2024 Eagles Draft Preview

The Eagles are coming off a bizarre season. They went 10-1 and looked like a Super Bowl team. Then the wheels came off and they limped into the playoffs, where they got shredded by Baker Mayfield and the Bucs. Ugh.

Howie Roseman made aggressive moves this offseason to improve the talent and also to get improved chemistry. At the same time, the Eagles lost Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox. This draft is important because the Eagles need talent at some positions for both now and the future. Does Howie draft the RT of the future? Does he go get a CB who can play right away? You have to be careful when it comes to the draft. Decisions need to cover the next five years, not just the next 10 months. It will be interesting to see how Roseman and the front office approach this draft.

Before talking about prospects and scenarios, let’s take a look at where the roster stands as of today.

WR  DeVonta Smith … DeVante Parker
WR  AJ Brown …… Joseph Ngata
WR  Parris Campbell ….. Britain Covey
QB  Jalen Hurts …….. Kenny Pickett ….. Tanner McKee
RB  Saquon Barkley ..… Kenneth Gainwell …….
TE  Dallas Goedert …… CJ Uzomah ……..… Grant Calcaterra
LT  Jordan Mailata …… Fred Johnson
LG  Landon Dickerson…..
OC  Cam Jurgens ……… Matt Hennessy
RG   Tyler Steen ….… Brett Toth
RT  Lane Johnson …….

ED Josh Sweat …… Nolan Smith …. Patrick Johnson
DL  Milton Williams …. Moro Ojomo
NT  Jordan Davis  …… PJ Mustipher ……. Noah Ellis
DL Jalen Carter ………… Marlon Tuipulotu
ED Bryce Huff  ….. Brandon Graham … Zack Baun
MB Devin White ………. Oren Burks …… Brandon Smith
WB Nakobe Dean  ……… Ben VanSumeren
SS  CJ Gardner-Johnson … Tristan McCollum
FS  Reed Blankenship …… Sydney Brown … Mekhi Garner
CB  Darius Slay ……… Eli Ricks …………… Zech McPhearson
CB  Kelee Ringo ……. Isaiah Rodgers ………. James Bradberry
NB  Avonte Maddox …… Tyler Hall

P Braden Mann
K Jake Elliott
LS Rick Lovato

NEEDS

CB is a key need. Outside of Darius Slay, there are lots of questions. Can James Bradberry bounce back? Is Kelee Ringo ready to start? Is Isaiah Rodgers any good? Can Avonte Maddox stay healthy? The Eagles will draft a CB. It could be someone for the outside or the slot. They have checked out both spots thoroughly.

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Linebacker is a need as well. Nakobe Dean barely played last year and can’t be counted on at this point. Devin White is here on a one-year deal. The team needs a young, talented LB to add to the mix. Expect a pick in rounds 2-4.

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The OL should be set for the upcoming season, but it would be good to have quality competition for Tyler Steen at RG. They could also add the RT of the future if the right player is on the board. They don’t have to force that one. It would be about the right player being available. There is also a need for depth. Reliable backups Jack Driscoll and Sua Opeta are gone.

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DL is a quiet need. Fletcher Cox retired. Milton Williams is projected to take his spot in the starting lineup, but there is some risk. Williams has 12 career starts. He’s looked really good at times, but hasn’t proven to be a high level starter. He’s in the final year of his contract so the Eagles have an eye on the present and the future in regard to him. At the least, the Eagles need depth here.

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Saquon Barkley and Kenny Gainwell give the team a good pair of RBs. There is a need for depth. This should be a Day 3 pick.

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WR is a wild card. The Eagles have shown interest in some good receivers. I don’t think they would take anyone before the second round, and that would have to be a player they just didn’t want to pass on. I do expect them to address WR on Day 3.

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The Eagles could take an edge rusher. They have checked out some guys, even first round targets. Josh Sweat and BG could be gone after this season.

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The Eagles have talked to some athletic TEs. They have bodies, but no sure things after Dallas Goedert.

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I don’t think the Eagles will take a safety early. They have a good trio of players already in place. The Eagles could take one on Day 3, wanting to add more depth to the secondary.

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THE PICKS

1st round – pick 22
2nd round – pick 50
2nd round – pick 53
4th round – pick 120
5th round – pick 161
5th round – pick 171
5th round – pick 172
6th round – pick 210

— TARGETS AT 22 —

The Eagles normally have five players targeted for their pick.

OT Amarius Mims – Georgia – 6-8, 340

If you want upside, Mims is your guy. He only started 8 games at UGA, but he could be a stud RT in the NFL. I saw one OL coach talking about him and the coach just kept saying “Guys aren’t supposed to look like that.” Mims is a good athlete. He is powerful, but also light on his feet. I don’t think he’s likely to slide to 22. If he does, the Eagles could take him.

CB Kool-Aid McKinstry – Alabama – 6-0, 196

One of the best cover corners in the draft. McKinstry has good size and athleticism. He ran 4.47, which is solid for outside CB. He only picked off 2 passes in his career, but did break up 25 passes. He has some PR experience. Physical player who will hit and tackle.

CB Cooper DeJean – Iowa – 6-1, 202

A playmaker. Had 7 career picks, including some impressive catches. Broke up 20 passes. Averaged 13 yards per punt return, with 1 TD and another TD that was wiped out by a questionable penalty. Can play outside, in the slot or at safety. Ran 4.44 and had a terrific workout at his Pro Day. Doesn’t have a ton of man coverage experience, but was outstanding in Iowa’s zone-heavy defense.

OL Graham Barton – Duke – 6-5, 311

I don’t know if Barton makes it to 22. Even if he does, the Eagles haven’t shown any interest in him. I loved watching him play (LT) and I know Jeff Stoutland has to be a fan of his. Most project Barton to center, but I think he could be a Pro Bowl OG. I also think he could move to OT in an emergency situation.

DL Johnny Newton – Illinois – 6-2, 304

I mentioned recently that Newton reminded me of Javon Hargrave. Newton is an athletic, disruptive DT who could be fun to pair with Jalen Carter.

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ON THE MOVE

There are rumors about the Eagles looking to move into the Top 20. Some speculate the move would be for a CB. Others say OT. The likely targets would be these guys.

CB Quinyon Mitchell – Toledo
CB Terrion Arnold – Alabama
OT Taliese Fuaga – Oregon State

Mitchell is the best cover corner in the draft and he’s got 4.33 speed. Arnold can play in the slot or outside and he’s the kind of tough, aggressive CB the Eagles could use.

Fuaga played RT for the Beavers and he’s a one-man wrecking crew. There is no question that Stoutland likes him. So do a lot of teams.

I’m not a huge fan of moving up. I sure would love to see the Eagles keep both of the second round picks they have. Howie prefers to be aggressive. Fuaga would be the RT of the future and could compete at RG right away. Mitchell could be an impact corner. He’s got big time ability.

The Eagles could also slide back if they think it makes sense. I would love to see them add another mid round pick.

MY IDEAL SCENARIO

Assuming the Eagles don’t trade back, this is what I’d like to see.

1 – OT Amarius Mims – Georgia – 6-8, 340
2 – LB Edgerrin Cooper – Texas A&M – 6-2, 230
2 – CB Max Melton – Rutgers – 5-11, 187
4 – WR Javon Baker – UCF – 6-1, 202
5 – DL Justin Eboigbe – Alabama – 6-4, 297
5 – CB Elijah Jones – Boston College – 6-2, 185
5 – RB Sione Vaki – Utah – 5-11, 213
6 – OL Jacob Monk – Duke – 6-3, 308

Mims could sit behind Lane Johnson for a year and learn. Or the Eagles could have him challenge Steen at RG. I’m fascinated by Mims potential. He could be really good.

Miami had speedy LBs last year so I’m thinking Fangio might like guys who can run. Cooper fits that bill.

Melton can play in the slot or outside. He’s also a tough, hard-nosed player and the Eagles secondary needs guys like him.

Baker averaged 20 yards per catch in college. He only ran 4.54, but plays faster. Really fun player to watch.

Eboigbe flashed every time I watched Alabama. He can play DE, DT or NT. I think he’d be a good fit in Fangio’s defense.

Jones is an outside corner with terrific ball skills. He picked off 5 passes last year and 2 the year before that. The Eagles could use a playmaker in the secondary.

Vaki played safety for Utah, but also got some touches at RB and looked natural. I think he could be a terrific role player.

Monk is versatile, athletic and experienced. He is exactly what you want in a backup OL.

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VISITS & SPECIAL INTEREST

-VISITS-

OG Christian Mahogany – Boston College
OG Cooper Beebe – Kansas State
OG Zack Zinter – Michigan
OG Brandon Coleman – TCU
OT Tyler Guyton – Oklahoma
OT Travis Glover – Georgia State
OT Roger Rosengarten – Washington
OT Troy Fautanu – Washington
OT Blake Fisher – Notre Dame

WR Brenden Rice – USC
WR Ainias Smith – Texas A&M
WR Johnny Wilson – Florida State
WR Xavier Legette – South Carolina

RB Marshawn Lloyd – USC

DL Khristian Boyd – Northern Iowa

Edge Laiatu Latu – UCLA
Edge Chop Robinson – Penn State
Edge Marshawn Kneeland – Western Michigan
Edge Jalyx Hunt – Houston Christian
Edge Adisa Isaac – Penn State

LB Edgerrin Cooper – Texas A&M
LB Trevin Wallace – Kentucky

CB Cooper DeJean – Iowa
CB Andru Phillips – Kentucky
CB Shon Stephens – Ferris State
CB Caelen Carson – Wake Forest
CB Jarrian Jones – Florida State
CB Terrion Arnold – Alabama
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry – Alabama
CB Decamerion Richardson – Mississippi State
CB Elijah Jones – Boston College
CB Max Melton – Rutgers
CB Quinyon Mitchell – Toledo

-SPECIAL INTEREST-

WR Xavier Worthy – Texas -WR coach at his Pro Day
WR Adonai Mitchell – Texas – WR coach at his Pro Day
WR Jordan Whittington – Texas – WR coach at his Pro Day
WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint – Georgia – Met with him at his Pro Day
WR Kyle Sheets – Slipp Rock – Worked him out at Temple Pro Day
WR Tez Walker – UNC – Virtual visit

RB Audric Esteme – Notre Dame – RB coach at his Pro Day
RB Kimani Vidal – Troy – Eagles showing interest
RB Cody Schrader – Missouri – Asst OL coach worked him out at his Pro Day
RB Dillon Johnson – Washington – Worked out by coach at his Pro Day

TE Jaheim Bell – Florida State – Zoom meeting
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders – Texas – Zoom meeting

OT Joe Alt – Notre Dame – Asst OL coach at his Pro Day
OT Blake Fisher – Notre Dame – Asst OL coach at his Pro Day
OT Javon Foster – Missouri – Asst OL coach at his Pro Day
OG Mason McCormick – S. Dakota St Asst OL coach at his Pro Day
OT Garret Greenfield – S. Dakota St – Asst OL coach at his Pro Day
OT Cameron Covin – FAMU – Scout worked him out at Pro Day
OT Troy Fautanu – Washington – Met with him at his Pro Day
OT Matt Goncalves – Pitt – Stoutland worked him out at his Pro Day
OL Delmar Glaze – Maryland – Stoutland worked him out at his Pro Day
OG Gottlieb Ayedze – Maryland – Stoutland worked him out at his Pro Day

DL Makody Robertson – FAMU Scout worked him out at Pro Day

Edge Javon Solomon – Troy Met with him at the Combine
Edge Dre Jones – FAMU – Scout worked him out at Pro Day

LB Jaylon Ford – Texas – LB coach at his Pro Day
LB Jontrey Hunter – Georgia St – LB coach at his Pro Day
LB Derrick McClendon – Colorado – Eagles reportedly showed interest at Pro Day
LB Omar Speights – LSU – Will attend Eagles local Pro Day
LB Bo Richter – Air Force – Met with him. Not clear where/how.

CB Terrion Arnold – Alabama – DB coach at his Pro Day
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry -Alabama -DB coach at his Pro Day
CB Ennis Rakestraw – Missouri – DB coach at his Pro Day
CB Kris Abrams-Draine – Missouri – DB coach at his Pro Day
CB Max Melton – Rutgers – DB coach ran workout at his Pro Day
NB Morice Norris – Fresno State – Eagles showing interest

SAF Sione Vaki – Utah – Had coach at his Pro Day
SAF Jaylon Carlies – Missouri – DB coach at his Pro Day
SAF Jaylin Simpson – Auburn – Had coach at his Pro Day

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DRAFT BOARD

This is my rankings of players matched with my guess on who the Eagles will like.

-1st Round Board for the Eagles-

RB: N/A

WR: Marvin Harrison Jr, Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas

TE: Brock Bowers

OL: Joe Alt, Ola Fashanu, JC Latham, Taliese Fuaga, Troy Fautanu, Amarius Mims, Tyler Guyton, Graham Barton

Edge: Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu, Chop Robinson

DT: Byron Murphy, Johnny Newman

S: N/A

CB: Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, Cooper DeJean, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Nate Wiggins

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ALL TOMMY TEAM 

(my favorite non-1st round players)

QB Michael Pratt – Tulane
RB Audric Estime – Notre Dame
WR Javon Baker – UCF
WR Ainias Smith – Texas A&M
WR Ricky Pearsall – Florida
TE Ben Sinnott – Kansas State
OT Matt Goncalves – Pitt
OG Christian Haynes – UConn
OC Hunter Nourzad – Penn State
OG Christian Mahogany – Boston College
OT Garret Greenfield – South Dakota State

DE Adisa Isaac – Penn State
DT DeWayne Carter – Duke
DT Braden Fiske – Florida State
DE Jonah Elliss – Utah
LB Jordan Magee – Temple
IB Junior Colson – Michigan
LB Payton Wilson – NC State
S Beau Brade – Maryland
S Cole Bishop – Utah
CB Max Melton – Rutgers
CB Mike Sainristill – Michigan

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Please draft a couple of these players

RB Audric Estime – Notre Dame
WR Javon Baker – UCF
WR Ricky Pearsall – Florida
OL Graham Barton – Duke
OL Amarius Mims – Georgia
OL Roger Rosengarten – Washington
OL Matt Goncalves – Pitt
OL Caedan Wallace – Penn State
OL Zak Zinter – Michigan

DE Adisa Isaac – Penn State
DL Ruke Orhorhoro – Clemson
LB Payton Wilson – NC State
LB Junior Colson – Michigan
LB Edgerrin Cooper – Texas A&M
LB Trevin Wallace – Kentucky
LB Jordan Magee – Temple
S Beau Brade – Maryland
CB Quinyon Mitchell – Toledo
CB Terrion Arnold – Alabama
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry – Alabama
CB Max Melton – Rutgers

Please avoid these players

WR Johnny Wilson – Florida State – Big WRs make me nervous. They rarely pan out in the NFL.
OT Christian Jones – Texas – 6-year player. Not a polished blocker despite all his experience.
FS Calen Bullock – USC – Finesse player with great ball skills, but he’s allergic to tackling. No thank you.

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