#4: Eagles-only 7-round 2022 Mock Draft
The Eagles hold a lot of cards in the 2022 NFL Draft. They currently possess 10 picks, and have a treasure trove for 2023. Whether or not you think the Eagles are trying to win this year (a silly debate), they need to add talent. Hemming and hawing over Jalen Hurts’ future, and deciphering Howie Roseman’s ulterior motives, is missing the point. The Eagles have a golden opportunity to upgrade their football team. Roseman never seems to sit still during the NFL Draft, and I doubt that changes.
If any of these picks are correct, then I’m brilliant. If they’re all wrong, I’m a washed up blog boy. These are the rules. (I’d lean towards the latter of the two)
TRADE: The Eagles send 1-15, 3-83, and 5-154 to the Washington Commanders for 1-11
Round 1, pick 11: Jordan Davis DT, Georgia
I have a really tough time seeing Jordan Davis just naturally falling to 15. I think his two prime spots are just ahead of the Eagles first pick (12-Minnesota and 14-Baltimore). Giving a division rival two picks isn’t worth fretting over. If your guy is in reach, go get him.
Jordan Davis would make the Eagles’ defense better instantly, and provides some foundation for life after Fletcher Cox. His physical stature is mind-numbing, but the way he moves is even more astonishing. He’s 6’6” and weighs 341-pounds. That looks like the height and weight of an offensive tackle that needs to shed a few pounds. Interior defensive lineman should have a tough time playing with proper leverage at that height. Davis is the exception to every rule about what a defensive tackle looks like, and how they play.
Davis in midnight green would open up Jonathan Gannon’s playbook. Davis is best suited lining up over the center, but Cox and Hargrave could potentially allow him to flourish as a pass rusher. If another defensive tackle could line up as the nose guard and draw double teams, Davis would get single-blocked. If you see someone trying to block a 6’6” 341-pound man all by himself, send flowers to his family.
NFL defenses are trending towards multiple fronts and versatility. Davis single-handedly maximizes the playbook of any NFL defensive coordinator. He eviscerates the middle of the field. If you’re running at 99, you might as well be trying to move a buffalo.
Davis had a simple role at Georgia. He needed to occupy space and wall off the interior. He was never asked to do much else, because Georgia’s defense was oozing with talent. There is untapped potential for him as a pass rusher, and as a 3-technique defensive tackle. Davis played on a limited snap count and there are concerns with his conditioning. Those concerns are warranted given his usage and size, but playing in a creative system that allows him to line up in various spots, should alleviate those concerns.
Jordan Davis is the best athlete in the draft and would be an instant fan favorite in Philadelphia. Defensive tackle isn’t a glaring need for the Eagles, but Davis calling Philadelphia home should make every Eagles fan excited.
TRADE: The Eagles send 1-18 to the Seattle Seahawks for 2-40 and 2-41
Round 2, pick 40: Kyler Gordon CB, Washington
(The Seahawks swoop into the 18th pick to grab their future quarterback, ahead of Pittsburgh and New Orleans)
The Eagles haven’t addressed the cornerback position, after the departure of Steven Nelson. Besides Darius Slay, the Eagles don’t have a cornerback beyond 26-years old, but youth and talent aren’t mutually exclusive. Kyler Gordon adds both for a team with minimal outside-corner depth.
Gordon would immediately compete for a starting role. His movement skills and athleticism are high-level. He can swivel his hips and accelerate in coverage, and has no issues playing physically. At 5’11” 194-pounds, Gordon has the build to compete with any size receiver. Nine passes defended and a pair of interceptions, led to his decision to skip senior year and turn pro. Gordon has extensive special teams experience, and did not commit any penalties over the last two seasons.
There are no physical short comings for Gordon, but he is only a one-year starter. In order to be an impact player, he will need more seasoning with the cerebral side of the game.
The Eagles have severely lacked homegrown defensive backs, but Kyler Gordon has the ball skills and physical gifts to become a quality starter.
Round 2, pick 41: David Ojabo EDGE, Michigan
This is the Sidney Jones pick 2.0. A top prospect the Eagles loved tore his Achilles at his pro day and his draft position dropped.
Ojabo is a one-year starter, but manufactured historic production in his redshirt-sophomore season. 12 tackles-for-loss, 11 sacks, and five forced-fumbles led to an All-Big Ten season. Ojabo is a slippery pass rusher, that possesses fantastic bend and agility. His background in basketball and soccer is evident, when watching him play. For someone that weighs 250-pounds, Ojabo has incredible body-control and change of direction. His long arms and clean footwork make him difficult to contain.
Ojabo primarily stood up to rush in Michigan’s defense. He has room to improve against the run, and does not currently have the skills or bulk to consistently play as a traditional defensive end. His all-around game is underdeveloped and the Achilles injury adds to risk.
The addition of Haason Reddick is a primary factor in the Eagles potentially selecting Ojabo. Reddick’s premium pass rush and similar play style, makes the idea of drafting a player destined for a medical-redshirt feasible. Ojabo would be a wise investment for an Eagles team in need of front-seven talent.
TRADE: The Eagles send 2-51 to the Cincinatti Bengals for 2-63 and a future third round pick
Round 2, pick 63: John Metchie III WR, Alabama
This may not be the receiver from Alabama everyone wanted, but Metchie is more than a consolation prize. He was a steady presence for the Crimson Tide. Jaylen Waddle’s injury in 2020, elevated Metchie into a starting role. He caught 55 passes for 916 yards in 2020, and improved to 96 receptions for 1,142 yards in 2021. Metchie has inside-out versatility and the refined route running that has become synonymous with Bama wideouts.
The two concerns with Metchie are his current knee injury and his dropping habit. During the 2021 SEC Championship Game, he suffered a torn ACL. The progress in his rehabilitation will affect his draft stock, more than anything on the field. Uncertainty surrounding his knee could push him into Day Three. For as much as Metchie accomplished in Tuscaloosa, his drops are a blemish on an otherwise stellar career. Over the past two seasons, his drops mirror his touchdowns (6 in 2020 and 8 in 2021).
Nick Saban has lauded Metchie’s work ethic and competitive nature. This is a well-rounded receiving prospect, that has produced in the best college conference ever. If his medicals check out, he shouldn’t make it past the 75th pick. Reuniting DeVonta Smith and Metchie would be a dream for the Eagles’ offense.
Round 3, pick 101: Jelani Woods TE, Virginia
At 6’7” 253-pounds, Jelani Woods offers some of the most intriguing upside in the entire draft. He starred as a quarterback in high school, and also received Division I basketball offers. Woods initially attended Oklahoma State, where he transitioned into a tight end as a redshirt-freshman.
The selling points on Woods are clear and present. His body dimensions were designed in a lab. Woods is a dream target in, the middle of the field. He’s equipped with 82” arms and long strides. If you can read the name on the back of his jersey, you’re toast. He puts defenders on his back to pluck the ball from the sky, and he’s tough to bring down.
Woods wasn’t utilized much as a blocker (with good reason) and has only one year of production. Neither should give anyone pause about drafting him. At a minimum, Woods can have a career similar to Mo-Alie Cox. They’re both outlandishly large targets that fit well as secondary tight ends. On the other hand, there’s an avenue for Woods to become a featured weapon like Jimmy Graham.
The Eagles are very thin at tight end. Besides Dallas Goedert, there isn’t anyone that is a proven pass catcher. Rounds 3-4 are prime for the Eagles to beef up their 12-personnel.
Round 4, pick 124: Brandon Smith LB, Penn State
Need a linebacker ? Start by shopping at Linebacker U.
Brandon Smith is a plus-athlete. He tested well at the NFL Combine. Smith recorded a 4.52 40-yard-dash and a 37.5” vertical jump. His athletic testing translates on the field. Smith flies downhill and can roam across the field. During his final season in Happy Valley, he recorded 81 tackles and defended 5 passes. Smith dazzles in the open field, but has to mature in taking on blockers and attacking the line-of-scrimmage.
Linebacker should be a higher priority, but it’s hard to envision Howie Roseman selecting one before Day Three. At the least, Smith would be a decent backup with special teams experience, but he has the tools to become a starter.
Round 5, pick 162: Max Mitchell OT/G, Louisiana
The Eagles crave positional versatility from their offensive lineman. Max Mitchell has started games at both tackle spots and left guard for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Mitchell didn’t miss a game in his four years at Louisiana. He’s light on his feet and has great hand placement in pass protection. Mitchell would be a pick in the same vein as Halapoulivaati Vaitai. He’s bested suited in a backup swing-tackle role, but can also slide inside to play guard.
Round 5, pick 166: Tyler Allegier RB, BYU
Allegier is fresh off of a Second Team All-American season. He broke the single-season BYU rushing record with 1,601 yards, and led the FBS in rushing touchdowns. Allegier is a muscled-up, one-cut runner. He has sturdy balance through contact, and has sneaky giddy-up when he gets going. Allegier will be best used as an early-down battering ram, in a running back committee.
Round 7, pick 237: D’Eriq King QB/WR, Miami
King is more than likely going to play wide reciever at the next level. He stands just under 5’9”, which single-handedly caps his outlook as a quarterback. King has played six college seasons. The first two were split between wide receiver and quarterback. During King’s first season at Houston, the Cougars starting quarterback was current Philadelphia Eagle, Greg Ward Jr.
He’ll turn 25-years-old in August, and sustained multiple injuries in college, but he racked up over 11,000 total yards in his college career. King has; thrown for 76 touchdowns, caught 61 passes, and can return kicks. The bottom of the draft is a crapshoot, but King would offer more ways to contribute than anyone else at this stage.