Almost There

Posted: April 22nd, 2020 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | Comments Off on Almost There

The draft is getting closer. We are less than 36 hours away. Let’s take a look at the latest info involving the Eagles and key targets.

Every year we track player interest. Here is what we know so far this year.

OFFENSE

QB Cole McDonald – Hawaii
QB James Morgan – Florida International

RB Artavis Pierce – Oregon State
RB Darrynton Evans – Appalachian State

WR Denzel Mims – Baylor
WR Aaron Fuller – Washington
WR Antonio Gandy-Golden – Liberty
WR Brandon Aiyuk – Arizona State
WR Jalen Reagor – TCU
WR Quartney Davis – Texas A&M
WR K.J. Hamler – Penn State

TE Giovanni Ricci – Western Michigan

OT Josh Jones – Houston
OT Saahdiq Charles – LSU
OT Ezra Cleveland – Boise State

OG Michael Onwenu – Michigan
OG Damien Lewis – LSU
OG Robert Hunt – Louisiana-Lafayette

OC Cesar Ruiz – Michigan
OC Nick Harris – Washington
OC Luke Juriga – Western Michigan
OC Matt Hennessy – Temple

DEFENSE

DT Justin Madubuike – Texas A&M
DT Leki Fotu – Utah
DT James Lynch – Baylor
DT Raequan Williams – Michigan State
DT Raekwon Davis – Alabama

DE Derrek Tuszka – North Dakota State
DE Kenny Willekes – Michigan State
DE Terrell Lewis – Alabama

LB Patrick Queen – LSU
LB Logan Wilson – Wyoming
LB Davian Taylor – Colorado
LB Marshe Terry – Northern Illinois
LB Willie Gay – Miss State
LB Shaun Bradley – Temple

S K’Von Wallace – Clemson
S Ashtyn Davis – California

CB Darnay Holmes – UCLA
CB Amik Robertson – Louisiana Tech
CB Cam Dantzler – Miss State
CB Jabaris Davis – Auburn
CB John Reid – Penn State
CB Luqman Barcoo – San Diego State

This is hardly a complete list. It is just what we happen to know. Pro Days and official visits usually give us more info.

Keep in mind that some of these visits/meetings are done so coaches can get a better feel for prospects, but others are medical or character related. Terrell Lewis is an incredible talent, but he’s had multiple injuries. He will not be on all 32 draft boards because of his medical evaluations. No idea if the Eagles will have him on theirs.

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So what are we hearing?

A couple of days ago it seemed like Ruggs might be the receiver falling a bit. Now it might be Jeudy. The lead-up to the draft can be so confusing and so frustrating.

Alabama players have had some tough medical histories in recent years. Some of them stay healthy in the league, but others have been hampered by injuries. I have no idea what the story with Jeudy’s knee is. If teams are really scared of it, he could slide into the second round.

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Howie Roseman has talked to the other 31 teams about trade scenarios, potentially moving up or down. He has some idea of his options.

Howie and the front office have an idea of how the first round will go, but there will likely be at least one surprise pick in the top 20. If that pushes a WR down, great. There could also be a run on receivers that will put the Eagles in a frustrating spot.

You run through scenarios for a couple of weeks so that you are prepared on draft night.

I know a lot of people think Howie will move up to get the receiver he wants. I just don’t like that. We saw last year that rookie receivers outside the top 20 had quite the impact. You don’t need to go get the best player.

That said, if CeeDee Lamb fell far enough and the value was reasonable, it would be a lot of fun to watch him and Carson Wentz together for the next five years.

No matter what happens, I’m looking forward to seeing the Eagles add some talented receivers in the coming days.

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One player that I really like is Brandon Aiyuk from Arizona State. I know plenty of other people are down on him for a variety of reasons.

I put on his tape and I see a more physical version of Jeremy Maclin. I’d love to have a guy like that.

Like Maclin, Aiyuk is a weapon a receiver, punt returner and kickoff returner. He can be a difference-maker on offense and STs. Just get the ball in his hands and he can make things happen.

Is he worth pick 21? I do struggle with that, but I wouldn’t move too far back if that’s the guy I wanted. I don’t think he will make it to the end of the first round.

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