The NFL Draft is on the horizon and the Philadelphia Eagles have been hard at work preparing their roster for what could be a pivotal year. Howie Roseman currently owns the 22nd overall pick, but which positions should the Eagles be targeting in that range?
Cornerback
There’s a lot of question marks over both Darius Slay and James Bradberry. Both were retained following their 2022 efforts, but the season that followed was a very obvious step back. The unfortunate truth is that replacing either player this offseason is unlikely due to their cap hits. A decision to shift one, or both of these corners, would incite a disturbing lack of confidence given how much dead cap space they’d have to swallow.
The Eagles do have some interesting developmental options in Kelee Ringo, Josh Jobe, and Eli Ricks as well, who all flashed in a rollercoaster 2023 season.
On the flip side, finding some long-term replacements is logical, but this year’s first-round crop (within reach of pick 22) is hardly elite.
Kool-Aid McKinstry seems to lack physicality and aggression when tackling or playing the run, and Quinyon Mitchell is the more NFL-ready corner, but does seem to struggle staying in the hip-pockets of receivers, often relying on his production at the catch-point to claw him back into plays. You could make the case that both corners would be round 2/3 prospects in another class.
Nate Wiggins out of Clemson is another interesting option who has a taller frame and excels in man-coverage. He won’t play a ton of that under Fangio which should also ease concerns about his strength. If the Eagles do decide to pick a corner in the first round, Wiggins is the most likely option but I don’t think it’s the best pick.
Defensive line
The defensive front has always been a priority in Philadelphia, and the Eagles have lost both Haason Reddick and Fletcher Cox this offseason. The interior is stacked with young talent and would probably benefit from a cheap veteran to fill out the rotation, while the EDGE spots might well benefit from some off-ball linebackers who are stronger in coverage.
Chop Robinson and Laitu Latu are two names that have been linked with the Eagles this offseason, but Robinson feels fairly one dimensional as an EDGE rusher right now and Latu does struggle when setting the edge, which is a trait Reddick flashed and has been since criticized.
The Eagles might well decide to load up on pass-rushers to negate the production they’ll lose from Haason Reddick, but it feels like finding strong OLB’s and versatile EDGE guys might be the play.
Offensive line
Lane Johnson won’t be around forever and while there is an impressive young core of players at guard, depth is now lacking. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see someone like Jackson Powers-Johnson (C) or Troy Fautanu (OT) selected at 22. Alabama OT JC Latham might be the ideal prospect to come in and work behind a future Hall of Famer for a year, while simultaneously attending the Jeff Stoutland University.
The OL talent in the first-round is very strong and that won’t be lost on a GM who has long placed an emphasis on that area of the field.
Linebacker
It’s the most pressing need on the roster, but none will go in the first round. I wouldn’t mind moving back 10 spots or so to snatch Edgerrin Cooper or Payton Wilson to stop them being poached in the early stages of the second round.
Tight End
If it’s a TE the Eagles want, Brock Bowers should be available in the heart of the first round. He’s a Georgia product and by far the most talented Tight End in this year’s class.
The Eagles do need some depth behind Dallas Goedert and ideally a player who can step into his shoes when that day eventually comes. You won’t find a more NFL ready TE prospect than Bowers, who ticks every box the Eagles need him to.
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