After the brutal way the Eagles were bounced from the playoffs, and the poor play from QB Jalen Hurts, fans will cry for a QB this offseason. I do not believe this to be an option. Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman indicated as much in the year end press conference on Jan 19,2022. That is not to say if their phone rings offering DeShaun Watson or Russell Wilson, etc, that they won’t listen. They would.
Despite fans wanting the DC to be fired (He might just be leaving the Eagles on his own accord).There is a reason Jonathan Gannon has four Head Coaching interviews lined up. He designed, what he believed to be, the best schemes to mask the deficiencies of the personnel. Obviously other franchises agreed.
There needs to be an overhaul to most of the defensive positions. The needs are dire enough that two or all three of the first round picks should be used on the defensive side of the ball. Many rounds thereafter as well.
I am only listing the positions I believe the Eagles would draft in the first round. As such; OL (outside of C) TE, RB and ST are not going to be on here. The positions listed are Edge, C, LB, CB, S, WR, QB, and DT. They allocate 23 of the 32 first round selections.
First Round Grades:
Edge (6)
1- Kayvon Thibodeaux
2- Aidan Hutchinson
3- Trayvon Walker, more from Matt Alkire
Travon Walker – In-Depth Look – Jetro Lot
Yesterday, it happened. Travon Walker and Lewis Cine finally declared for the NFL Draft and many of us let out a sigh…jetrolot.com
4- Jermaine Johnson
5- George Karlaftis
6- David Ojabo
***If they draft 2 DE’s in the first couple rounds— Myjai Sanders (rd 2)
LB (2)
1- Nakobe Dean
2- Devin Lloyd
***If they pass on a 1st rd LB — Damone Clark (rd 2)
CB (5)
1- Derek Stingley Jr.
2- Kaiir Elam
3- Ahmad Gardner
4- Andrew Booth Jr
5- Trent McDuffie
***Sleeper- Roger McCreary (rd 2)
S (2)
1- Kyle Hamilton (would require trading up)
2- Daxton Hill
***Probable round 2 options — Lewis Cine and Jaquan Brisker
C (1)
1- Tyler Linderbaum
***Others of interest, Alec Lindstrom and Cam Jurgens (who has a little Jason Kelce in him when you watch him play) both possible 3rd rounders and James Empey (4th/5th)
WR (6)
1- Treylon Burks
2- Garrett Wilson
3- Jameson Williams
4- Chris Olave
5- Jahan Dotson
6- Drake London
**One of my favorite mid round wide outs, Erik Ezukanma (projected 3rd/4th round) Big bodied (6’3 220) pass catcher. Catches with his hands(like Quez)
DT (2)
1- Jordan Davis
2- Logan Hall
3- Devonte Wyatt
*DT Phidarian Mathis (possible 2nd rd) 6’4 315 could be another option. Would the Eagles draft a DT using a first or second round pick with Fletcher Cox, Hargrave and Milton Williams in the fold? If they wanted to wait until the second round Phidarian could come right in and play. He offers a pass rush from the middle as well.
QB (3)
1- Malik Willis has the strongest arm. He’s first. My favorite since August.
2- Carson Strong is right there with Willis, some may prefer his style of play.
3- Sam Howell, has a better arm than Pickett. After discussing Jalen Hurts’ arm strength all season, I would rather not have another QB on the team with that trait in question.
4- Kenny Pickett, see above. Known for his accuracy and football acumen. Small hands.
My first round, Eagles only, mock (assuming they use all 3 picks-which would surprise me. I expect one to get pushed into 2023 for QB-Hurts ins)
15- Tyler Linderbaum
16- David Ojabo (or another Edge that falls Karlaftis?)
19- Kaiir Elam
I hated not taking Dean in the first. But if Kaiir is still there pairing a corner with Slay was just too much to pass up. Nakobe Dean is the odd man out, but first at bat if any of the others are taken. Absolutely love him! Who knew having three first round picks would still cause such difficult decisions. Good luck Howie!
As always, Thank You for reading
Follow me @PHLEagleNews
David
1/20/2022
*I am not a scout. I have compiled my list by watching film (all 22 college), talking to scouts, and speaking with coaches and other team personnel. Texas Tech and Souhern Miss have both gone above and beyond any assistance I ever expected. I appreciate them both greatly. Most of the other schools that the players on this list attended also gave me more time than I deserve. If you school is on here, I Thank You for all of your assistance as well.*