As I sit here on Monday during the week of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Eagles currently have 10 picks in this upcoming draft. My hopes of this article are to shed some light on some of the picks that I have been mocking to the Eagles. I also would like to give a blurb about some of the players profile and why they would fit the team.
As we know under Sirianni’s reign the Eagles look to become an explosive offense that can stretch the field with burners but also keep the middle of the field open with the RPO style of offense that Sirianni brings from his days with the Colts. They also hope to be able to go to the running game and drive the ball between the tackles when the clock warrants.
I also believe that this year is not going to be one with surprising moves where the Eagles break their norm. Expect the Eagles to value the defensive line in this draft as well as the offensive line. This year does have a deeper wide-out class than year’s prior. I also do not believe in Howie’s commitments to Jalen Hurts long term. Do I think Jalen Hurt’s is the QB this year? My short answer is yes, but I do believe that in this draft there is talent in the 3rd (2 picks) and 5th (3 picks) to build on in the future.
Before I start the “Mocking process” I do want to say that,
1. This draft is not a great talent draft. With that being said don’t be surprised if the Eagles move away from this years draft capital for next years.
2. Howie as we know is known for being a wizard with cap structure. If the player does not equal 1st round or 2nd round money he is not going to pay for it. He has learned his mistakes (Jalen Reagor, JJAW, Derek Barnett) where I feel that he is going to trust his board this year.
3. I think Andy Wiedl and Tom Donahoe are going to have a ton more say this year as well as Nick Sirianni. The Eagles are trying to re-tool a franchise and a culture at the same time. If the guy does not fit the mold I do not think he is drafted.
RD1. Pick 15 Drake London – WR – USC
3 years and 3 receivers in a row…. Unfortunately yes. The Eagles names have been thrown around in every WR trade and they also tried to go and get the big splashy free agents. What this tells me is that they are not happy with the WR room. JJAW is now a converted TE and I do think there is a chance that Reagor does not make the team.
London is a huge receiver on the outside, a true “X- receiver” who is not afraid to get the mismatch on the corner or go across the middle and take the hit. A captain for the Trojans last year and absolutely awful QB play, this receiver is a coaches dream. He plays above the rim and gets the ball. (If you get the chance look at his game against Colorado and Notre Dame.) If I had to give a comparison I’m going Mike Evans.
RD1. Pick 18 Nakobe Dean – LB – Georgia
I know, I know, I said to expect the expected from the Eagles. But this athlete can’t be passed on. The Eagles have had constant misses at the LB position and this player can change that day one. The key to Gannon’s defense is the D-Line getting home and being able to disguise blitzes. If the corners can hold for 4-5 seconds on a delayed LB blitz he is going to get home.
Dean was everywhere and anywhere for the national champions in 2021. He is not the best coverage guy but he will get home to the QB and be able to cover your run of the mill slant routes and TE coverage routes. He has the stocky body of old LB but the speed of these days LB. A comparison would be Devin Bush with a quicker first step.
RD.2 Pick 51 Roger McCreary – CB – Auburn
Going SEC CB is a good idea here. Eagles secondary needs help, and this player is an upgrade. Slay (X receiver) and Maddox (Slot) are starters but that leaves the Y- receiver or stretch receiver, as I like to call it up for grabs. Zech McPherson is someone the Eagles like, but bringing a player like this into camp really bolsters the staff.
McCreary is 5’11” so don’t expect him to line up against bigger targets. However, McCreary has the “twitch” trait and also has no problem lining up in press coverage. He will struggle with tackling so make sure that the safety is giving help to his side. But if he can disrupt the receiver’s route and throw timing off for more than 1 second the d-line has time to get home.
RD. 3 Pick 83 Cole Strange – G – Chattanooga
Who? From Where? Strange has the ability to be an underrated player coming out of this draft could I say “sleeper” in the third round? The Eagles love to build from the inside. Kelce is going to retire sooner rather than later. The heir apparent is on the team in Dickerson. This leaves all Guard positions up for grabs. It is something that Stoutland always has a say in.
Strange has a Guards body. He has good, quick hands that help in pass blocking. One of his best attributes is being able to get to the second level on the run block. He could learn from the best in Kelce in pulling and getting to the next level. He has some issues with the shuffling of his feet and keeping his hands active after the initial block. If anyone can figure that out it is Stoutland.
RD.3 Pick 101 Carson Strong – QB – Nevada
Oh no! Another Carson at QB, the misery. I know I might have reached here, but I really think the QB position is up for grabs. Yes, Hurts is going to be QB1 and yes they are going to do what they can to give him the weapons to succeed. But I think Strong is a player to keep an eye on.
Carson Strong 6’ 3” with a big arm. He has a huge question with medical concern but can get the ball out quick as well as get the ball deep. Imagine Strong with the weapons the Eagles will have. Last year the receivers were beating the one on one coverage and then have the ball just not get to them. I believe that Strong has the attributes that they Eagles love and might be the future QB.
RD.4 Pick 124 Dominique Robinson – Edge – Miami (OH)
This former WR has the athleticism and body type to get to the QB. The Eagles are incredibly thin on edge rushers. Robinson is able to use a quick first step and beat tackles in the MAC. If he is able to learn to bend and recover from the first punch, we have a rotational and potential starter.
RD.5 Pick 154 Pierre Strong Jr. – RB – South Dakota State
A quick back from SD State. He is explosive on the first cut and is able to get to the second level quickly. Strong also likes to catch the ball in space and has stiff hands at times. But he needs to become a better pass blocker. Strong can help on short carry (think Jordan Howard) and should be able to contribute on special teams
RD. 5 Pick 162 Daniel Bellinger – TE – San Diego State
Bellinger is a TE who can block, who can catch, and who can tackle on special teams. Bellinger would be able to enter camp and compete immediately for the backup TE spot with Tyree Jackson. Do not expect him to make elusive moves like Dallas Goedert. Expect more of an RAC receiver over YAC receiver.
RD. 5 Pick 166 Otito Ogbonnia – DL – UCLA
A run blocking D-Line who can play Nose Tackle in a 3-4 and DT in a 4-3. He had the most reps of all DL in the combine. He has a chance to beat O-Line on the first move but lacks the ability to keep to motor moving. Can be a special teams player and also rotational. He also will give the team a body at camp.
RD. 7 Pick 237 Brad Hawkins – S – Michigan
The secondary needs bodies and especially at safety. Hawkins comes from a big program and made big plays in his career. Hawkins is a sure tackler and can play the FS position. Hawkins is also a native of Camden, NJ. If you watch his tape he is constantly moving on the field. Hawkins has the ability to be a 7th round find and could be a starter in the NFL. He has the body type of a LB as well as the speed of a CB.
All said and done, I believe the Eagles will go balanced this draft and address areas of need and not reach. I know the Carson Strong pick will confuse some people but I just don’t believe Howie. This is the same guy who said Carson Wentz was their guy and then drafted Jalen Hurts. I do fully expect the Eagles to move some picks, and I would not be surprised if player’s like Minshew, Reagor, or Dillard are moved.
As always, Go Birds and Fly Eagles Fly. I’m pretty sure that’s how you say goodbye in Philadelphia.
