We are officially less than a week out from the NFL Draft. Speculation has grown with every franchise. Top targets on the receiving end are currently looking for a change of scenery. And while many of my colleague’s have given multiple options for mock drafts, I’ve waited for the perfect time to give out my one and only predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft.
First let’s take a look at the current draft selections that the Eagles have heading into Thursday.
Round 1-15 (from Miami)
Round 1-18 (from New Orleans)
Round 2-51
Round 3-83
Round 3-101 (from New Orleans)
Round 4-124
Round 5-154 (from Washington)
Round 5-162
Round 5-166 (from Arizona)
Round 7-237 (from New Orleans)
So let’s get to it – who is going to be traded/drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend?
Trade:
Eagles get pick #11 from Washington
Commanders get #15, #83, & #166
Like many of my colleagues, it’s very easy to see how the draft could play out in a way that allows the Eagles to trade up and get a top-notch player. While many fans may find it difficult to see how the team could trade up for a division rival, we need to remember that is EXACTLY what happened last year. I find that happening in back-to-back years.
Round One, Pick #11 – Kyle Hamilton, Safety – Notre Dame
For over three months now, I have been pounding on the table that Kyle Hamilton will fall in this draft. Not because of poor performance, but because history dictates teams do not want to spend high draft picks on safeties. Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Derwin James are all massive examples that show Hamilton can and will fall. Eagles will have the best overall defensive player fall to them.
Round One, Pick #18 – Devonte Wyatt – DT, Georgia
People will be upset that this pick isn’t a LB or receiver, but the Eagles are who they are. They need youthful talent along the DL and Wyatt fits that bill in droves. Getting Wyatt and Hamilton in round one is a massive win for the Eagles.
Round Two, Pick# 51 – Skyy Moore – WR, Western Michigan
People have compared Skyy Moore and his style of play to Steve Smith Sr. It’s really easy to see why after you watch the tape. Moore can play both outside and in the slot, is a good route-runner, and has the speed to get behind a defense. He will most likely fall into round two, and the Eagles will be overjoyed when he gets to them.
Round Three, Pick #101 – James Cook – RB, Georgia
Miles Sanders is entering a contract year, and the Eagles need more creative speed offensively. While this pick may come as a surprise, it wouldn’t solely because it negates the need for the team to double-dip at the skill position side like many predict them to do in this class. Cook has the tools to be a complete back and would be great in this offense.
Round Four, Pick #124 – Coby Bryant – CB, Cincinnati
Bryant isn’t the same player as his former teammate in Sauce Gardner, but he can still be molded into an excellent NFL Corner. At 6’1″, he would be an excellent height and fit in Jonathan Gannon’s scheme. A secondary that adds both Bryant and Hamilton? Yes please!
Round Five, Pick #154 – Jesse Luketa – Edge, Penn St.
Luketa is a high-energy pass rusher that could be molded into a quality starter if coached right. The Eagles will most assuredly double-dip along the defensive line, so don’t be surprised with this and Wyatt at all.
Round Five, Pick# 162 – Malcolm Rodriguez – LB, Oklahoma St.
Opa! A linebacker!! Jokes aside, Rodriguez is another fast player who has good technique. The only issue with Rodriguez is his height. He’s small for a LB but that doesn’t mean he’s undraftable. This would be a solid value pick in the fifth round that can help along on special teams.
Round Seven, Pick# 237 – EJ Perry – QB, Brown
You know it’s coming. The Eagles will be drafting a QB no matter who is on the roster. It’s just the way they are. The interesting piece is that this won’t be a Clayton Thorson-type selection. Perry can play. He was highly successful at Brown and his athleticism will pair nicely for the team in a backup role.
Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire
