It’s about that time again, Eagles fans! With the NFL draft only a couple of weeks away, I feel like it’s the right time to get a mock together and see how we can fill the needs of the Philadelphia Eagles. They’ve had a bit of an underwhelming Free Agency and will need to focus on covering their holes with some youth. Let’s start with the first round:
Pick 15: George Karlaftis, Edge,
There should be no question as to who the best Edge rusher in this draft class is. Sprinkle that with the fact that he’s available at the 15th pick is all too wholesome for Howie Roseman to pass up.
George Karlaftis will be the apple of Howie’s eye in this draft as the former Purdue product had a stellar season where he finished the season with 14 sacks, 97 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles.
Pick 18: Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
The Eagles desperately need a WR2 for Hurts to succeed. While the dream may have been Wilson, Olave is just as good. He brings the necessary wrinkle that this offense needs from the WR group.
Chris Olave finished the 2021 season with fair numbers while lining up opposite Garret Wilson. He turned in 65 receptions for 936 yards and 13 touchdowns. Olave is a nice compliment to DeVonta Smith as he is just as smooth of a route runner with great ball skills.
TRADE – Eagles send 2021 2nd round pick (51) and 2021 3rd round pick (101) to the Lions for the 34th overall pick.
Pick 34: Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
While Eagles Twitter would much rather select an LB in the early rounds, I’m of the mindset that the White and Reddick signing changes that strategy. This brings us to the next important position on defense, Safety. Trading up for Jaquan Brisker is the right move if you’re sold on the Penn State product.
He played injured throughout the 2021 season but having a player with the caliber of play is necessary for the Eagles’ defense to grow. Brisker is a fierce competitor with quick speed and great technique.
Pick 83: Cole Strange, OL
Cole Strange will be a very good sneaky pick-up in the third round. Strange could be the heir to Jason Kelce’s throne. We spoke to Cole not too long ago on Flippin’ the Birds, and he spoke briefly on the transition to center during the Senior Bowl. Strange would bring another dynamic level of versatility to an offensive line that’s growing each season.
Pick 124: Coby Bryant, CB
Coby Bryant could be a steal at this point in the draft. The Cincinnati product tallied 10 interceptions during his time as a Bearcat. He has the will to get better and the talent to hold his own as a future CB2. Bryant is instinctive and disruptive with great ball skills.
Pick 154: Damone Clark, LB
Clark was projected to be a 2nd round pick and is one of the top LB prospects in the draft but, unfortunately, has undergone Spinal fusion surgery. The recovery time will keep Clark out for the entire 2022 season, but that could be a huge win for the Eagles if he falls this far.
Clark had 135 tackles last season, with 15 of them going for loss and 5 of them being sacks. He also had one interception and two forced fumbles. Damone has a high motor that the Eagles coaching staff would love to have around and is a great open-field tackler.
Pick 162: Haskell Garrett, DT
The Eagles love to build in the trenches and bringing in Haskell as a rotational piece would be beneficial for this defense. Adding more bodies in the middle of the defensive line is necessary at this point in the Eagles’ retooling stage. With the future of Cox up in the air and a big 2nd year coming for Milton Williams, Haskell could help ease the transition for the birds.
Pick 166: Isaac Taylor-Stuart, CB
Eagles fans were sold on Jonathan Gannon’s ability to get the best out of players in his secondary. Taylor-Stuart would be the perfect developmental corner for him to show Philly what the rest of the NFL sees. Isaac has everything you want in a premier cornerback but lacks the physicality and technique to get there. His speed and athletic ability mirror the top receivers in this draft. If Gannon can turn this kid into a starting cornerback, then the Eagles could have a true diamond in the rough with Isaac Taylor-Stuart.
Pick 237: Kevin Harris, RB
A between the tackles downhill runner is what the Eagles need and what they can get with their last pick. Harris is a bruising back that welcomes physicality. If paired with Gainwell and Sanders, Harris could spell them on early downs if needed and at the goal line. He can move the chains and is known for having great ball security.
