The Eagles are only days away from the second NFL Draft under Head Coach Nick Sirianni. While all of Philadelphia is expecting a defense-heavy first round, I’m of the mindset that Howie can and will go for different position for the third year in a row. Curious to know who and why? Take a look at my latest mock draft below.
Pick 15 Garrett Wilson WR, Ohio State
It’s not a secret that the Eagles were seconds away from acquiring WR Calvin Ridley from the Falcons this offseason but due to a couple of parlays and the uptight NFL culture, Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 season. Now the Eagles are in a position to get a talent that can be just as good as Ridley. Wilson is a nice mix of Calvin Ridley and CeeDee Lamb. Pair him with a more developed Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith and you have magic in South Philly.
Trade! The Buffalo Bills offered picks 25, 89, and 168 in exchange for picks 18 and 101.
Pick 25 Andrew Booth Jr CB, Clemson
It’s been too long since the Eagles drafted a sure-fire talent at the cornerback position. Especially in the first round. If Booth truly does fall in the draft then the Eagles trading back is a win-win. Booth will help the transition of Slay moving on while solidifying the team with a franchise CB.
Trade! The Eagles offered picks 51 and 154 in exchange for the 35th pick in the draft.
Pick 35 Jaquan Brisker S, Penn State
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.
Trade! The Baltimore Ravens offered to trade back. The offer is the 76th pick in exchange for picks 124 and a 2022 third-round pick.
Pick 76 Cole Strange OL, Chattanooga
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 83 Channing Tindall LB, Georgia
I know what you’re saying. This is the wrong LB out of Georgia but I beg to differ. Channing is a talent just like Dean and Walker. He has great instincts and athleticism at the LB position. Tindall can rush the passer when needed and hold his own in pass coverage which is needed for the Eagles.
Pick 89 James Cook RB, Georgia
Let’s stay in Georgia folks! Where the peaches are ripe and the next pick is RIGHT! James Cook, the younger brother of Dalvin Cook, is a necessary piece that the Eagles could use. His ability to split out wide and win on his routes would be a huge wrinkle for the Eagles’ offense. A talented back that could compliment Gainwell and Sanders better than Boston Scott.
Pick 162 Haskell Garrett DT, Ohio State
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 Erik Ezukanma WR, Texas Tech
A big slot receiver at 6’2” that could spell Zach Pascal when needed. He can handle his contested catches against cornerbacks which is an absolute need. He has a quick release that allows him to win one on one.
Pick 168 Christopher Allen Edge, Alabama
Howie Roseman loves his twitchy guys and Allen is just that. He’s able to win on the edge with his hands and strength. Allen did suffer a season-ending injury in his senior year but when healthy he could be a good rotational piece for the Eagles.
Pick 237 Derion Kendrick CB, Georgia
The Eagles could use some young legs in the secondary that can hold their own. Kendrick is the right player to bring in to compete with the other corners for a permanent place on the roster. Kendrick has great awareness in the secondary and has enough talent to play on special teams. The Eagles are in the market for a Kick Returner, so why not draft one in the late rounds?
Photo by John Byrum/Icon Sportswire
