Eagles mock draft
Every pick, including 2 key players on defense
It’s quite possible that we’re about to see a dramatic shift in the Eagles’ draft strategy from recent seasons.
In the past, the Eagles would address their immediate needs in free agency, then use the draft to take the so-called “best available player,” even if it meant that player would sit behind an established player for at least a season.
That was the case last season with Nolan Smith, the year before with Jordan Davis, Cam Jurgens and Naomi Dean. And that was supposed to be the case with Landon Dickerson in 2021 until injuries forced him into the starting lineup.
But the Eagles have so many needs, especially on defense, that they won’t be able to address them all in free agency. Eagles manager Howie Roseman alluded to that when he was asked last week at the NFL scouting combine about playing young players.
“Based on where some of our guys were, (the young players) had the ability to sit back and learn a little bit because of the situations that we were in,” Roseman said. “I think going forward, it’s going to be harder to do that. ... I think that for us to play our young players, to develop them, I think that’s something that Coach (Nick Sirianni) and I have talked about to not be afraid of.
“That’s why you draft them. That’s why you sign them.”
It just so happens that the Eagles also have eight picks in the sevenround draft held from April 25-27. Here’s how we see it going:
Round 1, No. 22, Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Eagles are more likely to spend big in free agency on an edge rusher than a cornerback. At cornerback, the Eagles need to get younger with a player who can start Week 1. That’s because Darius Slay is 33, and James Bradberry had a significant dropoff in 2023. Mitchell fits the bill as someone who can start right away. His 4.33 in the 40-yard dash certainly helps solidify him as a first-rounder.
Mock Draft 1.0: Keon Coleman,
WR, Florida State
Round 2, No. 50: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Coleman’s 4.61 in the 40 could drop him out of the first round, and if that’s the case, he’d be an ideal No. 3 receiver for the Eagles. At 6-foot-3, 213 pounds and with a basketball background, Coleman is adept at winning 50-50 balls. That’s a trait the Eagles might value more than a speed receiver who can’t catch, like Quez Watkins.
Mock Draft 1.0: Michael Penix, QB, Washington
Round 2, No. 53, Adisa Issac, Edge, Penn State
The Eagles could be replacing three veteran edge rushers as the Eagles have told Haason Reddick, with 27 sacks in two seasons, to seek a trade. In addition, Brandon Graham turns 36 and might not be back, and Derek Barnett was released last November. Even if the Eagles are splurging on edge in free agency, they need another key piece in their rotation. Isaac, who had 71⁄ sacks last season, would fit the bill working in with Josh Sweat and either Reddick or his free agent replacement, and Nolan Smith.
Mock Draft 1.0: Isaac
Round 3, No. 97, MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC
This is the Eagles’ compensation pick for losing Javon Hargrave. And it’s very likely that the Eagles will draft a player to replace another free agent who will likely sign elsewhere in running back D’Andre Swift, who rushed for 1,049 yards last season. It just so happens that NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah compares Lloyd, who ran 4.46 at the combine, to Swift.
Mock Draft 1.0: Lloyd
Round 5, No. 159, Zak Zinter, G, Michigan
This spot, coming from Tampa Bay, is the first of four fifth-round picks for the Eagles. So why not take a chance on Zinter, who’s recovering from a broken tibia and fibula suffered last November. Even if Jason Kelce retires, the Eagles have depth on the offensive line to let Zinter recover at his own pace. Perhaps by 2025, Zinter can start at guard while Tyler Steen, the Eagles’ third-round pick in 2024, moves back to tackle.
Mock Draft 1.0: Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
Round 5, No. 169, Demani Richardson, S, Texas A&M
This is the first of three comp picks in the fifth round for the Eagles. And with Kevin Byard released and Sydney Brown recovering from a torn ACL, the Eagles need to address depth even if they sign a safety in free agency. Richardson at 6-0, 214 pounds, has good size to match up with tight ends. But with a 4.6 in the 40, he’s probably not fast enough to cover deep. But he is considered a special teams force.
Mock Draft 1.0: Richardson
Round 5, No. 170, Eric All, TE, Iowa
This is the second of three comp picks in the fifth round. All is coming off two straight injuy-marred campaigns. He started his career at Michigan before transferring to Iowa last season. He tore his ACL last October. All, however, is a more accomplished receiver than the tight ends behind Dallas Goedert, and would provide an upgrade at TE2.
Mock Draft 1.0: Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State
Round 5, No. 177, Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
The last of three comp picks in the fifth round. At this point, the Eagles are drafting for depth and special teams. Magee, the former Dover High School star, fits the bill in both categories. Nakobe Dean is penciled in as one starter, and the Eagles will likely sign a free agent as the other starter. They also have Ben VanSumeren and Shaun Bradley coming back from a torn Achilles. Magee helped himself with a 4.55 in the 40 at the combine.
Mock Draft 1.0:
WR, Alabama
Jermaine Burton,