After last night’s coup of DeVonta Smith, Howie Roseman has an opportunity to add another notch on his belt with the 37th and 70th overall picks in tonight’s second and third round of the NFL Draft. With the 37th pick being fifth overall, the Eagles will have a number of strong prospects left on the board to chose from.
While some of the players listed here will likely be selected in the four picks preceding them, Howie will have his choice of a number of these names, and is likely considering a few who aren’t on this list. (honorable mention section included at the bottom)
1. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB Notre Dame
JOK is the most surprising players to slip out of the first round. In a class with perhaps only twenty or so prospects with “first round grades,” many evaluators believed he was of those names, so it’s fair to say he’ll be scooped early on tonight (likely in the first four picks).
If he does slip the Eagles at 37 they’d be wise to add on off-ball linebacker who many view as a LB-safety hybrid. Here’s how I described him in my original big board:
“JOK doesn’t have the base strength/girth of a MIKE backer, but he possesses the length, speed, instincts, and overall explosive traits that check every other box for a modern LB. He’ll immediately be one of the fastest players at his position, and truly blur the line between linebacker and safety at the next level. His ability in coverage is what sets him apart, and overall versatility paired with enough thump to handle pro running games makes him an elite target for NFL teams.”
2. Trevon Moehrig, S TCU
Zero safeties were selected in the first round, and while that’s not entirely surprising, Moehrig is considered to be the best of the group.
He’s the only real “do-it-all” safety in the class, as he’s equally adept playing coverage in centerfield or getting involved in the run game at the LoS. Here’s how I described him in my original big board:
“Moehrig is the most complete safety prospect in the class, excelling in single-high coverage, in the box defending the run, and in man coverage. He’s a plus-athlete (not overly-explosive), instinctive in zone, and aggressive attacking the point of catch. While he’s a physical/ willing tackler, he‘ll need to refine his technique to hang at the next level. There’s a lot to like here, and teams with a need at safety will be pleased with Moehrig.”
3. Christian Barmore, DT Alabama
Barmore could be considered another prospect who many had a “first round grade” on (I did), and while he wasn’t as consensus as JOK, I’m definitely shocked to see his name available.
The Philly native is as toolsy as they come along the line. Here’s how I described him in my original big board:
“Barmore is mostly raw and still developing fundamentally, but his combination of size, length, and athleticism is rare. Explosive traits flash routinely on tape, and team’s will salivate at his upside along the d-line. He profiles best as a 3-tech with the tools to slide further outside in odd fronts, or even kicking inside to nose on occasion.”
4. Pat Freiermuth, TE PSU
I wouldn’t be stoked with a TE here but I won’t deny that Freiermuth is a strong prospect who would be getting more love if not for Pitts at the top of the position. He’s NFL big (6’5” 260 lbs.), a strong blocker, strong route-runner, and has reliable hands—there’s nothing to dislike here.
5. Carlos Basham, EDGE Wake Forest
I like Basham more than some, but evaluators reasonably knock his upside as a pass-rusher, in which case slipping into the early second round makes sense. The Eagles always love to invest in the trenches, and they could use another body in the defensive end rotation. Basham is pro-ready and stout setting the edge against the run. He’s an instant sub-package player who can develop into a starter by year two or three.
6. Wyatt Davis, IOL Ohio State
I’m always down to add offensive lineman, and while I don’t feel like we necessarily need help at the spot this season, Davis is another prospect whose value in this range is hard to pass up. He’s athletic, light on his feet, and plays with a real nasty streak in the run game. At 6’4” 315 lbs he’s an instant starter on the interior who can be a difference-maker in zone running schemes from day one.
7. Azeez Ojulari, EDGE Georgia
Ojulari likely fits better in other schemes, but that doesn’t mean Gannon can’t use his skillset (or develop him properly) in the Eagles defense. Likely a pass-rush specialist early on, here’s how I described him a few weeks ago:
“Ojulari is an impressive athlete whose quickness, bend, explosion, and body control around the edge is tailor-made to rush the passer. While he lacks ideal length, he has a relentless motor, uses his hands well, and does a good job tapping into leverage to play with more strength than he has. He’d need to bulk up to be a traditional 4-3 End, but teams that use a multiple front and like to get versatile with their EDGE defenders will value him a ton. In terms of technique, there’s room to grow, but that won’t hold him back.”
Honorable mention: Joseph Ossai (EDGE, Texas), Asante Samuel Jr (CB, FSU), Nick Bolton (LB, Missouri), Jevon Holland (S, Oregon), Dillon Radunz (OT, NDSU), Teven Jenkins (OT, Ok. St.), Samuel Cosmi (OT, Texas), Jalen Mayfield (OT, Michigan), Creed Humphrey (IOL, Oklahoma), Landon Dickerson (IOL, Alabama)