We’re less than 11 days away from the start of the NFL draft, and the only sure thing is that former USC All-American and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams will be the Chicago Bears’ No. 1 overall pick.
The Eagles have been active this offseason, adding Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, and Kenny Pickett, among others. Haason Reddick was traded, and a handful of other free agents departed.
Philadelphia won’t have multiple first-round picks like the past two years, but it will have four of the first 120 picks and two key picks at Nos. 50 and 53.
With the draft quickly approaching, we’re looking at the positions that will likely be the 22nd overall pick.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 23: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action against the California Golden Bears at Husky Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Howie Roseman builds through the trenches, and Philadelphia could look to find Lane Johnson’s eventual replacement after signing Landon Dickerson and Jordan Mailata to extensions. Graham Barton, Troy Fautanu, JC Latham, or Tyler Guyton could be premium selections.
Sep 9, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) battles against San Diego State Aztecs tight end Mark Redman (81) during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia has Bryce Huff on a three-year deal, Josh Sweat on the final year of his contract, and Brandon Graham returning for one final season. The Eagles have Nolan Smith as a second-year pass rusher but could lean toward Laiatu Latu, Jared Verse, Dallas Turner, Chop Robinson, etc.
Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne (1) runs the ball on a quarterback keeper as Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (45) attempts a tackle during the second quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles added Devin White and Zack Baun in free agency and have Nakobe Dean returning to the lineup. Oren Burks adds depth, but Philadelphia could solidify the position long-term by landing Ederrin Cooper or Jeremiah Trotter.
Sep 30, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) breaks up a pass intended for Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Jordan Mosley (18) in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University. Alabama defeated Mississippi State 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Darius Slay and James Bradberry are over 30 years old, and even after Eli Ricks, Zech McPhearson, and Kelee Ringo showed promise in 2023, Philadelphia should look to add an elite talent to the position. Avonte Maddox is back on a one-year contract, and Isaiah Rodgers awaits his suspension lifted. Cooper DeJean, Terrion Arnold, or Quinyon Mitchell could be the answer.
Jan 30, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National wide reciever Brenden Rice of USC (13) misses a pass with pressure from National defensive back Chau Smith-Wade of Washington St (6) during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia has A.J. Brown under contract for three more years, and DeVonta Smith is set to land a new contract. The Eagles have DeVante Parker and Parris Campbell under contract on one-year deals but could look to add a dynamic or versatile third wide receiver for Kellen Moore’s offense. Keon Coleman, Troy Franklin, Roman Wilson, Ricky Pearsall, Jermaine Burton, and Brenden Rice are second-day names to watch.
Michigan running back Blake Corum runs against Washington during the first half of the national championship game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.
The Eagles signed Saquon Barkley to a three-year deal, and Kenneth Gainwell is the only other running back on the roster with game experience. Gainwelll is entering the final year of his contract, and Philadelphia could consider adding a running back in the third or fourth round. Jaylen Wright, Blake Corum, Bucky Irving, Trey Benson, and Marshawn Lloyd are potential names to watch.
2024-04-14 20:22:00
#Ranking #positions #picked #22nd
