Every year the Eagles show the draft world who they are by building through the trenches, and every year most mock drafts ignore the lines. This is not one of those mocks. I agree with that approach and drafted accordingly, while also addressing positional needs. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Round 1 Pick 22- iOL, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
JPJ is powerful, plays mean, is a mauler, and a finisher. He was also the best offensive player at the Senior Bowl, despite playing through an injury.
Jackson has a strong core in pass pro and he possesses the ability to get down the field in a similar fashion to what Eagles fans have seen with their current O-line players and running schemes. He is also extremely agile and efficient. He reacts quickly and with ease, wasting very little movement.
If the Eagles want to invest in the trenches with someone to protect and grow with Jalen Hurts while anchoring their line for the next decade, JPJ will be the selection. Powers-Johnson allowed 0 sacks & only 1 pressure this past season with Oregon.
Other options in RD1 could include Troy Franklin, Laiatu Latu, Quinyon Mitchell, Kamren Kinchens, Cooper DeJean, Terrion Arnold, and Bralen Trice.
Round 2 Pick 40 EDGE/DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
*Trade picks 50, 53, and 159 to Washington for 40 and 67*
Darius was a team Captain at Missouri and displays the traits that usually transfer well to the NFL. He is explosive and long at 6’5, with a reported 84-inch wingspan. Darius showcases strong violent hands, a high motor, stays level, & high production.
This season he had 8.5 Sacks and 12 Tackles For Loss. Robinson has every tool in his belt and all of the traits NFL GMs salivate over. If the Eagles re-sign Brandon Graham he will be on a farewell tour, Haason Reddick and Josh Sweat are both free agents in 2025. Edge is a big need.
Other Edge options in RD2 could include Chris Braswell and Brandon Dorlus.
Round 3 Pick 67-WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
Another receiver? Yes, please! The lack of depth was on display during the Eagles Wild Card loss when they were without AJ Brown. Kellen Moore utilizes WR3 more than OC the Eagles have had since Jalen Hurts was drafted, so an upgrade is needed.
Known as a YAC Monster for his elusive nature in breaking tackles. He’s not just great at gaining yards after the catch, but historically great! In 2022, per PFF, Malachi forced the most missed tackles (40) since they started tracking the stat in 2014. An astounding 2,000 of his 3,000 yards at Western Kentucky were after the catch.
He is powerful, and fast, has a wide catch radius, and sets DBs up to create even more space. Malachi would be the best WR3 the Eagles have had, and with his sure hands, 13 drops on 361 targets, and play-making ability once he has the ball, the offense would have the potential to be one the best in the NFL.
Other options could include Ladd McConkey, Tyler Nubin, Xavier Leggette, Jeremiah Trotter Jr, Edgerrin Cooper, Javon Bullard, Payton Wilson, and Zach Frazier.
Round 3 Pick 97 DL Braden Fiske, Florida St
Fiske had a dominating week at the Senior Bowl showcasing his violent, quick, & strong hands. Braden consistently knocks OLs back utilizing leverage and an understanding of how to respond to getting off blocks. His long arms, strong footwork, and relentless motor would pair well with the Eagle’s interior defense.
Other options in RD 3 could include Junior Colson, Payton Wilson, Michael Hall Jr, Kris Abrams-Draine, Adisa Isaac, and Mike Sainristil.
Round 4 Pick 105 S Beau Brade, Maryland
*Trade 2025 3rd round pick and 170 for picks 105 and 138 with LAC*
It would be a surprise if the Eagles did not address safety in a big way during free agency, but they still need more. And Beau Brade is a lot more. Brade has very good range, great instincts, and is always around the ball. He can cover, create turnovers, and will rise to the challenge when playing top talent. It has been a long time since Philadelphia had a pain inflictor manning the field that made opposing receivers nervous. Brade is an intimidating playmaker!
Other options in RD4 could include Luke McCaffrey, Kamal Hadden, Malik Washington, Tykee Smith, Dominick Puni, Khyree Jackson, Jalen McMillan, and Jamari Thrash.
Round 4 pick 134 RB Dylan Laube New Hampshire
*Trade picks 169 and 177 for pick 134 with Cleveland*
Dylan is one of, if not the best, route runners in the RB class, and he catches almost everything thrown his way. His ability as a receiving threat coupled with his elusive running ability is an intriguing weapon to the team that drafts him and presents a dangerous problem to opposing defensive coordinators. His versatility and dynamic play-making ability will be coming to an NFL team near you later this year. The Eagle could benefit from such talent and they love cost-controlled running backs.
Round 5 Pick 138 LB Trevin Wallace, Kentucky
A lot of fans want an LB drafted much higher, but the Eagles have a lot of holes to fill, and if they get a competent LB in free agency they can pair him with this Kentucky standout. Trevin was clocked at a speed of 19.42 and offers a lot more than just speed. Another team Captain, Trevin has no quit in him and pursues ball-carriers with a purpose & uses angles well. He is extremely physical & a very sure tackler. Trevin has also been a special teams monster.
Other options in RD5 could include Nehemiah Pritchett, Javon Foster, Javion Cohen, Sione Vaki, Jaylan Ford, Jaylen Wright, and Ben Sinnott.
Round 6 pick 188 CB Willie Drew, Virginia St
One of my favorite players most have not heard of, yet. Willie has been the best player on the field a lot during his college career but will need coaching and a little patience for him to realize his full potential in the NFL. Howie likes to draft corners in the later rounds that have traits, and Willie has a lot of them. He is fast, tracks the ball well, plays a physical game, exudes confidence, and is strong versus the run. A year of development could catapult Drew into a starting role with the Birds.
Other options in RD6 could include Andru Phillips, Joe Milton, Sam Hartman, Theo Johnson, Malik Mustapha, Xavier Thomas, and Dallin Hooker
Eagles Mock Draft: The Regrets
Not many. I wanted to draft someone to take over for Jason Kelce whether he retires this year or not, and JPJ does that. He is the best Center in this draft or next, and when you have a chance to draft the best, you take it. I
loved drafting WR3 and adding the value that a young cost-controlled weapon to partner with AJ and Smitty brings, but admittedly that selection was also my biggest struggle. I went back and forth with WR or Tyler Nubin a lot.
I also had a hard time deciding between DL Braden Fiske, OT Roger Rosengarten, and CB Mike Sainristil. Other than those, I stayed true to my board and feel great with Beau Brade and Willie Drew being added to the DB room. I am also very high on Trevin Wallace, but I know most would have wanted to draft an LB higher.
As always, thank you for reading!
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