There are only 2 positions I would move up for in the 2024 NFL Draft; Edge or Corner. The Eagles have not drafted a corner in round one in over 20 years, but they do make moves for the trenches. One of the trades I would make would be to move up 5–7 spots for EDGE. Terrion Arnold or Nate Wiggins would be my target if they surprisingly went corner.
The Draft:
20 (From Tampa Bay) Bralen Trice EDGE Washington
Trade:
Much like in 2021 when Howie and the Eagles moved up for DeVonta Smith, I am doing the same, and using a 2025 third-round pick to get an impactful, large, Edge.
The Player:
Big and powerful. 6’4 269. Some of the measurables, arm length, etc, could cause Bralen to drop within range for the Eagles to make a move up to strike. Bralen is the type of EDGE I would want to go with the speedy Nolan Smith and Josh Reddick. He uses an array of moves to get to the QB, swim, etc, but it is his power that sends blockers backward and opens up the lane to take a shot at the QB. He is always a nuisance in the backfield.
The Playmaking:
Why It Makes Sense:
He would be a perfect compliment to the rushers the Eagles currently have and provide much-needed high-end depth for the rotation, which they so desperately missed in 2023.
50- Jackson Powers-Johnson iOL Oregon
The Player:
The Eagles value the trenches more than any team in the league and Jackson is the best interior lineman in the draft. He is versatile, can play both C and G and he has the traits that Coach Stoutland loves to have on the roster.
The Playmaking:
Why It Makes Sense:
Philadelphia Eagles 3rd round pick, Tyler Steen, has barely seen the field all season despite Cam Jurgens missing 6 games. JPJ can play from day one.
JPJ would give the Eagles a camp battle for C/G if Kelce retires. How successful have the Eagles been drafting Kelce’s replacements in the past? Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens both share that distinction.
71 (From LAC) Byron Murphy II DT Texas
Trade:
Eagles deal pick 59 (2nd) to the LA Chargers for picks for 71 (3rd) and 139 (5th)
The Player:
6’1 308
Byron is reportedly the strongest player on the Longhorns and knows how to use leverage to gain an even bigger edge. He is quick, showcasing an elite first step, while also being fast, GPS at 18 mph. Murphy is stout in the run game and he creates interior pressure and adds in sacks with his elite burst and relentless motor.
The Playmaking:
Why It Makes Sense:
This sounds like a broken record, but the Eagles value the trenches more than any team in the game. Despite just using a top ten pick for DROY Jalen Carter last year, if Fletcher Cox leaves, they will need another to employ with him and Milton Williams. The Eagles love their rotations.
97 Payton Wilson LB NC State
The Player:
6’4 230. Payton brings violence to the point of attack and hits ballcarriers with bad intentions. He has the athleticism to run with tight ends in coverage while also bringing a great burst and pursuing sideline to sideline. Wilson is so good in coverage that at times while watching you forget he is not a larger defensive back. Payton is also a former wrestler, if you read my draft work, I love that extra aggression these guys bring to the football field. He has a relentless motor!
The Playmaking:
Why It Makes Sense:
The Eagles desperately need a LB who can cover the middle of the field and he is one of the best in class.
The only concern with Payton is his age, 23, and that he has struggled with a few injuries during his career. Those are also the only reason you would get this caliber of LB late in the draft.
128 (From Bills) Anthony Belton OT NC State
Trade:
Eagles deal a 2025 5th and 2024 pick 170(6th) to the Bills for 128 (5th)
The Player:
6’6 336. Belton is a player who has a nasty streak, a doing-the-dirty-work, Stout type of guy. He is a project to be sure, but Stout loves these guys. Anthony thrives on being physical and displays a great burst coming out of his stance. He uses physicality, above-average upper body strength, and leverage to succeed in the run game. He has enough speed to pull and be a lead blocker as well. In pass pro, he has shown good balance and a wide wing span to protect the QB, but he will need to recognize all of the pass-rushing moves and recover quicker to be a successful tackle in the NFL.
The Playmaking:
Why It Makes Sense:
Belton has the traits the Eagles look for in an OT, and after some time at Stoutland University, he could have the complete game too. A great backup with the potential to be Lane’s RT successor a couple of years down the road.
139 (From LAC) Kamal Hadden CB Tennessee
Trade:
Eagles deal pick 59 (2nd) to the LA Chargers for picks for 71 (3rd) and 139 (5th)
The Player:
He has the size, 6’1 197, the athleticism, and can run with receivers. Hadden plays zone well and he only allows receivers a 36% reception rate. He also creates turnovers!
The Playmaking:
An in-depth look at Kamal with the video below. Worth your time.
Why It Makes Sense:
The Eagles need to develop an outside corner that matches up well with some of the bigger receivers in today’s NFL. Check out the tape to see the job he did versus Xavier Legette. He has shown up big versus top talent. Hadden plays with confidence which is something the Eagle’s backfield has sorely missed.
144 (From CHI) Mike Sainristil CB Michigan
Trade:
Eagles deal 2024 picks 153 (5th) & 188 (6th) to Chicago for 144(5th) and a 2025 7th-round pick.
The Player:
5’9 182 pounds projected mid-4.4 speed
Some guys just understand the game, and are playmakers. This is Mike. His instincts can’t be taught and neither can his athleticism. He recognizes routes quickly and what receivers are trying to do. Mike has strong hands, that he uses to bully the ball from receivers or break up passes.He also has very fluid hips that allows him to change directions easily. The only negatives apear to be bringing down players a lot larger than him and he has some trouble as a press corner for the same reason.
The Playmaking:
The Heart:
Why It Makes Sense:
The turnstiel that’s been the Philadephia Eagles slot/nickel corner needs a door stop. Sainristil is the stop. It would also allow the Eagles to move on from oft-injured Avonte Maddox, which would save money that they could use in free agency post June 1.
169 Malik Washington WR Virginia
The Player:
Malik creates space with his elite route running and he can do it from a variety of formations. He has been an outstanding chain-mover, 56 of his 110 receptions in 2023 were fitst downs. He is able to be used in so many ways that he should fit any scheme and be a swiss army knife for any OC lucky enoug to have him at their disposal.
The Playmaking:
Why It Makes Sense:
I think the Eagles could draft a WR as high as round one. I believe it to be that big of a need. So getting a playmaker like Malik at this stage of the draft is a no-brainer. They have very little depth behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith and they have also enjoyed the luxury of them being healthy. If the Eagles wait on drafting a wide-out, as I have in this mock, Malik is one of the best that could still be on the board.
176 Joe Milton III QB Tennessee
The Player:
Milton is 6’5 235, and posseses above average arm strength and an elite quick release. Milton displays good pocket awareness and is hard to brig down when he runs. He will need to work on his accuracy and decision making to have success in the NFL. At 24 he will not be for every team, but as a developmental player who could possibly be QB2 after a year of coaching, he brings good value.
The Playmaking:
Why It Makes Sense:
If the Eagles are comfortable with Tanner McKee as their #2 QB this season it would make drafting one a necessity. You know, to keep the QB factory in business. But more importantly, it would save money the team could use to make a free-agent splash for EDGE, LB, or S. As a developmental QB3, he has some of the tools Jalen Hurts does if he’s needed in a pinch for a game.
The Haul:
“Four trades, nine picks, an infusion of youth, and a wealth of talent”
20-EDGE Bralen Trice
48-OL Jackson-Powers Johnson
71- DT Byron Murphy II
97- LB Payton Wilson
128-OT Anthony Belton
139-CB Kamal Hadden
144- CB Mike Sainristil
169- WR Malik Washington
176-QB Joe Milton
Traded Future Resources Used:
2025 3rd Rd pick
2025 5th Rd pick
Future Resources Gained:
2025 7th RD pick from Chicago
Other Draft Targets:
Terrion Arnold CB Alabama
Kris Abrams-Draine CB Missouri
Khyree Jackson CB Oregon PBU best part of game
Jaylen Wright- RB Tennessee
Bucky Irving RB Oregon
Brandon Dorlus DL/Edge Oregon
Darius Robinson DL/EDGE Missouri
Braden Fiske DL Florida St
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. LB Clemson
Junior Colson LB Michigan
Beau Brade S Maryland
Kiran Amegadjie OT Yale
Cooper Beebe OL Kanas St
Dominick PuniI OL Kansas
Ben Sinnott TE Kansas State
Brian Thomas Jr WR LSU
Troy Franklin WR
I try to get all of “my guys” on the team, but alas, it is not meant to be.
Free Agents Targets:
RB- D’Andre Swift — Resigning if he is interested
TE — Colby Parkinson
LB — Blake Cashman
S- Antoine Winfield
CB- Jaylon Johnson — If he hits the market
DL- Fletcher Cox — Yes, they will look into him again.
DL- Justin Madubuike
QB- Tyrod Taylor — Likely will be an affordable, mobile, QB
EDGE- Brian Burns — The prize of Free Agency, if he hits the market
WR- Michael Pittman Jr, Mike Evans, Clavin Ridley, Tee Higgins, are the big names
The Eagles have a contract negotiation looming with their 2021 first-round pick, DeVonta Smith, and they have experienced the good fortune of not having AJ Brown or Smith miss any games over the last two years. Drafting a WR could be more if an priority than most suspect.
You should be the Eagles GM. Really like majority of the picks you laid out here.
I second that! If David is the GM, I want to be the cap guy