The 7 Draft Picks:
Behold the mastery.
I know you have looked at it twice and wondered how it all came together.
Well, I made as many deals as trader Howie, that’s how.
The Eagles are a team with Super Bowl aspirations, so I needed a draft with a blend of talent for today, promise for tomorrow, and players who have the potential to be a (star)ters in the future. After reading, you be the judge and let me know if I accomplished that.
The Players:
RD1 15- Calijah Kancey
Some are worried about his arm length, others his weight, but nobody questions the explosive first step and interior pressure he has brought.
The Skills:
The First Step:
The Comparison:
Nobody should get ahead of themselves with expectations of the next Aaron Donald, and it is unfair to Calijah to make such a leap, but the ability and skill level are eye-opening to projecting the potential he has, and the player he can be.
Why He Makes Sense:
The Eagles value the lines more than any other team in the league, they are also not averse to drafting a player based on their athleticism.
They have a need for an interior defensive lineman, and he is one of the best in this draft. The best player available meets needs, which equals a beautiful marriage.
RD1 24- Nolan Smith
First off, if you weren’t impressed by just watching his games, well, that all changed at the combine.
He opened everyone’s eyes.
When Howie covets a player in the first round, he has not been afraid to move up and get him.
And it just so happens, Defensive End is a position Howie and the Eagles covet. Smith is a player that seems tailor-made to pique their interest and a talent they would be willing to move up for.
Some believe Nolan will go top 10, others do not believe he is worthy of being a first-rounder. But if Howie can secure the 2nd best edge rusher in the draft with a small move up from 30, you better believe he’s going to do it.
The Ability:
The Playmaking:
The Leader:
How he stacks up against others in the class:
Why He Makes Sense:
Much like Calijah, the Eagles not only aren’t afraid to gamble on athleticism, they seemingly prefer it. He is one of the most athletic edge rushers in recent memory.
The Eagles have also had an up-close look at a player with a similar skill set for the past year.
Nolan and Reddick coming of the edge is a nightmare for any defensive coordinator.
In addition, Smith is a champion and would join former Georgia Champions on the Eagles which should make his transition to the NFL easier and faster. Not that he is going to need any assistance terrorizing offenses for the next 5-10 years.
RD2 45- Cody Mauch
PFF grades drafting Mauch at 45 with an F, but I think it’s an A+.
I love him, Stoutland loves him, and you are going to love him.
Cody can play every position on the line, which is a very valuable asset, and in this draft, he is the most versatile OL.
Mauch has the feet and agility to be your RG, your RT, or anything else you need him to be.
He plays with an explosive physicality and violence that is rare in today’s game.
The Nickname:
The Talent, and uh, Hair:
The Praise:
Why He Makes Sense:
The Eagle’s preferences are beginning to sound like a broken record, but that does not make them any less true.
They have enjoyed having one of the best o-lines in football since line Coach Jeff Stoutland arrived in 2013.
They have had consistency, while also dominating at the position.
Mauch has the ability to play any position on the line, so he would first serve as an insurance policy while being coached up for the eventual replacement at guard or tackle.
Stoutland has indicated that he likes Cody, and much like last year when he (and Kelce) had their draft crush on Cam Jurgens, Stout gets what Stout wants.
What GM wouldn’t want to keep cultivating the talent that the OL has provided?
This selection would seem to be a no brainer.
Whatever position he eventually settles into, he will be playing on the line and the team for a long while!
RD2 55- Sydney Brown
I wanted both Devon Witherspoon and Sydney from Illinois, but I’m thrilled to draft one.
After the CJGJ negotiations broke down, Howie pivots to find a replacement in the draft.
Right?
But who can make an impact versus the run and have the ability to create turnovers as well?
Meet Sydney Brown.
In coverage:
Vs Run:
The Blitz:
Why He Makes Sense:
Sydney displays above-average range, and closing speed while possessing reliable hands to create turnovers and make game-changing plays.
Not only is he one of the best players available in the draft at this spot, but he also serves a need and could provide immediate impact for their defense.
Brown looks ready to see the field sooner rather than later.
RD3 65- Marvin Mims
Call me crazy, but I think the Eagles will draft a wideout on day one or two. I would truly consider Njigba at 10, but that’s a discussion for another day. I can’t take the abuse, see #SuperOffense post below. Yes, it was a joke. Kinda. I guess.
Back to Marvin Mims.
Maybe 65th overall is a little early, but I was tired of doing trades and I did not want to lose him. Zay Flowers went 30 picks higher, and Mims could be just as productive.
Mims has excellent hands, elite speed, and elite body control, while he racks up the YAC.
The BIG play ability:
The Self Awareness & Body Control:
As an added bonus, he can also return punts. He did not return enough in 2022 to be qualified statistically, but if he had returned enough to qualify, Marvin would have led the Big 12 in return yards per punt with 15.2.
Why He Makes Sense:
He brings a big play dynamic to the offense while also providing to be an insurance policy if AJ or DeVonta were to go down injured.
We have seen what the team looks like without any elite receivers, with only one, and this past season, with 2.
I prefer 2.
Marvin assuages my fears in that regard.
As mentioned above, Mims is a duel threat who can also return punts.
He is an exciting player to watch whenever the ball is in his hand!
RD4 121- Tre’Vius Hodges- Tomlinson
The Eagles have been stockpiling late-round corners who were all 6 feet 190 ish pounds to no avail, so it’s time to get back to what worked and what was successful.
Drafting a corner who is 5’9 183 lbs.
A corner in the mold of Avonte Maddox.
The Instincts:
The Hands and Route Recognition:
The Recovery:
Why He Makes Sense:
@GregHartPA wrote a great piece you should read if you already haven’t, regarding how the Eagles draft a year ahead.
Avonte Maddox is technically signed thru 2025, but they can save $7.5M by designating him as a post-June 1 cut as early as next off-season.
With a CB room as expensive as theirs, having someone eventually slide into Maddoxs’ role at slot corner on a rookie deal could be very appealing.
LaDainian Tomlinson’s nephew looks to be a great fit for a team willing to invest in a nickel/slot corner. For this mock, that team was the Eagles.
RD5 149- Dorian Williams
Williams was a 3-year starter and also a team captain, a trait the Eagles have valued in the last couple of drafts.
Diagnosing and Executing:
Clutch:
Praise:
Why He Makes Sense:
The Eagles have a young linebacker room, and a young linebacker, Nakobe Dean, that he could pair with while bringing stability and continuity to a position that historically has a lot of turnover.
The Eagles do not usually draft a linebacker with a high-valued pick, so this type of player and value in round 5 is just too much to pass on. And acquiring him at this spot may prove to have been wishful thinking.
He has the talent to be a top-100 selection. I have seen him as high as 94 and as low as 194 in mocks. The Eagles would maybe have to invest a higher pick on him if they had an interest.
Conclusion:
Most of this draft has been identifying building blocks for the future while also being cognizant that this team is a contender right now.
I believe Howie will do that as well, and do a better job than I just did.
Some of the why behind the what.
I didn’t bring in an outside corner because Slay and Bradberry will be manning the positions for 2 or more seasons and the addition of Greedy joining Jobe, Zech, etc. has me feeling comfortable to wait another year.
2024, CB or bust!
Not drafting an OL in the first round is basically for the same reason as CB. They have a set line-up and using a 1st-round pick on a player that would sit all season unless thrown into duty prematurely due to injury did not seem to be the best allocation of resources for a Super Bowl-contending team.
Mauch in round two checked off every box in my opinion.
I also didn’t bother drafting a QB or a Punter (sorry Greg)
If the Eagles chose to go 8 picks and prioritize a QB in this draft they have plenty of 2024 ammunition to deal an RD5 or 6 draft pick to do so.
Jaren Hall, DTR, Malik Cunningham, and Stetson Bennet would also seemingly profile into a backup role that the Eagles could have some interest in.
If I had one regret from this mock, it is not drafting a running back.
I like Tank Bigsby, Zach Charbonnet, and of course Bijan, to name a few.
I do think the Eagles could choose to use a round 2 or 3 pick on an RB.
I am putting my hopes in the hands of Penny, Boston, Gainwell, Sermon, and any free agent that is available during the season if an injury arises that creates a need.
Please, let me know your thoughts.
I would love all feedback on what could have been done differently, or better, and if you agree with a few!