Without NFL football this weekend for the first time since August, it’s officially Senior Bowl week. As a handful of top prospects in this year’s draft class are put on display in Mobile, Alabama, we can expect a fair amount of big board movement to follow this week of evaluations. That leads us to the latest edition of our weekly mock draft. You can find (1.0) here
1 (15) Nakobe Dean
Linebacker, Georgia
After selecting Devin Lloyd in last week’s mock, I went with fellow linebacker Nakobe Dean on this go-around. Though less of a true inside backer than Lloyd, Dean has been a popular mock amongst fans, and would give the Eagles an instant-impact playmaker on the second level of their defense. His threat as a blitzer, potential in coverage, and ability to pursue sideline-to-sideline outweigh any concerns over a lack of size and strength.
*TRADE* Falcons receive 16 overall & a 2023 fifth round pick—Eagles receive 2023 first round pick, 40th overall, & 72nd overall.
With three picks in this range the Eagles will field calls from teams eager to move up, and kicking one of these first rounders into the future feels like a wise move (and financially prudent). For what it’s worth, the Falcons used this pick to add Garrett Wilson after selecting George Karlaftis at 8.
1 (19) Jameson Williams
Wide receiver, Alabama
It’s my belief that Williams’ tantalizing speed won’t last 18 picks, let alone 14, but if he’s somehow on the board then this is a no-brainer BPA selection. His recent ACL injury shouldn’t be downplayed, but the upshot here is hard to ignore. Williams sub-4.3 speed and love for the game (see: special teams contributions) are a rare combination, and will instantly elevate whichever system/locker room he joins. Good hands and already decent route-running are gravy on a prospect that has no business falling past 19.
2 (40) Kingsley Enagbare
EDGE, South Carolina
Enagbare has the skillset and know-how to rush the passer from day one, but a lack of elite bend and poor run-discipline cap his potential in the eyes of some. His length, strength, and burst is an impressive base of tools that he uses well to flatten rushing angles and consistently get home/contain the pocket; but aforementioned lock of elite bend and a still-developing repertoire of moves suggest a ceiling below double-digit sacks. Him developing against the run feels like a strong bet, but is vital to justifying this pick.
2 (51) Dax Hill
Safety, Michigan
I have a hard time believing that a freak athlete like Hill will last this long, but I don’t rule it out given uncertainty over how to best use him. He’s potentially the fastest player in the class and is as explosive as they come—a SPARQ darling. Unimpressive man-coverage reps and a lack of size likely limits him to a free safety role, though there’s plenty of appeal in playing him near the LOS given his elite blitzing-threat and strong instincts in underneath zones. Hint: a smart coordinator will use him creatively.
*TRADE* Chiefs receive 72 overall, Eagles receive 2023 third round pick & 229 overall
I didn’t love the board here, and given the coming pick at 83 I decided to punt for a future third and add a seventh this year.
3 (83) Dylan Parham
Offensive line, Memphis
Discussions around eventually having to replace Jason Kelce have been present for years, and this draft cycle is no different. It’s only a matter of time before the future HOFer hangs ‘em up, and Parham is the perfect understudy to prepare for that day. A high-IQ athlete with light-feet and a mean streak, it’s easy to see his potential at center when you turn on the tape.
4 (121) James Cook
Running back, Georgia
The number one rush offense in football can always use fresh legs in the backfield, and Cook can do a little bit of everything. Soft hands, strong route-running, and sound pass protection makes him a reliable three-down option; and an ability to line up in the slot or return kicks makes him one of the most versatile backs in the class. As a runner, Cook is light-footed with plus speed and good vision—though more of a change-of-pace back than consistent option between the tackles.
5 (152) Jayden Peevy
Defensive tackle, Texas A&M
At 6’5” 320 lbs. Peevy is an early down body that can stop the run. He’s not overly athletic but can reliably eat up space and free up defenders around him. Howie values the trenches as much as anyone, and you can expect a depth/flier prospect or two to be drafted late.
5 (160) Jake Ferguson
Tight end, Wisconsin
Ferguson is a prospect tailor-made for the Eagles run-first offense, and the perfect yin to Dallas Goedert’s yang. He’s a balanced tight end who is as reliable blocking from numerous alignments as he is moving the chains. Soft hands and a feel for getting open allows to be a security blanket in the passing game, and a high-IQ/willingness in the run game fully rounds out his profile.
5 (164) Josh Rivas
Offensive line, Kansas St.
Rivas is a little long and stiff to be an ideal fit at guard for the Eagles, but he’s a powerful road-grader with NFL size. The fifth round is a good place to add an early depth piece with enough potential to develop down the line. His length and ability in pass protection suggests an ability to kick out to tackle in a pinch.
6 (204) Zach Tom
Offensive line, Wake Forest
With 47 appearances and 36 starts over his career, Tom is as experienced as they come and a polished pass protector to boot. He has reps playing all across the line (including center) and is the sort of versatile, proven depth piece that Howie loves to draft late. Less than ideal length and strength limits his potential; but plus athletic traits (quick feet, fluid mover, flexible) and an ideal build (6’5” 297) suggests he can develop into a capable RT in a zone-heavy run scheme.
7 (229) Decobie Durant
Cornerback, South Carolina St.
Durant is as undersized as they come—short and light (5’9” 175). Nonetheless, his quick feet and fluid hips are enough to warrant a late pick. If he can add weight without losing quickness or COD skills then he makes for an intriguing developmental prospect.
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