The NFL offseason is officially on the horizon, and mock draft season is in full swing (1.0 2.0). Without further ado…
*TRADE* Eagles receive 10th overall, Jets receive 15th, 83rd, & 152nd overall
1 (10) George Karlaftis
EDGE, Purdue
Despite receiving less press than his contemporaries (Thibodeaux and Hutchinson), Karlaftis rounds out the top tier of EDGE prospects in this class. If he slips past DL-needy NYG/ATL/DEN at 7 through 9 the Eagles will be one of a handful of clubs eyeing a trade up for his elite combination of power and athleticism. An unrelenting motor/pro-ready technique make Karlaftis a three-down impact lineman from day one, and at just 21 years old his potential still isn’t fully tapped.
1 (16) Trent McDuffie
Cornerback, Washington
The cornerback group in this class features a range of skillsets to choose from, and Mcduffie’s blend of versatility and physicality might be my favorite of the second tier prospects. He’s equally capable in man and zone coverages, and is as efficient/physical against the run game as they come. Elite short area quickness, high-level instincts, and a clear passion for the game should translate immediately to the pros. McDuffie is a true gamer who can make an impact at multiple spots in the secondary.
*TRADE* Lions receive 19th overall, Eagles receive 34th & 216th overall, & a 2023 first round pick
2 (34) Jahan Dotson
Wide receiver, Penn State
Dotson has size concerns (5’11” 185), but elite athleticism, crafty route-running, and excellent hands should be enough to overcome that. He has a natural feel for finding open space, and his aggression/talent at the point of catch elevate his skillset to another level. Though wide receiver isn’t a pressing need, Howie won’t pass up value at the position when it presents itself, and Dotson is a first round talent in my book.
2 (51) Logan Hall
Defensive line, Houston
Howie will always look to add bodies in the trenches, and with depth/age concerns along the interior of the line he should target help early in what is shaping up to be a deep DL class. Hall may not have ideal size (260 lbs.), but elite length (6’6”) and explosive traits allow him to hang inside with bigger bodies. With the Eagles moving more toward an odd/multiple-front on defense, Hall is the sort of scheme/position versatile lineman they should be targeting.
4 (121) Luke Goedeke
Offensive tackle, Central Michigan
The Eagles are loaded at offensive line, but that won’t prevent Howie from adding to the riches. Goedeke is a plus athlete with a strong anchor and ample reps in a zone-run scheme. He’s the less-heralded of two Central Michigan offensive line prospects in this class, but neither that nor his small-school status will discount him come April. Goedeke’s projectable traits and inside-out versatility likely won’t last past the fourth round.
5 (160) Pierre Strong
Running back, South Dakota St.
The top running attack in football should look to add a fresh pair of legs at some point in this draft, and Strong is a prospect who can plug into a committee right away. He pairs impressive patience and vision (he’s a high-IQ back) with more than enough burst and twitch to impress scouts when they turn on the tape; but his small-school status and lack of top-end speed will likely nerf his draft stock.
*TRADE* Chargers receive 164 overall, Eagles receive 251st overall & a 2023 fifth round pick
6 (204) Luke Wattenberg
Offensive line, Washington
Wattenberg is an interior offensive lineman with 48 collegiate starts to his name. He’s a nice athlete with the size/strength to hang at the pro level. This pick isn’t sexy, but an experienced interior lineman with center capability is what the Birds should be targeting in this range.
6 (216) Yusuf Corker
Safety, Kentucky
Corker projects as a core special-teamer who could develop into a role player down the line. Though only average athletically, he’s reliable in deep zones and willing against the run.
7 (251) Jeremiah Hall
Tight end, Oklahoma
A former teammate of Jalen Hurts, Hall is a versatile H-back who doesn’t have much upside, but would fill a nice role in the Eagles run-heavy offense.
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