The NFL Draft is now just days away, which means it’s time for a few last-ditch efforts at projecting what Howie Roseman might have up his sleeve for the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday evening.
Round 1, pick 22: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
While I’m not as high on Nate Wiggins as I am Terrion Arnold, there is something to be said for being smart with the tandem of second-round picks the Eagles have. Wiggins might not be the best corner of this year’s class, but he’s at least solid enough to warrant a selection here.
The Clemson corner is only 20-years-old and is arguably the best tackler of at his position in this Draft. While his speed (in my eyes) struggles to convert to the field on tape, and his technique is going to need a lot of polishing, there is plenty of growing room for that to happen.
The Eagles don’t need a cornerback to come in and start right away and Wiggins, if allowed the time to develop and learn under guys like Darius Slay, could benefit greatly from that situation.
TRADE:
Cardinals trade: Pick 27
Eagles trade: Pick 50, Pick 161, 2025 3rd rounder, RB Kenny Gainwell
The Eagles see an opportunity to move up into the first round and snag a tackle they’ve had their eye on for a while. The Cardinals need running back help, Kenny Gainwell is in his final year, and we know the Eagles recently added Saquon Barkley to their backfield. This trade allows the Eagles to reset the backfield behind Saquon as well as move up to select…
Round 1, pick 27: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Lane Johnson has been mentoring Tyler Guyton for a while now and this was made apparent at The Senior Bowl. Those Oklahoma ties run deep and Guyton could well be following in the footsteps of the Philly great.
The Eagles allowed Jason Kelce to choose his future heir to the Throne and if they give Johnson that same opportunity, Guyton is likely to be the name chosen. At 6’7, 328 lbs, he’s an absolute behemoth and has only made 14 starts in his college career. Another young prospect at 21-years-old, he’s already a lab-built athlete with all the tools needed to develop into one of the league’s best, and would be the perfect candidate for Stoutland University.
Round 2, pick 53: Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky
Some might consider this a reach for Trevin Wallace, but I think there’s a legit case to be made for him being taken this early, especially if Edgerrin Cooper is taken higher than anticipated and it starts a run at the position.
Wallace is just as impressive as Payton Wilson on tape but doesn’t come with the looming injury concerns. While he doesn’t have the same athleticism Wilson clearly does, he more than makes up for it with some frankly ridiculous instincts. He rarely puts a foot wrong in coverage, is a willing tackler, and makes big plays when the lights are brightest.
Round 4, pick 120: Jalyx Hunt, EDGE, Houston Christian
This is a wildcard selection, but Jalyx Hunt is simply a ridiculous athlete who also is pretty handy when it comes to dropping into coverage. That’s the kind of prototype the Eagles need, and for the time being, the top of the position is cemented, giving the team time to develop a player with some raw traits.
Jalyx posted a RAS score of 9.37 out of 10, showcasing just how explosive he can be. While he does lack some size and strength, this is someone who could be an absolute menace on 3rd down and special teams in the early stages of his career, and a player who could profile as a real force to be reckoned with at multiple spots if his body of work translates to the NFL level.
Round 5, pick 171: Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State
At 6’2, 241 lbs, Bell looks more like an X-receiver than a TE, but he runs like a shifty running back. The YAC potential Bell brings to the table is insane, averaging 12.9 yards per catch for FSU in 2023 by lining up all over the line of scrimmage.
The Eagles need depth behind Dallas Goedert and Bell is a player who can force defenses to pay attention to him. Even if he’s a little rigid as a route-runner, his soft hands and explosive strides will be very problematic in an offense with so many weapons already.
Round 5, pick 172: Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
Out with the old, in with the new. Isaac Guerendo has flown under the radar throughout the draft process. His stat line isn’t mind boggling – 810 rushing yards and 234 receiving yards in 2023, but this is a running back who scored a 9.90 RAS score out of 10. He’s as feisty as anyone in this class with the ball in his hands, but also has enough bulk to his frame to push through contact and be effective in pass-protection. It’s not often you find backs that can do both.
While he does lack that initial burst you’d like to see out of a running back and get a little jittery when reading blocks, he’s a player that can do it all and relies on his vision to make up for that lack of pop, which isn’t a bad thing.
He’s a little older and does have a slightly worrying injury history, but for a fifth-round selection, it’s worth a punt knowing he’s rarely ever going to be expected to be the lead back in Philadelphia.
Round 6, pick 210: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
Ainias Smith feels like the perfect slot receiver to thrive under Kellen Moore. He’s a versatile wideout who constantly turned nothing plays into home-run hits for the Aggies. Smith should provide the Eagles with a twitchy playmaker who has game-breaking speed as well as a reliable pair of hands, as well as sprinkling in some special teams upside.
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
