The chances that the Eagles use all 3 of their first round picks would seem to be slim to none. Howie even eluded to that during the combine when he stated he didn’t NEED to use them all. That sounded like an open invitation to all buyers. With the intention of soliciting offers completed, the Eagles are open for business, as ususal.
I am not going to speculate which teams Howie makes a trade with, other than to say in the first round it will probably be one of the QB needy franchises. It seems likely the Eagles end up with an extra first in 2023 and an additional 2nd in 2022. This would still allow them to draft 5 of the first 83 players.
Need an EDGE:
Round One: Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Trevon Walker, Jermaine Johnson, David Ojabo, and George Karlaftis
Defensive End in the first round is a lock.
I want and edge rusher who has impressed at the Senior Bowl, the combine, and most importantly, on tape. Jermaine is a player rising up draft boards. I want Jermaine Johnson. I have been steadfast in Ojabo or Jermaine since Decemeber. I love both of them, but would lean Jermaine. Eagles seem to be smitten with Ojabo.
Tier Two: N/A, they have to make a day one selection. A Second day player would just be bonus depth. Ebikeite, Myjai Sanders, or GA DT Devonte Wyatt. Probable day 3 DE, Jeffrey Gunter and LB/Edge hybrid Jesse Luketa should both interest the Birds as well. I’d bet on the Eagles drafting 2 edge rushers or 1 edge 1 DT within the top 75 pics.
Need a S:
Round One: Kyle Hamilton, then everyone else. Daxton Hill
Tier Two: Lewis Cine, Jaquan Brisker, Jalen Pitre, or probable day 3 Leon O’Neal Jr.
If Hamilton isn’t one of the first five picks selected, I would move up and get him. Even at the expense of two firsts. He is that good. I think he is the best player in the 2022 NFL draft.
Need a LB:
Round One: Nakobe Dean or Devin Lloyd
Tier Two- Chad Muma, Quay Walker, Christian Harris, Channing Tindall
I have recently written of using the Eagles past tendencies to project their future actions. “When a team shows you who they are, believe them!”
What I Learned, Looking Back On My 2021 NFL Eagles Mock Draft
The good, the bad, the indifferentmedium.com
But this year, all bets are off! They have 3 first round picks, and an opportunity to move all around the board to select whatever they want.
LB position analysis: The Eagles really like TJ Edwards. So much so, that when Howie spoke about the position during the combine, TJ was the only LB he mentioned. The Eagles know they have a dire need at this position. They have seen the value of the position wearing a Cowboys uniform. I think this could be the year they finally take a LB in round one. Lloyd or Dean are both worthy, and both capable of changing the entire complexion of the position.
Need a CB:
Round One: Derek Stingley Jr., Ahmad Gardner, Trent McDuffie, Andrew Booth Jr., Kaiir Elam
Tier Two- Tariq Woolen, Kyler Gordon
If the Eagles are serious about fixing this position, Stingley Jr could be the pick. He may be there at 15, or only require a small move up. Gardner is great, but will probably be a top 10 pick. If Elam fell to a day two selection (ala Kevin King in 2017) the Eagles should pounce. He is only 20 years old and has a high ceiling. I have Kaiir ranked as a first round talent in the draft. I also really like later round option Tariq Woolen. It appears there is a lot of upside there to like. He could end up being a steal if he falls into the 3rd round.
Need a WR:
Top Tier- Treylon Burks. For me its Burks in the first round, or wait until later. The Eagles may see it differently. If so; Garrett Wilson Drake London, Chris Olave, Jameson Williams are all first rounders.
Tier Two- Jahan Dotson, David Bell, Skyy Moore, Erik Ezukanma, and Jalen Tolbert. If the Eagles don’t select a wide out in round one, Bell or Skyy in round 2 or Ezuk in the third or very early 4th makes a lot of sense.
The Eagles free agent plan will alter the draft in many ways. The front office could choose to accommodate DeVonta Smith by paying a wide receiver on the open market versus using a high value draft pick.
2022 Philadelphia Eagles Free Agent Wish List
The Eagles are heading into the 2022 NFL Draft loaded with 10 picks, including three first-rounders for the first time…medium.com
15- Jermaine Johnson, edge. need it.
25- Nakobe Dean (It’s time) I think everyone would be just as happy with Devin Lloyd as well. Dean would play the same role with the Eagles, Lloyd would have to adjust some. They’re both great. Get one!
33- Devonte Wyatt – Building through the lines is a core belief.
53- Jalen Pitre- They need a S in this defensive scheme, they get one.
90- Skyy Moore The Eagles are very high on Quez. I am too, but I would want to stockpile as many weapons as I could.
- Draft # selection is just an approx. Again, I am not trying to speculate who Howie trades with and where each exact pick ends up. Just a general range. Five of the first 100 picks should easily be attained.
Admittedly this is a defensive heavy mock, for a team that just doesn’t draft many defensive players this high. It also seems like a top heavy defensive draft in general. The value may be in the offensive players that fall in the 95–150 range.
OL’s Cole Strange, Cade Mays, James Empey, Cameron Jurgens
TE’s Jeremy Ruckert, Cade Otton, Cole Turner and Lucas Krull
RB’s Jerome Ford, Brian Robinson Jr., Dameon Pierce, Hassan Haskins
The Eagles like value, so maybe they play this draft the way it falls, and select a combination of best player available meets positional need.
Jermaine– The Eagles need an Edge, Jermaine is a good one to have.
Nakobe could be available in the early 20’s. If Howie reads the board that way, move down a couple spots and earn a higher 2nd or 3rd round selection.
Devonte Wyatt Would be able to contribute from day one. Possesses elite quickness for a 315 lb man. If he adds more strength and a bull rush to the aresenal, he will be an elite DT, period.
Jalen Pitre One of the better safety’s, not named Hamilton, in the draft. I have him ranked around 50th overall.
Skyy Moore Wide receiver is a bigger need than it should be, but if you’re looking at the position and seeing more than 2 starting caliber wideouts, I would disagree. They will probably have 5 WR’s on the final roster. Smith, Quez, and Reagor. JJaw could make the team for his special team efforts alone. I hope they draft a wideout in rounds 2–4 (Skyy or Ezukanma) AND add a veteran. DeVonta Smith has stated how invaluable it would be for him to learn from a seasoned pro. The Eagles should accomadate him.
The only caveat to this list for me would be if Stingley or Gardner fall to a level the Eagles feel comfortable moving up for. They could then address the LB position in the 50 range with Chad Muma or Christian Harris OR pick 83 with Quay Walker or Channing Tindall.
Five positions. Five players. A franchise altering draft awaits.
Let me know your thoughts and as always, thank you for reading.
David 3/10/2022
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