As Thursday April 27th reaches closer, the thoughts of a brand new year start to race in my mind. Yes the Eagles lost the Super Bowl last year, yes they lost their offensive and defensive coordinator, and yes they lost 7 starters (11 total). However, they did not lose their Captain. The biggest news comes off of the heels of the massive contract (5yr/$255m) that Jalen Hurts signed. To be able to have Jalen Hurts for the next 6 years is something that will continue to move this team forward for the years to come.
With the key departures the Eagles were also able to bring back some major starters (3) and also restructure a deal to keep Darius Slay here. The team has the “run-it-back” gusto and mentality. They also made moves by haggling a ton of one year prove it deals to not only get the best bang for their dollar, but to also work with veteran players to prove their upside for the next contract. Most of the players come in the secondary; where they will be able to fight for jobs.
This years draft is going to be one where the Eagles draft the best player available. As the “core” starts to get older the team will need to start to re-build behind their foundations of inside out. The Eagles will have six draft picks this year and it seems like the first three will need to be a hit for their “run-it-back” formula to work. I do want to let you all know that I will not be doing trade scenarios in this mock draft. However, I strongly believe that the Eagles will make a move in the first round to move back. Howie Roseman loves draft compensation and is always willing to make a move.
This draft also does not have a ton of “can’t miss players” like years before. Personally, I think the latest mock drafts are absurd with where the QB’s are landing. In years before, I personally do not believe that half of the QB’s that are projected first round picks would be day one draft picks. However, with the way the league is moving it is always about the next big thing.
Round 1 Pick 10
Paris Johnson Jr. OT (Ohio State)
Paris Johnson Jr. was a stud at Ohio State. This guy has the makings of an all-pro with the want to be better. PJJ would benefit from Stoutland University and he would become a better blocker in this pass heavy scheme. PJJ is an elite pass-blocker with a massive frame (6’ 6” 315lbs) and can play both the guard and tackle position. His area of weakness would be his ability to get to the next level on run plays. While he can run block, his pop is not there to stun the defender.
Round 1 Pick 30
Brian Branch Safety (Alabama)
Brian Branch is a gamer. The dude played at Alabama at a high level for 3 years. I believe that the Alabama well is not dry, and we should continue to go to it for as long as we can. The guy just reads Minkah to me with the way he plays. He is very physical and very competitive to the point of the ball. One area that he needs work on is against quick and twitchy slot receivers. However, in this offense I think Maddox does an excellent job with taking on the slot. Safeties are a priority for the Eagles and this guy checks off the list as a generational starter.
Round 2 Pick 62
Isaiah Foskey Edge (Notre Dame)
I love kids from big programs. Notre Dame is one of the biggest there is. The only issue I have had recently with the program is the progression at the next level. Foskey is another big player with quick acceleration and strength. He would be another player filling a much-needed void at edge rusher. I know that we are going to miss Hargrave in the middle, but having key outside rushers makes the inside pressure easier. An area that Foskey would have to improve in would be his hand play. He needs to be better getting off of defenders with his moves rather that physical ability alone.
Round 3 Pick 94
Nathaniel (Tank) Dell WR (Houston)
The Eagles are going to beat teams this year by putting up offensive points and doing just enough on defense to win games. Tank Dell is that guy who can turn and burn. The guy reminds me of a young Desean Jackson. He will be the guy running down the field for a bomb and also could transition into the much-needed PR/KR the Eagles have been looking for since Sproles retired. He does have a slender frame than other slot receivers, which make injury scary, however if you can’t catch, him you can’t hit him.
Round 7 Pick 219
Chris Rodriguez Jr. RB (Kentucky)
Chris Rodriguez Jr. would be a great talent to bring into the RB room. I already believe that the Eagles will be a RB by committee team. The question in can Rodriguez make the roster. I.E will the Eagles stay committed to carrying 4RB’s a week. The Eagles were really smart with their moves to Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny. Both guys could be cut coming out of training camp without much cost to the team. Rodriguez can play special teams, and can also be a grinder between the tacklers to get those much needed 3rd and 2 without needing to use Hurts all the time. He is not elusive just strong.
Round 7 Pick 248
Anthony Johnson Jr. CB/S (Iowa State)
Anthony Johnson Jr. is an above average starter in college. He was a team captain at Iowa State and played in over 50 games. This pick could be a reach, however, I do believe that the team will need bodies at these positions to help them through camp. I also believe that the Zech McPherson experiment is over at this point. Johnson Jr. can play special teams and also could slide in at any of the secondary positions.
Thursday, at 8pm I will be locked in, as I will all weekend to watch the moves the Eagles make. Again, the Eagles do really well on the secondary market so be aware of some of the UDFA’s that will come as soon as the draft is over. I also believe that the Eagles will stay close to the post-June 1 cuts and see if they can snag some talent there. As always…. GO BIRDS!
