The Eagles are set to make their first-round selection on Thursday night as the NFL Draft kicks off. While the first round is probably the most important selection for the Birds, it’s the following rounds that will truly make or break their draft. Obvious statement, I know, but there’s more to that statement than meets the eye.
In recent years the Eagles have had very strong selections after the first round but not all of them have panned out for the greater good. In a year where the Super Bowl window is this wide open, Philadelphia has to hit on these other rounds for the sake of depth and their future. Last year they selected Tyler Steen, Sydney Brown, and Kelee Ringo. We know what they have in their young defensive backs but the jury is still out on Steen.
The year prior they selected Cam Jurgens, who is now their starting center, Nakobe Dean, Kyron Johnson, and Gran a Calcaterra. It’s fair to say that the jury is still out on everyone except for Jurgens. In 2021, they selected Milton Williams, Zech McPhearson, Kenny Gainwell, and Marlon Tuipulotu. A strong core in the middle of their draft but inconsistency has plagued this group. Williams is the only one who’s gotten recognizably better each year.
This leaves us with the 2024 NFL Draft. As I’ve mentioned before, the Eagles don’t have a true need at the moment due to their depth but they have a void in talent at key positions. With that said, who should be on top of the Eagles wishlist for this year’s draft?
Premier Guys
The first round is going to be the Eagles’ most criticized move this season. This player will be under scrutiny until they succeed and the franchise will be under heavier scrutiny if they fail. On top of their wishlist should be players like Terrion Arnold, Quinyon Mitchell, Nate Wiggins, Cooper Dejean, Laiatu Latu, Byron Murphy, and Chop Robinson.
Yes, they are all defensive players which is what Philadelphia needs the most. The Eagles’ offense is stacked and loaded with talent and if they truly want an offensive lineman to develop then this class is deep enough to where they can find a stud in the second or third round.
They need to start developing the future of their defense and that starts now. Taking any of the young corners has its benefits as long as the Eagles commit to developing them. A pass rusher like Latu or Robinson would be great to fill the void of Haason Reddick as a rotational piece this season.
The Diamonds in the Rough
After the first round, the Eagles can find another starter on defense like Edgerrin Cooper or Payton Wilson. Although Wilson’s injury history could scare the team away. They could even fish for a pass rusher like Marshawn Kneeland or Chris Braswell if they want to trade up in the second round. If they don’t go for a cornerback in the first round then the second does provide some decent options in Max Melton and TJ Tampa.
They could also look to add a safety here. The Eagles have been rumored to be enamored with the Georgia football program so why not add a player like Javon Bullard in the second round? While my focus has been on defense thus far, the offense can also add some gems in the second or third round. Players like Patrick Paul, and Roger Rosengarten will be available to be the understudy of Lane Johnson.
It could also be a prime position to add a third wide receiver. Players like Malachi Corley, Ricky Pearsall, Troy Franklin, and Keon Coleman will be available in the second round but I feel like a player like Luke McCaffrey can be had later in the draft if the 49ers don’t get cute with trying to add the brother of their running back.
Now I know the Eagles do not have a third-round pick but that means nothing to Howie Roseman. If Roseman wants a player that’s still available in the third round then he’s going to get that player. Players that would be great for the Eagles to select in the third would be Jeremiah Trotter Jr, Brenden Rice, Cooper Bebe, and Blake Fisher.
The Other Guys
From the 4th round to the 7th round, Philadelphia has to keep their foot on the gas. Players they should target are Luke McCaffrey, Bucky Irving, Mohamed Kamara, Malik Washington, Frank Gore Jr, Xavier Thomas, and Jaylon Carlies. These players have the potential to make an instant impact as rotational pieces with the ceiling of possibly starting.
The other guys are a key group because of how much the Eagles will need to depend on depth down the stretch. Adding a pass rusher like Kamara or Thomas could help spell some of the vets at times while a Bucky Irving or Luke McCaffrey can change the game on offense with a single play. It’s not about where you get drafted in the NFL, it’s about what you do once you hit the field that determines who you are.
All the players I mentioned can have a significant impact not only this Eagles season but for years to come. If the Eagles were to select at least half of these players then I would label the draft as a huge win.
Who’s on your Eagles’ Draft wish list?
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