Eagles. He’s not the biggest center but he makes up for with this consistent effort and ability to use his natural traits to win against defenders. Matt can benefit from taking a backseat until Kelce retires, what better way to start you career than learning from one of the best to ever do it?
Round 3 pick 103: Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian (Liam Jenkins)
Once expected to go in the fourth round, I’m taking no risks here and swiping ADG up early.
His athleticism is beyond explosive and he bursts off the screen when playing the run. His reaction time to fly downhill is stunning, but he is a little lean and that may hurt him at the next level.
BUT.
He only allowed 10/21 targets of 10+ yards to be completed in the last two years, earned a PFF grade of 87.1 against the run, and was used down near the line of scrimmage frequently.
In coverage, his spacing and positioning is beyond impressive. In 2019, he registered 104 tackles (14.5 TFL), five sacks, eight PBU’s, six QB hits, and an interception in 2019.
The Eagles need help at linebacker and even though I understand Howie’s reluctance to draft one, this could be the guy.
Round 4 Pick 127: Isaiah Coulter, WR, University of Rhode Island (Nick Faria)
A Rhode Island native picking one of the best Rhode Island football players being sent to the draft in recent memory. It’s not far-fetched to believe that the Eagles will draft three wideouts in this class. Coulter has a unique skill set and raw skills that could help this team in the long term. He’s fluid as a route-runner and while he doesn’t have the best route tree out of college, the upside is there to make a FCS player go in the 4th round. If the Eagles nab a mid-round wideout, Coulter would be a great choice here in round 4.
Round 4 pick 145: A.J Dillon, RB, Boston College (Chris Infante)
Do you remember? The 21st night of September?
Oh sorry, just getting some Earth, Wind, and Fire vibes from this pick. A.J. Dillon would be the Earth to Sanders’ Fire and Scott’s Wind. The 250 lb RB who scored the 3rd best RAS score among all draft-eligible RBs and best SPARQ score brings a 5.2 YPC career average to a dominant run blocking offensive line. 4th and 1 would be an automatic conversion with Wentz and Dillon.
Round 4 pick 146: Alex Highsmith, DE, Charlotte 49ers (Thomas Petersen)
Alex Highsmith has the best get-off in the class, has the hands, countermoves, and coordination between punch, bend, and lean to win the edge. He has several other decent moves in his pocket, works well with physicality and play recognition against the run, and despite playing against pretty poor competition, one of his best games were against Clemson in 2019. He could be the steal of the draft.
Round 5 pick 168: Julian Blackmon, S, Utah (Steve Beavon)
Julian Blackmon is a fantastic pick for an Eagles secondary that still needs a fair amount of work. Blackmon started off as a cornerback in his first two seasons of college ball before moving to safety in 2019 and he flourished for it. He totaled 4 interceptions in 2019 alongside 2 forced fumbles and 1,5 sacks. He’s a versatile defender who can become a really underrated piece for the Eagles defense, help to try and fill the void left behind by Malcolm Jenkins and also help a cornerback group that has struggled over the past few years.
Round 6 pick 190: Stanley Thomas-Oliver, CB, FIU (Eric Reese)
With the last pick in the Philly Sports Network seven-round mock draft, our Philadelphia Eagles select Stanley Thomas-Oliver. This cornerback selection really boils down to Thomas-Oliver and Jace Whittaker. I would be absolutely fine if the Eagles selected Whittaker over Thomas-Oliver. What makes me pull the trigger on Thomas-Oliver is his talent this deep into the NFL Draft in man coverage. His close-in speed on short and intermediate routes are a strong point, initiating contact. Whittaker may be a better tackler and plays the contain game, but I believe the Eagles need help with passing defense from their cornerbacks, not in the running game. Thomas-Oliver can play outside, but Philadelphia would be smart to get him developed to cover the slot. The slant route and crossing patterns are routine for Thomas-Oliver.
Or, Howie Roseman goes with James Morgan at quarterback since the Philadelphia Eagles always seem to draft a quarterback and he’s easily the best available this deep into the NFL Draft. Let’s live on the edge a little more and take the cornerback instead.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
